Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; St. Martin's Press
When I started this novel, I thought it would be more lighter than it was. This is not a romance, but about a love of a mother and her children. in 1969, Ginny gives birth to her second child, a daughter, and she has Down Syndrome. The doctor, her father-in-law and husband talk her into putting her daughter, Lucy into an institution. She assumed that they would care for her in a way she could not for her special needs. She constantly asks her husband to take her for a visit but he puts it off, writing their daughter out of their family Then one day, a few years later, Ginny's best friend, Marsha sees an article about the institution Lucy is in. It exposes the truth behind the place, and the cruelty inflicted on these children. Marsha and Ginny, along with her 6 year-old son drive down to see Lucy and soon find themselves on the run unsure of what to do next.
This one is a bit of tearjerker and also one that will make you angry, but it is such an important story. I was so angry with Ab's family, but mostly at Ab for not being able to stand up to them and be independent. I kind of wished Ginny had been stronger with Ab, but it seems like the time period had some play, but still. I really got into the story and the suspense. I really enjoyed the book and am definitely adding some of Greenwood's books on the tbr list.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2019; St. Martin's Press
When I started this novel, I thought it would be more lighter than it was. This is not a romance, but about a love of a mother and her children. in 1969, Ginny gives birth to her second child, a daughter, and she has Down Syndrome. The doctor, her father-in-law and husband talk her into putting her daughter, Lucy into an institution. She assumed that they would care for her in a way she could not for her special needs. She constantly asks her husband to take her for a visit but he puts it off, writing their daughter out of their family Then one day, a few years later, Ginny's best friend, Marsha sees an article about the institution Lucy is in. It exposes the truth behind the place, and the cruelty inflicted on these children. Marsha and Ginny, along with her 6 year-old son drive down to see Lucy and soon find themselves on the run unsure of what to do next.
This one is a bit of tearjerker and also one that will make you angry, but it is such an important story. I was so angry with Ab's family, but mostly at Ab for not being able to stand up to them and be independent. I kind of wished Ginny had been stronger with Ab, but it seems like the time period had some play, but still. I really got into the story and the suspense. I really enjoyed the book and am definitely adding some of Greenwood's books on the tbr list.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
Greenwood's best yet!
Greenwood has a way of fictionalizing real stories, bringing them to life. The characters come right off the page and the story, though heartbreaking, keeps the reader engaged to the bitter end.
Story: 4 stars
Character Development: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Greenwood has a way of fictionalizing real stories, bringing them to life. The characters come right off the page and the story, though heartbreaking, keeps the reader engaged to the bitter end.
Story: 4 stars
Character Development: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
In an effort to read more contemporary books, I’ve been perusing the new books shelves at the library. But this was a mistake. You know what I hate? The fact that this was a female author who spent like 50% of the book talking about how overweight her protagonist was. Unnecessary. Badly done.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars.
Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood is a heartrending yet ultimately uplifting novel.
Ginny Richardson and her husband are from very different socio-economic backgrounds but the first years of their marriage are mostly happy. Ab's wealthy family helps them purchase their first home while Ab finishes law school and Ginny stays home with their son Peyton. After law school, Ab joins his father's law firm and he works long hours moving up through the ranks. Their delight at Ginny's second pregnancy ends in despair when their daughter Lucy is born. She has Down syndrome and frightened by their physician's dire prognosis, they immediately put her in Willowridge School.
Fast forward two years and Ginny is growing more unhappy with her life. She has no friends in the local area and since Ab works long hours, he is rarely home with her and Peyton. Ginny's relationship with her in-laws remains distant and she continues to feel inadequate. But when her best friend Marsha calls to tell her a reporter has exposed horrific conditions at Willowridge, Ginny goes against Ab's wishes when she takes Peyton and Marsha to check on Lucy.
Immediately sickened by what she discovers at Willowridge, Ginny leaves with Lucy for a long overdue visit. She also hopes to convince Ab that it is time for them to bring Lucy home. However, Lucy is angered by his refusal to even consider her request. Although Ginny does not want to go against her husband's wishes, she also cannot surrender her daughter for a second time. Needing time to figure out what she is going to do, Ginny makes an impetuous decision that will alter the course of her life. But will she ruin her marriage in the process?
With Marsha behind the wheel, she, Peyton and Lucy embark on a journey in which Ginny decides to regain control of her life. Having completely surrendered to her husband's and father-in-law's will, the distance and time away provides her the opportunity to reflect on what she wants for herself and her family. But defying her husband is not easy and she often second-guesses her decisions. When a crisis strikes, will Ginny find the strength she needs to protect her daughter?
Keeping Lucy is an emotionally compelling novel that is based on true events. The storyline is engaging and the characters are well-developed and likable. Ginny is fundamentally changed by her experiences and her fierce desire to protect Lucy once she knows the truth about Willowridge. The various settings and the time period are vibrantly developed and realistically portrayed. T. Greenwood brings this deeply affecting novel to a heartwarming conclusion that is quite gratifying.
Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood is a heartrending yet ultimately uplifting novel.
Ginny Richardson and her husband are from very different socio-economic backgrounds but the first years of their marriage are mostly happy. Ab's wealthy family helps them purchase their first home while Ab finishes law school and Ginny stays home with their son Peyton. After law school, Ab joins his father's law firm and he works long hours moving up through the ranks. Their delight at Ginny's second pregnancy ends in despair when their daughter Lucy is born. She has Down syndrome and frightened by their physician's dire prognosis, they immediately put her in Willowridge School.
Fast forward two years and Ginny is growing more unhappy with her life. She has no friends in the local area and since Ab works long hours, he is rarely home with her and Peyton. Ginny's relationship with her in-laws remains distant and she continues to feel inadequate. But when her best friend Marsha calls to tell her a reporter has exposed horrific conditions at Willowridge, Ginny goes against Ab's wishes when she takes Peyton and Marsha to check on Lucy.
Immediately sickened by what she discovers at Willowridge, Ginny leaves with Lucy for a long overdue visit. She also hopes to convince Ab that it is time for them to bring Lucy home. However, Lucy is angered by his refusal to even consider her request. Although Ginny does not want to go against her husband's wishes, she also cannot surrender her daughter for a second time. Needing time to figure out what she is going to do, Ginny makes an impetuous decision that will alter the course of her life. But will she ruin her marriage in the process?
With Marsha behind the wheel, she, Peyton and Lucy embark on a journey in which Ginny decides to regain control of her life. Having completely surrendered to her husband's and father-in-law's will, the distance and time away provides her the opportunity to reflect on what she wants for herself and her family. But defying her husband is not easy and she often second-guesses her decisions. When a crisis strikes, will Ginny find the strength she needs to protect her daughter?
Keeping Lucy is an emotionally compelling novel that is based on true events. The storyline is engaging and the characters are well-developed and likable. Ginny is fundamentally changed by her experiences and her fierce desire to protect Lucy once she knows the truth about Willowridge. The various settings and the time period are vibrantly developed and realistically portrayed. T. Greenwood brings this deeply affecting novel to a heartwarming conclusion that is quite gratifying.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A moving book about a mother’s determination to do what is best for her daughter. It makes you think about how different things were done in the 60s and it made me proud of the advancements in our society that we have made. I have gotten so used to my historical fiction having multiple viewpoints that I would have really enjoyed having the occasional chapter from
Abbot Jr to see how he was processing the story.
Abbot Jr to see how he was processing the story.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A