A lovely novel with wonderful characters and a richly detailed look at the English home front of WWII.

My rating: ★★★★


 

This was a lovely read and is shaping up to be a lovely reread as well. So many wonderful characters and so much historical detail!

 

Wonderful characters

Some readers saw Claire as “whiny,” and she could be interpreted that way, but I found her very human and believable. Her weaknesses allowed for so much growth over the course of the book. Her desire to love and be loved (and to know what that even means) was a touching theme. And I could empathize with her writing struggles!

I definitely fell for Gaston and Josef. Some of the children were hard to keep straight, but never those two! I didn’t expect Josef to play such a major role, but he played it well. Aimee’s point-of-view scenes were darling. Dr. MacDonald was another favorite of mine, and I laughed out loud at the interplay between him and “the Campbell.”

 

Historical detail

Giving C. S. Lewis’s wartime radio programs such a role in the main character’s faith journey was a really interesting touch—a great nod to someone as influential in his own era as he has been to ours. All the other little references to period literature and other historical details bring the setting and era to life. The war affected the home front as much as it did the front lines.

A few other reviewers commented on the way Jewish traditions were encouraged without reference to Christ as the Messiah. I also felt this concern. The traditions are beautiful, yes. The heritage is vital, yes. The children needed connections to their home and culture, yes. I don’t at all believe that God is finished with his chosen nation. But the Bible is very clear that Christ is the only way to God for Jew and Gentile alike, and a Jew praying to Adonai is not interchangeable with a Christian praying to the Father.

However, I recognize that wasn’t the point Gohlke was trying to make in this story, and historical accuracy necessitates Jews holding to their religious traditions. I just wish the distinction could have been made clear, since this is Christian fiction.

 

Well worth the read

As far as the story went, my only other wish is that the climax scene would have been more fully rendered instead of being explained after the fact, but I realize staying in Claire’s point of view required this narrative choice. Gohlke’s use of language and dialect was beautiful, and I found the romantic element gentle and sweet. Saving Amelie is still my favorite Gohlke title, but this may be a close second.

 

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book review of Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke

If you enjoyed this book review of Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke, you might also enjoy my book review of The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin. Read the review here or join my newsletter list for book recommendations, a free short story, author updates, and more.


 
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Jayna Baas is the author of Preacher on the Run and director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. Learn more about Jayna here or join her email list for more recommendations.