Set over a three-decade period of American history in the 1800s, the story leads us on a journey through incidents of love, loyalty, bigotry and redemption. The story has horrific incidents at its core and is very dark at times but ultimately hope takes over each time. The characters have their own voices and leaves the reader to ponder over many prejudices.
the author transports readers to 1841 Midwest, immersing them in a world of duplicity and struggle. A mother and daughter fight against abandonment and starvation. Moreover, while capturing the intricate web of relationships of Sarah and Hiram whose love is forbidden, and Eva and Uriah who open the door to forgiveness tell us an unforgettable story of the indomitable human spirit.
Broughman enlightens his reader to some very unfortunate and disturbing details during the mid-1800’s around slavery, incest, draft evasion and religious hypocrisy. The issues with extreme trauma that too in different point of views left me gasping for clean air. The pain the prose inflicts upon the reader is too much at times. But it was the fast pace that kept me glued to the book till the end.

Chad Broughman’s first novel did not disappoint me. I am extremely elated to be an advanced reader for this piece. Thank you @netgalley for this book.
#ChadBroughman #fallofbellwether #historicalfiction

An Epic novel with a wide cast of characters depicting love, hate, courage, cowardice, failure, success... I was captivated from the beginning and looked forward to getting back to the book whenever I had the chance.

The Book as a meal: Imagine a stew, rich and comforting, but every so often, you're hit with an unexpected burst of spice that leaves you tearing up
The book left me: Melancholic. Staring out into space, hoping the characters found solace.

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Pick-up-able with a little resistance. Since there were so many drops and slow lulls in the story in between the horrific events, it could be a little tough to want to continue reading

How is it paced?
This book is paced like waves. It comes and goes in horrific events, a good little break, and back again to being tragic

What about progression?
Have you trudged through new snow? Thats what the progression felt a little like. Suddenly we progress really fast in the light snow, and then we hit a wet or icy spot and have to go a little slower again. But every step you take leads you further towards your goal as long as you persist

Issues:
The amount of trauma in this book had me stressed
Lots of POV's to keep track of
I never felt safe liking a character becasue I worried they might just die/disappear spontaneously

Good things:
Very emotional and got me thinking how I treat people
All the different perspectives gave a full experience
Very atmospheric

What makes this different?
I feel this whole book took the concept of "fighting through everything horrible and becoming a better person becasue of it" was very very well done. Every character had an absolute shitshow of terrible things happen, but pulled through in one way or another. The amount of devlopment and growth here is astounding

How did it feel to read?
I felt like a fugitive, a victim, a helpless bystander, and like I should go tell my parents I love them

What mood would I read this in?
I need a spoonfull of hope and I feel grateful my life is the way it is

Better or worse than expected?
Much much better. I was worried this would be another piece of fiction set in this specific era that just moved too slow or didnt have enough happening in a certain span of time. But this exceeded all expectations and got me wanting more in this genre

Where does this fall in my tier list tanking?
Solid S tier book, absolutely stunning work, will recommend to my fiction girlies

The Fall of Bellweather is a belter of a novel, weaving several stories of the inhabitants of a mid 19th century American town, full of hate, love and redemption. The prose is beautiful and the dialogue authentic - an easy 5* from me, I can't wait to read more from this brilliant writer.
#TheFallOfBellwether #NetGalley

"The Fall of Bellwether" plunges readers deep into the heart of humanity's struggle during the Civil War era, offering a riveting and haunting exploration of human evolution. Chad V. Broughman's skillful character development immediately captures the reader's loyalty, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page is turned. With a masterful complexity, Broughman weaves together themes of faith, doubt, survival, loss, and redemption in a raw and captivating narrative.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1800s in the untamed wilderness of northern Michigan, the Great Lakes region exudes a rugged beauty that mirrors the resilience of its inhabitants. In the remote town of Bellwether, a fearless community grapples with unimaginable hardships, confronting personal reckonings and societal devaluation with unwavering fortitude. Broughman expertly draws readers into the lives of his characters, immersing them in the trials and triumphs of their journey.

Through the eyes of innocent Elinor, tenacious Ada, fierce Eva, introspective Hiram, and determined Sarah, readers are led on a soul-searching odyssey that challenges perceptions and ignites empathy. Each character's struggle resonates deeply, offering profound insights into the human spirit's capacity for resilience and love amidst adversity.

"The Fall of Bellwether" is a fast-paced and immersive read that holds readers spellbound from start to finish. Broughman's prose transports readers to another time and place, where the stakes are high and the human spirit prevails against all odds. This compelling narrative is sure to leave readers breathless and deeply moved as they journey alongside these unforgettable characters to the heart of Bellwether.