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katscribefever's review against another edition
4.0
There is a bibliographic category known as “realistic fiction,” but the tone of this story doesn’t feel right for that. I prefer to think of it as a “realistic fairytale.” One of the strongest themes throughout this novel is grief and the struggle to move beyond it, all told from the perspective of a young girl whose biggest goal is to help her family heal closer together while the world wants to tear them apart. A charming little story that leaves the reader feeling uplifted.
caitlin_lore's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to @kidlitexchange network for a review copy of this book—all opinions of this review are my own.
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THE SECRET OF NIGHTINGALE WOOD is the story of Henry and her family in the aftermath of the loss of her brother Robert. Set in 1919, it’s centered around a time in the world when certain emotions, afflictions, and issues with women were hidden away. When her own mother has trouble coping with the loss of her son, just after the birth of her daughter, and with her Father away in work, Henry finds that she has to step up and care for her new sister, dubbed Piglet. But as the family settles into this new life, Henry finds herself wandering deep in the woods where she stumbles upon the mysterious Moth, a women who just might hold the key to helping Henry save her family.
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As I read NIGHTINGALE, I couldn’t help but find myself swept up in the classics of my childhood, the prose reminiscent of so many stories near and dear to my heart. Lucy Strange’s words are beautifully poetic and transformative as she takes readers back into a time where life was simpler and more magical.
Yet, she also captures the hidden and dark aspects of the time period in such an emotional way.
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Though this is Henry’s tale, it’s also so much more. It’s the story of many girls and women in the time—a time when they were misunderstood and locked away for fear of their hysterics spreading.
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I’ve never been too much of a historical fiction fan, but Strange pulled me into her story from the beginning and I had a hard time letting go. I was invested in Henry, in her mother, in Piglet and in Moth—all these strong women who had so much to teach me. I also loved the air of mystery that Strange wove throughout the tale, keeping me turning the pages just to see how it was going to end.
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I recommend this book for those interested in history, strong female characters, classic prose, and social change.
This is a book that will make readers wonder but also ponder what it means to care for others.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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📚 Ages 8-12
📚 Family themes and deep topics
📚 Historical Fiction w/ an air of Mystery
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THE SECRET OF NIGHTINGALE WOOD is the story of Henry and her family in the aftermath of the loss of her brother Robert. Set in 1919, it’s centered around a time in the world when certain emotions, afflictions, and issues with women were hidden away. When her own mother has trouble coping with the loss of her son, just after the birth of her daughter, and with her Father away in work, Henry finds that she has to step up and care for her new sister, dubbed Piglet. But as the family settles into this new life, Henry finds herself wandering deep in the woods where she stumbles upon the mysterious Moth, a women who just might hold the key to helping Henry save her family.
•
As I read NIGHTINGALE, I couldn’t help but find myself swept up in the classics of my childhood, the prose reminiscent of so many stories near and dear to my heart. Lucy Strange’s words are beautifully poetic and transformative as she takes readers back into a time where life was simpler and more magical.
Yet, she also captures the hidden and dark aspects of the time period in such an emotional way.
•
Though this is Henry’s tale, it’s also so much more. It’s the story of many girls and women in the time—a time when they were misunderstood and locked away for fear of their hysterics spreading.
•
I’ve never been too much of a historical fiction fan, but Strange pulled me into her story from the beginning and I had a hard time letting go. I was invested in Henry, in her mother, in Piglet and in Moth—all these strong women who had so much to teach me. I also loved the air of mystery that Strange wove throughout the tale, keeping me turning the pages just to see how it was going to end.
•
I recommend this book for those interested in history, strong female characters, classic prose, and social change.
This is a book that will make readers wonder but also ponder what it means to care for others.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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📚 Ages 8-12
📚 Family themes and deep topics
📚 Historical Fiction w/ an air of Mystery
hamckeon's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a lovely, heartwarming story. It is the perfect book for Anglophiles and fans of fairy tales and classic children’s literature. This is definitely one of the best middle grade novels I’ve ever read.
mjjohn3's review against another edition
5.0
I’m sure that my being 25 weeks pregnant influenced some of my tears, but this book was delightful. It was very difficult to put down, and it ended in such a beautiful, redemptive way. (Can you tell that the story still has me lost in its charms?)
ohemgeebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Such a delightful story. It kept me awake reading late into the night. Loved it!
flarflar13's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written story written for middle schoolers, but certainly engaging enough for readers of any age.
victorialynch's review against another edition
4.0
While written with a ton of suspense and beautiful depictions of the characters, I wonder if many young people today would know the extensive references to classic fairy tales woven throughout. They aren't necessary for comprehension but certainly add to the effect. I was heartbroken reading what people consider "treatment" for mental health / depression / grief in the early 1900s.
liliya_klein's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful story about coping with grief with a good helping of mystery too. Middle-grade excellence.
piendorabox's review against another edition
4.0
tender and thought-provoking, this book gives insight of how mental illness was seen and treated post-WWI. i cried at least 3 times.
crysrowe's review against another edition
5.0
You know you've found a good book when you identify with almost every main character in some way. Although this was a children's book, and told from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl, I found myself forgetting that I wasn't a 12-year-old girl experiencing it with her. It's full of old literature references, and is such a beautifully written novel. Like many of the old classics, it belongs on every bookshelf - whether you're 12, 37, or 92.