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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