His ability to empathize, even with those who he is fearful of, is heroic. Jacobĭevoted to his faith and family, Jacob is a very likable figure. His journal entries are an effective way to unfold the story. The journal style storytelling peaked my interest as they reveal Jacob’s most private thoughts between him and God. Jacob writes at the end of each workday and his entries are concise and heartfelt. My Favorite Parts of the Story Story Told through Journal Entries When everyone realizes the Amish have stored food supplies, and the National Guard orders them to load trucks with supplies to be distributed among the growing number of desperate English families, the tension and threat of violence against the peaceful way of life in Jacob’s community grows rapidly.

Jacob learns of the increasingly desperate situation from his English friend, Mike. The English (referring to anyone who is not Amish) flounder when a solar storm (or some such event that is not clearly defined in the story) knocks out power everywhere, bringing to a halt communication, food supplies, medical treatments - life as the English know it. From his entries, we learn of Sadie’s premonitions that something bad is coming. Troubled by his daughter Sadie’s seizures and “funny ways” but relying on his faith, his journal is almost another form of prayer. In David William’s debut novel When the English Fall, we meet Jacob, an Amish farmer who keeps a journal. If the power went out and stayed out everywhere, but you knew how to sustain yourself and your family by living off the land, then you’d be ahead of the game, wouldn’t you? The Setting Amish Book Review Book Review David Williams When the English Fall When the English Fall Novel

David williams when the english fall