Devoted Correspondents in Writing Exchange
The captivating author Wanda Brunstetter has penned an exceptional Amish fiction series known as The Friendship Letters. This series delves into problems that readers wouldn't imagine occurring within the Amish world, such as alcoholism, depression, and child abuse. Despite knowing Amish people personally, Brunstetter has emphasized on her website that these people encounter the same struggles as anyone else. The stories cleverly revolve around three women who communicate through traditional letter writing, even though some Amish folks do employ cell phones and computers, albeit minimally in their communities.
Letters of Trust
We are introduced to Eleanor Lapp at the beginning of this series. Eleanor becomes smitten with Victor Lapp, who visits the Amish community in Indiana. However, Eleanor's parents harbor significant concerns about her marrying Victor due to his past alcohol consumption during his turbulent teenage years. Worrying even more about Eleanor, they are dismayed when she moves to Victor's Amish community in Pennsylvania after their nuptials. Initially, the newlyweds manage well despite Eleanor's occasional bouts of homesickness. Unfortunately, a tragic event befalls them, and Vic blames himself. The subsequent events of their marriage imply that Eleanor's parents' fears have merit. Seeking solace, Eleanor confides in her childhood friend Doretta Schwartz, who vows to keep their secrets and offers counsel through their letters. Are Eleanor and Vic's marital issues irreparable, or can they find salvation? Discover what happens as you delve into the first book of this series.
Letters of Comfort
Eleanor's friend Doretta takes center stage in the second book of this series. Doretta enthusiastically anticipates marrying her childhood sweetheart William. Sadly, William meets an untimely end in an accident. Doretta descends into a crippling depression, transforming her once cheerful demeanor. Eleanor hopes to support Doretta like a Rock of Gibraltar, penning letters to her even though they remain unanswered. Warren, William's identical twin brother, also attempts to console Doretta while dealing with his own grief. Initially, Doretta dismisses Eleanor's suggestions, but her anger fades as she follows Eleanor's advice of remaining busy, eventually forging a deep friendship with Warren. Will Doretta come to love Warren for himself, or will he merely serve as a painful reminder of William? Watch their relationship evolve in this heart-wrenching second book.
Letters of Wisdom
The final book in this series revolves around Irma Miller, the mutual friend of Eleanor and Doretta. Irma is briefly mentioned in previous books as the subject of their letter exchanges. Irma has experienced severe abuse at the hands of her stepfather and resents her mother for not intervening. Irma considers she has moved past her abusive past after marrying LaVern and transitioning to a different Amish community. Irma eventually has three children, and the strain of their demands exacerbates her feelings of anger and frustration. LaVern notices concerning reactions from Irma towards the children and instructs her to refrain from punishing them in anger. Insecure about her ability to keep this promise, Irma confides her inner struggles to Doretta through letters. How does Doretta advise Irma? Will she listen or slip back into anger like her stepfather? Journey through the final book of this series to find out.
Test your Knowledge!
Examiner,How well do you know the daily lives of these Amish characters that reflect the Amish people Wanda Brunstetter personally knows? Test your knowledge with this quiz.1. How are the main modes of transportation for the Amish people?- They employ various styles of horse-drawn buggies.- They travel using cars driven by hired drivers.- They only walk to cities within walking distance.2. Do Amish people pay income tax?- True- False3. What are the Amish rules regarding telephone usage?- They can use a telephone, but it must be placed outside their houses.- They are barred from using a telephone under any circumstances.- They can only use a telephone at a place of business.4. What does Rumschpringe refer to?- The process of selecting an Amish spiritual leader.- An annual bake sale organized by Amish communities.- A time for Amish teenagers to explore non-Amish behaviors.5. What renewable energy sources or tools do the Amish use to operate their appliances indoors?- Solar energy- Bottled gas- Generators
Answers:1. They employ various styles of horse-drawn buggies.2. False.3. They can use a telephone if it is kept outside their houses.4. A chance for Amish teenagers to explore non-Amish behaviors (Rumschpringe).5. Bottled gas.
- Eleanor Lapp, a character from The Friendship Letters series, undergoes a difficult marriage, struggling with her husband's past alcohol consumption and a tragic event that befalls them.
- Doretta Schwartz, another character, experiences crippling depression after the death of her fiancé andfinds solace and advice through her letters with Eleanor.
- In the final book of the series, Irma Miller, a friend of both Eleanor and Doretta, deals with the aftermath of severe abuse and struggles to manage her anger towards her children.
- The Amish people in this series use various styles of horse-drawn buggies as their main mode of transportation (False for cars, True for walking only within walking distance), they can use a telephone if it is kept outside their houses, and Rumschpringe refers to a time for Amish teenagers to explore non-Amish behaviors. Bottled gas is one of the renewable energy sources or tools used by the Amish to operate their appliances indoors.
