Review of Hard Times, you say? Smile, this is the Great Depression

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 19 Feb 2025, 14:39

As shown throughout history, humans have always been resilient and learned how to overcome hardship. This wonderful fiction book about times after the Great Depression and strong friendships will make for an amazing read for history lovers. Thanks for the review!

Diamond Igwesi · Post by **Diamond Igwesi** » 19 Feb 2025, 14:56

Well one thing peculiar about the book is the so many themes it has; romance, friendship, determination, resistance, economic inflation and so on. And I must be honest here, if feels like the plot went too fast or maybe it's just the review. Cause we were talking about Gunther and Micheal and how they met themselves and stayed together to survive after the inflation and then we dive into a whole romance series about Gunther fighting a mafia son for his love. Two of these themes are usually two different books. I'll like to see how the author managed though. And hopefully it's not too fast and jumpy.
Congrats to the author on BOTD.

Olebu Rejoice · Post by **Olebu Rejoice** » 19 Feb 2025, 15:00

"Hard times, you say? Smile, this is the Great Depression" by R. Leslie Howe follows finance graduate Michael and disabled Gunther as they become hobos, facing hardship and hostility. They find work in a bakery and community in Shanty Town, forging resilience through shared struggle.

James Hanna · Post by **Wamboi Susan** » 19 Feb 2025, 15:11

I am allured by this beautiful written review of "Hard Times, you say? Smile, this is the Great Depression" by R. Leslie Howe. Its indeed through hard times that we get to learn and know lot about those around us.

Alissa Deann Devargas · Post by **Alissa Deann Devargas** » 19 Feb 2025, 15:27

'The narrative also intricately weaves in themes of love and resilience. Michael falls in love with Leo’s daughter, Celia, and their relationship deepens after a harrowing rescue from Leo’s enemy.'
I'm glad that there are some happy moments in the book.

Post by **Seamstress** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:14

Definitely not my cup of tea, even though I do believe that the Great Depression was one of the fundamental points in the history of the United States. At the same time, this period of time is full of suffering and misery and I wouldn't want to delve into those dark stories. Congrats with BOTD, anyway!

Leah Loggenberg · Post by **Leah Loggenberg** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:15

Honestly breath taking you can honestly get a feel for the time of the great depression. It captivated my heart and a tremendous thanks to the author creative in depicting the great depression

Nemanja Jankovic · Post by **Nemanja Jankovic** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:17

The book "Hard Times, you say? Smile, this is the Great Depression" by R. Leslie Howe is a historical fiction set during the Great Depression. The book mainly follows Michael, a young finance graduate, who is fighting for survival after the crash. I like how the characters are developed in the book.

Blue N Sky · Post by **Blue N Sky** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:29

This sounds like an interesting read! I read the first chapter and I would like to read more about hobo characters. They were probably more common than one would think.

Gayatri Tripathi · Post by **Gayatri Tripathi** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:41

This review does a fantastic job of highlighting the novel’s rich character development and the resilience of its protagonists. I found the dynamic between Michael and Gunther particularly compelling—it's inspiring to see how their friendship grows through shared struggles, especially in such a harsh historical setting. The portrayal of the Hobo lifestyle also seems like a fascinating and realistic touch, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the Great Depression. I appreciate that the reviewer mentioned the book’s excellent editing and immersive storytelling, making it sound like a truly engaging read. Thanks for the insightful review!

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:44

Great review. A major economic crisis, loss of work and searching again for a new path in life. With relationships such as friendship and love interfering. Several factors will make the book an enjoyable read for many. Congrats on BOTD

Grace Aliyu · Post by **Grace Aliyu** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:51

"Hard times, you say? Smile, This Is the Great Depression was a very good read. Using the backdrop of the Great Depression, the author explores the lives of two young men, Gunther III and Michael, both of whom had faced their fair share of perils, with Gunther's being greater than Michael's. However, a friendship grew between them in their search for work, and they received help along the way from two Italian women, two hobos, a doctor, and an Irishman."

Post by **Victory Ositaorah** » 19 Feb 2025, 16:52

It sad the struggles Mike had to face and I would love to read of his experiences with Gunther in this plot.

Felicia Mekile · Post by **Felicia Mekile** » 19 Feb 2025, 17:00

The romantic elements in the book are handled in a tasteful and subtle manner. While there is a love story woven into the narrative, the content is not overly explicit or graphic. The focus is more on emotional connections and character development than on detailed erotic scenes.

Soneilia Brown · Post by **Soneilia Brown** » 19 Feb 2025, 17:03

OMG!! This sounds sooo good. I love historical fiction and the summary of the plot me hooked, especially the part about the mafia. It had me doing a double take LOL. Definitely gonna give this book a read.