Round Anvil Rock A Romance   By: Nancy Huston Banks

Round Anvil Rock A Romance by Nancy Huston Banks is a compelling novel that takes readers on a poignant journey of love, loss, and personal growth. The story is set in the picturesque backdrop of Round Anvil Rock, a small town nestled in the mountains.

The book introduces us to the resilient and courageous protagonist, Clara, who is forced to confront her painful past when she returns to her childhood home after the death of her estranged mother. As Clara begins to unravel the secrets and traumas of her upbringing, she discovers an unexpected connection to her roots and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Banks paints a vivid and atmospheric portrait of Round Anvil Rock, making the place come alive with its rich descriptions. The quaint town, with its tight-knit community and breathtaking landscapes, serves as a fitting backdrop for Clara's emotional journey. The author's attention to detail and evocative prose transports readers to this world, making it easy to lose oneself in the story.

One of the major strengths of the book is the multi-dimensional characters Banks creates. From Clara's complex inner struggles to the compelling supporting cast, each character feels authentic and relatable. The author skillfully explores their flaws, fears, and dreams, allowing readers to connect with them on a deep level. It is impossible not to root for Clara as she navigates the challenges that come her way and seeks the truth about her past.

Furthermore, the romance that blooms between Clara and the enigmatic local artist, Caleb, adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. Their relationship is beautifully crafted, developing slowly and realistically amidst the backdrop of Clara's personal journey. It is a tale of love and healing that is both tender and heart-wrenching.

However, while the pacing of the book is generally steady, there are moments when the story feels slightly dragged out. Some passages could have been trimmed without compromising the impact of the overall narrative. Despite this minor flaw, Banks manages to maintain a strong narrative thread, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged until the end.

Round Anvil Rock A Romance is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the search for identity. Nancy Huston Banks artfully weaves together a moving story that will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page. It is a testament to the power of personal growth and the healing nature of love.

First Page:

In weaving a romance round a real rock and through actual events, this tale has taken no great liberty with fact. It has, indeed, claimed the freedom of fiction only in drawing certain localities and incidents somewhat closer together than they were in reality. And it has done this notably in but three instances: by allowing the Wilderness Road to seem nearer the Ohio River than it really was; by anticipating the establishment of the Sisters of Charity; and by disregarding the tradition that Philip Alston had gone from the region of Cedar House before the time of the story, and that he died elsewhere. These deviations are all rather slight, yet they are, nevertheless, essential to any faithful description of the country, the time, and the people, which this tale tries to describe. The Wilderness Road everywhere came so close to the life of the whole country that no true story of the time can ever be told apart from it. The Sisters of Charity were established so early and did so much in the making of Kentucky, that a few months earlier in coming to one locality or a few years later in reaching another, cannot make their noble work any less vitally a part of every tale of the wilderness... Continue reading book >>