The West Window

by John S. Hall

Book Overview

The West Window tells a heartwarming story of survival, change, and friendship. The lives of a sixty year old farmer, Harold, and a nineteen year old orphan, Shirley, come together in a struggle to find compatibility on a Vermont hill farm. Shirley is eager to move forward with the onrush of new agricultural technology, and Harold is determined to fight change. Shirley is haunted by her violent past involving a kid now grown into a maniacal...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595385028
• ISBN13: 9780595385027
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 444 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

I will read it again!

I very rarely read a book a second time, but this one I will. I can't remember the last time I have been so touched by a book. It's accuracy and authenticity are incredible. Unlike some other reviewers, I don't know the author, but I sure wish I did!

Dynamic Characters, Harold and Shirley Come Together to Save the Farm

The West Window has a dynamic story line that reminds us of the uneasy truth that family farms are steadily becoming extinct in New England. Set in 1948 when farms were more prolific, aging Harold, is set in his old ways of running a farm. Lonely and ailing, he hires a smart young mother, Shirley, to give him a hand with the cooking and chores. Harold soon finds out that Shirley can run the farm more efficiently than he ever did. An endearing and unforgettable character, Harold makes us laugh and cry. Yet Shirley's spunk and level-headedness to use technology for the survival of the farm, in the face of criticism and gossip, remind us to adapt and not give up on the things that matter most. Hall's skillful characterization is matched by his incredible detailing of farm life, woven throughout the story. You'll feel as though you have always known Harold, Shirley and all the other characters that fill their lives. So, if you can't get to Vermont, you can visit by reading The West Window.

The West Window

My sister recommended this book to me,said it was a real page turner, and as I am currently a dairy farmer , that I would really enjoy this book, and was she ever right. Dairy farming has come a long was since the 40's, and so has Vermont. I knew the author as an extension agent for 4-H when I was a kid, and into 4-H Dairying. Thank you for a great read, and am looking forward to the next book.

COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN

ONCE I STARTED THIS BOOK I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I HOPE MR.HALL WRITES A SEQUEL OR TRIOLOGY.I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CHARATERS.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.JOHN HALL IS A TERRIFIC PERSON,MY HUSBAND USED TO SHOW REGISTER HOLSTIENS WITH HIM. SUE CAMP

Michigan Farmer

The West Window took me back 60+ years in mid-Michigan to my family's 80 acre farm. We even had a sugar bush across the road! John captures the essence of growing up rural and working hard.