Cruel Harvest

Cruel Harvest is the moving autobiography of Fran Elizabeth Grubb, a child of migrant workers. She not only tells her compelling story of constant moving and working in the fields but also of an unbelievable life of extreme neglect at the hands of  her alcoholic father. The book is written in both the far and near past, intertwining the days of her childhood with her reunions with family members as an adult woman.

Fran had very few 'normal' moments in her childhood. She rarely attended school, spent many nights sleeping in a car or maybe a blanket in the corner of a shack and also witnessed the abuse of those whom she loved and cherished (her mother and sisters) in addition to her own physical, verbal and sexual abuse by her father. Her one short period of normalcy was in a children's home where she had clean clothing, hot meals and attended school - unfortunately that didn't last long for Fran.

I am utterly amazed that Fran despite all the tragedy in her life, instead of being bitter and cynical, is a loving Christian woman who through the grace of God has forgiven those who hurt her. It's not often that you find someone who persevered through a life of tragedy and despair.

Cruel Harvest was a page turner; I had to keep reading to know what happened next to Fran. I read while walking on the treadmill and actually walked longer than usual this morning because I was so caught up in her life story. 


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