Land that I Love by Gail Kittleson
Set in the German Hill Country of Texas during World War II, Land That I Love is a sweeping literary novel of love and loss; friendship and animosity; fathers and sons; and coping during times of war and peace. Yet it is more than a love story. It is about the racism and bigotry that still exist in our world. As author Gail Kittleson’s characters struggle with the problems of everyday life, they teach us that we survive hard times by being good neighbors despite our differences and that hatred can be conquered by love, understanding and forgiveness.
When I first read this backcover copy, I thought, “Wow—a sweeping literary novel . . . I guess my hero’s life does teach readers these things.”
Yes, Everett, the hero, is a good neighbor, especially to one fellow who turns out to be not-so-friendly as time goes on. Yes, Everett refuses to allow his neighbor’s emotions (hatred) taint his perspective. And indeed, he does forgive.
It may seem strange that I don’t plan exactly what my characters’ experiences will teach people. I simply listen to their stories as they evolve . . . and keep writing.
Sometimes when they’re going through especially painful situations, I cry. I’m typing away, the tension mounts, and a great loss occurs. A wave of grief sweeps over my characters . . . and me.
I didn’t plan for this, either. But I do recall the times it has occurred with various characters and assume it’s because they become as real to me as my next-door neighbor. The hours—days—weeks—months we spend together makes this so, for better or for worse.
Lately I’ve been working on a couple of WWII era Christmas stories, not a full-length novel. Maybe that’s because of the energy required to fully enter my character’s lives. Writing five or ten thousand words about them takes far less involvement than writing 100,000.
I do hope Everett and his wee son Donnie, along with a former butler who worked for Everett’s grandfather and became a trusted family friend, capture your hearts, as well!
When Gail’s not steeped in World War II historical research, writing, or editing, you’ll find her reading for fun, gardening, or enjoying her grandchildren in Northern Iowa. She delights in interacting with readers who fall in love with her characters.
Women of the Heartland, Gail’s World War II series, highlights women of The Greatest Generation: In Times Like These, April 2016, With Each New Dawn, February, 2017 (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, and Word Crafts Press, December, 2017.)
These heroines make do with what life hands them and face great odds with integrity. No easy outs or pat answers for their struggles – it’s the thick of World war II. The same can be said of Dottie in In This Together, Gail’s first historical novel (Wild Rose Press/Vintage Line), and of the women in her memoir, Catching Up With Daylight (WhiteFire Publishing.)
Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and ESL before writing women’s historical fiction. From northern Iowa, she facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats, and enjoys the Arizona Ponderosa forest in winter.
