Review: Simply beautiful
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 20, 2013
This was a truly beautiful book and so heart-warming. Although it's the story of Zechariah and Augusta Mae, it's much more than a romance; it's a book about family -- the loving ties that bind us to each other, and how much we need one another. It's a story about loyalty and standing up for each other in times of need, learning to look beyond the surface to see a person's heart, and letting go of bitterness so that you are free to become the best person you can be.It's not a preachy book, though. Everything's very gently done and flows within the context of the story. There's some character development and, while the plot may seem a little slow at times, it's like a gently flowing stream that calmly, inexorably, makes its way to the sea. While you might wish it would hurry up, you're also tempted to sit back and enjoy the leisurely journey -- I couldn't decide which one I wanted more!I would say that Zechariah almost seems too much of a saint at times. He's patient, kind, forgiving, gentle, understanding, respectful... my goodness! Who would not want a man like that ;) Plus, I felt that somehow the author's description of his appearance never quite captured why people thought he looked ugly or grotesque -- it didn't seem all that bad to me. And why is it that the children, especially, never seem to react to his looks? Kids are usually frank and candid, so it would've been natural for them to ask, "Why does he look like that?" or to make some comment about his unusual appearance or physical characteristics. Most people seem to take Zechariah at face value, except for those who conveniently fit the author's plot. It didn't seem very consistent to me.Despite these little dissatisfactions, the story as a whole captured me. Although Zechariah and Augusta Mae are the main characters in the story, Zechariah's brothers play a very important role and it's amazing to see all of them interact as a family. Their love for one another gives them strength and is very beautiful.Overall, I loved the story and would read it again. It's lovely and you won't be sorry you gave it a chance :)