The settings in this dual timeline novel are greatly separated by miles, but not by years. Jimmy Barnett, a college student who ends up going to war in Europe rather than to veterinary school, is the link between the storylines. Peggy, a good friend who is more like a little sister, is key to his present in 1946 to 1947 while Gisela is key to his past. The reader is kept in suspense for quite some time as to the actual link between Jimmy and Gisela as he or she reads Gisela's history from 1938 to 1947. As Jimmy and some of his buddies struggle with battle fatigue, now recognized as PTSD, and with wavering faith in light of the horrors of war, Austin does an amazing job of showing paths to healing and reconciliation. She gives one of the most insightful responses I have ever heard or read to the age-old question of why does God allow bad things to happen to good people.
I highly recommend Long Way Home to anyone seeking a book with a great depth of meaning, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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