FALL ON YOUR KNEES
by Ann-Marie MacDonald
If you are looking for an epic, historical family drama, look no further. Set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the first half of the 20th century, Fall On Your Knees weaves together the stories of the Piper family over four generations, as well as the stories of their extended families and neighbors. MacDonald expertly reveals both dark secrets and terrible mistakes her characters make at the same time ensuring you feel the same love for them that she does.
The story begins with James Piper, a 26-year-old piano tuner, eloping with Materia Mahmoud, the 13-year-old daughter of wealthy Lebanese merchants. Materia’s family cuts them off completely and she is forced to care for their young family alone. They have several daughters, each of whom deals with their difficult parents in a different way. When James takes a job in the local mine during a labor strike, the family is ostracized and life becomes even more difficult. James tries several different careers, including boot-maker and bootlegger, but nothing seems to bring the family closer to the kind of happiness and respectability he craves.
Ultimately though, the story belongs to the younger sisters and how they cope with their strange place in society, the unhappiness of their parents, and the various tragedies that befall the family. I was hypnotically drawn to each stage of belief and denial the girls went through as they grew from little girls into women. This is a beautiful book with some very dark secrets, and I definitely recommend it. (Lily)
