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My Life Untold (2013)

by S.S. Gee Buro(Favorite Author)

4.21 of 5 Votes: 2

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Smashwords

review 1: "A Truly Amazing Story, One I Could Not Put Down"I am so impressed with this well written, tender story which reflects the hardships within our nation preceding and during the Civil War. In the mid-1800's life and times were extremely hard for many people, especially for the large number of immigrants arriving in the the new land ... America. It is the story of one young woman, Magda Klein, who was born shortly after her parents immigrated from Germany to the United States. Life was hard for the family after arriving in New York City, and their goal was to save $150 and when finally after years, they moved to farmland near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. At this time, Magna is about 9 years old, and it was a good place to be with the joys of spring, blue skies, and space, defini... moretely more refreshing than the industrialized New York City. Their new home is called Stone Croft, which they are buying from Mr. Schweitzer under agreement that her father would restore the farm and buildings to productivity. Magna is a loner at her new school, preferring to not mingle but to read books which her teacher often drops on her desk. She loved her home and that's where she always wants to live. Her father bought some added acreage and hired a young man, Lars, to help work the farm. He is about 17 years old, while Magna is now 15. She is attracted to him. He's a hard worker and becomes a master wood craftsman but very soon he is swept away to support the Union Army. Magna struggles through the absence of Lars who she has come to love; the loss of her father; and soon her mother; and the struggle to keep the farm producing. She remains hopeful that one day Lars will be walking down the path toward Stone Croft. This is a very well crafted and written story, one which I will always remember. It reflects the political divide which was growing as states wanted more rights and independence in the south. We all know of the Civil War and the Battle at Gettysburg in 1863, but to read it as described by Magna, at about 20 years old, will certainly make you more fully realize what she endured and witnessed ... even with no boots to wear on the ground. This is not a historical romance, it's a historical love story of dedication and determination. It's a modern classic which is very thought provoking as well as captivating. A great read for teens while studying American History. It gives a better definition of our history, than history books. A must read for everyone.
review 2: My Life Untold. S.S. Gee Buro.Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews. Sometimes I like a dip into history. This particular book reads like an autobiography, as its told from the viewpoint of Magda, as a narrative to her descendent Winifred. Its a beautifully written story, easy to read and not bogged down in weighty, dull descriptions but has scenes that are vivid, and made me feel as if I was there. It starts with Magda as a young child, goes on to the familys journey to a new start on Stone Farm and her childhood time there. They have a farmhand Lars who is only a few years older than Magda and they fall in love. The Civil war intervenes though, and Lars is taken prisoner. We read about Magda's life back at the farm at this time, how the village coped, what life was really like then on a day to day basis. When her parents have died and she finds out Lars is a prisoner, she determines she'll travel the 800 miles to where he is, dressed as a soldier for some safety, and try to buy him free. She undertakes a perilous journey, and its fascinating to read about it and feel as though we're there with her. Its full of minutiae that makes it come alive. Magda learns a lot about herself on this journey, and she and Lars come through the war whole but not unscathed. Though still deeply in love, they're not the same people they started. Life shapes us all and they were certainly well tried. I loved this story as something with historical accuracy, and yet penned for the reader of fiction who wants small details of daily life, and not weighty explanations of battle tactics :) I felt for Magda – she faced so much for love of Lars, and they both grew up suddenly faced with the atrocities of war. Life wasn't easy anyway for people like them at that time, but throw in a war and they were really tested, and yet in the way of the best true love stories they came though shining. Its a beautiful, heartfelt tale and the addition of the linking up Magda and Lars to the current family was a great way to finish. Fabulous escape into history. Stars: five, great read. ARC supplied via Authors less

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