Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Whoa! I loved this face paced book and i loved it even more because it was inspired by a real life story! Definitely recommend.
This was another book that I couldn't put down! The story gripped me from the very beginning and I wanted to know what was going to happen. I didn't realize so much of the story would be Ginny's trip with Lucy, rather than a legal battle, but that's because I went in blind and I loved it. I loved the way the story was written, alternating between when Ginny and Ab first met and started their family to the present.
I also really like how this took place in 1971, which was a different world than the one today. Someone couldn't be tracked by their cell phone in a matter of minutes. Getting in touch with people was much more difficult.
This story was emotional and really got me thinking about what I would do in a number of situations. Obviously we know more about Down Syndrome now than they did then, but it doesn't change how to view the situations that Ginny was in, including her relationship with Ab.
I would recommend this book and I'm adding this author to one of my favorites.
I also really like how this took place in 1971, which was a different world than the one today. Someone couldn't be tracked by their cell phone in a matter of minutes. Getting in touch with people was much more difficult.
This story was emotional and really got me thinking about what I would do in a number of situations. Obviously we know more about Down Syndrome now than they did then, but it doesn't change how to view the situations that Ginny was in, including her relationship with Ab.
I would recommend this book and I'm adding this author to one of my favorites.
This is a heart-wrenching story of a mother's love for a child.
Sadly the practice of institutionalizing children was not uncommon, nor was the mistreatment of children in institutions. This story of a mother who cannot forget the child she never had a chance to hold, and what she goes through to regain her child and family.
Sadly the practice of institutionalizing children was not uncommon, nor was the mistreatment of children in institutions. This story of a mother who cannot forget the child she never had a chance to hold, and what she goes through to regain her child and family.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Imagine having a child taken away at birth without your consent and being told by those around you that it was the best course of action. It’s 1969 and this child, born with Down’s Syndrome will have needs that a ‘normal’ child won’t. This is the life that Ginny is given. Ginny has fallen in love with a man who comes from a family of expectations, one that moves the pawns on her own chess board. After reading an exposé on the possible life her child is experiencing and with the support from her best friend Marsha, Ginny follows her heart and the difficult road ahead. Forced to make difficult decisions about her marriage, her family and her life, Ginny enters an adventure to protect what matters most to her.
Coming out in August 2019, this fast paced narrative will grab at your heart strings and have you thinking about what is most important in life.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book should be added to your TBR lists and requested at your bookstores and libraries.
Imagine having a child taken away at birth without your consent and being told by those around you that it was the best course of action. It’s 1969 and this child, born with Down’s Syndrome will have needs that a ‘normal’ child won’t. This is the life that Ginny is given. Ginny has fallen in love with a man who comes from a family of expectations, one that moves the pawns on her own chess board. After reading an exposé on the possible life her child is experiencing and with the support from her best friend Marsha, Ginny follows her heart and the difficult road ahead. Forced to make difficult decisions about her marriage, her family and her life, Ginny enters an adventure to protect what matters most to her.
Coming out in August 2019, this fast paced narrative will grab at your heart strings and have you thinking about what is most important in life.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book should be added to your TBR lists and requested at your bookstores and libraries.
OMG. This book. I really am not sure why I put off reading this book, it’s been on my NetGalley shelf for a while. Maybe because this author’s previous book “Rust and Stardust” left me feeling gutted. By the description of this one, I knew it would be another tough one. So worth the wait! I need to go back to binge read her other books!
I cannot say enough about this beautifully written, tough subject book. Set in the late 60s, early 70s when things were different...men were expected to be the bread winners, and women we expected to sat home and keep house. Most wives went along willingly to what their husbands did, said and planned. Things that were not normal were taken care of.
Ginny married Ab, fell in love with him, not his father’s money or status. Ab fell in love with Ginny as she was. His Father, Abbott, is a wealthy lawyer who wants Ab following in his footsteps, even though it’s really not what Ab wants. Ginny and Ab are happily married, beautiful home, beautiful son and second child on the way. Until life throws them a beautiful curve ball, a baby girl named Lucy, who is born special. Special was not in Abbott’s vocabulary, or his world, he will take care of Ginny and AB’s special problem. What happens next is heart breaking, gut wrenching. The pain and atrocities inflicted on these beautiful children will tear your heart out.
My daughter is involved with Best Buddies and is currently thinking about majoring in Special Education. As I read this book, I kept thinking of her beautiful buddy and how much she means to my daughter, and my daughter means to her. It has been a definite blessing having this child in our lives.
This is an eye opening, gut wrenching, get mad, cry type book. Hopefully it will open your eyes to how special each person is, how insensitive people can be, and what words to never use! Thank God we have come a long way since the 1970s. Stellar writing, unbelievable story with authentic characters and settings true to the era.
Thank you to the Author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this book. Opinion is mine alone.
I cannot say enough about this beautifully written, tough subject book. Set in the late 60s, early 70s when things were different...men were expected to be the bread winners, and women we expected to sat home and keep house. Most wives went along willingly to what their husbands did, said and planned. Things that were not normal were taken care of.
Ginny married Ab, fell in love with him, not his father’s money or status. Ab fell in love with Ginny as she was. His Father, Abbott, is a wealthy lawyer who wants Ab following in his footsteps, even though it’s really not what Ab wants. Ginny and Ab are happily married, beautiful home, beautiful son and second child on the way. Until life throws them a beautiful curve ball, a baby girl named Lucy, who is born special. Special was not in Abbott’s vocabulary, or his world, he will take care of Ginny and AB’s special problem. What happens next is heart breaking, gut wrenching. The pain and atrocities inflicted on these beautiful children will tear your heart out.
My daughter is involved with Best Buddies and is currently thinking about majoring in Special Education. As I read this book, I kept thinking of her beautiful buddy and how much she means to my daughter, and my daughter means to her. It has been a definite blessing having this child in our lives.
This is an eye opening, gut wrenching, get mad, cry type book. Hopefully it will open your eyes to how special each person is, how insensitive people can be, and what words to never use! Thank God we have come a long way since the 1970s. Stellar writing, unbelievable story with authentic characters and settings true to the era.
Thank you to the Author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this book. Opinion is mine alone.
“Choices. There was that word again.”
Enticing and thought-provoking, «Keeping Lucy» is a true tribute to mother’s love, women’s rights and the freedom of choice.
Set in a world where women were seen primarily as housewives, putting their husbands’ needs above anything else, but also the world that has seen Eleanor Roosevelt appointed the chairwoman, fighting for human rights. The world where women finally received the first slim chances to flourish in the society ruled by men. «Keeping Lucy» focuses primarily on women, women’s right, the possibility of choice and freedom.
Virginia, Ginni, Richardson didn’t know what she got herself into when she married into Ab’s family. This wealthy life might have been a dream of every girl, but it wasn’t Ginny’s who also sought a simple life, without a huge house in suburbs, without the privileges of the old rich families.
In the beginning, Abbot junior captivated her attention by being different, by being someone who could challenge his family, and they planned their future together dreaming about a small house, nature, and freedom from the prejudices of society.
However, everything changed when Ginny got pregnant with their first son, Peyton. Ab had to postpone his plans and ask for financial help of his parents. They didn’t understand back then that financial aid would always come with power and control.
Written in “then and now” style (which I really love!), «Keeping Lucy» tells the story of Ginny and Richardson’s family after the birth of their second child, Lucy.
T. Greenwood craftily added subtle nuances in the story that helped us situate in time, focused on women and their position in the society. How people asked Ginny and Marsha “where is your husband?” or “should we call your husband?”, as if they were incapable of making decisions.
Lack of financial independence resulted from everything in Ginny’s life. She didn’t have a job, she was a stay at home mom, she received a weekly allowance from her husband to run their household that felt to her more like the payment for her services as a maid. Ab gave her a credit card to use in emergency situations only! This sounds like a very small detail, but did you know that unmarried women in 60s weren’t allowed to have credit cards? And married women had to have their husband cosign it.
And of course, there was a big emphasis on fighting for your child.
When Ginny found out in what conditions her baby girl has been living, she had to see it for herself, she had to take her away from that place. With that, we began to see Ginny’s struggles but also her joy to finally be reunited with her daughter Lucy, who was born with Down’s Syndrome.
Will she fight for her daughter against all the odds? Or will she return to her comfortable life and forget about her like a bad dream?
It's so weird how far we've come. In the 1960s and 1970s, when Keeping Lucy is set, children with various diseases and disorders (Down Syndrome, in Lucy's case, but also cerebral palsy and I'm sure others) were institutionalized. Parents were told that they didn't have the resources to take care of the children and that they were sick and would likely just die soon anyway. They were told that it was better for everyone if their child was institutionalized. And the parents believed it.
That's what happened in Keeping Lucy. Ginny was never on board but it happened without her knowledge and approval, and she trusted her husband to do what was best. And then, two years after Lucy was born, her best friend Marsha called. The institution (called a school) was being investigated. Ginny goes to investigate herself and gets to check Lucy out for a long weekend visit. And then she realizes two things: she was lied to about the kind of care that her daughter was receiving and that she cannot, under any circumstances, let her daughter go back there.
This novel absolutely broke my heart. I don't know the true story behind Keeping Lucy (and I imagine there are more than a few that could've inspired it) but I did hear about the one institution that sounds similar to Willowridge. (I'm guessing there's more than one place that could've inspired it, though.)
This isn't an easy read, per se, but it's not heartbreaking the entire time. There's a lot of hope and since, ultimately, this book is about love, it's definitely worth the tears.
Highly recommended.
That's what happened in Keeping Lucy. Ginny was never on board but it happened without her knowledge and approval, and she trusted her husband to do what was best. And then, two years after Lucy was born, her best friend Marsha called. The institution (called a school) was being investigated. Ginny goes to investigate herself and gets to check Lucy out for a long weekend visit. And then she realizes two things: she was lied to about the kind of care that her daughter was receiving and that she cannot, under any circumstances, let her daughter go back there.
This novel absolutely broke my heart. I don't know the true story behind Keeping Lucy (and I imagine there are more than a few that could've inspired it) but I did hear about the one institution that sounds similar to Willowridge. (I'm guessing there's more than one place that could've inspired it, though.)
This isn't an easy read, per se, but it's not heartbreaking the entire time. There's a lot of hope and since, ultimately, this book is about love, it's definitely worth the tears.
Highly recommended.
Keeping Lucy is one of the best books I have read so far this year. It had me so emotional from the very beginning, and kept my emotions high until the very last page. Ginny's baby girl is born with Down Syndrome. While she is still feeling the effects of the drugs given to her during childbirth, her husband--being told to do so by his powerful father--signs over the rights of their daughter to an institution, all the while telling Ginny it is a "school" for people who are born that way. Two years later, Ginny's best friend Marsha shows her news articles written by a journalist who got into the institution and took pictures of how deplorable the place was and how badly the children were being treated. Ginny decides to take Lucy out for the weekend--and then refuses to take her back. She, Marsha, Lucy, and Ginny's son go on the run to keep Lucy from being put back into the institution--and to keep away from her father-in-law who will go so far as to see her put in prison to hide what he has done. This book was magnificent, heart-breaking and then heart-warming, and an emotional ride that took me from sad to angry, to laughing, to thoughtful., and I loved every minute of it!
Keeping Lucy is a tale of mother’s love and how powerful it could be. Ginny’s heart was broken when she was told that her baby had Down’s Syndrome. It was broken even more when her powerful father in law arraigned for the newborn to be taken to Willowridge, a school for feeble-minded people. Ginny was never allowed to see Lucy and was told that she should mourn for Lucy like she was dead. Two years pass. Then Ginny’s friend Marsha shows her a series of articles that expose Willowridge as a hell on earth for its residents. Horrified at what she saw and read, Ginny, can’t leave Lucy there. After seeing the school and the conditions for herself, Ginny is determined never to bring her back. But her actions have consequences that soon have her and Marsha racing towards Florida with the children. What will happen to Lucy? To Ginny?
Keeping Lucy was a hard book for me to read. As a mother, I couldn’t even begin to fathom what Ginny went through in the 2 years after Lucy was taken from her. I don’t know how she could live with her husband after he forced that decision on her. But, then again, this was the late 60’s/early ’70s. Men still made the decisions and women’s feelings were not thought about.
Ginny’s character development through the book was amazing. She went from being this meek, compliant housewife to a person who stood her ground when threatened. I loved it. She became an enraged mama bear protecting her cub. The ultimatum that she threw down to Ab was epic. Even better was what she said to her overbearing, control freak of a father in law.
I didn’t care for Ab. He let his father rule his life. In doing so, he allowed his daughter to be placed in a “school” with deplorable living conditions. He did love Ginny and Peyton. I also understood where he was coming from when he made the decision to send Lucy away. But, it was everything after the fact that made me go “WTF“.
Lucy was the innocent victim in all this. I shared Ginny’s horror when she saw (and smelled) the conditions of that “school“. The scene when Ginny first changed Lucy’s diaper broke my heart. How long did she sit in that diaper for the rash to get that bad?? There are other examples of the severe neglect that she endured but I won’t go into them.
I didn’t like Ab’s father. He was a controlling jerk. I don’t understand why he thought that he could separate a mother from her child. I don’t understand why thought that bullying his son into complying was alright. I do think that he was one of those rich people who thought money and connections solved everything. He was a jerk and deserved a good knee to the crotch.
The main plotline, Ginny going on the run with the kids, was well written. It did get off to a slow start but it gained steam. By the time everyone reached Florida, it was flowing nicely. I could taste her desperation. I could feel her horror and fear. But, more importantly, I saw the fierce love that she had for her children. She was willing to do whatever it took to prevent Lucy from going back to that hellhole.
The end of Keeping Lucy was different. All I have to say about it is that I am happy with how things ended up.
I would give Keeping Lucy an Adult rating. There are sexual references but sex is not described outright. There is mild language. There is mild violence. There are triggers. They would be extreme child neglect. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Keeping Lucy. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.
I would like to thank the publishers, the author, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Keeping Lucy.
All opinions stated in this review of Keeping Lucy are mine.
Keeping Lucy was a hard book for me to read. As a mother, I couldn’t even begin to fathom what Ginny went through in the 2 years after Lucy was taken from her. I don’t know how she could live with her husband after he forced that decision on her. But, then again, this was the late 60’s/early ’70s. Men still made the decisions and women’s feelings were not thought about.
Ginny’s character development through the book was amazing. She went from being this meek, compliant housewife to a person who stood her ground when threatened. I loved it. She became an enraged mama bear protecting her cub. The ultimatum that she threw down to Ab was epic. Even better was what she said to her overbearing, control freak of a father in law.
I didn’t care for Ab. He let his father rule his life. In doing so, he allowed his daughter to be placed in a “school” with deplorable living conditions. He did love Ginny and Peyton. I also understood where he was coming from when he made the decision to send Lucy away. But, it was everything after the fact that made me go “WTF“.
Lucy was the innocent victim in all this. I shared Ginny’s horror when she saw (and smelled) the conditions of that “school“. The scene when Ginny first changed Lucy’s diaper broke my heart. How long did she sit in that diaper for the rash to get that bad?? There are other examples of the severe neglect that she endured but I won’t go into them.
I didn’t like Ab’s father. He was a controlling jerk. I don’t understand why he thought that he could separate a mother from her child. I don’t understand why thought that bullying his son into complying was alright. I do think that he was one of those rich people who thought money and connections solved everything. He was a jerk and deserved a good knee to the crotch.
The main plotline, Ginny going on the run with the kids, was well written. It did get off to a slow start but it gained steam. By the time everyone reached Florida, it was flowing nicely. I could taste her desperation. I could feel her horror and fear. But, more importantly, I saw the fierce love that she had for her children. She was willing to do whatever it took to prevent Lucy from going back to that hellhole.
The end of Keeping Lucy was different. All I have to say about it is that I am happy with how things ended up.
I would give Keeping Lucy an Adult rating. There are sexual references but sex is not described outright. There is mild language. There is mild violence. There are triggers. They would be extreme child neglect. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.
I would reread Keeping Lucy. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.
I would like to thank the publishers, the author, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Keeping Lucy.
All opinions stated in this review of Keeping Lucy are mine.
I was actually a little terrified of this novel at first. I have a cousin and a sister in law with Down Syndrome and I thought this would be so hard to read . But the author didn't spend too much time on the school and the horror that awaited there. We do get a bit of insight into the cruelty that happens in that "school" throughout the book. What we don't get a lot of - and I was hoping for- was about Lucy. This book seemed to focus more on Ginny and all she goes through and that was disappointing.