The Summary

Aven Norgaard is persuaded to leave her home in Norway after the untimely loss of her husband in order to work as a housekeeper in the untamed Appalachian hills. When she gets there, she discovers herself in the house of her late husband's cousins, a trio of brothers who own a three hundred acre farm and produce hard cider for a living. Aven has hope to start a new life in this close-knit family even though he is a foreigner in a strange nation.

Her modest attractiveness, however, shatters the brothers' closeness. Aven is caught in the midst, unsure of where to show her affection or whether to give it to the younger two who are fighting for her hand. Haakon is fearless and enthusiastic, but Thor has the greatest effect on her. Thor has a sobering strength despite being deaf, mute, and dependant on alcohol to deal with his silent suffering.

The divide between Thor and Haakon widens as autumn ushers in the apple harvest, and Aven must make a decision that could endanger lives. Will a family be torn apart by two brothers' desire for her peaceful spirit? Can she find a soft home in this far-off, hostile, and strange world?

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a harrowing story of struggle and redemption that paints a picture of grace in a world where the damaged can find new life through the healing mercy of love.

My Review

After reading one of Joanne Bischof's earlier books, The Gold in These Hills, I immediately picked up this one, and wow, what a fantastic novel by this author.

In terms of beauty, Sons of Blackbird Mountain met my expectations. Even if it lacks action, it is unquestionably captivating and emotive. The way deaf culture and sign language were presented was incredibly unique and fascinating. Although it's challenging to talk about alcoholism, Bischof did so with amazing grace and unflinching honesty. A intriguing and accurate depiction of the racial tensions of the time was also included.

As always, the writing is exquisite and beautiful. Her conversation and descriptions are consistently on point. This lovely story has so rich depth. As precisely as she can, the author interweaves layers of familial conflict, domestic abuse, alcohol, bigotry, and greed, along with even more skillfully woven elements of faith, forgiveness, and strength. They were breathtakingly beautiful and motivational.

The lovable group will break your heart before they can also mend it because they all have actual weaknesses. No spoilers here. Bischof's characters have won you over with their incredible intricacy and reality before you even reach the end of chapter two.

The scenery is rich and easy to see in one's mind. I don't mind that the historical setting isn't extremely compelling. The narrative moves forward at a great clip. All I can say is absolute praise.

A fictitious novel explores the views of a deaf brother and a traveling young woman, whose presence permanently changes the lives of three brothers. Historical fiction fans should absolutely read it!

My ratings score:

★★★★★ Fantastic! Made me go through a lot of emotions & the entire book is incredibly beautifully done! 

★★★★ Memorable! Despite its shortcomings, this book was incredible and taught us a lot. 

★★★ Good work! Nothing particularly remarkable, but still nice.

★★ Meh... Mediocre with great room for improvement.

★ Extremely Poor.