Earth and High Heaven

I feel like I have read this one before. Star-crossed lovers whose families do not approve. Will they lose their families or each other? Not just Romeo and Juliet, but a lot of other characters. I think it is such a relevant story because it represents generational differences as well as family dynamics. It is about a new generation rebelling against the prejudices and customs of the former. In this novel times are changing but, as one of the character's father points out, "it isn't just a question of conventions; it's five thousand years which have made you and he hopelessly different." (301)

What I did like about these characters is that they were not overly dramatic. There were no hysterics or love letters sent surreptitiously through the wall. They were very true to the social customs that dictated their respective class in the 1930s and 1940s. Unfortunately, without a little bit more conflict, this book was boring in some parts. I found I picked it up to start it, put it down, and read two other books in between. The story seemed to follow a formula that is over-done. In addition, the conversations about the war and the class divisions got a bit lengthy and it was difficult to stay interested in that.

Graham explored the class distinction in Canada, politics of the family, relationships between family members and French-English tension about involvement of the war.

What saved this book from being completely predictable is the ending.