Helen and Her Brothers by James W. White

Copyright 2023, Rochak Publishing

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ ROCHAK PUBLISHING (January 2, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 74 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9395131071
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9395131070
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.84 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.19 x 8.5 inches

• Best Sellers Rank: #1,605,457 in Books

Reviewed by LB Sedlacek

Set in the south in the 30’s, the story begins with Helen returning from her Grandfather’s funeral.  She and her Mom eventually commiserate that her brothers have gone off to California, but they haven’t heard from them in many days so they’re worried.  Helen begins to form a plan to seek what she wants to accomplish as she believes her brothers are.

The tone belies the setting.  White effortlessly portrays his characters as if you are attending your own family reunion with close relatives, ones who aren’t so close, and ones who you haven’t heard from in years. 

Helen isn’t about to let life pass her by.  These chapters are like sitting down to have a conversation with an old friend.  You will be quite comfortable in their skins and want to know how things are going to turn out which is the best kind of book to read.

From Chapter 5:  “The dancers enveloped them into a swirling throng of movement
and merriment. Helen gently placed one hand on Bridge’s shoulder and Bridge lightly held her waist. “We better get movin’,” he said. “Just follow me. The worst that can happen is we fall down and get laughed at.” He stared into Helen’s eyes and whispered, “right foot back then sideways then forward then sideways again. Don’t look down. Just feel the music. That’s right. You got it. Now, again.””

White writes with enthusiasm.  Emotions run deep and he expertly conveys what the characters are feeling and experiencing with each line. 

There is also an energy to his prose.  You will want to get acquainted with Helen and her brothers and her roommate Jessie Mae and her Mama and most of the rest of them as some characters are more likeable than others. 

Helen is living her life to “grab that golden ring” even going so far as to try doing it by heading out from Texas to California where her brothers are.  This book stands out in its trueness and its sense of adventure.

White invites you back in time to feel this sense of place and to become a part of it.  He blends each moment perfectly together. 

The prose is engaging and sophisticated.  It all feels very real.  Everything moves in a natural rhythm.

White’s book steps back in time to a simpler but fulfilling world.  You’ll be rooting for Helen to find her way. 

This is a stylish read.  White has created an intentional and compelling story.

~LB Sedlacek is the author of “The Blue Eyed Side,” “Night Swim,” “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” “Ghost Policy,” “Words and Bones,” “Swim,” “Four Thieves of Vinegar & Other Short Stories,” and “The Jackalope Committee & Other Short Stories.”