Sequel to The Ark. This one is probably a little more appropriate for older kids, 10+, due to reference to a suicide in the book and more "romance". I definitely enjoyed The Ark more, but this is a good sequel for those who loved The Ark. ( )

Translated from the German.Ex-lib. Huron High School ( )

Ex-lib. Saline Junior High School library ( )

The second in the series of a refugee family in Germany shortly after WWII (~1948). They've found a home on a farm where the eldest son helps in the orchard & fields, the oldest daughter is kennel assistant (the farm raises Great Danes) plus all other animals, the mother begins a sewing group to show other refugee women how to makeover old clothes, another daughter stays in school & enjoys drama, and the 2 youngest boys have all kinds of adventures at their new school.
I'm reading this aloud to my son, & he keeps wanting to go visit Rowan Farm.
The author writes interestingly, with a few philosophical musings which could actually be said in our current times. The overall life philosophy of the family seems to be "no one can help us if we don't help ourselves," and it seems to be working well for them. The book does touch on some social problems such as the fate of veterans after release from prison. This is a mind-benders for an American as I stop to realize these are Nazi soldiers whom we are taught were quite ruthless. Yet for those caught on the Russian side of the wall, the fate for them after prison is to be sent to uranium mines in Russia where they will be worked until they die. Even for those on the American side, there is no work, homes are frequently bombed out, and food is in short supply. Until the currency reform happens(also mentioned in this tale), no one really wants to buy or sell anything.
It was interesting to read some translations of quotes that are different in this book than we know. e.g. Evensong of matthias Claudius (p. 191); God Gave Me a Little Light (Negro spiritual)(p. 267). ( )

Lovely follow-up to The Ark. One cares passionately about these people and their ruined Germany. The sheer grit of these farmers is humbling. It rings true, especially the "rascally boys". Highly recommended. ( )