Evergreen: A novel

Love can span generations, conquer hardships, and heal broken hearts, as Rebecca Rasmussen beautifully reveals in her novel, Evergreen. The novel begins with a young bride in 1938 Minnesota, to whom the unthinkable happens. Her decision to abandon her second child will haunt her and her children and her children’s children. Only love, forgiveness, and time have the power to heal this family.

Evergreen is a surprisingly quiet read, despite the heartbreaking subject matter. It is a book worthy of a blanket, hot cocoa, and a lit fireplace. Its themes are profound in their simplicity and the way the story reaches across generations adds a certain depth to the novel. It may take readers a while to get into the story, but pressing through is worth it.

The book is split into three sections, each told from the perspective of a different family member. Despite a lack of vivid setting description which left me fumbling to visualize the time period and an inconsistent pacing, I enjoyed the book greatly. If one is willing to dedicate the time to work through the slower parts of the novel, I think Evergreen could provide heartwarming insights on the power of love in the midst of brokenness.