| Title | : | Beyond Molasses Creek |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1595545050 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781595545053 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 320 |
| Publication | : | First published January 31, 2012 |
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship--he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.
As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.
A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
Beyond Molasses Creek Reviews
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Molasses Creek sounds like a nice place to grow up, though segregation burbles just below the surface and Ally must maintain appearances before friendships. I understood the main character’s restlessness and maybe learned a lesson while following her across the creek, through the "friendly skies", and finally, back home.
The glimpses of Sunila's life in a rock quarry, cowering under an unfair caste system, showed me a different sort of existence. A tough one.
Ally to Sunila, Nepal to South Carolina. Yeah, big jump. Too big, at first, because the two parts seem completely unconnected, but eventually they merge and drift downstream. When I realized the last lines of the South Carolina sections correspond with the first lines of each Nepal section, it seemed the author had left a current of secrets, just for me.
The first chapters inch along like childhood summer days along Molasses Creek. A book where nothing much happens can still be a favorite, as long as the prose is beautiful and the characters intrigue me. No problem with the prose- it seemed the author chose each word like a small girl chooses sundae toppings- but only two secondary characters, Dad and Mr. Assai, won my heart. The main characters are so real-to-life they could live next door, but in a humdrum and rather irritating way.
I almost stopped reading at the halfway mark, but I read a bit further, saw where it was heading, and then it was too late to discard it. I couldn't. The fact that I strongly suspected the outcome only made me want to read further, to make sure nothing hindered it.
It's strange to read a book where the first half is so inscrutable and the last half so wide open, and it seemed like a fun book to write, adding touches at the beginning that would mean something later on, touches that wouldn't interrupt the book's flow or give anything away too soon.
This book is labeled Christian fiction and it's a clean read, but there’s not a speck of preachiness and it lacks that perkily-packaged Christian fiction ending. I recommend this book to lovers of beautiful prose.
Nicole Seitz has more books and I’d like to sample another.
(First posted on my blog) -
After reading this book straight through, the first word I said was 'Outstanding'! Beyond Molasses Creek was the first of Nicole Seitz books I have read and I am definately going to be investing in her other works.
Flight Attendant Ally Green returns home for her Father's funeral. Years of avoidance, of travel and of fake gods to forget the past. Part of her past, Vesey Washington, still lives across the creek. Ally and her white family on her side, Vesey and his dark skin on the other. When they meet as youngsters, after the Civil War, it is not acceptable for them to be friends with each other. Ally is drawn to Vesey though and they continue to spend time together without their parents knowledge. Till one day Vesey's mother sends him away to live with his Uncle, Ally knowing it is her fault her best friend has been sent away.
On the other side of the world a 30 year old girl is escaping from a life of slavery in Nepal, determined to find out her true identity.
Living as an untouchable in a caste heavy system, Sunila knows that the key to her future lies in the book of drawings she retrieves from the master.
The struggle with racial barriers is an international epidemic that affects the love and lives of so many. This novel reflects on those issues while at the same time looking deeply into the heart of the characters. Very moving story. Not preachy in any way. I read it in a single sitting with tears rolling down my face at the ending. A solid 5 star book!
Thanks to Litfuse for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
From the first hundred or so pages of the novel, I wasn’t exactly sure where the plot was going. But the writing and characters were intriguing and I wanted to see what would bring them together in a unique telling. After those first a hundred or so pages, the story that came upon me, kept me turning the pages to the climax.
The novel is a masterful writing creation. It’s a bit slow in the beginning, but once you’ve read through to the end, everything in the start completely falls into place and I could be nothing but in awe of all the little details set in place.
There is poetry to the writing and a style that lends to be more graceful and not as hard-edged or fast paced and more of a literary style. I’m not sure I am completely in love with it, but at the same time, I appreciate it and it fit the story very well.
I hate to say too much in this review for fear of giving away too many details, but I can say that I loved Ally characterization. She started out hard-edged in the beginning, but seemed to be embracing God’s love in the end. I didn’t like a certain action she did in the end, at the same time I can understand it – I just don’t agree with it.
All in all, it’s a good novel. Crafted exceptionally well, written in a style that keeps the reader moving forward and never stale in the motion of the characters or story.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review. -
This book weaves an intricate tale of love, loss, and hope. Ally is what some people call a runner, she runs from her past. She refuses to turn around and face the things she is afraid of. When her father dies, she returns to her home after a long career of flying around the world as an air flight attendant. When she returns home, she uncovers some long-held secrets and bits of hope. Sunila is across the world. She is the next main character the reader is introduced to and will have a massive affect on Ally and the reader.
This book covers some hard issues. Child labor is discussed. How would you feel if it were your child toiling away at such a young age in dangerous conditions? It is easy enough to ignore when it is across the world, but what if it was your own blood? It is interesting that Ally and her father appear to forge an even deeper bond once he is gone, perhaps death does not end all relationships. The ending of the book will shock the reader, the author does a great job of dropping hints without even remotely giving away the big finish.
Ally's character is likable as is Sunila's. The other characters who affect the two main characters are fun to get to know, the smallest words have the ability to change one's life. The reader will be absorbed into the book, it is very difficult to put the book down. This book is recommended to adult readers. -
This book really spoke to me, it deals with racism, child labor, kidnapping and finding peace, love and happiness. It really was a roller coaster ride of emotions while reading Beyond Molasses Creek. I have to give this book 5 stars for opening up the eyes of the readers to many different circumstances and views around the world, very eye opening. I have two children that we adopted from South Korea and I had all of these thoughts floating around like what if my child was kidnapped how would I feel? What if my child was kidnapped and had been sold to us unknowingly on the black market (they weren't we used a reputable adoption agency)? What would my children's lives be like if they still lived in Korea? I felt for Ally as she struggled with the pain of losing her one and only true love as well as her baby.
I've never been to Nepal but I am aware of the caste system but never realized the impact it had on a person's entire thoughts, beliefs and way they view themselves as well as others. I can't imagine going through life thinking you are an "untouchable" all due to the caste system. I'm going to find some more books on this subject and do a little more research. My Aunt and Uncle are missionaries to India so I'm going to talk to them at great length about this system, see what I can find out and if there is anything I can do to help. -
I enjoyed this book and found the characters to be interesting and multi-faceted. I cried and I laughed and I will give a full review in the next few weeks on my blog. Lots of emotion in this short book.
Boy oh boy this is a book full of emotions, good ones and bad ones. I found myself laughing and then crying. I loved the notes from heaven, which made be tear up just a tiny bit. In my opinion; relationships are what life is all about and this book is full of them. Why do we fall in love with some people and not with others? What happens when our lives fall apart and no one can fix it? This book will make you mad and make you think.
I enjoyed learning about Ally and her life, her back-story is needed to know where her life is going. Sunila is an amazing character whom I cannot even imagine how hard her life has been. You will fall in love with her and with the life she hopes to have in the future. Also Vesey is someone I would love to get to know. I found the book bitter-sweet, so much wasted time makes most of our lives that way.
If you enjoy books that make you think about those you love and where your life has been and where it’s going than this is the book for you. Beyond Molasses Creek is a journey worth taking. -
Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz tells the story of two women, who live on opposite sides of the world, and the events which bring them together.
The story is shared through dual viewpoints from the women, Ally and Sunila. For brave, optimistic Sunila, life means taking the risks necessary to leave Nepal and find a new life in the United States. While Ally’s journey involves an end to years of running when she returns home to Molasses Creek. In Sunila’s chapters, we follow a trail that leads to revelations about her future. In Ally’s, we delve into the secrets of her past and all her life could have been.
For me, Ally’s story is a cautionary tale of how choices which begin as temporary fixes for pain or confusion can transform our lives into very sad journeys. I was glad when the threads of hope the author sprinkled throughout this novel eventually blossomed into a joyful ending. -
"Beyond" is not enough as Molasses creek is always with her.
This is marvelous and touches me deeply as I am sure it touches all readers. Love and friendships between races and cultuers is so precious and so difficult still. A golden thread to hold strongly. This book is so timely with today's American struggle and the great book Caste making international comparisons, especially between the USA and INdia. A love story can touch us so deeply when research works so hard to share truth that so many can't accept easily. Thank you for touching this poor girl who grew to travel the world with and finding loved ones in those journeys. -
I rarely read a book chosen at random from a library shelf - I usually rely on reviews or friends' recommendations. So what a delightful surprise to select this one and find it so beautiful! Real characters, deep emotion, excellent writing, knitting together of two women's stories from two opposite sides of the globe. I've already checked out another book by this author, so that I can keep enjoying her richly poetic writing style and her compelling characters.
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Wonderful characters in this book! You will experience a wide range of emotions while reading it! Highly recommend it!
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I highly recommend this book.
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One of the best books I've ever read! Sweet story!
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Beautifully crafted story and I loved the ending.
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Interesting, thought-provoking and well written read of the deep bonds of love and friendship. I am reminded of the quote: "Your past will come to haunt you" ... as Ally Green returns home to the Lowcountry where she was raised.
All that kept me from loving this book more was Ally so unrealistically holding on to an old love, not reciprocated, and allowing it to continue to make her unhappy through life and to dominate her thinking. Additionally I was disappointed in Ally for "lying" to her daughter later when reunited with her in the story.... telling her that her father was this old friend and lifelong love, an African American neighbor, rather than telling her truthfully her father was a pilot and a caucasian - and not an evil man, who had actually offered to marry Ally. This seemed blatantly wrong to me ... -
LOVE THIS STORY! Characters in the Lowcountry of South Carolina vividly captured me and took me away.
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Involved themes that I can relate to - travel and wanderlust, and is also about love, friendship and lost. I cried a few times towards the end, very touching story all around.
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Love
I had a hard time getting started. It is a book of pieces in various voices and past and present. The story line was good. -
Beyond Molasses Creek' by Nicole Seitz is a refreshing and uplifting novel set in the LowCountry of South Carolina and Kathmandu, Nepal. The novel follows Ally Green, a retired airline stewardess, who is returning home to Mount Pleasant, SC to bury her father and pack up his things. She's also returning to her first and oldest love, Vesey Washington. Vesey grew up on one side of Molasses Creek and Ally the other. Seitz writes, "This is Vesey, Ally Green. The boy you played with when you were little, the one who was off limits because you are white and he is not." Even though the friendship was taboo, it grew. Fishing along the river and sharing secrets and plans for the future nurtured Ally's deep feelings for Vesey. Events spiral in unplanned directions when Vesey's mother catches them sharing a kiss.
Seitz's narrative also follows Sunila in Kathmandu, Nepal, who works at carving stone in a quarry. Her parents, Amaa and Buba, "found her abandoned near the quarry on a rock." Buba believes the family's fortune has changed for the worse since Sunika came into their lives. He had planned to sell her to make money, but at Amaa's pleading, they kept Sunila. All Sunika knows of love has come from Amaa.
The two narrative lines are very different but I was immersed in each tale, wondering how they would intersect. I was especially caught up in Ally's story and wondered how a poor stone carving girl in Nepal was significant.
Seitz handles each narrative line with careful skill. The characters are all fully developed three dimensional beings with flaws. Seitz's stories in other reviews are called 'redemptive.' It seems that at least some of her writing is classified as contemporary Christian fiction. This does not read like any Christian fiction that I've ever read before. I usually try to avoid Christian fiction as I find it too preachy and often unrealistic as the author tries to get across a point. 'Beyond Molasses Creek' does not come across as preachy. Ally is interested in the afterlife. After her father's death, she finds messages from him written on prescription pads ( he was a doctor), and wonders if he's sending them from heaven. This might be described as an unrealistic moment by some, but just after a person passes seems like the best time to get a message from the world beyond. You'll have to read the book to find Seitz's very down to earth explanation about 'postcards from heaven.'
Ally's relationship with her ex-husband, Ronnie is amicable. One could dither about whether that is realistic or not. Sunila's life in Nepal is harsh and she was almost enticed to leave her adopted parents when a man offers her a wealthy marriage, which may have led to a life as a sex slave. The harshness and poverty of Sunila's life is depicted very realistically. So is the taboo of Vesey and Ally's friendship and how difficult life is when people live out the constraints that society places on them. The overall tone of the novel is optimistic. If Seitz allowed Sunila or Ally's story to take a different track, the novel could potentially be darker, less optimistic. There's a lot of darkness in the world. Sometimes I want to be enlightened by the reality of that. Sometimes I don't. I really enjoyed this novel and the quality of hopefulness with which Seitz writes. Sometimes, there is more to life than reality, more to life than the so called truth, some transcendent, spiritual quality, that I feel Seitz captures so well in this novel. I have to say it surprises me to find this kind of depth in an author who writes Christian fiction.
Ally keeps having a dream that is symbolically important in her life. It's about an elephant who is trying to cross a stream and cannot until a white bird comes and sits on him.
"Then I stop when I get to the elephant God Ganesha. He is supposed to be the Remover of Obstacles, the Lord of Beginnings. Looking at him, I think of the elephant dreams I had. Was I dreaming of you, Ganesha? I wonder." Ganesha is a Hindu deity. Seitz's ability to give this deity a place of paramount importance in the novel reinforces my appreciation of her writing. The book may be spiritual, but it is not overbearing in Christian theology.
This book is about family, friends, connections, and transitions. Seitz's descriptive prose is a pleasure to read and brings the South Carolina LowCountry to life. Having traveled across the old Cooper River Bridge that is no longer there and reading about the new Ravenel Bridge makes me want to see it. Maybe I will someday! -
I'm a huge fan of the exotic twist in a novel. I'm intrigued by books about women who do the unexpected/perhaps "wrong" thing in life by other's perceptions, reinvent themselves or survive a crisis and come out of it perhaps less "whole," but more wise and capable of real empathy. I also like a story that hints at travel to interesting places, along with an eventual coming home theme. Nicole Seitz offers all of that and more in "Beyond Molasses Creek." She is no novice to writing, and having come out of the very prestigious UNC Chapel Hill School of Journalism, you can believe that she understands how to convey her deepest thoughts. All of the above, plus amazing characterization makes her book top shelf. Let me state right up front that this is a book you'll be interested in reading; actually, it's a book worth savouring. I could not stop reading "Beyond Molasses Creek" from the Prologue to the end.
One of the most difficult things a Southern girl from a small town could ever face in the 1960's was interracial relationships. While Alley and Vesey shared the common bond of growing up together and finding their deep connection, this could never compensate for the overwhelmingly negative odds they faced in their community of a small town. Religion and "brotherly love" notwithstanding, their desire to be special friends could only bring disaster for them, and the only possible reaction for Alley of being an outcast in Molasses Creek. When a forced separation is imposed on their friendship, what follows is her escaping into travel to foreign countries, her eventual pregnancy out of wedlock, and the kidnapping of her beloved daughter.
It was heartbreaking to read about Alley's stolen daughter, Sunila's, harsh life in Nepal. Ms Seitz's grasp of the isolation of both mother and daughter and the emotional loss they felt was palpable. She provides us a good grasp of who Sunila is, her insecurities, and how she came to discover something more about her past.
Without spending time telling you the story of this book, let me say only that you who love a Southern woman's book will enjoy "Beyond Molasses Creek" very much. It is both a woman's story of love and independence, and a redemptive tale, and it's a story that will give you more than a small glimpse into the caring heart of a parent...especially a heavenly Parent. With roots in a Southern culture that harbors the strongest of human qualities for good and for bad, you will come to experience a universal sense of hope, I think, in relationships both natural and spiritual.
One of the things that spoke most sweetly to me was the symbolism of her father's dying and "calling her home" and his wanting to provide a resting place for her so she could stop "running." This part of the novel is so poignant and so beautifully rendered. And this is only one of the more touching parts of Ms Seitz's references to love, loyalty, forgiveness and redemption in this engaging book.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy an author of intelligence and fine storytelling. And to those who enjoy a woman's story...one with a strong woman character or two who is capable of overcoming adversity and loss to find her way "home." Like I did, you may come to love the waters of Molasses Creek, and you may find a word of inspiration there. -
Nicole Seitz in her new book “Beyond Molasses Creek" published by Thomas Nelson gives us a contemporary story filled with faith and restoration.
From the back cover: Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship-he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.
As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.
A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
Three stories of three different individuals, lives that maybe would have been lived together but never had the chance. "Beyond Molasses Creek" is a drama and, for me, a very sad story. I don't particularly enjoy "what might have been" stories. I find them dreary and depressing. "Beyond Molasses Creek" has great characters that are full but have a lifetime of issues that need to be resolved and it takes God to do it. Ms. Seitz has done a great job in the telling of this story and is to be commended especially for her treatment of racism and prejudice.
Nicole Seitz is celebrating the release of Beyond Molasses Creek with a fabulous "Friendship" Facebook party! She'll be giving away a ton of great stuff (KINDLE TOUCH, some of her own beautiful artwork, a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies of the book for your small group/book club and a Live Skype Chat with Nicole), and more!
CLICK the button (below) to RSVP for the party - then join us on February 16th for a book chat, story sharing and prizes! Hope to see you there!
Button Code:
Save the Date! 2/16!
Nicole Seitz Beyond Molasses Creek
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” -
The dedication in this book reads: To those who long to be free.
This story is told from the individual voices of its three most prominent characters, Ally, Vesey, and Sunila. It begins when Ally and Vesey are children – when white children are not to be friends with black children – so theirs is a secret friendship until they are found out and Vesey pays the penalty in a volatile climate of racism. Later, Ally travelled the world over when her heart’s desire could not be attained, and now at sixty years of age she comes home to South Carolina because her father died.
The tragedies and disappointments that affected Ally’s life led to her searching for peace from “the gods”, even though she was brought up to know the true God of peace. Vesey, who lives across the river – Molasses Creek – suffered poverty and racism, but he knows Jesus Christ as his source of peace. Then there is Sunila, twenty years younger but also searching for freedom and peace in her life of hard labour in India and the racism of caste in that country. Because of an unfortunate event connected with Ally (which in real life probably would not occur – but this is fiction), her life is not what it should have been.
The author has written an intriguing tale. It took me awhile to get into the story because of how it is broken up – into short chapters that jump from one person to another – but once I caught on to this it was easier to keep track. The story gradually picks up momentum, and layer upon layer the questions that are raised are answered.
One thing that bothered me was the hinting about the Lord but the outright repetitiveness about the idols and gods of man-made religions, with not much of a decision made when it was obvious the Lord answered Ally’s heart’s cries. She thanked God but it did not seem to be much more than saying, oh, He IS real. Perhaps the reader is supposed to understand that through all of Ally’s searching God was waiting for her all along.
Another thing that bothered me – and I’m being careful to not write spoilers into this review – is that Ally told a whopper of a lie near the end of the story, which I felt was very dishonouring to her friend who was an honest man. It just seemed shockingly wrong and could only lead to more pain. It simply made no sense to not tell the truth.
If you are looking for a Christian book, Beyond Molasses Creek is not near the top of my list. But if you are looking for a different kind of fiction, this could satisfy that hunger. I will say that I was moved to tears in a few places, so it definitely was not a total letdown. The reader can get pulled into the story, and I found that once past the halfway point I wanted to skip ahead to find out some things because of what was unfolding a little too slowly for my liking. (I resisted and stayed the course, though.)
Nicole Seitz has written an emotionally charged novel that I actually enjoyed, despite the points I mentioned above. I wouldn’t mind reading more of her books. -
Yet another book finished by the book monster in me last night is
BEYOND MOLASSES CREEK by Nicole Seitz...
As always, I was on the look-out for beautiful and inspiring quotes I can take note of in a book... And yes, post them all up in Facebook and Twitter. Thankfully, this book did not disappoint me. And I had not even read beyond the Prologue.
The Lines...
When your passion leaves you, well, it might just be time to move on to something else...
A woman is lucky in life if she finds true love. Twice as lucky if she holds on to it. Three times the luck if she loses it and it comes back to her even stronger than before...
W all have our fears, our own stories. And our reasons to go back to the place that changed us.
Sometimes stepping back in time is the only way for a girl to move forward.
But then again, surprisingly, after the Prologue, I never took note of any other memorable line again. Not because there was no other quote worth writing down, but because I got too absorbed in the story.
The Story...
Beyond Molasses Creek tells the story of three people - Alicia Green, Vesey Washington, and Sunila Kunari and how their lives are somewhat intertwined. Alicia, who also goes by her nickname, Ally, returns to her family home after her father had died. Vesey Washington, her oldest friend who lives across the Molasses Creek, was very much helpful and hospitable to her, helping her adjust to her new life back in her old home, and at the same time helping her get to know her father in ways she had not known before. Ally and Vesey's friendship go a long, long way back. On the other side of the world, within the quarries of Nepal, lives Sunila, whose life goes into a roller coaster ride when she tries to unravel the secrets of a mysterious sketchbook which was destined to change her life forever, and reveal the secrets that also lie within.
My Take On The Plot...
The plot is very simple, it's too hard to resist. I had it all figured out halfway through the book and yet I didn't stop reading, didn't put the book down because in a way I was very much intrigued to find out how the anticipated ending will unfold. I wanted to see for myself how the author will actually end the book in an interesting or different way, if she will.
The Characters...
There was just enough characters to make the story go round. Each one has his/her own personality, clearly depicted in the way they thought, spoke, and even dressed (or at least how the author put it into words). Vesey is my favorite, alongside with Doc Green, Ally's father. Ally was very special for both men, in totally different ways and you feel both kinds of love. The former, as a true friend. The latter, as a father.
The Verdict...
Beyond Molasses Creek is one feel-good novel. It revives one's long-lost belief in happy endings. Perfect for those who crave for a light reading, something to easily transport you to a faraway place and time and help you ease out on a tough day at work or at home. No surprises. No grandiose endings. Just a happy one. ☺ -
Beyond Molasses Creek
By Nicole Seitz
Ally Green has been running from home all her adult life, but her father’s death is bringing her home. At 60 no place feels like home and Ally has no peace in her life. Ally’s childhood friend and the love of her life, Vesey Washington has lived across Molasses Creek his whole life. Vesey Washington is as different as can be from Ally. Ally has lived a life of privilege compared to Vesey. Ally is white; Vesey is colored. Ally went to college; Vesey dropped out of high school. Ally has a failed marriage; Vesey married for love. Ally has no faith; Vesey believes in God and heaven.
As Ally traveled the world she collected sculptures of gods and goddesses and shipped them home. She is determined to create a garden that will bring her peace. For nearly forty years Ally has tried to escape from her pain, a pain that she fights against with a hope. Ally has no hope in a life to come after this one, she has lost her way. But her father’s dying wish is for her to stay along Molasses Creek so that she can rediscover what she lost all those years ago.
Unlike Ally, Vesey has found happiness and peace in his life. Though he has lost his wife and son, Vesey hasn’t succumbed to sadness. He instead looks forward to what lays beyond – to heaven and being reunited with those who have gone before. Vesey is determined to help Ally find what he has and what her father had.
Meanwhile in Kathmandu, Nepal a young woman is determined to escape her life of bondage debt. Sunita has lived her life working with rock; as a child crushing gravel and now as a master craver. Sunita creates gods and creatures from the stone. Raised as a Dalit, Sunita is an untouchable and as a woman considered lower than the lowliest insect. As Sunita travels towards what she feels is her destiny, will she be able to better herself and escape what she has known or will she remain unknown in the world?
Beyond Molasses Creek is the story of three very different people who are all somehow connected to Molasses Creek. Told in a series of flashbacks from the various characters perspectives and merging with the present day Beyond Molasses Creek covers a nearly 50 year time period from the 1950s to the present day.
Beyond Molasses Creek looks at how a single decision can change not only our own life but the lives of those around us. When we make a decision do we think about how it will affect others and what is the motivation behind our choice? Are our reasons selfish or are they selfless? We need to remember that God is always there we just need to stop, look and listen.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 -
Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship—he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she’s stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn’t through with her yet.
As Ally’s wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there’s more to her story than she’s ever been told, and she’s determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.
A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
Have you ever felt like your life is entertwined with someone else's? I know that when I met my hubby I felt like he was the one right that moment. Then when I walked into his house and saw his family picture I immediately knew I knew him. When my younger sister saw it she gasped and said the same. It turns out that we had been to many of the same places over the years, and he had visited my church and talked with my friends.
I was given the chance to read the book Beyond Molasses Creek, here is the synopsis:
Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship--he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.
As Ally's wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there's more to her story than she's ever been told, and she's determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.
A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
Ally Green is searching for peace, which in all her travels she can't find it. As a Christian I have seen many people searching for peace, and in my darkest moments I have always had a peace in my soul. Ally searches for peace until her life falls into place, and she finds the real true God. -
Beyond Molasses Creek is an intriguing novel...from the cover and title to the plot within the pages. I am drawn to books that merge a few stories into one, but sometimes the concept is better than the execution. Beyond Molasses Creek is one of the successes. Nicole Seitz achieves the ideal harmony in this tightly woven novel, which takes the reader from the shores of South Carolina to rock quarries of Nepal. Although this is a quick read, it is memorable and filled with depth and character.
When I first began reading Beyond Molasses Creek, I was surprised to discover that Ally is a 60-year-old. I am used to younger protagonists, but in many ways Ally is still a young woman searching for her place in the world, a quality that makes her relatable. Ally's character emerges gradually with each challenge and insight into her past. Vesey shines as a devoted friend, who is as steady and content as the water of Molasses Creek. He is an example not only to Ally, but to readers as well, of finding peace, purpose, and faith despite loss and disappointment.
Sunila's story, unfolding a world a way, is very moving and thought-provoking. Reading about slavery, child labor, and a strict caste system makes me more grateful for the freedoms that I enjoy. Captivity and social barriers are central themes of Beyond Molasses Creek, and each character confronts them in different ways. Sunila embodies the inspiring qualities of hope and courage. I looked forward to the glimpses into her life and watching her story weave into Ally's. I celebrated with them as their long journeys brought them to their long sought-after destination: peace and happiness.
Beyond Molasses Creek veers more to the side of mainstream fiction than Christian fiction. I was initially surprised at the references to beliefs in multiple gods, enlightenment, and reincarnation. Sunila's non-Christian beliefs are realistic, given that she lived in a stone quarry in Nepal without exposure to the outside world for over 30 years. Ally is a free-spirit, whose beliefs are as diverse as her past. Her Christian journey is just beginning at the end of the novel, as she acknowledges that she has "crossed over" in her beliefs, but still needs to grow. The novel is a journey to freedom, truth, and the promise of a brighter future.
Beyond Molasses Creek introduced me to the work of Nicole Seitz, and I definitely plan to read more of her novels in the future.
Read an Excerpt:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” -
Beyond Molasses Creek is told in the first person, present tense, with changing narrators, and this meant I found it extremely difficult to get into the book. I don’t mind a third-person novel changing between two storylines, but I find two first-person narrators annoying, and I don’t usually like stories told in the present tense. In fact, I stopped reading it twice. But I persevered, and I’m glad I did.
The first narrator is Ally, a 60-year-old woman who has returned home to Molasses Creek following the death of her father. She is helped by her old friend, Vesey Washington, a man of a similar age to her, who was never more than a friend because of his race. Vesey also narrates some passages later in the book. Between them, they tell a story of a friendship going back fifty years.
The other narrator is Sunila, a 37 or 38-year-old woman living in Kathmandu, Nepal. She is an untouchable working as a stone-cutter, and is now going on a journey with a mysterious book to find Mr Monroe, an American diplomat who helped her many years ago. I initially thought Sunila was a man, based on the occupation. The ambiguity surrounding Sunila was probably intended to be mysterious: I found it confusing.
As the story progresses, Ally tells us her history through a series of flashbacks, and we begin to guess how the two plot lines are related. Although the first part of the book was a struggle, it improved steadily and the last third was outstanding – happy, sad, sentimental but without being maudlin.
From a Christian point of view, Vesey had a strong faith but Ally was much more wishy-washy, and even by the end of the book, I didn’t really know where she stood. I think this could have been developed further. Despite these comments, overall, Beyond Molasses Creek was a strong book that proved that I can enjoy a well-written character-driven saga.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and BookSneeze® for providing a free ebook for review.
This review also appears on my blog,
www.christianreads.blogspot.com. -
This book was completely unexpected in what I thought it would be like. I was expecting something like one of the many romance books I've picked up in the review program, not that they are bad, but they are all the same to some extent. Beyond Molasses Creek is more an exploration between relationships between people, and how their culture affects that. I think it's trying to attempt a deeper point.
The romance that is in the story is very unique. It's very rare I read stories where interracial relationships are featured, and I liked how the author chose to show how 60s molded that relationship to the way it was. I've always found that era interesting. The only thing that seemed obvious to me was what appeared to be a reference to The Graduate. Mrs. Robinson, a character in the book uses the same name as the main character in the movie, and they are listening to Simon and Garfunkel, who was a part of the soundtrack.
I felt I was always rushing through the girl in India story though. I wanted to hurry and see what Ally was doing, and how she was handling her current situation with the death of her father, and her remaining feelings for Vessey. Of course all the stories are needed in the book because they build up for a monumental moment. Also, the lead character, Ally, is definitely the character I was asking for after my last complaint about lead Christian character's being too perfect. She has her past like most people do, and she's weaving through those consequences to still live. It's a much more relatable story.
I found myself rushing through this book, and thought it was an enjoyable to read. I may have felt a slight disconnect from the characters, but that didn't affect my feelings of the story. It builds up the pace, and intensity well.
This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for a review.
