By 
Jann Alexander, the Author of “Unspoken: A Dust Novel” has written a dark, suspenseful, and intriguing Historical Fiction Novel. The author vividly describes the timeline scenery, plot, and complex and dramatic characters. In 1935 in the Texas Panhandle, there were Dust Storms destroying crops, houses, people’s health and lives. Some people were desperate and sent their children to orphanages, and the unable to asylums.
Jann Alexander writes about young Ruby Lee Becker, who gets very sick from the dust storms. After she recovers, she is sent to live with an aunt in Waco, with the promise that she will be brought back home when things are better. Willa Mae, her mother is distraught, and tries to avoid this happening. Willa is quite emotional. After tragedy strikes, Ruby Lee Becker finds herself in an orphanage, and has to learn to survive. Willa Mae, finds herself institutionalized and through her art tries to keep her memories of Ruby Lee Becker and the farm.
I appreciate that the author portrays the women as courageous, and fighting for survival. The author discusses the importance of family, home, friends, love, and hope. Through all the tragedies and horrors that occur the women pray for hope, not wanting to think of the unspoken things. I recommend this edgy, thought-provoking novel for others.
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