'HOMESTEAD' by Rosina Lippi is a captivating account of life in an Austrian village spanning from 1909 to 1977, narrated through the perspectives of various women who are constrained by the societal norms of a close-knit yet supportive community. The intertwined stories of these women offer a complex yet continuous narrative that delves into the challenges and intricacies of their lives, set against the backdrop of a changing world. The book provides insights into the evolution of the village over time, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants as they navigate through love, loss, family, and societal expectations.

The storytelling in 'HOMESTEAD' is praised for its ability to transport readers to the isolated Austrian village, immersing them in the lives of the characters and the unique culture of the community. Through a series of interconnected short stories, the author skillfully weaves together the experiences of different women, shedding light on universal themes such as love, resilience, tradition, and the passage of time. Readers appreciate the depth of the narratives, the rich historical context, and the way in which each chapter builds upon the previous ones, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that culminates in a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of human experiences.

Characters:

The characters are resilient women whose lives are interwoven, providing diverse perspectives on community and challenges faced over decades.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by gentle compassion and rich cultural details, blending dialect with a thoughtful, unfolding narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the lives of women in a rural Austrian village, exploring their intertwined stories across generations, punctuated by historical events and a central mysterious postcard.

Setting:

The setting is an isolated Austrian village, reflecting traditional rural life and evolving through significant historical changes over several decades.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and reflective, with short, interconnected chapters promoting deep character exploration while challenging readers to keep track of relationships.

Notes:

The story takes place in the fictional village of Rosenau in the Austrian Alps.

It spans from 1909 to 1977, covering various historical events including two World Wars.

The narrative is told through the perspectives of different women, highlighting their intertwined lives.

There are 12 short chapters, each focusing on a different woman related to three local clans.

Clan charts are provided to help readers keep track of family relationships.

The author, Rosina Lippi, spent several years in Austria, deeply influencing her writing.

Themes include love, loss, deception, and the struggle of women in traditional roles.

The book is noted for its rich details of village life and unique Austrian customs.

It was shortlisted for the Orange Prize in 2001 and won the PEN Hemingway Award.

Although the relationships can be complex, the story flows well with continuity through the chapters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings related to gender inequality and the hardships faced by women.

From The Publisher:

Each life has its place, and every variation ripples the surface of the tiny alpine village called Rosenau. Be it a mysteriously misaddressed love letter or a girl's careless delivery of two helpless relatives into Nazi hands, the town's balance is ever tested, and ever tender. Here is a novel spanning eighty years - years that bring factories and wars, store-bought cheese and city-trained teachers - weaving the fates of the wives, mothers, and daughters in this remote corner of Austria. To quote Rosellen Brown, "the women in this haunting book are deeply and uniquely of their place, yet they speak (often wordlessly) of women's longings and satisfactions everywhere."

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Homestead

Rosina Lippi