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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
This was such an interesting concept for a book and I really enjoyed it. There are so many unique characters that come together to create a really heart touching story about a chosen family. Leprosy was something I really didn’t know much of anything about so it was really interesting to me to read this.
This book was heartwarming and I also learned a lot about a topic I’d never explored. It had humor, lovable characters, and heart.
informative
sad
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ometimes, the books that surprise you and that are not something you would have selected, are the books that stay with you long after finishing.
I read The Second Life of Mirielle West for book club. This is not a genre that I normally read. Like you know, I prefer pyschological thrillers and usually only read those. But this historical fiction novel was selected and I was ready to give it a try.
It is about a woman in her 30s named Mirielle West. At the beginning of the book (in 1929), she is diagnosed with Leprosy. At this point in history, they are immediately shunned and put in captivity so they don't spread the disease.
So the book is about Mirielle as she deals with her diagnosis and having to be split up from her husband and two very small daughters.
At first, you really can't feel bad for Mirielle. She seems incredibly selfish, snotty and conceited. But I guess that is what money will do to you when you have never had to struggle for anything. Her character development during the book is what makes this an incredible read. You go from not liking her at all and not really caring what happens to her... to really routing for her.
I highly recommend this book as these characters will make you feel things, make you think about life differently, and how sickness defines you. I really enjoyed this book and I am grateful that I tried it!
I read The Second Life of Mirielle West for book club. This is not a genre that I normally read. Like you know, I prefer pyschological thrillers and usually only read those. But this historical fiction novel was selected and I was ready to give it a try.
It is about a woman in her 30s named Mirielle West. At the beginning of the book (in 1929), she is diagnosed with Leprosy. At this point in history, they are immediately shunned and put in captivity so they don't spread the disease.
So the book is about Mirielle as she deals with her diagnosis and having to be split up from her husband and two very small daughters.
At first, you really can't feel bad for Mirielle. She seems incredibly selfish, snotty and conceited. But I guess that is what money will do to you when you have never had to struggle for anything. Her character development during the book is what makes this an incredible read. You go from not liking her at all and not really caring what happens to her... to really routing for her.
I highly recommend this book as these characters will make you feel things, make you think about life differently, and how sickness defines you. I really enjoyed this book and I am grateful that I tried it!
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars rounded up.
I always appreciate a book where I learn something I didn't know. That's part of the joy of reading, right? Well, in this book, recommended by a friend for my annual reading challenge, I learned about the leper colony in Louisiana in the 1920's-1940's. Well before my time, I knew nothing of the plight of lepers or that there was a whole community dedicated to them. This book was both educational, heartbreaking, AND heartwarming. It tells the story of Mirielle West, married to a Hollywood actor who lives a charmed life in LA and just so happens to contract leprosy. The book tells how Mirielle forms a new life at the leper colony and the many trials she faces. But it also talks about the many lessons learned when a humans life is stripped down to just the people in it. Ultimately, the book dragged out quite a bit but I enjoyed it.
I always appreciate a book where I learn something I didn't know. That's part of the joy of reading, right? Well, in this book, recommended by a friend for my annual reading challenge, I learned about the leper colony in Louisiana in the 1920's-1940's. Well before my time, I knew nothing of the plight of lepers or that there was a whole community dedicated to them. This book was both educational, heartbreaking, AND heartwarming. It tells the story of Mirielle West, married to a Hollywood actor who lives a charmed life in LA and just so happens to contract leprosy. The book tells how Mirielle forms a new life at the leper colony and the many trials she faces. But it also talks about the many lessons learned when a humans life is stripped down to just the people in it. Ultimately, the book dragged out quite a bit but I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars! fascinating premise - the first half really dragged; but the last 50 pages picked up quite a bit - would make an awesome movie. And the audio is excellent!
A couple of my friends and I do a little book club via zoom since we're on different coasts. One of my friends had picked up a blind date with a book that said something along the lines of "my book club couldn't stop talking about this" so she opened it on camera with us and we decided to buddy read it. As an epidemiologist, the parts of the book focused on Hansen's Disease (leprosy) were really interesting, but I also really liked the story. The characters, though not always likeable, were compelling and you'll find yourself really rooting for them. It's a fast read, not complicated and fairly predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is a good one to pick up!