The author also introduces good vs evil in very interesting ways, and in this book inherent evil seems to be part of us all, even when our intentions seem good. The story begins with a young Weldon Holland encountering the infamous Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow on his grandfather's land, and shows how important chance meetings can be and the lasting impressions they can make. The book shows a maturing Weldon as he survives WWII and rescues the beautiful Rosita, who becomes his wife.
Weldon eventually gets involved in the oil business and experiences bigotry, anti-semitism, anti-communism and violence that was so evident in those post war days. Burke shows us that good is continuing the fight to win over evil, and he humanizes the battle quite well.
I have not read many of Burke's books, and I don't pick up historical novels too often, but something about this book kept me turning the pages. Through good and bad I liked Weldon, and the supporting characters were strong and interesting. Even if Historical novels are not your typical genre, I recommend that you give this one a try.
- Bev
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Date of Publication - July 15, 2014