Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Shadows” We Carry” by Meryl Ain, Spark Press, 4/23 On Tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours

Meryl Ain, the Author of “Shadows We Carry,” has written an intriguing, thought-provoking, and captivating novel. The genres for this novel are Fiction and Historical Fiction. This is the sequel to “The Takeaway Men,” but it can be read as a stand-alone, thanks to the unique formatting that Meryl Ain has provided. The author has a brief and precise review of the characters, which is perfect. Many characters are from “The Take Away Men,” I appreciate the overview. In the back of the book is a glossary of words that is a wonderful resource for the reader. I also admire the author for the hours of research that she has done.

I love how the author vividly describes the characters and events in this novel. The timeline for this story is set in the 1960s but goes to the past regarding the characters and events. The dramatic characters are described as complex and complicated. The author shows a diverse group of characters. After the World War Two Holocaust, the author takes us from deployment camps to show how the characters live now. Many of the characters have deep secrets and shadows from the past. The fraternal twins, JoJo and Bronka Lubinski are now young women in the 1960s and have to figure out the women’s roles and what their goals and dreams are.

The author shows us how the characters try to define and question their religion. Some Jewish families are observant, while others observe more reformed ways. There are Catholic characters, a priest, a Nazi hunter, and Nazis. The sixties is turbulent, with politics, social changes, and women’s inequality. Journalists bring up many questions. I appreciate the author discussing important topics such as abortion, the Vietnam War, Women’s equality, gay rights, and the search for identity.

I learned much from this book, and I was sorry to finish and put it down. I do hope for another sequel, if possible. I highly recommend this memorable and amazing read.