I reviewed Legacy Road by Graham Garrison.
About the Book:
Wes Watkins’s journalism career took off when he was asked to eulogize Michael Gavin, a stranger to Wes but a hometown hero to the humble folks of Talking Creek, Georgia. While researching Gavin’s life, Wes was confronted with an estranged relationship of his own that he wasn’t prepared to address, having ignored for years the occasional letters from his imprisoned father. Wes has chosen to focus instead on his growing career and his budding relationship with Emmy. His life is looking up . . . until his marriage proposal to Emmy goes south.
Left to wonder if he can reconcile with Emmy before she is deployed to Afghanistan, Wes can no longer avoid the other reconciliation that troubles him. But when Wes uncovers a painful truth about his parents’ past, patching things up with his father may prove impossible. Wes’s life is close to spiraling out of control. Will Wes learn to forgive? Or will the best year of his life turn into the worst?
Set against the haunting backdrop of several Civil War battlefields, Legacy Road is a grace-full exploration of hidden secrets–and what happens when they are revealed. Through the ups and downs of human relationships, of family ties lost and found, southern fiction fans will ponder the age-old question: How do you forgive others–and release yourself–from a past that threatens to destroy you?
My Review:
Of course, I originally was drawn to the novel because it was set in Georgia. I really enjoyed the storyline too though! I very much liked the subplots of Wes Watkins’ relationships with his parents and his girlfriend, Emmy. It’s complicated, you know? I think we can all relate to our expectations not necessarily falling into line with what God has planned for us. I’ve been in a position similar to Wes’ where everything looks so good and then it all falls apart. I think most people can sympathize with Wes’ situation – with his dad or mom or girlfriend or his experiences at work or school. At least Wes got a happy ending, mostly. Wes is truly an Everyman character for a modern time, with Facebook even! I love how Wes’ professor, Paul, is a mentor: he goes beyond the role of teacher to force Wes and his mom to confront their choices and unforgiving attitudes. It’s the catalyst needed to bring them all together and face what bitterness had done to them. Love how everything develops and the surprising choices people made or the events that forced their hand and how that affects them now and how they deal with it.
Quite a delightful novel that makes you want to mend your ways and make relationships right before it’s too late. Well written, even with lots of high school and college football references and an ending that seems a little rushed.
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