The Fence My Father Built

by Linda S. Clare

In The Fence My Father Built, when legally separated Muri Pond, a librarian, hauls her kids, teenage Nova and eleven year-old Truman, out to the tiny town of Murkee, Oregon, where her father, Joe Pond lived and died, she’s confronted by a neighbor’s harassment over water rights and Joe’s legacy: a fence made from old oven doors.

 

The fence and accompanying house trailer horrify rebellious Nova, who runs away to the drug-infested streets of Seattle. Muri searches for her daughter and for something to believe in, all the while trying to save her inheritance from the conniving neighbor who calls her dad Chief Joseph. Along with Joe’s sister, Aunt Lutie, and the Red Rock Tabernacle Ladies, Muri must rediscover the faith her alcoholic dad never abandoned in order to reclaim her own spiritual path.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Drama, Ebooks

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of stories out there to be told, and there are a lot of storytellers for that matter. There are some stories I like, some a lot. There are some stories I don’t care for as much. And then, sometimes there is a story that reaches me on a deeper, more personal level. The Fence My Father Built is one of those stories.
There was a lot about this book that I was able to relate to. I grew up with an alcoholic father, who now has liver disease (I should note that he has been clean for several years and the liver disease is actually caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam). Muri spent most of her life not knowing her dad or her Heavenly Father. After her dad dies, she returns to his home to find the special gift of her father’s legacy.
The Fence My Father Built is written with such tenderness that touched me deeply. The fence built from old oven doors was the beacon that led Muri to find her home and to find what she had been missing all her life. I loved the journal entries that Joseph wrote to his daughter. The faith he shared with her despite his pain was so moving. It was as if he knew Muri would need to hear those words. This book has given me a new appreciation for my earthly father, who is very special to me, and to my Heavenly Father, who I have only come to know in the last few years.
Whether you can relate to this book the same way I did or not, it is still an excellent book with delightful characters and realistic family dynamics. The Native American history was very interesting as well. This book will appeal to many different types of readers because it has a little bit of everything. This is not a book to just be read though. It is a book to be absorbed and savored.

[Linda Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for a unique Christian novel featuring Native Americans and Native cultural issues! I love that this isn't the typical pioneer woman type romance (though I do like those too when well-written.) I love that this book pushes the boundaries of what we would normally expect to see in a Christian novel - and it even includes creative and weird yard art - the fence Muri's father built was made out of old oven doors. I love this kind of urban recycling outdoor creativity.

Muri (Muriel) is a librarian who is getting a divorce. She takes her two children (one is a rebellious teenager) and travels from Portland to Murkee, Oregon where she needs to help settle her father's affairs. He recently passed away from alcoholism. He was a Nez Perce Native American (an Idaho tribe) but he bought property in rural Oregon near Murkee, close to the Warm Springs Reservation.

I've been there! Sort of. The town of Murkee doesn't exist so far as I can tell, from Google Maps - but there's a town in Oregon named Durkee over 200 miles to the east. That is not the location for this novel. This novel is set near the Warm Springs Reservation. I spent the night near there at a campground alongside the Deschutes River, back in 2019 when I first started vandwelling. It is a beautiful and remote unforested place, worth visiting. I remember it being very peaceful.

Anyhow, back to the novel. Muri's father left her a priceless treasure - a journal in which he wrote entries directly addressed to her. What is especially remarkable about this is that they were separated from the time she was a preschooler, and she didn't know him, but learned about him from his journal. Some of the chapters are his journal entries.

There's a villainous neighbor who hated her father and therefore he hates her as well, but there's also a nice neighbor, the town's veterinarian, who is friendly, and most of the townspeople are friendly as well. There is a lot of conflict in this book, from different sources. It definitely is interesting. Muri has a lot of problems to solve and people to relate to.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves Christian literature, who wants to know more about Native American culture in relation to Christianity, and who might want to know something about life in rural Oregon.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first time I saw the cover of this novel, I was intrigued by the oven-door fence and knew it had to be a unique story. Linda Clare weaves several plot elements into a cohesive and engaging whole. The story begins as young mother Muri Pond sets off on a new life in the aftermath of her pending divorce. The father she never knew has recently died, leaving Muri his property in the remote Central Oregon high desert (I didn't even know Oregon had high-desert country!). There, she starts to learn about her Nez Perce heritage and finds herself confronting a greedy land owner she suspects of plundering Native American burial sites. Occasional glimpses into her father's life in the form of journal entries provide clues to the mystery while bringing Muri closer both to her father and to the God she has resisted for so long. The stormy relationship between Muri and her teenage daughter will touch the heart of any mother who has ever lost sleep over a rebellious child. The subtle love story between Muri and the local veterinarian makes you hope for a happy outcome. All in all, a well-written novel that held my attention to the very end.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Clare pens a heart warming and sensitive story about a woman, Muri Pond, whose whole world has been turned upside down with her pending divorce. An Aunt she hardly knows seeks her out for help; help in keeping the property that belonged to her father—the father she never remembered meeting. She had hopes of meeting him someday but learns from her Aunt, her father is dead.

Muri brings her two teenage children to stay with her Aunt while she tries to understand the lawsuit against her father’s property for water rights. When they get to the Central Oregon high desert property; they soon discover that her Aunt lives in a trailer in the middle of nowhere, Muri wonders if she's done the right thing. There's no Super Wal-Mart, or any other modern convenience near by. Reality hits. What has she done?

Life, as Muri and her children have known it, is over. Fighting this legal battle might take longer than Muri thinks. Her oldest child, Nova, gives her mother a really bad time (the way only teenagers can) about taking them away from her friends and the world they left behind. Nova couldn't get out of this desert trap fast enough.

Muri discovers things about herself, her father and the beautiful nature around her that are surprising. In the author notes Linda reveals she’s had a similar journey in life where she was seeking to learn about her father and her Native American roots. I really enjoyed how Linda told this story though the eyes of Muri with all her struggles, feelings and wonder. I received a review copy of this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The teaser on the back cover of The Fence My Father Built reads, “This is the story of finding your way home—even when home is a trailer in the middle of nowhere.”
And what a story this is. Muri Pond’s parents divorced when she was a small child, and she has spent her life dreaming about reuniting with her father. When she decides to take the journey to eastern Oregon to find him, she takes her less-than-eager children with her. Her fifteen-year-old daughter would be a handful for two parents, but Muri is newly single and barely able to cope with the girl’s rebellion.
When they reach her father’s property, her aunt and uncle welcome her with open arms—to a rattle-trap single wide trailer set in the middle of the arid eastern Oregon landscape. Muri quickly learns that a wealthy neighbor will do almost anything to buy Muri’s father’s land. The question is, why would he want it?
Solving this mystery, learning about the father she barely remembers, and coping with her children is made somewhat bearable for Muri when she meets the veterinarian who lives nearby. But he, too, is being pressured by the same wealthy man who is making the Pond family’s life difficult.
In The Fence My Father Built, Clare has crafted a story that moves along without a hitch. If you enjoy family drama sparked with suspense, you’ll love this book.

[Linda S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My debut novel is the story of finding your way home. All her life, Muri Pond dreamed of finding her biological father. Now it's too late. Joseph Pond has recently died, willing her his remote central Oregon high-desert property to his citified daughter, who'd rather research than ranch. When Muri hauls her kids out to her inherited property, she's confronted by a troublesome neighbor and her father's legacy--a fence made from old oven doors. Muri must rediscover her roots and the faith her dad somehow never abandoned.

[Leann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could tell it was terrible after the first 5 pages, but forced myself to read another 70 pages since it was a book club pick (a book club I still have high hopes for despite this selection). Boring stereotypical characters, a plot line out of any Lifetime movie and Christian propaganda shoved down the reader's throat. I can't read another page!

[Valerie Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story. I did feel it was a little repetitive of her feelings. I did like how strong she was. I didn't like the vagueness of Muri and Rubins relationship. I wish she would have gotten more into that. I also felt like at some places the wording was weird. But overall it was a good story. I guess it gets 3.5 stars. Maybe 4. Maybe I'm being a little harsh?!?

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I found very interesting regarding the Native American heritage but there was a lot of other mini-stories that pulled me away from enjoying the book as much. It was okay but I won't re-read it at another time.

[Old_airman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about a family struggling to find identity and a home. When I began this novel, I did not know that it had a spiritual plot. That did not bother me, but maybe God's answer to prayer was a bit too fast and sped the story to conclusion for my taste.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This new-to-me author penned an interesting book that follows a newly divorced mother, her teenage daughter, and young son to the desert to live with her aunt and uncle so she can find out more about her father who has just passed. He left the family when she was only 5, so she really never knew him. Life in the desert leads to mysteries, fights over water rights, and the possibility of theft from tribal burial grounds on the land her father owned.

I liked how Muri grew in her faith and self-confidence during the trials she endured in small town Oregon. Nova, her daughter, also gets a wake up call as she finds herself involved with the wrong kind of crowd. Aunt Lutie had such a strong faith and was just a "down home" kind of gal. And Uncle Jake became a good man for Truman to bond with. Overall, a good read.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and the plot. The writing is emotional and pulled me into the story. Her daughter is a typical teen so she’s exploring and making bad decisions. Her son is a sweetheart and very lovable. Glad I found this one in the Audible Plus program. Happy reading and listening!

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story line - neighboring property owners fighting over land and water rights, combined with a daughter's struggle to learn more about her father. The fight for water & land reminded me a tiny bit of Erin Brockovich, but all in all this story fell a little flat. I would have preferred more meat, more substance. More insight into the relationship between Muri & Rubin, especially at the end of the book. I'm not too much of a fan of open endings, which is how their relationship and the book end. I realize this is technically Christian fiction, but I kept waiting for Linc to do something even more evil and dastardly. We knew he was a bad guy, but I guess I've read too many non-Christian books - I kept waiting for more acts of violence or sabotage. I appreciated Muri's experiences in finding her faith, but I would have liked to have learned more about how her father managed to reconcile his Native American heritage with his newer-found Christian faith. When Muri's daughter, Nova, ran away, it added an interesting twist to the story in that it led to more interaction between Muri and Rubin, and Muri and Linc, as well as more interaction with Denny the archaeologist, but it at times felt like it was an act of convenience on the author's part. Almost like she needed to get Nova out of the way. All in all, a decent story - just could have used more meat on its bones.

[Tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably more like 2.5 stars, but since that isn't an option, I gave it a 3. I almost put it down after the first few chapters because it seemed to kind of drag, but I'm somewhat glad I stuck it out. Things I did like were Mur's family dynamics, the small town life, and learning a little bit about Native Americans.

The things I didn't enjoy were the fact that it seemed like a lot of stuff was going on without tons of details.
**Slight spoiler***
For example, Muri got permission to open a small library in Dove's place of business. The next thing we know, someone comes and vandalizes the library. There were no details as far as where did the books come from and when/how did she get the library together? When did it actually open? When did Muri spend any time there? etc...Incidents such as this occurred a few times in the book which kind of left me confused. At certain parts things just kind of "happened" on there own.

I also didn't like the ending too much. It wasn't horrible, but it just kind of came to a conclusion with too many unanswered questions.

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare is a poignant novel about finding where you belong. Muri Pond is taking her two children, Nova and Tru, home to her father's home in the desert area of Oregon after the loss of her job and the end of her marriage. She grew up never knowing Joseph Pond, but after his death, she finds she has nowhere else to go, so going to his home makes sense. Until she finds out that his home is a trailer with a group of cobbled together additions and is occupied by her quirky aunt and uncle and their potbellied pigs. That's only the beginning of Muri's trouble, however. Joseph left a fight over water rights with the town's best-loved citizen in which Muri quickly finds herself trapped in as well, plus Nova has no intention of living in the middle of nowhere. Clare puts Muri in the middle of an impossible situation and every turn of the page only seems to turn up the heat. Her writing is powerful and deeply human. I hope she writes more fiction soon!

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muri never knew her father while he was alive and she thought he didn't care. But when she went "home" after his death, she found his diary that told how much he loved her. I never understood why they didn't have a relationship during his lifetime. He was an alcoholic, so maybe the mother wouldn't allow it, but I would think he would have visitation rights. Nothing was what she expected, and at first she and her children don't think they belonged here. But over time, Muri discovered and shared her father's love for God and his love for the land. I found the story a little slow moving, but there was emotional and spiritual growth in the characters.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a story about a woman who didn't know her father growing up and trys to settle his estate after he dies. It was an okay story and kind of slow. However, the book ends abruptly and doesn't bring closure to a couple of the story lines in the story.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow...

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get past the first 50 pages...

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of the struggles and challenges that come in the aftermath of divorce. Muri only saw her father once after her parents divorce. Now all she has of him is the property he left her. After losing her job as a librarian due to budget cuts, and home in her recent divorce, Muri and her two children, 11 year old Truman and 16 year old Nova, are headed to her father's home in Murkee, Oregon. Her plan is to sell the property, settle a lawsuit over water rights, and get back to Portland where her and her children can resume their lives. However, when they arrive her plans are put on hold.

1. Something about the lawsuit don't add up. As Muri tries to find out the real reason her father's neighbor Linc wants the land, she uncovers the kind of man her father was and the possible secret he was keeping.

2. Muri discovers a different way of living, family, community, and her roots. Her son is thriving in is new environment. Aunt Luti and Uncle Tiny become the support system she needs, along with the town vet and fellow neighbor Ruben and Dove, the woman who runs the diner.

3. While Muri and her son Truman settling in nicely, rebellious Nova is not. After an argument with her mother, Nova runs away, with Linc's grandson.

[Shankia Tinsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as exciting as I hoped it would be. Also, I felt like the main character second-guessed herself too much about something that was already very clear. There were a lot of things I felt could have been developed further, but I don't want to give away too much. Overall, it was an easy, heart-felt read, and I can definitely see a story like this being featured on Hallmark.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newly divorced Muri leaves Portland with her two kids to settle an estate left by her Native Indian father. In the middle of the Oregon desert she learns why her father has refused to sell his land and creek rights to the local 'good guy'.

[Heather Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise. I enjoyed the fact that it was a Christian story without bludgeoning you with it. I thought the characters a little under developed and the ending felt a little weird. Can't put my finger on it.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet book of a woman trying to understand her dead fathers fight for water rights and the protection of Native American artifacts.

[Deana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for some stories with Christian influence and found this as a free audible download. It was a good, with a story of forgiveness and salvation.

[Becky Underwood Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Finding her true self thru adversity

[Patricia Zuzack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book that keeps your interest

[Jody Krumwiede · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

This was not an easy read....truthfully I wanted to put it down several times, but kept plodding through and glad I did. Finished well.

[Ann Lessard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story

Story is pretty good but at times seemed to have drug on. All in all it was a pretty good book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muri Pond is in the midst of a divorce from Chaz when she receives word of her father, Joseph Pond’s, death and the issues surrounding her inherited property. The land she inherited consisted of a dilapidated trailer where her Aunt Lutie and Uncle Tiny live, where they cared for Joseph until he died, as well as a creek and the legal problems surrounding the creek (‘liquid gold’). She arrived with all belongings and her two children, Nova, 15, and Truman (Tru), 11. Attitudes clashed between mother and daughter the whole way out there and beyond!

Lincoln Jackson (Linc) owns everything in and around Murkee except Joseph Pond’s land and creek and Rubin Jonto’s land, which Linc is pressuring to acquire. Everyone has acquiesced to Linc except Rubin and Joseph, and he now expects Muri to fold. But she is her father’s daughter!

Because of his drunkenness, Joseph had lost communication with Muri shortly after she turned three, when his wife left him and remarried. Linda’s book, The Fence My Father Built, is the tender story of the struggling issues Muri has regarding her dad and finding his heart for her after so many years apart, the first through years of love for him and then eventual hatred. You go through the throes of love, anger, loss, rejection, and loneliness that a child, now an adult, has to reconcile with, along with the legal issues about the ranch thrown in. The story is told through the voice and heart of Muri, along with the voice and heart of her father through his journal. Definitely touches your heart.

The struggles of the ranchers that need the ‘liquid gold,’ the greed of one man who threatens to take that land through legal means, which appears to go beyond just the title to the creek, are aptly described for this dry, dusty country. The tension and animosity are palpable between the characters. However, Linda tosses in a sweet romance to take the edge off the ugly issues brewing.

I loved the story for the rich history of the land, the personal reconciliation that Muri needed to work through, the touching story of the love of a father for his daughter, and the faith and truth that binds it all together. The ‘Fence” adds a delightful touch of character to the story. ‘Finding your way home’ has a double meaning that everyone needs to find.

This book was provided by Linda S. Clare in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.