Janet M Dann

Fate Be Damned Janet M Dann

First volume in the Good Neighbor Series, Fate Be Damned, introduces the Dacias, a Romanian family who left all they know behind seeking a new life of hope and prosperity. They seek it in the fabled place of dreams, America. Josif Dacia must challenge Romanian beliefs of fate and claim the American spirit of self-determination. However, The Depression and lethal bigotry cause Josif to doubt his decision. As sharecroppers in Oklahoma, the Dacias must leave when the landowner sells out and heads for California. This is the promised land for farmers in the struggling center of the country. However, it lies across hundreds of miles of desert. Having no transportation but their horses, the Dacias drive their team and wagon north, away from the Dust Bowl. Josif's determination and strength lead the family through many hardships to their new home: a farm in South Dakota. A farm not only for rent, but with an option to buy. However, nothing is guaranteed; nothing is easy. The Dacias are forced to contend with Chicago mobsters who set up a huge still on a neighboring farm. The family is attacked and harassed, but finds strength within itself and most of their neighbors. At last they claim the fruits of their struggles: their own land, a future, and hope. Writers's Digest Book Awards commentary re: Fate Be Damned a.k.a. The Good Neighbors: This book is really entertaining... with a highly unique take on the era. I absolutely love the mix of a poor family and the dirty rich mobsters. Just a fantastic plot with dynamic characters. The author's voice and writing style are also well-suited for the genre, and this was an easy read from cover-to-cover.