A Wolff in the Family: A Novel by Francine Falk-Allen

(Thank you to She Writes Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Based on a true story, A Wolff in the Family is a riveting saga of prejudice, passion, and revenge, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds. What mysterious scandals led a father to abandon the youngest of his children—and for the elder siblings to keep their shame a secret for eighty years? 

Frank and Naomi Wolff were happily married in 1908. She was a Kansas farmgirl; he was a railroad engineer. She was excited to embark upon her role as wife and mother with a hardworking man, and in their early years together they made a life in thriving Ogden, Utah. Despite Frank’s almost-constant absence for his job riding the rails, which left pretty Naomi to raise their children virtually alone, their romantic relationship begat fourteen offspring in eighteen years. Like other lower-middle-class women, Naomi’s life was consumed with caring for her brood, who became helpers as soon as they could fold a diaper—and who, by and by, were required to attend the school of hard knocks as much as public schools. Affection and struggle endured within the family, crowded into a humble house. Despite the respite of occasional family train trips across the plains, the marriage ultimately faced exceptional challenges, just before the Depression era began. 

What scandals led Frank Wolff to abandon his younger children at an orphanage far from home? And why did his elder children keep this a secret for eighty years?

Based on true family history, A Wolff in the Family is a gripping saga permeated with misogyny, prejudice, and passion . . . for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

my thoughts:

Wow! A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen is an excellent read! Historical fiction with a bit of a memoir twist, this family saga is one for the ages. I mean it. This story has it all - secrets, drama, loss, love, injustice, and so much more. And it is riveting - you won't be able to put this book down for anything - it's just too damn good. I mean it. Once you start, you must finish and I mean, like you have to turn off your phone and just let yourself get caught up in the story. No interruptions, just reading, reading, reading...until you turn that very last page. It'll be worth it. 

I don't really want to share much about the story, because it is definitely one you must read for yourself. You'll want to experience it all as you delve further into this family's history. It's definitely an emotional and relatable story at times, so get ready to feel all the feels.  A Wolff in the Family is one book you won't forget.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this one! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to She Writes Press for providing me with a copy of this book!