Come Sunday is a debut novel by Isla Morley. It deals with one of those subjects that many moms do anything to avoid pondering — in fiction or otherwise — the death of a child.
But if you will give me some latitude, I will try to convince you that’s not what this book is about (in fact, that’s not what most of them are about). Yes, her only child is killed in an accident. Yes, that changes who she is overnight, but the death of her child is actually a force that causes her to examine other things in her life — her marriage, her past, and her future.
The writing is good — honest and true without going over the top. I think it’s because it’s not overly introspective. The story is rooted to place and to events and to objects.
The place element is interesting and unique. Morley is from South Africa, as is her protagonist. But Abbe has left her troubled South African behind, and settled with her husband in Hawaii, where he is the pastor of a foundering church. Each setting helps to tell Abbe’s story.
If you don’t usually read “sad stories,” but do enjoy a well-written human drama that highlights all the roles that are a part of woman’s life — friend, wife, daughter, sister, mother, employee — I recommend that you give Come Sunday a try.
One of you can enter to win a copy of the book by leaving a comment here. We’ll announce the winner on August 25.
Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter.
Check out our two other giveaways still open here at 5 Minutes for Books as well: A YA series, I,Q and a BusyBodyBook planner.
Jennifer Donovan loves to read about the human experience, especially when set in exotic locales. She blogs about the human drama in her own life at Snapshot.
I would love to try this book out! Sounds good!
This sounds good…but may be a difficult read! I’d love to win.
OK, you’ve piqued my interest. I’d love to give this book a try.
Okay…you convinced me. I do like reading about human drama so this book sounds very intriguing. Besides, my brother-in-law is from South Africa so that tie in is interesting as well.
I’ve love to win this book.
I do appreciate insights into all the facets of the human drama, which is life, and immediately thought of someone who lost a child and two husbands, and may benefit as well.
I don’t have any children, but love books seeking to understand the human experience! I would love to give this book a shot!
Sounds great. Thanks for hosting.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
This sounds like a good read.
This book sounds interesting.
We women wear all sorts of hats, each one is different for a reason. But sometimes we forget who we really are.
Would love to read this one.
[email protected]
Yes we do — and isn’t it wonderful to be able to connect with other women via literature who are feeling the same way we do?
Its unfair because I read everything but I would read this. Sad does not bother me. I mean I cry but sometimes a good cry is not a bad thing.
I know exactly what you mean. I think that some people are just afraid of the death of a child theme. I don’t even classify this as a sad book (I don’t know WHAT that says about me!!).
I would love to read this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This sounds interesting. I’d love to win.
Not something that I would typically pick up to read, but it sounds interesting.
We all try to examine our lives and our relationships to others, especially when a tragedy occurs, so the story of this book rings true to me!
This sounds like one to cuddle up with next to the fireplace this fall.
someluckydog at gmail dot com
Ooooh I find books like this hard to read but usually if you can get past the hard part they can be rewarding
I just finished a book where a child dies, but it was excellent (the girl who stopped swimming), so I’m willing to give this one a try too 🙂
awesome!
Great review, I’d like to give it a read, thanks.
thanks for the chance to read this book 🙂
I lost a son to cancer and it is devestating. I would really like to read this. Thanks for the chance.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
As a recently separated father of 1 child, I find myself at a crossroads in life, such as the one the protagonist in your story finds herself at. I would truly cherish the opportunity to read your novel and to give it an insightful and surely very positive review online. Thank You for availing what sounds like a remarkable work to be won and enjoyed 😀
What a thoughtful comment. It does sound like a book you would enjoy.
This is another one for my list. What a story.
Thanks for the chance to read this book:)
I’m interested in reading this!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com