Description: In prose as clean and beautiful as the stark prairie setting, The Plain Sense of Things tells the stories of three generations of a western Nebraska family. These tales of sorrow and hope are connected by the sinews of need and flawed love that keep families together. A farm wife struggles to support her children after the death of her second husband; a young woman grapples with the shift from girlhood to motherhood; World War II wreaks havoc on those left behind; and a failing farmstead breaks a family's heart. Amid hardship and change, these interwoven stories illuminate the resilience and dignity--and the subtle sweetness--of a life lived in clear view of the plain sense of things. Download a Study Guide (PDF).
Review Quotes: "Set against the backdrop of the Nebraska prairie, Joern's powerful second offering follows three generations as they navigate the greater part of the 20th century. . . . Evocative prose elevates Joern's excellent portrayal of the family's evolution and brings a warmth and richness to a stark landscape."--Publishers Weekly-- (6/9/2008 12:00:00 AM)