Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo

 

"Life, and Death, and Giants" weaves an extraordinary tale that will tug at your heart strings and make you fall in love with the characters.  This captivating novel follows the remarkable life of Gabriel Fisher, an Amish child born at a staggering eighteen pounds and twenty-seven inches, whose extraordinary physical abilities and connection with animals mark him as something beyond ordinary.

Multiple narrators are used to tell Gabriel's story, each offering a unique perspective. Doc Kennedy, the veterinarian who delivers Gabriel, becomes an unexpected mentor and bridge between worlds. Hannah Fisher, Gabriel's grandmother, provides emotional depth through her struggles with faith and loss. Billy Walton and Trey Beathard round out the perspectives, offering insights into how Gabriel's existence affects both Amish and English communities.

What I loved about this novel was the blend of  fantastical elements of Gabriel's life with genuine human emotion. I also enjoyed learning more about the Amish and the impact the Amish culture had on each of the characters. This book did make me cry and not just a little.  There were also some difficult topics in this book.  Overall though, it left me with  a sense of how strong people can be and can really come together in times of need.  A very remarkable book that anyone will enjoy.