Title: The Shingle Weaver’s Picnic
Author: Patti C. Smith
Publisher: Patti C. Smith
ISBN: 978-1964097459
Pages: 240
Genre: Historical Fiction / Coming-of-Age / Mystery
Reviewer: Gabriella Harrison
Hollywood Book Reviews
After the loss of her mother, a woman revisits buried memories of blissful and horrifying events that occurred during her childhood amid the Second World War in a small Washington town. These events shaped the rest of her life, and their retelling forms an immersive frame narrative for author Patti C. Smith’s historical fiction novel The Shingle Weaver’s Picnic.
With a baby on the way, Cricket’s mother can’t join her for their annual visit to her grandparents, paving the way for a solo journey that begins a summer full of adventures she’ll never forget. Banding with neighborhood friends, seven-year-old Cricket explores the peaceful town of Everett until a shocking event that forever shatters this peace and causes parents to hold their children close while keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding labyrinth of surprises.
Narrated by a compelling omniscient narrator, the story is immersive, transporting readers to this small community and the resultant uncertainties of the war through statements such as: “They seemed to be holding their breath as they all watched the green car with the military insignia on the side drive slowly through town past the once-cheerful shoppers…there were so many families with young men serving in the military that the sight of that car sent a collective shiver through the crowd like an arctic freeze in the middle of summer.”
Smith stokes the suspense from the beginning with ominous statements, such as “at least for that night,” and allusions to sinister events, which unfold later in the book. Cricket, the protagonist, captures attention with her lovable personality and resilience. While afraid of traveling alone for the first time, she tries to reassure her mother she will be fine, doing all she can to reduce her burden as they just lost her father to the war in the Pearl Harbor bombing. Acts like this show her maturity and compassion, as she is always looking to help and understand those around her and unfolding events; even when they are hidden to protect her innocence. As an avid reader and a curious child, adventure is never far, and her growth is evident in the change in the tone of her prayers and introspection.
Easy-flowing dialogue, such as between Cricket and her mom about the sensibility of wearing a shirt in the water to avoid sunburn even though it would look “dumb,” adds to the book’s authenticity, already strengthened by the sprinkling of historical details about the war, such as the Bataan Death March, Germany’s attempt to conquer Britain by air by dropping bombs nightly, and the rationing of food.
From the first chapter, I knew I would enjoy this book, and I did. Smith’s storytelling is absorbing, and her characters are vividly portrayed and emotionally resonant – there’s even the know-it-all friend who puts up with the antics of the group and watchful Sheriff Davis, who keeps everyone on their toes. However, descriptions of abuse are graphic, so sensitive readers should beware.
Patti C. Smith’s The Shingle Weaver’s Picnic is an engrossing story highlighting the irreversible impact of crime in a peaceful small town against the backdrop of the Second World War. This book will appeal not only to fans of historical fiction but also to anyone interested in stories about resilience and self-discovery during challenging times.