Leora’s Letters by Joy Neal Kidney – Book Review

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Non-fiction, Personal Stories

As I began reading Leora’s Letters, the story of The Wilson Family by Joy Neal Kidney, it didn’t take me long to feel moved by the love, faith, and perseverance in this remarkable family. The tale begins with Leora and Clabe who were farmers in Perry, Iowa during WWII, but their story unfolded when one by one, their five sons enlisted, wanting to serve their country. During this period, the family stayed in touch by old fashioned letter writing initiated by Leora, and I felt honored to read the letters that were evidence of their solid family connection. But the intense silence was palpable during the times when Leora and Clabe waited for their sons to reply. I can only imagine the emotional turmoil.  

The letters also reminded me of my parents’ story that commenced during WWII. They were engaged in 1942, then my dad was sent overseas. Handwritten letters were the glue that kept them connected for three years before Dad was honorably discharged in 1945. They were married soon after he arrived home. Theirs was a love that was everlasting, and February 24, 2012 would have been their sixty-seventh anniversary, but mom passed away on February 2nd. However, if not for the letters floating back and forth, their story may not have been written. So, there is something exceptional to be noted about old fashioned letter writing, but unfortunately, this intimate gesture has faded with conveniences of technology.  

Leora’s Letters may be a personal diary of The Wilson’s, but it also serves as history, reminding us that those who sacrificed their lives in war should not be forgotten. I knew the premise before I started the book, but I wasn’t aware of the details. As I continued from one chapter to the next, I sensed a dreadful anticipation. As a parent, I can’t fathom how Leora and Clabe felt, not knowing the whereabouts or wellbeing of their sons. I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good. The heartache was overwhelming. Though the sorrow never subsided, I’m glad that I made it to the end.

Joy is the daughter of Doris Wilson Neal and the oldest granddaughter of Leora and Clabe’s. She is the keeper of her family’s history, so through intensive research, she beautifully crafted this book with the help of Robin Grunder. I commend Joy and Robin for such a well written and moving account. And I am still moved by Leora’s strength and courage to greet each new day for decades later despite the magnitude of loss she endured. I highly recommend this book because it profoundly touches on love, family, resilience, faith, loss, and the desire to move forward.

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I pulled this information from Joy’s blog, and I encourage you to visit her, allowing yourself to be swept up into the rich history that she shares.

Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II tells the story of the five Wilson brothers who are remembered on the Dallas County Freedom Rock® at Minburn, Iowa. Leora was their mother–Joy’s delightful grandmother.

FreedomRockFurneaux (2)

Navymen Donald and Delbert Wilson. Pilots Dale, Danny, and Junior Wilson.

Joy the photobomber, so this was the day of the dedication, October 2019.

Joy has written many books on her family history, and they are available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook. Leora’s Dexter Stories and Leora’s Early Years are also in audio form, with “virtual voice.” I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

As always, thank you for stopping by,
and I hope you’ll click on the image above
to receive your copy of this most touching book.
And please visit Joy if you haven’t had the pleasure
of meeting her, yet. ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

47 thoughts on “Leora’s Letters by Joy Neal Kidney – Book Review”

  3. Bless you, Lauren. Your tears took me back to my own as I first transcribed the letters, and trying to write a couple of episodes–you know which ones. You are so right about letters fading with technology. I’m glad you have those your parents wrote during the war. Thank you, Lauren, for capturing the enormity of what Clabe and Leora lived through.

    1. You’re so welcome, Joy, and I’m sorry that it took me this long to write the review and share it. But I do want to read your other books. I’m repeating myself, but this book and your dedication is really beautiful. Thank you for printing Leora’s story. I’m glad you’re happy with my review. ❤️

  9. Such a wonderful review and the letters sound so touching. War is just awful and when you read about people that are directly affected by it, it can be really evoke a lot of emotions.

  10. Of all the reviews I’ve read about “Leora’s Letters,” this one ranks near the top. I wouldn’t expect there could be so many ways to laud a book, but Lauren sure did find more! I was particularly moved when she said, “I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good.” Kudos to the both of you! 🙂

    1. Thank you, Nancy. Parts of the story caused me tears so often. But Leora became such a delightful grandmother the whole four decades I was blessed to enjoy her!

    2. Thanks so much, Nancy, for your visit and for your lovely words. It sounds like you’ve read Joy’s book. I don’t think I’ve ever been moved like I was when reading her account of The Wilson family. Thanks again! ❤️

  14. Wow, heavy duty and honourable and wonderful..

    I like that Joy has used old letters to do this.

    My Norman just got a packet of letters his father (rip)wrote to a cousin of his during the 80’s mostly. Hard to believe 1980 is 44 years ago. Seems like yesterday.

    Anyway, yes, this form of tracing history is mostly lost. Although much is recorded on computers and onto life’s information highway, there will alway be the taint of possible tampering.

    Joy’s book sounds terrific. It’s a wonderful thing that she is recording history through her family’s story.

    Thank you for this review, Lauren!

    xxoo💙💙🌹

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