fatherless

by J. Hirtle

Oleta Greene was born on the banks of the Yockanookany River in 1912. She has never known her father, who abandoned her mother before the baby took her first breath. Her youngest son, Otis Alexnder Bell, is rebellious and resentful in a world where the color of your skin ascertains justice or injustice. He commits a violent crime that changes his life forever. Lissy Bolander is sweet and innocent, but she falls victim to a brutal rape resulting in the birth of a son, William Elijah Bolander. On a cold night in Chicago, a fragmented family comes together. Before the night ends, two bullets shatter the lives of Oleta’ family. A dark secret is concealed for twenty years. Oleta tries to keep her family together, but she faces many challenges and hardships along the way. She must confront the truth about her past and find the strength to overcome the legacy of fatherlessness that haunts her and her children.

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

J Hirtle has spent the last dozen years writing about faith and addiction, and how the two intertwine seamlessly. His journey with pen and paper began after his wife chose addiction over family, friends and God. His first book, “Going Numb” tells the story of life with an addict. His poetry is a recent literary and somber passage into the world of addiction, the challenges of being a cancer survivor and a life of faith.

Reviews

[Betty Stoneking]

It was really good nothing I have ever read.

[Lyn Midden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written book. The story behind each character was written in detail so you got to know them very well. Kept my attention up until the last page!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held my attention from the first page to the last

[Kayla Lister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was somewhat hard to follow, but overall it was a great story. I was surprised a few times throughout, which I can always appreciate. However, the main character (Oleta), was not very liked by me at the end. Despite that, I enjoyed this book.