Book Review – Molly’s Rocker by Susan M Hoskins
“Molly’s Rocker” by Susan M. Hoskins is a beautiful story about the courageous and inspiring Molly Fry. Molly endured more in her life than most people experience, but she persevered with dignity and grace, a loving heart and a gentle soul. Molly was truly a woman ahead of her time and “Molly’s Rocker” is a shining testament to her life.
The author and her husband Larry discover Molly’s rocking chair one day while cleaning out the attic. Molly is Larry’s grandson and the son of Molly’s youngest daughter, Tula Mary. Larry remembers that his grandmother came to live with them after a fire destroyed his house. The rocking chair was the only thing that survived the fire. After seeing the rocker, Larry remembers some old tapes, narrated by his grandmother when she lived with them. These tapes provide valuable insight into Molly’s life and Elijah Fry’s life, and how a twist of fate brought the couple together.
Growing up on a Kentucky tobacco farm in the late 1800s, Molly has to drop out of school at a very young age to care for her family when her mother is down with consumption. As the new woman of the house, Ella Molly implements some radical changes regarding the roles of men and women and promises to run the farm as an equal to her father. The reader sees glimpses of Molly’s independent nature and fair-mindedness early in the story, and when she takes her father’s side, insisting that women and men eat at the same time (unlike women who expect for his men-people to eat). her finishing her meals), she knew she was going to enjoy her learning more about her. One of my favorite lines in the book is Molly’s statement: “I wasn’t sure what would become of me as the years passed, but there was one thing I was sure of that night. I would never eat cold eggs again.” “Don’t you love her?!
Readers also learn the story of Elijah Fry, who becomes Molly’s husband, for which he can only be considered providence. Although Elijah has a rough start in life, he thrives under the loving upbringing of his aunt and uncle, becoming a respected member of the community. However, his tragic past leaves him with trust issues, and his only real friend is Henry Jackson, the son of former slaves.
Elijah and Molly raise a family and run a successful tobacco farm. Life is good for a while, until an unforeseen tragedy leaves Molly and Henry Jackson in dire straits. The two pool their resources to make ends meet, and their friendship causes a stir among fans and narrow-minded members of the community. Molly once again shows courage and integrity in the face of those trying to run them out of town.
This story is absolutely amazing! It covers so many topics that are sadly still relevant today. From feminist themes to racial tensions, the author manages to cover serious ground in a thoughtful, seamless read.
Every time I read historical fiction I get so involved in the lives of the characters that I want to know everything about them. Where they lived, the environmental conditions, the cooking methods used, along with popular foods of the time, dress styles, education – you name it, I want to know about it. Hoskins has been noted for writing a novel that authentically depicts all aspects of the time period. The characters have depth and integrity, and the dialogue is on point, taking the reader directly to another time, place, and century. I imagined myself happily walking among the characters as I read.
I am truly in awe of “Molly’s Rocker” by Susan M. Hoskins. Imagine love, inspiring a story through an old rocking chair that almost made it to a local flea market. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and those who want to experience the life and times of a different era.