The Painted Table by Suzanne Field, ©2013

This story follows four generations in America ~ the first being the eldest son of Anders and Maria Kirkeborg, the recipient of a Norwegian father's crafting. As heir, the family table now belongs to emigrated son, Knute, in America. The Painted Table, not only being actual but symbolizing covered layers, extended into the hearts of each family member. The original table-gifted family, Knute and Clara Kirkeborg, lived on the harsh prairie. A farming family, the father was distraught that out of nine children only two are boys to further help him in the fields. As the story opens, there is a prairie fire that almost consumes them. The children flee to protection under the sturdy kitchen table. One of the daughters, Joann, has long sought refuge under this table from a young child, seeking its shelter at night and a place of comfort by day. So commonplace, she is forgotten and hears conversations and observes what was meant to be hidden.

As the young wife of Nels Kvaale, Joann becomes the recipient of the Norway table. It brings back the horrors of the fire and voices replaying in her mind bringing her torment. As she seeps deeper into sinking darkness, mental illness overtakes her.

A third generation daughter, Sapphire Eve (Saffee), tells of their family life during her childhood and leaving home as a young adult in college. As newlyweds, Saffee and her husband are told they can choose from furnishings left in the house her parents are selling. Her new husband chooses a couple lamps, and the painted table.

The story begins in 1858 to 1976. Very well written, Suzanne Field has categorized the events in chapters of their lives. One thing that stood out to me was fathers feeling their support in supplying the family's basic needs was enough. Taking an active roll in the family could have opened the door to conversation, acceptance and inclusion of each one in the family. Unaware of emotional support, neglect and isolation caused silence, walls, and guardedness in lives. I especially like how the remnants of the second and third generation are turned for the fourth, where the story concludes, and begins anew.

~*~

Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor. Find out more about Suzanne at facebook.com/SuzanneFieldThe Painted Table.

***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for sending me a copy of Suzanne Field's The Painted Table to review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Win a hand-painted table from Suzanne Field in “The Painted Table” giveaway!

Suzanne Field is celebrating her novel, The Painted Table, with a beautiful hand-painted table giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A beautiful hand-painted table (see it here: http://etsy.me/15L90cD)
• The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 18th. Winner will be announced January 20th on Thomas Nelson's Facebook Page.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by check the TNZ Facebook Page on the 20th to see if you won.