Texas in the early 1900s, its inhabitants still traveling by horseback and barely familiar with the telephone, was on the cusp of an oil boom that, unbeknownst to its residents, would spark a period of dramatic change and economic growth. In the midst of this transformative time in Southern history, two unforgettable characters emerge and find their fates irrevocably intertwined: Samantha Gordon, the privileged heiress to the sprawling Las Tres Lomas cattle ranch near Fort Worth, and Nathan Holloway, a sweet-natured and charming son of a wheat farmer from far north Texas. As changes sweep the rustic countryside, Samantha and Nathan’s connection drives this narrative compulsively forward as they love, lose, and betray. In this grand yet intimate novel, Meacham once again delivers a heartfelt, big-canvas story full of surprising twists and deep emotional resonance.
My Thoughts★★★★☆ Beautiful glimpse into a transformative era
With the backdrop of a turn of the century era that speaks to a time of emerging technologies and a shift towards new economies from vast farmlands to oil rich lands, I found the synopsis interesting. Titans is the first book I’ve read by Leila Meacham and I am looking forward to her other books, which I hope will hold the same charm and engrossing characters that I found in this story.
At the heart of it all, despite the grand background it is a story about roots, exploring those of families, of people’s connection to their lands, and the role serendipity plays in bringing things full circle. The story has a strong core set of characters, each with a stake in the lives of the two main characters, Samantha Gordon and Nathan Holloway. Initially we see the course of their lives set out before them, in which their homes and families have been carefully cultivated with time, love and trust but as the story tells, their lives are soon put on a new course that will see them intersect in many ways.
The time period is an exciting one that was intricately described and made for an effortless background for the characters’ lives. I truly enjoyed seeing the characters go about their lives and I could lose myself for hours experiencing these daily happenings. These moments while seemingly mundane helped shaped the characters. At times the story was predictable but it didn’t detract from my takeaways. I found the story was successful in portraying the meaning of family and love. The trials and tribulations experienced by the characters were abundant and I appreciated that I was able to see the reasoning of the decisions made, as it made me want the characters overcome the obstacles all the more.
If you’re looking for a subtle historical saga this is a story that provides an interesting snapshot of a changing era and a story of families who are able to rise above it all by the strength of unconditional love.
The historical setting is one reason why I read this book. Prior I’ve never read about this particular era in Texas and the beginnings of the oil industry. What interesting book settings have you read? Advertisements Share this:
