Bleeding Kansas by Sara Paretsky (2008, Paperback, Reprint)

First, I have to say that I bought this book because I love the Sara Paretsky novels about V.I. Warshawski, the tough detective from Chicago. This book is nothing like the detective novels on the surface. Bleeding Kansas is a novel about multigenerational families who live in a rural farming community and who must get along because of their close proximity and interdependence. When an outsider moves into their community, trouble begins to brew for all of the families as well as the newcomer, Gina. In the heartland of America, these farmers held strong views about morality, religion and war. Add to that a woman who moves from New York to explore her lesbian and Wicca tendencies who attracts both of the Grelliers, Jim and Susan. After the Grellier's son is killed in Iraq, Jim, Susan and their daughter Lara all grieve in very different ways. The novel explores the many entwined lives in this community and their struggles to recognize and accept reality. I recommend it to anyone who likes well written family dramas.