Al Schnupp October 2021 Review

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Published: Sunday, 03 October 2021 06:38

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Goods & Effects, a review by Jenn
by jennrizzoto | posted in: Jenn | 0
jennrizzoto
Goods & Effects
Al Schnupp
176 Pages
Published May 29, 2021

Devastated by the death of her husband and sons, Hannah Mercer sells the
family farm and creates a store and living quarters in a delivery truck. As she
travels several circuits selling her wares, Hannah becomes the heart of a
network of interlinking lives: Nathan owns the motel where Hannah often
parks her truck. Darla is a young and talented deaf artist, whose parents let
her accompany Hannah on her rounds. Wanda, the sassy receptionist at a
hardware distribution center, has larger ambitions. Naomi, wife of the pious
Mennonite deacon, entertains fantasies of sexual freedom. Frank, a gentle
farmer with a chronically-ill wife, harbors great affection for Hannah, but
has troubling biases. LeRoy is a black farmer and talented singer, yet his
family is subjected to racial terrorism. Velma owns a woodworking shop. Is
she a good match for Vivian, Ronan Countyʼs elegant, lesbian librarian?
Larry… Maddie … Tom… Molly. As time passes and Hannahʼs relationships
deepen, her faith diminishes but her vision of humanity expands. Hannah
Mercer is a clever problem-solver, a shrewd schemer, a spinner of tender
lies, an advocate for justice, and a dream weaver.

Amazon | Goodreads
My Review
Goods & Effects immediately had my attention since I love family sagas and
thought that Hannahʼs story sounded quite interesting. When I started
reading I didnʼt realize we were being transported back to 1961, it was
intriguing to see Hannah face many of the major issues of the times the
author didnʼt shy away from anything including feminism, abortion, race,
sexuality and sexual orientation and more.
I thought the story would follow a transitional period in Hannahʼs life,
focusing mostly on her grief and how she enters the next chapter of her life
but we are given so much more. Their are several characters introduced
and we follow all of their lives through the years, overcoming several major
issues and typical life problems.
I really enjoyed Hannahʼs character and the connections she develops with
those around her. I thought it was so interesting where her journey went
after the lost of her family. Hannah was a badass champion for those in her
life and anyone would be lucky to have a friend like her. The ending of
Goods & Effects was great and reflected the Hannah we got to know
through the story.
A huge thank you to the author, Al Schnupp for the book and chance to
review Goods & Effects.