The Fiddler
by Beverly Lewis
Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
From the Back Cover
Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania–the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis’s celebrated Amish novels began–with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.
A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler–and the young Amishman’s charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.
Michael Hostetler is confused in his deliberation of what he should do with his life. He sincerely loves his parents, but is contemplating leaving everything he grew up with to go to the “world”.
Amelia Devries is also seeking….a successful fiddler and violinist, the pressure from her parents, her agent and her fans is incredible. Her father is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and she wants nothing more than to make him happy…but will it be at the risk of her own happiness.
This book is less Amish than some of Ms. Lewis’s other books, which I appreciated. I liked the history of fiddling and some of the longing for a peaceful life, I could easily relate to. I felt like it downplayed some of how emotionally awful it is to leave the Amish though. Some of the Amish women came off as smart, confident, while others came off as stupid or slightly dull….in comparison to this lovely violinist who breezes in and almost has no regard for their traditions.
I found it odd the lack of male involvement in this book, but I also really liked the lack of romance in it. There was hints of it…but no details, making it appropriate for younger teens who would likely enjoy this book.
– Martha
