You Can Go Home Again

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

In Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home, Rhoda Janzen chronicles the return to her parent's house following the most turbulent year of her life. Shortly after turning 40, her husband of 15 years left her for man. Reeling from this sudden shock and saddled with a brand new mortgage she could not possible afford alone, Janzen is involved in a very serious car accident and left with an astounding number of injuries. Unsure of how to proceed, she returns home to her family and her Mennonite roots.

Janzen's writing is incredibly smart and funny. Her memoir does not have the air of trying too hard--she is a naturally humorous story teller. Janzen's tales of growing up are both interesting and endearing. Most importantly, Janzen is not afraid to admit mistakes that she's made and accepts them all as part of her life's journey. Although she may not embrace the religious world she left behind, Janzen finds comfort in where she came from and where she is going from here-- proving that you can, indeed, go home again.

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress is available through the Chester County Library System.