Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night - Emotional Novel for Book Lovers | Perfect for Book Clubs & Relaxing Evenings

Scranton native Barbara Taylor's debut novel is a winner. It uses several inventive techniques that you don't often see in historical fiction, which I happened to adore because of their novelty. I looked forward to each as the book progressed--the quaint homemaker tips dropped into the narrative and the Greek-chorus of church busybodies chiming in occasionally, who couldn't possibly refrain from nosing into and commenting on one family's private tragedy. Another very interesting character appears via a literary contrivance, which allows for compelling scenes with a grief-stricken mother. (But you'll have to read the book to find out who that might be--I don't want to spoil the impact of this device.)Taylor spins the story based on a single accident happening on the Fourth of July, which could have happened to many children, but just so happened to this ill-fated family. When I was a kid, there were numerous summers when my mom or dad sent me outside to play with sparklers. Who could have ever imagined that one family's life could change in an instant because of a summer sparkler lighting up one of two sisters' pretty new dresses.And what a credit to Taylor that she recognized that tragic incident as the kernel of a gripping tale.For those who happened to love historic fiction, you'll be pleased to know that Pennsylvania history and culture, circa 1913, are seamlessly interwoven throughout right down to the donkeys used to pull mine carts. When Taylor uncovered these little historical nuggets, she turned them into minor characters, in this case, a donkey named Sophie on a remarkable mission for justice for one abused little boy.Taylor's novel is a grim reminder that the good old days weren't so good after all, that this country sorely needed labor laws to protect children, that a mining job was akin to a death sentence, that people stuck their noses in others' business to an officious extent and that there was plenty of church-going and soul-saving occurring but precious little genuine Christian compassion for those who sorely needed it.She identified the perfect place to halt the story because she has plans for a sequel, which I am anxious to read. Besides the very creative inclusions mentioned above, she has an efficient writing style which deftly advances the plot while also conveying that there was little room or use for anything luxuriant in 1913 Scranton, PA. And yet the novel is replete with history, though one never trips over it.A very fulfilling read with authentic characters. With "Sing in the Morning, Cry at Night," Taylor mines every hue and shade out of a simple tale set in a Pennsylvania coal-mining town.