Insight by Diana Greenwood ~ review

Product Description


Some secrets won't let you go. Elvira Witsil lives about as far away from civilization as you can get, in a remote corner of Wisconsin where nothing much ever happens. In a house crowded with her mother, her cantankerous grandmother, and her little sister, Jessie, Elvira feels forgotten and alone. Their house also contains numerous secrets, and Elvira's family holds their secrets closely. Secrets about the father that Jessie never knew, and that Elvira can't forget. Secrets about that day five years ago. And the one secret that Elvira can't quite understand: that Jessie sees things no one else can see. These secrets will lead Elvira and her family on a journey far away from home---on a journey toward redemption and healing---if she can just bring herself to believe.


My take on this book:
Elvira Witsil feels as if no one ever pays any attention to her, she has never really had any friends because most of the townspeople look down on her family because her father was an alcoholic. She lives with her mother, Connie, her grandmother and her sister Jessie. The only time anyone pays any attention to her at home is when they want her to do something. Her mother always seems angry and her grandma is often complaining.Elvira misses her father who went away to war and never came back, something she actually blames herself for. When Jessie starts singing songs and quoting a traveling preacher which she has never met, the family realises Jessie is a seer, someone who can see what is going to happen in the future.
Connie decides to uproot the family and travel to California with the preacher. The trek cross country has Elvira learning about life and God. Will the family find what they are looking for in California?

I loved this coming of age story, told thru the eyes of Elvira a young girl who is very mature for her age. The author weaves the story in such a way that you can easily imagine the problems that faced this family.Each member had their own problems, but failed to communicate. Elvira was a lonely girl who found solace in reading, and the reoccurring dream that she had made perfect sense at the end of the story.Jessie was a girl who could see things no one else could see, but had no control over her gift. As we learn Connie's story we see that she is carrying guilt about her husband. The traveling preacher,Don, taught Elvira about a God who could be her friend. I liked the inclusion of the dog Sarah, and how she became a part of the family.

While this book is geared toward teens I found it an enjoyable read. While a quick read at 218 pages, its one of those stories where the characters stay with you long after the story ends.

rating 5/5

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.