Into the Free by Julie Cantrell
Review by Mirah W. (mwelday)
I typically read fellow reader reviews before starting a new book. Not always to get the synopsis but just to see how people rated the book. I usually look for the 4-5 star range. Lately I’ve found myself in a bit of a book slump. Books others have really enjoyed I found rather lackluster. ..until now. The general reviews for ‘Into the Free’ by Julie Cantrell were glowing so I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did. I think this might be one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
Picture it (sorry to get all Sophia from The Golden Girls on you, but it works here): Rural Depression-era Mississippi. An abusive and absent rodeo father, a troubled mother destined to stay with her abuser, and a young girl being lured into the mystery of traveling gypsies in an effort to escape the tragedy of her life.
There are some wonderful characters in this book. Young Millie is our heroine and she is a fighter. She may not always see herself that way, but she is. River is a traveler who gives Millie hope. Bump is the rodeo boy with a heart of gold. And there are some characters who made me want to rip pages out of the book (mainly Millie’s grandparents), but I think sometimes they’re the ones who really make me love the ‘nice’ characters even more.
For me, this book embodied what I loved most about ‘The Help’ and ‘The Secret Life of Bees’. The coming-of-age tale as old as time, yet told a little bit differently. Cantrell offers the reader a glimpse into times gone by and a chance to see ‘real’ life with all of its ugliness and beauty.
If you’re like me and looking for a book to restore some hope and faith after a series of blah reads, give ‘Into the Free’ a chance.
I was going to pass on this one…….but your wonderful review changed my mind, thanks!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the review
Anna S….that’s some serious pressure! lol I hope you end up enjoying the book. 🙂