The Childgrove


Fiction - Time Travel
458 Pages
Reviewed on 02/11/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Childgrove is a work of fiction in the time travel, historical fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author John Corbin Goldsberry, this captivating tale transcends time and reality, weaving together the lives of two young boys separated by decades but connected by a mysterious bond. In the summer of 1966, nine-year-old John is drawn into a compelling mystery that unravels truths hidden since his birth, while across the years, in 1914, another boy named Edward grapples with haunting family secrets. As their dual journeys unfold, the narrative explores themes of tragedy, redemption, and the enigmatic nature of time itself. Set in old St. Joseph, Missouri, the novel invites readers on a thought-provoking voyage through a tale that blurs the lines of reality, challenges perceptions, and leaves lingering questions about the nature of existence and connection.

Author John Corbin Goldsberry has crafted a gripping and atmospheric work filled with historical touches, cleverly interweaving the lives of John and Edward to create a tapestry rich in emotion and depth. There is so much heart and soul put into the character work of this story, offering close narratives of two young boys growing up and exploring identity in a difficult world. As a result, the exploration of themes such as family secrets, identity, and the passage of time resonated deeply, prompting introspection and contemplation long after turning the final page. The novel's unique blend of historical fiction and speculative elements kept me engaged throughout. The brilliant descriptive lexis and atmosphere building offered an immersive experience that transported me to the fading glory of old St. Joseph, while simultaneously traversing the enigmatic realms of time and consciousness. Overall, The Childgrove is a poignant and compelling read that will linger in the minds of readers long after the story concludes. I would certainly recommend it to fans of unique and original fiction everywhere.