Running Out of Sand
Sand and Soul Book 2
ISBN 9781987970760
ASIN B0H3PKGTWD
I must admit this was not an easy read. It does an amazing job capturing addiction and specifically alcoholism. But coming from a long line of alcoholics on both sides of the family it was not easy to read. My grandfather and an uncle died from alcohol related diseases and a brother overdoses. I myself have an addiction to reading, and another brother addicted to board games. So even though this book was set in what would have been my father’s generation, it was often not an easy read.
It is a very moving and powerful story. I have been a big fan of everything I have read from Full Quiver and enjoyed the previous volume in this series. Full Quiver specializes in books that focus on fiction around the theme of theology of the body. And this is one that is very well written. It is very moving and incredibly intense. It is a story about faith, family, and battles with addiction are the words I would use to describe this story. The description of the story is:
“Silvester Fandel didn’t intend to become a drunk. He vowed not to. But his inability to save and protect those he cares about leaves him with emotions only alcohol can tame, just like generations of men on his mother’s side.
Running Out of Sand is a story of tragedy, endurance, love, and the grip that alcohol can have on a really good man.”
When Sil’s myriad of shortcomings flood his mind, he becomes desperate to handle the stress in the quickest way possible. His drinking threatens not only his faith but also his standing with his family, his career, and his relationships with women. When he hits rock bottom, he fears being unable to save any of those things. Mostly, though, he questions the strength of his resolve to save himself.
The dedication of the story states:
“For my loving and faithful husband, John, a man with high integrity and positivity. Thank you for building a life rich in faith, courage, and enthusiasm with me. I love you!
For those who have overcome any difficulty. Bravo!
And for those who suffer from addiction of any kind, know that you are loved by the One Who Is Love. He is there with you in your struggle.”
This is a story set in a different time when alcohol was seen differently and Alcoholics Anonymous was only a few decades old. It follows Silvester Fandel through his late teens, through college and into married life. But the story opens with a tragedy and from that point on Sil struggles. His moth has dealt with a father who was an alcoholic and a brother who is one. She has no tolerance for it. She is unwilling to go through some of those experiences again. Sil make resolution after resolution, first to himself and then to his wife. And he breaks each eventually.
Things come to a climatic head and he faces ultimatums from his wife, his parents, his siblings and even his grandparents. But they are also all in his corner hoping he can finally turn the corner and become the husband and father they know he can be.
This is a moving and powerful story begins in the mid 1950’s and goes through the mid 1970’s. Life was different, and society was very different. But the story is of great value for readers today. I mentioned at the beginning that the son of my family history. This story really hit home, but also gives great examples of faith and family help people through the experience. After my brother passed I discovered venerable Matt Talbot, I have since read 11 volumes about him. His life is very different from Sil’s but this story is an example of fiction that can help deepen and inspire faith. Reading this I could not help but think about my family and many families who have had to deal with addictions and it’s impacts. This is an excellent read. It is a great sophomore novel. An example of Catholic Christian fiction at its best; a great example of Catholic literature. It was not an easy read at times but it is one I can highly recommend.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Mary Jo Thayer:
Sand and Soul Series:
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