Review of “The Truth About Sparrows” by Marian Hale

“The Truth About Sparrows” by Marian Hale is a historical fiction novel about a family who moves from drought-plagued Missouri to Texas where they hope to start a new life.

Sadie hates the idea of moving to Texas. Not only will mean losing her best friend Wilma, but Sadie knows she will miss their familiar house and surroundings. However, Sadie’s family has little choice. A drought has destroyed all the crops. With no source of income they can’t make the mortgage payment and soon the bank will foreclose on their property.

So all to soon Sadie and her family are on the road to Texas. All they have is their car and what possessions they were able to load in it. Sadie feels angry at her father for making them move to Texas. As Sadie’s family travels farther from their old home many things change. For the first time Sadie becomes uncomfortably aware of the difference between her father and other men. Sadie’s father has shriveled legs that don’t work right. However, he refuses to use a wheelchair, choosing instead to walk along on his hands dragging his legs behind. Back in Missouri everyone had known him as a hard worker and as a friendly man. But in Texas Sadie is embarrassed by the stares and whispers of people who don’t know her father’s character just his disability.

When Sadie and her family finally make it to Texas they find a place to live on the seawall near Aransas Pass. Sadie’s father is optimistic but Sadie herself is disappointed. She had expected to live in a nice home like they had in Missouri. Instead they are living in a tent on public property where other poor and homeless people live.

But Sadie’s father has a plan. Despite his crippled legs he is a skilled worker, handy with wood and nails. Before long he builds a fishing boat to support his family. Next, they buy an old shack on the seawall. Sadie and her family are determined to improve their situation even if it takes a lot of hard work.

“The Truth About Sparrows” by Marian Hale is a very encouraging tale that shows the strength and determination of people living in the 1930’s. Sadie and her family don’t give up despite economic hardship. Even if it means living in a tent until they can find jobs they will find some way to avoid depending on welfare. And along the way they even find ways to help other people.

I think that “The Truth About Sparrows” has application for many people today. In times of economic hardship many families loose their jobs, then their homes. Marian Hale’s book says to these people “Don’t give up.”

I really enjoyed both the plot and the characters of “The Truth About Sparrows”. I recommend this meaningful historical fiction novel to all readers.  For another great historical fiction novel by the same author see “Dark Water Rising” by Marian Hale.

Books For Sale Rating:

Plot

Characters

Presentation

Overall