Goods & Effects
Al Schnupp
176 Pages
Published May 29, 2021
Golden Antelope Press
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 County’s elegant, lesbian librarian?
Larry… Maddie … Tom… Molly. As time passes and Hannah’s 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.
My Review
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Goods & Effects immediately had my attention since I love family sagas and thought that Hannah’s story sounded quite interesting. When I started reading I didn’t 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 didn’t shy away from anything including feminism, abortion, race, sexuality and sexual orientation and more.
I thought the story would follow a transitional period in Hannah’s 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 Hannah’s 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.
Diana Peach
This sounds like an unusual read, Jenn, and I like that it developed into more than you expected. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and recommendation. 🙂