In the 1940s, the small Pennsylvania town of Haven is rather subdued with their young men facing battles in far-away Europe. Young Andy Gilbert, burdened with his job of delivering telegrams bringing the news of those missing or killed in action, faces the coming holidays with dread and discouragement. With each new message he must deliver- met by screaming mothers, grief-stricken wives, and weeping families--he longs to join the ranks of the numbered dead. Only one elderly woman recognizes the pain and suffering tormenting Andy--and it is through her wisdom that the stars again can shine for Andy and for a town that desperately needs the hope those stars represent. A touching novella book from a bestselling novelist.
Reviews with the most likes.
A really heartwarming story about WW2 home front during the Christmas season. Andy has become ostracized in town because he is the one bringing the telegraphs that tell families their loved ones are lost, wounded, or dead. A bare hint of romance flavors the story, but mostly it is a tale of town and relationships and how Andy can find a place in humanity once more.
Ages 13+
This is the first book I've ever read that featured a fellow delivering telegrams during WWII. My goodness, but it was a heartbreaker! And I loved every single second of it. input cheesy grin here
The grief and heartache were just as palpable as the friendship and forgiveness splattered all over the pages. The small-town feel provided spectacular atmosphere. This was definitely my kind of story.
