Jacob Have I Loved
by Katherine Paterson

Thomas Y. Crowell, 1980, 215 pg.
ISBN 13: 978-0-590-43498-0
ISBN 10: 0-590-43498-5

In Jacob Have I Loved, Sarah Louise Bradshaw has waited for the day when her twin sister Caroline will become less popular, less amazing at singing and will understand how she really feels instead of taking all the attention. Caroline has been their parents’ worry since she was born. Apparently Louise was to good for her parents to worry, but it never seemed that way. To her it looked like Caroline had all the attention and love. But when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, it changed the way the sisters treated each other, at least for a while.

Louise and her best and only friend Call became suspicious when a man they had never seen before steps of the ferry, and onto Rass Island. He’s said to be Hiram Wallace, but how can they be sure; with World War II raging, he could be a spy for all they know. So they set off to see him and prove who he really is. But then all of a sudden, Call joins the navy. What will it do to Louise and Calls friendship? How long will it take before Louise feels the need to leave the island? With visions and dreams of traveling to see the mountains, Louise just might have to.

Friendship and loyalty are main themes in Jacob Have I Loved. Trust is also a big part. Call and Louise trust each other and work together, especially when they are trying to find Hiram Wallace and when they crab fish. Louise is lucky to be crab fishing, because it’s a man’s job. They are best friends until one moves off the island. And brings back big news when they come and visit. Choice and memory come into play between Louise and her dreams. Caroline gets her first pick and Louise hasn’t found what she wants yet. Louise doesn’t have her mind made up, and is jealous of what Caroline has accomplished, achieved and has the opportunity to do.

Katherine Paterson writes the story in a way that makes you feel like you’re there and experiencing the way Louise, Call, and Caroline were living. Using first person Paterson really puts you as a reader inside Louise’s head to explain her surroundings on Rass Island. From the old house where the alleged Hiram Wallace is staying, to the floods in Chesapeake Bay that cause people to use their boats to roam the island. Paterson also uses dialog to describe the personalities, characteristics and traits of Louise’s friends and family. While Call laughs like there’s no tomorrow at the jokes of others, he doesn’t seem to understand Louise’s at all. Call and “Wheeze” as she’s also known as, do everything together just like best friends should. Once “Wheeze” is home she gets constant, nonstop nagging from her grandmother reading out of her Bible. Using the Bible verses to explain her thoughts.

This book is for anyone who likes a little adventure, with a small town setting, and for those who love a story filled with friendships, hope, the need for trust and a life much less complicated than ours. With only a ferry to get off the island they had much easier times. You can really relate to this book, if you have family living with you or friends who care about you, a sister that always gets all the attention, or even a grandma that wont stop bugging you about things that don’t seem to come on your first priority list but are top on hers. Jacob Have I Loved is a remarkable book about following your dreams and knowing what you want to become before life passes you by.

~ reviewed by Rachel A.