Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen is a riveting narrative based on true events, weaving together a tapestry of family strife and resilience against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. The story explores the complexities of the Wolff family, marked by themes of misogyny, prejudice, and profound passion. The story begins with Frank and Naomi Wolff, a couple whose marriage seemed destined for happiness. Settling in Ogden, Utah, their union flourished despite Frank’s demanding job as a railroad engineer, which frequently took him away from home. Naomi, a Kansas farmgirl turned devoted mother of fourteen children, epitomized the era’s ideal of domesticity, where her days were consumed with child-rearing and managing a bustling household. However, Frank’s decision to place their younger children in an orphanage far from home marks a pivotal scandal in the Wolff family history, shrouded in secrecy for eighty years.

What’s notably apparent is that Francine Falk-Allen has meticulously researched A Wolff in the Family to deliver a compelling tale that captures the essence of a bygone era. The narrative is compassionate, and Falk-Allen tells the story with emotional depth and historical authenticity. A glossary at the beginning of the book helps readers with keeping track of the many characters and their position in the family hierarchy. Naomi is a character readers will care about and root for as she has amazing resilience and determination. Without giving away too much, Falk-Allen wrote Frank so perfectly that readers may find they have a love/hate relationship with him. Overall, A Wolff in the Family is a poignant and thought-provoking read about the power of forgiveness and the enduring legacy of secrets kept hidden throughout generations.