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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
In the haunting yet profoundly stirring The Second Life of Mirielle West, Amanda Skenandore unveils the poignant narrative set against the backdrop of America’s only leper colony, Carville, Louisiana. This meticulously researched novel, based on the harrowing true story of thousands of individuals branded as lepers and stripped of their civil rights, presents a narrative rich in detail and emotional depth.
Mirielle West, once a dazzling socialite of the 1920s Hollywood Golden Age, finds her life upended when a mere patch of pale skin results in her exile to the Louisiana Leper Home. Skenandore navigates Mirielle's journey from the heights of her glamorous life, filled with bootlegged champagne and star-studded parties, to the isolating and powerless existence within the walls of Carville. The stark contrast paints a vivid picture of a woman forced to reckon with a new identity, far removed from the glittering lights of Hollywood.
Skenandore imbues the narrative with authentic details about the medical practices, experimental treatments, and the lived experiences of the patients at Carville. This attention to detail adds a layer of authenticity that enriches the novel, making Mirielle’s world all the more immersive and authentic.
The characterization of Mirielle and her transformation throughout the novel is where Skenandore truly shines. Mirielle's resilience, her struggle to find community and purpose within the confines of Carville, and her fight against a fate she did not choose makes for a compelling and deeply emotional journey. However, while the characterization is robust and well-developed, the novel could have benefited from more external conflict to heighten the stakes and intensify the reader's engagement with the narrative.
Mirielle West, once a dazzling socialite of the 1920s Hollywood Golden Age, finds her life upended when a mere patch of pale skin results in her exile to the Louisiana Leper Home. Skenandore navigates Mirielle's journey from the heights of her glamorous life, filled with bootlegged champagne and star-studded parties, to the isolating and powerless existence within the walls of Carville. The stark contrast paints a vivid picture of a woman forced to reckon with a new identity, far removed from the glittering lights of Hollywood.
Skenandore imbues the narrative with authentic details about the medical practices, experimental treatments, and the lived experiences of the patients at Carville. This attention to detail adds a layer of authenticity that enriches the novel, making Mirielle’s world all the more immersive and authentic.
The characterization of Mirielle and her transformation throughout the novel is where Skenandore truly shines. Mirielle's resilience, her struggle to find community and purpose within the confines of Carville, and her fight against a fate she did not choose makes for a compelling and deeply emotional journey. However, while the characterization is robust and well-developed, the novel could have benefited from more external conflict to heighten the stakes and intensify the reader's engagement with the narrative.
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
This was a tough, but good read. It is a historical fiction novel based on the real leprosy colony in Carville, Louisiana. The leprosarium at Carville was in operation from 1894-2005 where medical staff cared for patients and did research to find a cure for Hansen’s disease.
Mirielle the fictional 1920s socialite in the novel was forced out of her wealthy lifestyle in Los Angeles after getting diagnosed with leprosy. She had to leave behind her husband and children as she was given no choice and sent to Carville.
The transformation of Mirielle from a self centered woman to someone who truly cared about her new found family in Carville was an inspiring character arc, and the things that were happening to those who were diagnosed during that time period was heartbreaking.
The novel is sad and not much good is happening throughout the entire storyline, it is a heavy and heart wrenching story and not for the faint of heart, but the ending is uplifting and hopeful and well worth the read IMO. Just make sure to not skip the epilogue!!
Mirielle the fictional 1920s socialite in the novel was forced out of her wealthy lifestyle in Los Angeles after getting diagnosed with leprosy. She had to leave behind her husband and children as she was given no choice and sent to Carville.
The transformation of Mirielle from a self centered woman to someone who truly cared about her new found family in Carville was an inspiring character arc, and the things that were happening to those who were diagnosed during that time period was heartbreaking.
The novel is sad and not much good is happening throughout the entire storyline, it is a heavy and heart wrenching story and not for the faint of heart, but the ending is uplifting and hopeful and well worth the read IMO. Just make sure to not skip the epilogue!!
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Took me a while to get into it and didn’t like the main character for a while. About halfway thru I was excited to learn what happened next. Listened on audio.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really didn’t like the main character. She was very bratty and complained
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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