Faith in God also plays a big role in the story. Again and again the characters acknowledge God in their daily lives as they discuss spiritual matters and pray. Indeed, the title is a phrase from a scripture verse (“A strand of three is not easily broken…”) which Ellie quotes at one point when she refers to God as the third strand in a strong marriage relationship.
Dealing with the death of a spouse also surfaces more than once. Here Smith Meyer’s writing really shone, largely, I think, because she has experienced such a loss herself. This bit, for example, helped me feel Ellie’s shock in an almost physical way:
Even though just one was missing, the hole seemed larger than that. If felt as though the anchor post was gone and the whole fence that delineated their family was leaning at a crazy angle. She felt no sense of direction and couldn’t think what she should do or where she should begin.
If I have one criticism, it would be that the plot (based on a true story) seemed too pleasant and trouble-free in parts – so that I found my interest waning. What is it with us that though we want smooth sailing for the characters, we lose interest when life gets too comfortable and trouble-free for them?
All in all, though, Not Easily Broken is a beautiful story involving well-conceptualized and complex characters. Smith Meyer’s style, with its attention to ethnic detail (a German community) and the way she describes nature and country life, reminded me of Beverly Lewis’s writing. Here’s hoping Smith Meyer doesn’t stop with this book but publishes more romantic Canadiana soon.
Article comments
1 - Peter Black
Hello Violet:
Your review of Ruth's book gave me (I haven't read it)both an inside look and feel for its emotion and motif. Despite your point of criticism, which is gently and clearly made, I don't think it would deter me at all from purchasing or reading the book.
Peter.
2 - violet
Good. Because that was certainly not my intent!
Violet
3 - Don Dulmage
I have known Ruth since my early years. She was even my baby sitter. I watched her work with her Mom and sisters in the kitchen till she married and moved away. I never saw this side if her until I read her book. I was amazed. I quite frankly have not read better. I KNOW she rights from authority and knows the setting her story takes place in very well. Because she was always very focused on her work I did not know the writer within. I am glad I got to see that side while I am this side of the soil. I hope she writes more.