The Homecoming of Samuel Lake - Jenny Wingfield

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake

By Jenny Wingfield

  • Release Date: 2011-07-12
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 149 Ratings

Description

“Raw, dark, and powerful . . . Southern Gothic at its best. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake puts one in mind of Erskine Caldwell and Flannery O’Connor.”—Fannie Flagg

Every first Sunday in June, members of the Moses clan gather for an annual reunion at a sprawling hundred-acre farm in Arkansas. And every year, Samuel Lake, a vibrant and committed young preacher, brings his beloved wife, Willadee Moses, and their three children back for the festivities. In the midst of it all, Samuel and Willadee’s outspoken eleven-year-old daughter, Swan, is a bright light. Her high spirits and fearlessness have alternately seduced and bedeviled three generations of the family. But just as the reunion is getting under way, tragedy strikes, jolting the family to their core and setting the stage for a summer of crisis and profound change.
 
With the clear-eyed wisdom that illuminates the most tragic—and triumphant—aspects of human nature, Jenny Wingfield has created an enduring work of fiction.
 
“Jenny Wingfield has given us a spectacular novel [that] will make you laugh out loud one minute, hold your breath the next, and weep when you least expect it.”—Dorothea Benton Frank, author of Folly Beach
 
“[This novel] touches on many genres—family life, Christian fiction, coming-of-age, and suspense. . . . Readers will love it.”—Library Journal (starred review)
 
“Wingfield hooks the reader with her opening sentence. . . . The reader is thoroughly caught up in the family saga.”—Abilene Reporter-News
 
“A lovely debut . . . a bittersweet, inspirational tale.”—The Dallas Morning News
 
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Reviews

  • Hard to put down!

    5
    By GiniSBest
    I just finished reading this in the bathroom... at work! Every spare moment I had to know what was going to happen. Can't wait for Wingfield's next book!
  • Poignant, beautiful story.

    5
    By Dustii1951
    Characters well developed. Tough issues could turned graphic, sordid but Ms. Wingfield handled very well. Looking forward to more of her works.
  • The Homecoming of Samuel Lake

    5
    By Redhatpat
    Loved this book! It was homey and cozy reading, but had a plot and very well developed characters. Was surprised to learn it really had a lot of truth to the story via the author's own background. Recommend it highly.
  • Brilliant story

    5
    By Lew1334567
    I could not put this book down. It is a gem and not to be missed. Best book I've read in years. Unspeakably dark yet beautiful.
  • The Homecoming of Samuel Lake

    5
    By Debbie Conner
    This book grabbed me and didn't let go! Maybe it is my sociology background or my love of the characters of this book. The setting reminded me of where my grandparents lived and there is always someone to love and someone to be a little scared of in life. God always has a miracle ready for those who believe if it is His will! This book was full of lessons in life. Loved it!
  • Loved it

    5
    By Bbsham
    I tried to read slowly because I didn't want it to end and I knew this was Jenny Wingfield's first novel so I'll have to wait while hoping for her next.