The Happening retells the unbelievable tragedy that struck
an Amish community on the morning of October 2nd, 2006 and the
overwhelming forgiveness from the victim’s families as well as the outpouring
of love from around the world. That morning was just another ordinary,
beautiful morning in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania as families were readying
themselves for the day. The main character, Rebecca Sue is an embodiment of the
group of young girls that had survived the Happening as well as changing the
names used in the book is a way of preserving the privacy the Amish community
wanted. That morning at 10:25 Mr. Roberts rode in a borrowed truck to the small
white school house where class was in session. The children ranged from first
grade to eighth, twenty-six in total. Mr. Roberts came into the school house
with one thing on his mind, to get revenge on God for taking his daughter away
from him. An hour later, eleven young girls where shot. Only five survived.
Soon an out pour of love and support came rushing to the families of the
victims. What was even more astonishing was the forgiveness of the Amish
community. Mrs. Roberts and her children reached out to each of the victims’
families, visiting their homes, being greeted with open arms. This tragic event
was handled with so much grace and understanding from the community. The people
of Nickel Mines had forgiven Roberts but the absence of their loved ones cannot
be replaced.
The author of this novel, Harvey Yoder, did an amazing job
of retelling not only of that fateful morning but the love and forgiveness in
the aftermath. I’ve read books that share a version of terrible events and the
authors would focus the majority of the story about every detail of what had
happened. This was a different perspective and included different focal points
that I enjoyed. Not only was the event described through a young girl’s eyes
but shows an example of tremendous strength within a community. Their faith was
unshakable though this time and in doing so, inspiring millions.
Until Next Time…
~Fiction-Book-Reviewer
