All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner: A Review

Susie Finkbeiner’s All Manner of Things was a 2020 Christy Award winner and Michigan Notable Book finalist.

Maybe it’s because, like Finkbeiner, I’m from Michigan, that I found myself immediately captivated by her writing.

This work of fiction takes place in 1967-68, and involves the Jacobson family, living in the small town of Fort Colson. This is a time of great social upheaval and a good bit of Funkbeiner’s story focuses on the Vietnam War. In particular, Mike Jacobson’s decision to enlist.

There’s also the complicated relationship between Annie’s Mom (Gloria) and Annie’s Father (Frank) who walks out on the family when Annie was young, leaving behind Mike, Annie and their younger brother, Joel.

The story is told from the perspective of Annie, who is working in a small diner, as she’s trying to figure out what to do with her life now that high school is behind her.

It’s easy to see why Finkbeiner’s book earned its awards. Each of the characters are drawn with depth. No one in the storyline is inconsequential.

From a personal point of view, it was particularly pleasing to read a work of fiction that takes place in Michigan. Finkbeiner’s book captures the unique atmosphere of the Great Lake State. Small town. Diner. Sunsets. Campgrounds. Loons calling on a lake. All of it comes together beautifully.

Photo Credit: Bree Rose Photos

[Full disclosure: In the past six years, I haven’t read a lot of fiction. Truth be told, before that, I read a ton of it, but switched in an effort to keep up with issues of faith and social justice. So, reading All Manner of Things was like a drink of cool water on a very hot and dry day. Finkbeiner’s writing was a salve to a world-weary soul!]

The Christy Award was established in 1999 “to acknowledge the value and impact of the novel of faith in contemporary culture.” It’s easy to see why All Manner of Things won this prestigious award as Finkbeiner weaves a strong moral narrative into the telling of her story. In fact, it’s what anchors the Jacobson family through some extremely difficult times. What’s refreshing and reassuring is that Finkbeiner’s storytelling is gentle, full of compassion and grace.

Finkbeiner has also won a Christian Booksellers Association award for A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Great Depression.

For more on Susie Finkbeiner, click here.