Title: Bread and Joy: The Paths of Plentitude
Author: Marcus H.N. Rossi
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-63871-791-1
Pages: 330
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Suzanne Gattis
Pacific Book Review
Have you ever in your life met someone who has had such a profound impact on you that you became an entirely different person? There is one such relationship in Marcus Rossi’s Bread and Joy: The Paths of Plentitude. Written in the time of World War II, it is a book of learning and forgiveness, challenges and triumphs, hatred and love, doubts and faith.
We begin with a picture of our main character, Frank, in a bar drinking himself into oblivion. This is one of the vices of a young man which has lost his way – yet again. An accident on his way home though is the start to a miraculous change. As he recovers, we delve into his past and really begin to understand the character.
Much like us, there are times when Frank has lost his way, starting in his teenage years. But someone was there on his behalf to intervene and turn his life around. Frank forgot some of those lessons along the way. This story, however, is one of redemption since Frank is given many chances and overcomes most of his doubts and struggles.
Bread and Joy is a story not only of redemption but of love. Frank has had people he loved throughout the story which have approached him with understand and accepted him as he is while he tries to become a better person. This is a story of knowledge; seeking it and putting it to use. The wisdom imparted by both his grandfather Benedict and his love Elizabeth helped him achieve his goals.
There is great character development in this story, as you can envision the characters and truly understand the way they feel. The author does not rush the plot and gives readers ample time to connect with all the characters. The book is also grammatically professionally written. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and would recommend the book to others. As Frank goes on his journey, we are given a lot of great advice we could incorporate into our own. Bread and Joy: The Paths of Plentitude is a wonderful novel that fans of historical fiction will delight in.
