I can see why this book was titled The Truth According to Us. From the Romeyn Family the secrets and stories they told were according to them. It was believed to be their truth. You tell enough, you start to believe it.
The fixed history in this book about a small town in the Depression period was very interesting. How this one family was mainly the center of whatever was brought about. Romeyn Family owned a sock factory. Employed half the town. And class and privilege how it looked from this small town America.
The sock company never moved down to the next generation. Felix one of the sons didn't want to go into the business. But was always looking for that next quick buck. And from the start Felix and his best friend got in trouble.
Jottie, Felix's sister never forgave Felix. Her true love no longer . But she never knew how and why til the end when everything came out.
A terrible period of time to live in. Felix was thought to be a bootlegger. He kept odd hours. He would come and go anytime. Even days and nights. As small towns go Jottie and her 2 sisters helped raise Felix's 2 kids, Willie and Bird. With the help of their brother Emmitt.
Willie wanting so much to have her father around. Needed that connection with him.
All stories and secrets would not come to life if it weren't for Layla. Layla was sent to Macedonia to write a guide book. She was from a privilege family. She didn't know at the time she wanted a normal life. As she dug up information she was also unveiling about the Romeyn Family. And because she made a mistake with Felix that made her wise up. Things became clearer for everyone.
Except for Willie. I felt for her wanting her father. Jottie coming to decisions about her lost love and Sol who loved her. The actions of Layla and Felix did some damage to Willie. Confronted things came to a head. Felix did though pay more attention to Bird and Willie.
Felix still came and went when he wanted. But Willie knew he still will be back to see her and Bird.
Jottie still took care of Willie and Bird. And tried to make peace of what she learned. As for Layla she follows her own path. Maybe Emmitt was there?
I did like the story. But it was so so long for me. It repeated and stretched for me. Especially a pet peeve of mine calling each other honey. How much can read the same thing.
I do agree though with a review about the author. Maybe I feel this way because the author has no co author here. She was a co author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (which I enjoyed even though it was through letters. It was to the point)
I really wish I could give this book a 5. But it just was too long for me.
I give The Truth According to Us 4______>
