A Touching Story
Description
Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he’d obeyed his mother. Desperate for help, he runs to the mountain cabin of his mostly absentee father, frantically trying to communicate the news with his hands.
Driven away by fear and guilt over his son’s deafness, Creed has played a distant part in Loyal’s life and language. But when he’s pulled into the murder investigation, he discovers that what sets his son apart isn’t his inability to hear but rather his courage. As the impact of the murder ripples through their West Virginia town, both will learn what it took to kill a man and what it takes to become one.
Details
- Book Title: The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas
- Category: Christian Historical Fiction
- Pages: 324
- Genre: Adult Fiction
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 3, 2020)
- Release date: November 3, 2020
- Excerpt
- Content Rating: G.
My Thoughts
If this is any indication of the other books that Thomas has written, I’m definitely going to be watching for her name. Within a few pages, my interest and curiosity were piqued by the story and believable characters.
The setting for this historical fiction is West Virginia during the Great Depression. Delphy is introduced as a Mama who is doing all she can to protect Loyal, her deaf child from any harm and unkindness the world might offer. Then there is Creed, Loyal’s dad, who is dealing with regrets and no idea how to communicate with a boy who can’t talk. Scattered throughout the community a few other interesting small-town characters take their places in the story.
To add to an interesting array of characters, there is a mystery early on when Loyal stumbles upon a murdered man. But who will he try to tell? And is he willing to share all that he saw?
A deeply touching story is told from the perspectives of all three members of the Raines family, Loyal, Creed, and Delphy.
I was carried emotionally through the unique struggles of both parents. In their own ways they want to protect, yet allow their deaf thirteen-year-old to grow and develop normally. It is understandable that parents could differ in thoughts, but in this case, their hurt and, for lack of a better word, brokenness is a bit more complicated.
I was pulled into a plot that flowed and wound its way believably through the pages. I was captivated by the way sign language was woven throughout the story. I have to admit, several times I found myself mimicking the descriptions of the hand movements.
For those who want a Christian novel, yet don’t want it to feel heavy-handed in that department, I would highly recommend this book. There is friendship, understanding, growth, second chances, and just the right amount of mystery.
What Concerned Me
No concerns
What I Liked Best
The flow of the story, and the character believability and growth all were excellent. It was unique and kept my interest throughout.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
About the Author
Sarah Loudin Thomas (www.sarahloudinthomas.com) is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry and the author of the acclaimed novels The Sound of Rain and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 INSPY Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, the ACFW Carol Award, and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live near Asheville, North Carolina.
