*Editorial Book Review*
The Tin Whistle
('Tis the Season Book 2)
By Kathleen Shoop
Publication Date: 14th December 2020
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 106
Genre: Historical Fiction / Novella
Inspired by a true story...
1854
Jacob Gusky wakes up hoping Santa has arrived. And he has... but not for Jacob, one of two Jewish boys living at the Boys’ Home of Manhattan. When a friend gifts him a tin whistle, Jacob learns the power of giving, the joy in receiving, and hears what he considers to be the sound of happiness.
1881
Recently widowed and completely out of options, Frannie takes her daughter Molly to the Home for the Friendless. “You’ll be back before Christmas?” Molly asks. Frannie gives Molly half a quilt square and keeps the other, choking on her reply.
Now a happily married father of three, Jacob Gusky owns Gusky’s Grand Emporium, Pittsburgh’s first premier department store. After unearthing the tin whistle from the orphanage, he is reminded of what it felt like to have nothing, and decides to make a difference in the lives of others no matter their faith. But with so little time before Christmas morning, can he even begin to give the orphaned children of Pittsburgh what he knows they need?
When giving is more important than receiving...
“…I thought Santa was for everyone who believed.”
On a chilly Christmas morning in 1854, the air in the orphanage was filled with anticipation as Jacob Gusky listened intently to the soft thuds of boots on the roof—was that Santa Claus he heard, busily delivering presents to all the children? However, as the dawn light broke through the windows, the thrill of the morning quickly faded. Jacob glanced at the beautifully decorated tree, hoping to find gifts nestled beneath the branches, only to realise that for him and his best friend Amos, there were no presents—Christian charity had not extended to young Jewish orphans. Meanwhile, Michael Larson, another kind-hearted child in the orphanage, could not bear the sight of his friends' disappointment. Seeing Jacob and Amos with empty hands ignited a deep sorrow within him. Inspired by compassion, Michael decided to share his own presents—a gleaming tin whistle and a drum. With a determined heart, he approached his friends, eager to bring some joy into their lives. Unbeknownst to the children, this simple yet profound act of kindness and friendship would later inspire Jacob to do everything he could to bring Santa to as many impoverished children as possible, regardless of their religion.
In “The Tin Whistle (‘Tis the Season Book 2)” by Kathleen Shoop, readers are drawn into a heartfelt narrative centred around Jacob M. Gusky, a compassionate department store owner whose kindness shines during the holiday season. As the story unfolds, Jacob reflects on his childhood spent in an orphanage, where the sounds of laughter and friendship masked the deeper longing for family. One memorable Christmas Day, a selfless gift from a dear friend, wrapped in simple joy, left a lasting impression on Jacob’s heart. This poignant memory serves as the catalyst for Jacob’s dedicated mission to spread joy and hope to children who, like him, have experienced loneliness during the holiday season. He embarks on an ambitious plan, rallying his colleagues and their families, and embodying the spirit of Santa Claus as he organises a heartfelt initiative to deliver gifts to every orphanage in the city. Jacob’s inspiring story captivates readers with its vivid portrayal of compassion and generosity, beautifully illustrating the transformative power of kindness and the true spirit of giving during the holidays.
Based on the real-life experiences of Jacob M. Gusky, the author invites readers to travel back in time to his unforgettable first Christmas Day Gift Tour. Through vivid descriptions and heartfelt moments, the story beautifully captures the joy and wonder of the holiday season, making it a perfect read for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of Christmas cheer.
Jacob is portrayed as a devoted family man whose love for his wife and children is both profound and unwavering. His passion for family life is matched only by his professional success as a businessman. With a remarkable talent for advertising, he skilfully navigates the competitive world of retail, leading his department store to remarkable achievements. Despite his wealth, which often feels overwhelming, Jacob finds himself reflecting on the Jewish principle of Tzedakah, contemplating whether he can do more to assist those less fortunate. This introspection stems from a deep-seated desire to ensure that no child experiences the suffering he endured on that fateful Christmas day long ago. As a character, Jacob exudes charm and likability, but his relentless ambition can sometimes overwhelm those around him. His family frequently adapts to his single-minded focus on work and success, leading to an intricate balance between personal ambition and familial duty. Beneath this driven exterior lies a man of profound compassion, and this quality beautifully illuminates his story, which is told with heart and depth.
A compelling parallel story unfolds alongside Jacob's narrative, centring on Frannie and her beloved daughter, Molly. In the wake of a devastating business misstep, Frannie’s husband, Charles, succumbs to despair and takes his own life, leaving Frannie and Molly in a harrowing state of destitution. Their once-comfortable life is suddenly transformed into a struggle for survival. Frannie, who had relished the comforts of wealth and security, now finds herself gripped by desperation as she scrambles to secure employment. The weight of her circumstances bears heavily on her, especially when she realises that, despite her best efforts, she cannot provide for Molly’s necessities: a place to sleep and food to eat. With a heart full of anguish, she makes the heart-wrenching decision to place her daughter in the Home of the Friendless. This choice, while agonising, stems from her deep love and commitment to ensuring the best possible future for Molly. Now, Frannie must face the daunting challenge of finding a job, a task that feels nearly impossible given her circumstances. Her journey is teeming with a myriad of challenges and obstacles that test her resolve, yet it strikes a profound chord with readers, drawing them into her experiences and emotions. Frannie’s plight is a poignant tale of a mother’s unwavering love and the relentless pursuit of hope as she strives to navigate her way from the depths of despair into the light of a better tomorrow.
The historical depictions are vividly brought to life, capturing the stark contrast between settings. The brightly lit department store, with its gleaming windows and colourful displays, exudes an air of opulence and abundance. In sharp contrast, the orphanage looms with a sense of desolation, its cold, austere walls echoing the stories of hardship. This juxtaposition serves as a poignant reminder to the reader of how closely intertwined poverty and wealth often are, each existing in stark contrast against the other.
“The Tin Whistle (‘Tis the Season Book 2)” by Kathleen Shoop is a heart-warming tale that beautifully captures the essence of hope and the magic of Christmas wishes. The story’s well-crafted characters and narrative lead readers on an emotional journey, full of glad tidings. As the narrative unfolds, it leaves a lasting impression that lingers in the hearts of readers long after they have turned the final page, inviting them to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the difference one man can make to so many.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Kathleen Shoop
Bestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Readers’ Favorite and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. Kathleen coordinates Mindful Writing Retreats and is a regular presenter at conferences for writers.
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