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About this Book:
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Set on the Great Plains of southern Manitoba, Canada, in 1922, this is the story of Susana Miller, a Mennonite girl. A tragic accident when she was six years old is compounded when her father calls her a murderer.
Another accident almost took her life when she was twelve. Her doctor’s calloused handling of her injuries causes serious ramifications.
As a teenager, pregnant and unwed, she runs away to a home for unwed mothers. Surprisingly, it becomes one of her happiest times. Ultimately marrying, and after having more children and hardship, Susana and her husband, Jake are driven to find work in Ontario. Soon after being torn away from her family, her mother’s unexpected death and the inability to attend her funeral, result in a nervous breakdown.
Ever in quest of work, Susana and Jake immigrate to the United States. Years later, Jake is stricken with debilitating heart disease and is unable to work. They decide to return to their roots and move back to Manitoba.
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About the Author:
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Tillie Van Sickle was born in Manitoba, Canada, immigrating to the United States as a child. She is the daughter of Susana Miller.
While researching the Miller family tree, Tillie spent many hours with her mother during visits to Manitoba and long distance phone calls. Tillie was amazed at what her mother’s life was like and learned of hardships unknown to most of her generation. She became fascinated by her mother’s story and decided it was something the whole family needed to know.
Tillie lives in Michigan and has raised three children of her own and has one granddaughter. She has previously published two books of her mother’s poems, one of English and one of German poems. Always curious by nature, her interests lie in genealogy and family history.
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Book Review:
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"Lyrical and transporting...It's a memoir that makes you consider your own life experiences and what chances you took and which you passed by...when you danced and when you sat it out. It makes one wonder what our own legacies may be...for better, or worse."
Michelle Taverner, L.M.S.W.
“From a box full of sketchy diaries, a touching story emerged. A very emotional read.”
Isaac Miller
"…I quickly became engrossed in the story of these prairie people."
Linda Last
“The author tells a story of a woman’s triumph over circumstance – told with love and compassion.”
Barbara Orton Miller
"...Tillie makes her Mother's life, with all the joy and hardships, come alive for the reader."
Dorothy Barrera-Weil
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