The Matchstick Boy by Rowena Kinread is a sweeping historical novel that follows the lives of one family across four generations. Kinread's novel is set in the fictional village of Weissbrügg in the beautiful Swiss Alps.
Kinread depicts the impossible situation that those in poverty faced. There is always a small flame of hope that they can pull themselves and their children out of poverty but realistically, with things the way they were, that was never going to be possible. It was utterly heartbreaking when young Jakob, who had been encouraged by his family all his life to save so he could become an apprentice, realised that he would never have enough money to pay for the apprenticeship and thus, never be more than what his father was.
The Matchstick Boy by Rowena Kinread is a novel of haunting beauty that will keep you engrossed until the early hours. Excerpts from Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Matchstick Boy by Rowena Kinread is a beautifully written, well researched, informative and inspirational story and a great read. With superb sensitivity, the author explores the changing facets of human relationships and behaviours in families, business, the local community and the wider society of nineteenth century Switzerland. Against this background the book invokes a strong emotional response to the plight of Jacob, the central character, and his family as the riveting plot leads us through many exciting twists and turns to an unexpected, gripping and salutary ending. Maggie.
The Matchstick Boy presents a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, blending elements of tragedy, betrayal, and the quest for justice. Erik Heg Goodreads.
The Matchstick boy by Rowena Kinread is a gripping tale set in a Swiss valley in the mid nineteenth century following the life of Jakob a simple farmer who is determined to gain justice for his deaf daughter after she was raped and made pregnant by a matchstick factory owner Ramun who he also suspects of causing a rock slide which killed his brother
thirty years earlier. His fight for justice against all the odds is riveting to read in this novel which is hard to put down. In his quest to find witnesses against Ramun in this tight knit community Jakob uncovers many secrets.
The research that must have gone into this book is quite incredible. The many complex characters and interactions between them from this era draws the reader into their lives. Jakob's love for his daughter and determination to find justice for her makes for a powerful read! Hazel Marsden Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling and emotionally charged novel FSTLI
Philip Tyler
5.0 out of 5 stars You will not put this book down once you have started it.
Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and emotional read
Lara
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating story. Highly recommend