Are you looking for a book to tuck into your book basket for a study of the 1930s? Or perhaps you have a child who’s fascinated by medicine or medical history—but you’re hoping for a story that feels gentle and hope-filled, without lingering in the heaviness of illness.
Today I’m featuring Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. At first, although I heard wonderful reviews of this book, I was a little afraid to take it on. I am a sensitive reader, and I was afraid a book about tuberculosis might be depressing. But when Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of LM Montgomery Studies at UPEI, mentioned that there were references to Anne in this book, I knew I had to dive right in.
Summary:
When Halle (short for Hallelujah)’s mama is sent to J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital for a rest cure, Halle is shunned by her classmates. Children are not allowed to visit patients, but she’s determined to find a way to see her mama, convinced that she can help her get better. Her attempt to run away to the hospital causes her to get sick and be admitted herself. But despite sickness, rules, and her father’s disapproval, Halle’s determined to help her mama get well.
This is a story of courage in small places, and of the quiet ways love endures, even in uncertain seasons.
Why this story stays with me
1. Real relationships between parents and children. Halle’s relationship with her mother is deep and profound. She is such a comfort to Halle. But even though her relationship with her father is strained, he is never portrayed as an ogre, but as someone carrying his own sorrow. I loved how family was so central to this novel, not just for Halle, but for the children she meets at the “San.”
2. An insight into the tuberculosis in the 1930s. There are a lot of books about the Great Depression, but this is the first time I’ve read a middle-grade book about tuberculosis and what it was like living in a sanatorium. It made my heart glad to see that spending time outside was emphasized. Despite our advances in medicine, fresh air is still important for good health. It offers a living glimpse into a chapter of history that often goes unmentioned and would make a wonderful addition to any study of that era.
3. Friendships! Halle had many dear friends. Thelma was like her Diana, a bosom friend from childhood. I also loved Flossie, the patient she meets later. Flossie is black, but the hospital admitted all people regardless of race. And this was dealt with in a sensitive and realistic way.
4. Faith was an integral part of Halle’s family life. It was refreshing to see that Halle prayed and that she found comfort in things her mother taught and lines from old hymns. To me, this gave the novel depth and hope despite its hard themes of sickness.
5. Nods to classic novels and a writing style like them. Halle loves to read, and it was great fun seeing some of my favorites like the Anne of Green Gables series, Little Princess, and Royal Velvet mentioned. This was keeping with the time period and gave the book a vintage feel. Due to Wendell’s beautiful writing style, I felt like I was reading how Montgomery would’ve written about these kindred spirit friendships in a hospital setting.
P.S. Mindy Nichols Wendell’s second novel, California or Dust, is set in 1939 and follows a girl relocating with her family to California during the Dust Bowl. It releases on August 25, 2026, and sounds like another thoughtful, heart-filled story from the Great Depression era.
Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)
 | |||||
Max, the Reading Dog
|
🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
No dogs again! Ugh! But the book was short, and I liked that they had school outside. My kind of place!
What books set in the 1930s have you and your family enjoyed?
If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here.
If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
No comments:
Post a Comment