|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
There was great animosity between the Swedish Protestants and the Irish Catholics in the early 1900's in Indiana. Patrick Cavanaugh's family did not approve of his relationship with Hilda Johansson, Swedish housekeeper in the Studebaker household. Patrick's uncle, Dan, decides to become the Democratic candidate for City Council in South Bend. His political rival, Republican John Bishop, is brutally murdered. The police suspect Dan of the murder as his bloodied shilelagn was found next to his body and a parish priest swears that he witnessed the killing. Dan turns up missing. Hilda has a talent of getting involved in misadventures and solving problems. When the family believes the police aren't making the progress they should, Dan's wife asks Hilda to explore the situation, even though they all disapprove of her. Hilda doesn't believe in Dan's guilt, and using her common sense and good judgment reveals gambling, dishonesty and immigration fraud. The author has successfully evoked the spirit of the people and place of the time. She has accurately portrayed the plight of the immigrants and the deep social class divisions and fictions between the Swedes and Irish. The plot moves at a breakneck pace with events unfolding smoothly. The characters are real and well-developed with Hilda portrayed as a strong independent woman.
Reviewed by Barbara Buhrer, March 2002
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
