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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Great book! Another exceptional historical fiction read. I couldn't put it down.
I was about to give up on the book (the beginning didn't catch my interest), but then the Bernice chapters started and were so well written. I was hooked after that. Not the storyline I expected when I choose a random 'Spanish Flu Inspired Book', but I am glad I choose this one. Definitely worth the read.
I have mixed feelings about this book... it was a very slow build and I was about to quit reading it until something surprising happened. However, it was short lived and again I started getting bored with the book until another small surprised happened. This pattern of highs and lows continued until the last 50 pages. The ending had me hooked and I’m glad I finished. I just wish the beginning and middle were more captivating.
Once again this is another book I have read that follows two storylines. The first storyline is about a thirteen year old German immigrant who lives in Philadelphia during late 1910’s. In the first chapter and a half, everything is normal. Pia goes to school, comes home and helps her mother with her infant twin brothers. BAM! Spanish flu comes and starts killing everyone. The whole city is quarantined, she is stuck in a crummy apartment with her two infant brothers with no food? what will happen??
Bernice however in a completely separate storyline is inconsolable from her baby dying of this spanish flu. She blames the immigrants and Pia’s family. Kidnaps children and “transforms” them into what she believes are “true Americans.” It smelled illegal from the moment I read that sentence.
Bernice however in a completely separate storyline is inconsolable from her baby dying of this spanish flu. She blames the immigrants and Pia’s family. Kidnaps children and “transforms” them into what she believes are “true Americans.” It smelled illegal from the moment I read that sentence.
A particularly relevant read given the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of hatred of those that are from elsewhere. A gripping book I couldnt put down. History repeats itself.
This was really unpleasant. But I needed to know what happened. The pacing was like nails on a chalkboard until the very end when it was all wrapped up with a nice little bow. I wanted to finish it and now I'm glad it's over.
2.5 ⭐ rounded up because maybe I was supposed to hate it?
2.5 ⭐ rounded up because maybe I was supposed to hate it?
Less About Survival and More About a Storyline
A fast read with a lot of twists and turns. Not a lot of depth, but sometimes you need that. The ending was a bit rushed for as dragged out as the lead in to it was.
A fast read with a lot of twists and turns. Not a lot of depth, but sometimes you need that. The ending was a bit rushed for as dragged out as the lead in to it was.
Amazing story. Absolutely intriguing characters and emotions. Addressed relative socio-economic issues in a real and empathetic manner. Definitely worth reading!!
This book was uncomfortable to read. While I felt bad for Pia, reading about the other woman was creepy.