Customer Reviews

Tumbleweed Skies

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Valerie Sherrard's novels are always well-written and entertaining but this one stands out as her best of the best. Tumbleweed Skies is a tale of Ellie, a young girl in 1950s western Canada who must stay with her taciturn grandmother for the summer while her father tries his hand as a traveling salesman. The simplicity of the story lets the complexity of the characters shine through. Ellie herself stands out as a girl with a hard-luck life who refuses to be a victim. I found myself weeping on many occasions while reading this book as Ellie reacted to the rare instances of human kindness. Ellie's grandmother is a tough nut to crack and the novel wouldn't have been true to itself if she relented too easily. I read this novel in a single sitting and as I closed it, I wished I could read more. I would love to know what happens to Ellie as she grows. I know that she will be a remarkable woman. What I really loved about this novel was how Sherrard shows that what you see isn't what you get. Ellie's "friend" Marcie seems to have everything she wants, but she is not happy. Uncle Roger's disfiguration from an accident and his tragic circumstances have only made him kinder and stronger. The same tragic circumstances have made Ellie's grandmother bitter. The novel shows without telling that most people do live with tragedy, but it is up to us whether we take those experiences to make us bitter or better.
Well done.

Once again, Valerie Sherrard has demonstrated how skilled she is at creating thoroughly well-rounded and engaging characters. I found this story of a young girl who must adjust to living with a hostile relative incredibly moving. Sherrard does a wonderful job of creating a protagonist who struggles to understand the unfamiliar world around her - and, fundamentally, to be loved and accepted.
The simplicity of the book's style belies its emotional complexity, and while the book itself is accessible Sherrard is not afraid to tackle more difficult subjects and situations. There is a veritable sense, though, that Ellie is made stronger by her experiences.
What ultimately emerges from Tumbleweed Skies is an eloquent story about people learning to move beyond hurt and pain, and into a space of healing and reconciliation.
Thank you, Ms. Sherrard, for creating a beautiful story that will appeal to young and older readers alike.