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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Downeyoshun by Art Young is a powerful coming-of-age story set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Sally Osterhoff is a bright, determined young girl with dreams of becoming a mathematician, teacher, carpenter, and Olympic swimmer. However, her mother’s harsh and abusive expectations threaten to crush those aspirations. Despite the hardship, Sally finds solace in her father’s quiet support, the kindness of neighbors, and the unconditional love of extended family in Ocean City. As she grows up amid the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of feminism, Sally’s journey is one of resilience, found family, and the enduring power of love in unexpected places. Downeyoshun is a deeply emotional and richly detailed novel that captures both the hardships and hope of an era.
Author Art Young has a deep sense of character and what makes people tick, and that results in this beautifully written and deeply moving portrait of resilience and self-discovery as we get to know Sally. She feels like a realistic character at the center of events, yet she’s also the ideal lens through which to view the era’s social struggles in vivid detail as she understands the changing times far better than many around her. I adored the focus on the power of found family and inner strength. There was a great balance in Sally’s speech and thought between what she needed to find on her own yet never forgetting to be vulnerable and appreciate the people trying to help her, no matter how quiet or small the help seemed at first. These subtle moments make for a heart-wrenching but ultimately very hopeful story. Overall, Downeyoshun is a highly recommend must-read for fans of historical fiction that explores personal and societal transformation in realistic and engaging ways.
