A Pearl for Kizzy: A World War II Novel

by Ed Bethune

Kizzy, a spirited child, lives with her family on a one-room ramshackle houseboat in Big Pearl, Arkansas. They fish, dig for mussels, look for pearls, and sell the shells to the button factory. It is a crude life made harder by the Great Depression, natural disasters, and prejudice. At the onset of World War II, Kizzy befriends a young boy—a refugee from Nazi Germany—and a cultured young woman who encourages her to read and learn from Jane Austen’s books. Kizzy yearns for a better life, but as she comes of age her dream of getting off the river is threatened by the evil Bully Bigshot and his Eugenics Center, a corrupt outfit that wants to rid the world of “river rats” like her through abortion and “better breeding.” … And there is Cormac, the lascivious man Kizzy calls her “make-do stepfather.” Kizzy’s struggle mimics today’s culture war. Daring, but realistic, the novel examines love, pride, compassion, courage, hope, morality, and duty—the things that inform and shape our destiny.

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2016

Reviews

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 2 out of 5]

"...At the onset of World War II, Kizzy befriends a young boy—a refugee from Nazi Germany—and a cultured young woman who encourages her to read and learn from Jane Austen’s books." These words, from the author's blurb, enticed me to read the book. I have to say I'm none too pleased, but it is not a reflection on the author's skill. Heavy topics, dark read. This sort of narrative is just not my taste.

[Lori Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time to write a review for goodreads. I usually just rate my books, but since this one is by an Arkansas author that I heard speak I will give it my best shot. I thought this story was well told and had great character development. If you don't have any prior knowledge of "river rats" or life living on the river, you will after reading this book. You will feel yourself pulling for the main character, Kizzy, and admire her determination. My only "issue" with the book is that I wouldn't necessarily label it a WWII novel. Yes, the setting is WWII, but at the heart, it is the story of the life of a young girl growing up in poverty as a river rat on a river. It is definitely worth your time to read and I think if you are from Arkansas or the South, you might even enjoy it more. It was neat to see my hometown of Newport mentioned and the White River Monster that we all grew up looking for every time we crossed the White River bridge. Lastly, if you get a chance to hear the author speak, he is very personable and you will enjoy his sense of humor.

[Deb Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about courage, endurance, and redemption. The small Arkansas town of Big Pearl experiences sacrifices in fighting a war of hatred both abroad and at home. Kizzy is a bright young girl with talent and resourcefulness. She struggles with moving forward into maturity with the opportunities presented her from friends that encourage her potential, or remaining faithful to her heritage as a river-rat. Through the example of her best friend, Birdie, a river-rat turned war hero, she learns that she can embrace a new life without denying the old. This book is rich with historical war battles and events, yet also addresses difficult social issues.

[Deb Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about courage, endurance, and redemption. The small Arkansas town of Big Pearl experiences casualties in fighting a war of hatred both abroad and at home. Kizzy is a bright, young girl with talent and resourcefulness. As she matures, she struggles with accepting the opportunities from friends that want to nurture her potential, or being burdened by her heritage as a river-rat. Through the example of her best friend Birdie, a fellow river-rat turned war hero, she learns that she can embrace new life without denying the old. This book is rich with historical war battles and events, yet it also addresses difficult social issues.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this book. There were some heavy topics that it dealt with but I felt that the author handled them well and in a way that were accurate to how they would have happened.

The novel is rich with historical details of WWII and also what was happening stateside during that time. Mr. Bethune does an excellent job of placing his readers right there with Kizzy. She, like many of the other characters, are easy to get to know because Bethune has fleshed them out so well.

This is a wonderful piece of not only Arkansas history but US and World History as well. I highly recommend this novel to anyone.

[Sandra Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars I would or twenty! It is a beautifully written book that shows how important it is to accept everyone - no matter what our differences are! I laughed; I cried; I prayed! I wanted to bring Kizzy to my house to show her love and kindness and share my family with her. There are characters you would never want yo hang around or call your friend. There were plenty to love. If you don’t read another book, this one should be read.

[Jodi Tooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story about how WWII impacted lives of Arkansas residents. Ed Bethune captures his characters and breathes life into their musings and actions. He also gives us courage to face adversaries in our own lives.

[Senlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel dwelt on Kizzy's sexual thoughts and experiences. I am actually sorry I read it. That constant theme made a wonderful WWII story difficult to finish. I can't recommend this to anyone I know.