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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Mayhem in the Mountains by Jane Loeb Rubin opens with eighteen-year-old Ella deciding to leave Brooklyn behind and head to the Catskills with her younger brother, Robbie, in search of relatives. It is set in the 1920s, a time that shapes so much of what they experience along the way. What starts as an escape from her father’s home quickly turns into something bigger. Upon arriving at Uncle Nate and Aunt Jenny’s, the siblings begin to adjust to a different way of life and learn about their extended family. Throughout the summer, Ella forms new connections, including Albert, while also helping out by caring for her cousins. At the same time, events beyond their control begin to unfold, and the community grows concerned about criminal activity and rising social tensions. Will the situation settle down or keep building? Will Ella finally discover where she truly belongs?
I found myself quickly drawn into Ella’s story in Mayhem in the Mountains by Jane Loeb Rubin. Her journey seemed very real, and I had a lot of empathy for her home life and for why it would make her want to flee. I was hoping she would find love, and I was not disappointed with how it turned out. Their connection, while sort of unconventional, added warmth to a more serious plot. Also, I felt comforted to know that she was able to form bonds with family members who truly seemed to care about her and her brother. Miriam was my favorite of her relatives. She was strong, stubborn, and very endearing. The writing is easy to follow, and the pacing is perfect. There’s a good balance between quieter moments, like when Ella watches the sky change, and the more intense ones. Fans of historical fiction with strong family ties and a touch of romance will really enjoy this book. Such a great story.
