Review of The Jenische Stones
Posted: 13 Jul 2024, 04:44
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Jenische Stones" by Gregg Hammond.]
The Jenische Stones by Gregg Hammond is a beautiful and enticing historical fiction based on partial truths and stories told to the author. The author did his best to paint the lives of his ancestors, immigrant German Baptists who left for Indiana. The story begins with the lives of Greta and Oscar, German Baptists who move to Indiana with the help of Oscar’s uncle for a more peaceful environment. Throughout the book, we come across the couple’s struggles and miraculous encounters with Jenische stones, changing their life’s course for good. As we continue reading, we see the consequences of the miracles of the Jenische stones, which have helped the family many times. The book tells the stories of three generations and many families. Their support for each other is lovely, and I felt like their kindness was passed on to me too. I loved the author’s sophisticated diction, which made the book even more enjoyable and realistic. At times, the book’s contents are sensitive. Even though the author did his best not to describe the characters’ struggles in detail, the scenes are still hard to think about.
The book was beyond interesting. The author’s masterful writing skills took the book to another level, and along with its mysterious events, they made it very intriguing. As the characters’ lives were described in detail, I found much interesting and useful information about living on a farm. Overall, the book was heartwarming with the characters’ kindness and love for God. I felt like a part of a big, sweet community while reading. I loved Greta’s encounters with Gypsies, as she displayed outstanding kindness towards them. The characters were well-developed, and I didn’t feel any lack of fulfillment. The story was extremely well put together. The character profiles at the end of the book were also helpful.
I didn’t come across any major setbacks. My only note is that it would’ve been more useful to put definitions of terms at the bottom of each page rather than at the end of the chapter. However, this is just a note. I also came across two errors in the book.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its wholesomeness, meaningful story, and all the great aspects mentioned above. I found no reason to deduct a star.
I would recommend this book to lovers of memoirs, biographies, and stories of immigrants with faith. I’d like to note that those who are members of the Baptist Church or Christians are more likely to enjoy the book. Even though it could be enjoyable for people of different beliefs, the religious aspect is one of the strongest in this book, so keep that in mind. As an Orthodox Christian, I found it very wholesome and helpful, despite the differences in my faith. The author did an amazing job at writing this book, and I am happy I got to read it.
******
The Jenische Stones
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Jenische Stones by Gregg Hammond is a beautiful and enticing historical fiction based on partial truths and stories told to the author. The author did his best to paint the lives of his ancestors, immigrant German Baptists who left for Indiana. The story begins with the lives of Greta and Oscar, German Baptists who move to Indiana with the help of Oscar’s uncle for a more peaceful environment. Throughout the book, we come across the couple’s struggles and miraculous encounters with Jenische stones, changing their life’s course for good. As we continue reading, we see the consequences of the miracles of the Jenische stones, which have helped the family many times. The book tells the stories of three generations and many families. Their support for each other is lovely, and I felt like their kindness was passed on to me too. I loved the author’s sophisticated diction, which made the book even more enjoyable and realistic. At times, the book’s contents are sensitive. Even though the author did his best not to describe the characters’ struggles in detail, the scenes are still hard to think about.
The book was beyond interesting. The author’s masterful writing skills took the book to another level, and along with its mysterious events, they made it very intriguing. As the characters’ lives were described in detail, I found much interesting and useful information about living on a farm. Overall, the book was heartwarming with the characters’ kindness and love for God. I felt like a part of a big, sweet community while reading. I loved Greta’s encounters with Gypsies, as she displayed outstanding kindness towards them. The characters were well-developed, and I didn’t feel any lack of fulfillment. The story was extremely well put together. The character profiles at the end of the book were also helpful.
I didn’t come across any major setbacks. My only note is that it would’ve been more useful to put definitions of terms at the bottom of each page rather than at the end of the chapter. However, this is just a note. I also came across two errors in the book.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for its wholesomeness, meaningful story, and all the great aspects mentioned above. I found no reason to deduct a star.
I would recommend this book to lovers of memoirs, biographies, and stories of immigrants with faith. I’d like to note that those who are members of the Baptist Church or Christians are more likely to enjoy the book. Even though it could be enjoyable for people of different beliefs, the religious aspect is one of the strongest in this book, so keep that in mind. As an Orthodox Christian, I found it very wholesome and helpful, despite the differences in my faith. The author did an amazing job at writing this book, and I am happy I got to read it.
******
The Jenische Stones
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon