Reviews

The Lottery Rose by Irene Hunt

tiggerser's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh this book will haunt me forever! I cried several times as I read this story. You know each part as it's coming, but it still wrenches your heart in to pieces when you read each tender moment.

I do not want to spoil the book so I won't. It's a quick read and you won't be able to put it down.

The cast of characters:
Wise nuns
Abusive boyfriend to Mom
Alcoholic Mother
Caring, but pushy Bestie Timothy
Kind Neighborly Grandpa
Loving Down's Syndrome child
Grieving neighbor Mother
Foster Mom/Dad
Judge O'Neill

Enough depth of characters to create a plot, but nothing deeply complicated in storyline or characters. It's a book that simmers with you and is best as a whole. There are some subtle threads pulled through, but the beauty is the story's simplicity.

pbraue13's review against another edition

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4.0

"The Lottery Rose" by Irene Hunt is a poignant masterpiece that seamlessly blends heartache with hope, leaving readers deeply moved by its powerful narrative. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, this novel delves into the life of a young boy named Georgie Burgess, whose existence is marred by poverty, abuse, and neglect.

One cannot help but be drawn into Georgie's world, feeling every pang of his loneliness and every blow dealt by his harsh reality. Irene Hunt masterfully captures the innocence of childhood juxtaposed against the brutality of Georgie's circumstances, painting a vivid picture of a boy struggling to survive amidst adversity.

The emotional depth of "The Lottery Rose" is truly staggering. Through Georgie's eyes, readers are confronted with the harsh realities faced by countless children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a glimmer of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Hunt delicately weaves themes of love, redemption, and the transformative power of friendship throughout the narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the reader's heart.

What makes "The Lottery Rose" particularly poignant is its ability to elicit a range of emotions—from sorrow and despair to warmth and compassion. As Georgie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, readers are taken along for the ride, experiencing every triumph and setback as if they were their own. The novel's raw honesty and emotional authenticity make it impossible to remain unaffected by Georgie's plight.

In the end, "The Lottery Rose" serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love and compassion. Through Georgie's story, Irene Hunt reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world often plagued by indifference. This is a book that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned, serving as a testament to the enduring power of the human heart. I read this in 8th grade when it was assigned for class and have never forgotten it since.

4/5 stars

pastahater3000's review against another edition

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adventurous

4.0

mckinlay's review against another edition

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3.0

i remember loving this book when i read it for class in middle school.

gingermh's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this book first in junior high (middle school) and then apparently again my freshman year of high school. Ran across my original copy with a receipt in it from 1985.

Read it again this week and had tears streaming from my eyes. I think I appreciated it even more all these years later now that I can apply my life experiences.

amibunk's review against another edition

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5.0

Such a moving and emotional book that demonstrates over and over that with care, work, and love broken things can become whole again.

2020 update:
I love reading this book to my children. While it paints a tragic picture of child abuse and tugs hard at the heartstrings, it also tells a story of what love can do to heal broken things.

wordyanchorite's review against another edition

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4.0

Georgie survives horrific abuse at the hands of his mother and boyfriend, but a ray of light enters his life when he wins a rosebush in a supermarket contest. Through his rescue and recovery, both Georgie and the rosebush heal, grow, and find a home.

Recommended grades: 6-9.

ronniewest's review against another edition

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4.0

What a sweet, short story about a boy recovering from child abuse.

mayaanic's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5 stars.

tiffanykw's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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