The story kept my attention and was not difficult to read. It is a romance novel- admittedly not my favorite genre. There was a lot of angst between the two main characters - conversations which triggered emotions in them that bewildered me and made them less believable. While reading, I was also reminded that the author is male, and inexperienced in caring for babies, even though the male protagonist cared for his. It seems that baby Genevieve said nothing besides "ga" for the first year of her life and required burping after meals of solid food.
That said, I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. I hadn't thought much about the illegality of both alcohol and contraceptives at the end of WWl. The anti-union mentality as well as the gender discrimination also interested me. ( )

This historical fiction novel is full of heart. The year is 1919 when protagonist Rollie Birch returns home from serving overseas in WWI. His plan is to use his woodworking skills to start a furniture business while also raising his infant daughter on his own, his wife having passed away while he was serving. Instantly he is judged for wanting to do "women's work", instead of hiring someone or looking for a new wife to take care of his daughter. Meanwhile, our other main character, Kay Sorenson, has mixed feelings about the return of her husband, Harry, who is also just coming back from the war. She's happy he's home, but fears that he will make her quit her job, which had given her a great sense of independence and accomplishment while he was away. Of course he does. Harry plans to go into politics, and it would be "unseemly" for his wife to work. He also begins spreading rumors about Rollie: that he was a poor soldier, insubordinate, and worse, that his daughter isn't even his. As tensions mount between Kay and Harry, she seeks out Rollie, to get his side of the story and to see if he can give any insight into why her husband has changed. And Rollie wants the truth about what his wife had done while he was away. The exchanged secrets are an eye opener for them both. They have a lot in common, and if they're willing to accept this connection, it may be just what they each need.

Each character in this novel really makes an impression. Rollie is so dedicated to being a great father, no matter how he is judged for it. So refreshing to read, especially in a historical setting. Kay is a strong and intelligent young woman, learning how to stand for herself and hoping to make the world a better place for all women. I also really enjoyed the sweet sibling relationship between Rollie and his sister Bonnie, as well as Kay's relationship with her father. This novel is well written, emotional, and feels real. It's about defying expectations and finding the strength within yourself. A compelling read. ( )

Rollie Birch returned to his home town of Lumberton, Washington after the Great War in 1919. He has returned as a war hero, but has a difficult position to return to. His wife, Tess, died while he was overseas and now Rollie has a newborn daughter to care for. Rollie dedicates all of his energy to raising Genevieve, deciding to quit the family construction business. Not everyone agrees with Rollie's actions, however. Harry Sorensen, Rollie's former commander, comes home and quickly denigrates Rollie's heroic acts. Kay, Harry's wife, tries to get to the truth of Harry's hatred of Rollie as she notices a change in Harry after returning from the War.

Lonely Are The Brave is a deeply thoughtful novel about societal expectations, honesty and living the life you want. The characters are amazingly created, realistic and easy to identify with. Rollie's situation is very different from the typical WWI story. As a male raising a daughter alone, he is challenged from many different sources. Rollie's story challenges the definition of a man. Kay's character challenges what it is to be a woman at the time. Harry simply wants her to be a figure for his campaign for office, Kay wants her opinions heard and to be an equal partner in his life, eventually deciding to do what is best for herself. I like that the suspense mounted in waves as Rollie and Kay discovered secrets that were kept from them while keeping the focus on the intricacies of the character's lives. The setting was also historically accurate, a small town after WWI where patriotism is at a high, Prohibition was already law in Washington and society has strict expectations for men and women set these characters up for an interesting journey.


This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

1919. Rollie can't wait to meet his daughter, Genevieve Marie Birch. Rollie knows he'll be met at the door of his home by his sister Bonnie with his precious child in her arms. Rollie's former platoon commander, Lt. Harry Sorensen, was on the same train home to Lumberton. Harry received the hero's welcome even though it was Rollie that carried the medals in his pockets. Rollie said his piece on the field of battle. He has nothing else to say to the man. Rollie plans to raise his daughter in a loving home but first he'll stand firm in his conversation with his abusive father for himself and his sister. Harry has political aspirations in mind with his wife following his directives.

This post-WWI story has the twist of a widower raising his baby rather than the widow raising her child(ren). After the men return home from war, jealousy, rumors, and gossip abound in the small town. This moving story explores the differences in how men responded in the aftermath of their military service and the expectations of married women to no longer work outside the home.

I anticipated the ending, but reading the story was no less compelling. I also found the Author's Note added to the reading experience, highlighting historical research particularly laws in effect at that time, some specific to Washington State.

Questions for Discussion are also available at the end of the novel. Book Clubs will also appreciate a Reader's Guide that includes About the Book, Thoughts from the Author, Discussion Questions, About the Author, and Get in Touch (email, website, blog) in pdf format (3 pages in color) available for downloading from the publisher at http://www.cynren.com/s/lonely-are-the-brave-guide.pdf.

I was lucky to receive an Advance Reader's Edition of this title as an Early Reviewer from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in the review are my own. ( )

A well researched book about the impact of World War I on returning veterans and they ones they left behind during war. Zuckerman has created believable and compelling characters and recounts their lives in a small lumber town in Washington state. The novel centers around the lives of Ollie, a widower who returns from war to raise a child alone, and Kay, who must learn to adapt to a husband changed by war. The writing is lyrical, and I found it reminiscent of writers such as Ron Rash and Pat Conroy. Highly recommend for lovers of historical fiction. ( )