facing the dawn, by Cynthia Ruchti, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

facing the dawn, by Cynthia Ruchti, is a Contemporary Women’s Fiction story. It was refreshing to read a novel that doesn’t follow a typical plotline. This one reads almost more like a memoir or biography, except that those aren’t usually written in quite as sarcastic a tone.

A rotten attitude

For the first couple of chapters, I didn’t like the main character. Her name is Mara, which means ‘bitter’ (in part), and her attitude is shown in her sarcasm. Perhaps she reminded me too much of myself when I went through a similar phase in my life. Mara resents her husband’s absence as their children grow up. She feels that maybe if he were with them the children would not have gotten into the problems they’ve gone through. She finds herself in the petty difficulties of contemporary American life as well, and could use his support. It’s partly her own fault. She encouraged him to go to Africa, telling him she was a strong, independent woman (also part of the meaning of her name).

Mara’s husband has been in Uganda for three years, building wells with a humanitarian organisation. He won’t be back for another year. She’s tired of dealing with the kids and house on her own. She has to work to make ends meet, and her job is unfulfilling.

Plunged into a dark valley

However, in chapter four, Mara’s situation suddenly changes with a phone call bringing bad news. Now the family is thrust into grief. But along with the grief, God has sent friends like angels to support and encourage them. Then there is more grief. And Mara goes into a serious depression over Christmas.

Readers go through Mara’s grief with her in vivid detail. Her ‘forever friend’ is there for her through all her mixed feelings, always knowing what she needs. A kind man and his son who live nearby also pitch in to befriend and help this forlorn little family.

Emerging to face the dawn

Mara has many questions in her mind. Facing the dawn is part of the answer, which at first is a bit of a mystery to her as well. It comes in layers.

I’m glad I chose this book from the new novels Revell offered me to review. Having gone through major grief myself this past year, and having raised children through hair-raising childhood and teen years, I could relate to Mara. Reading about the things that helped Mara on her journey to healing are interesting too. Maybe I’ll try some of them myself.

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/facing-the-dawn

Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti — also see my review and others on Goodreads

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

View all my reviews on Goodreads