Cruel Harvest by Fran Elizabeth Grubb

Abuse is a terrible thing. For those looking from the outside in, it can be hard to comprehend how such terrible things can happen. But it does and by the grace of God, people can break free and find grace and forgiveness. Cruel Harvest is a story of abuse and grace.

Fran Elizabeth Grubb had a horrible childhood. Her family was constantly on the move working for different farmers following the harvest all over the United States. Her father abused all of the members of the family in so many ways. Eventually he is arrested and jailed for his abusive nature, but things do not improve for Frances. Her mother moves her children to her sister’s home. While Aunt Tessie never lays a hand on the children, she neglects them, starves them and emotionally abuses the children. Frances, her mother and siblings eventually get a home of their own, but Frances’s mother is unable to care for them and the children are split up. Frances and her sister find themselves at an orphanage where they feel safe for the first time. Until their father shows up and kidnaps them from the orphanage and the terror begins again. Eventually, when Frances is 14, she is able to escape from her father’s home and her healing process begins.

While I did not enjoy reading this difficult story, I felt compelled to try and gain an understanding of what it must be like to have to live in an abusive situation. It was also wonderful to read about Frances finding faith and how that becomes the thing that gives her strength. It was wonderful to read about her healing and the road the led her to forgiveness. I actually wish there had been more about the redemption of her life. This is a story that can do nothing but impact the reader in a powerful way.

I was given a book to review by Book Sneeze. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

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