BETTY R. WALL
BETTY R. WALL

ALL THAT THIS HOUSE HAS TO OFFER

A Story Collection by Betty R. Wall

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Written by the daughter of Russian Mennonite immigrants, this collection of heritage stories takes the reader from a small war-torn village in eastern Ukraine in 1943 to a hamlet in Austria and finally to the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is here that Jacob and Katie settle and create a new life for their family, upholding the traditions of their Mennonite heritage while embracing the new. A return trip to St. Peter am Kammersberg in Austria with adult children in 1974 creates further insight into the past and a juxtaposition to the present.

Through vignettes of farm life and travel, the generations of women in the family share their stories, highlighting the struggles between old and new perspectives and spiritual and secular values. Two captivating stories,"Safe Haven" and "The Green Jacket," explore the challenges faced in navigating the complexities of heritage andidentity.

At times both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, “All That This House Has To Offer” pays tribute to the enduring power of home and family. With humour and insight, this book captures the essence of one Mennonite immigrant experience and the resilience of those who build new lives in foreign lands while still cherishing the traditions of their past.

Publication Date : October 3, 2023  
Publisher : Atmosphere Press
List Price : $33.99 CAN Hardcover / $22.99 CAN Paperback 
ISBN : 9781639889877 Paperback / 9798891320062 Hardcover
Language : English 
Page Count : 128

 

 
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"Like sharing a home-cooked meal with a close friend...a deeply personal collection of essays that is filled with joy and heartbreak... The essays feel alive; the smells of freshly prepared meals and hot drinks spill out of the page. Church hymnals can be heard at the turn of a page. This book will encourage its readers to ask about their family history and remind them that they have their own important and sacred memories to share."

-Independent Book Review 

"Wall elegantly crafts a tapestry of tales that delve into the nuances of family, heritage, and the beauty of simpler times... [her] narrative brilliance is evident as she masterfully navigates timeless themes of kinship, legacy, and life’s inherent pleasures. This collection comes with the highest recommendation."

Read the LT author interview here

-Literary Titan