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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Historical Fiction
Pearl is a ghost telling the story of Frankie, a girl who stays in an orphanage because her father cannot afford to keep the children during the Great Depression. I had no idea that it was a common practice for parents to put their children in orphanages during that time in order to ensure that their children would be fed and cared for (maybe not well fed or well cared for, but I guess something).
There are elements of mystery and suspense as Frankie's story is unveiled and Pearl's story comes to light.
It was an interesting read, but a tough one. I did find the book confusing at times since the author did not use quotation marks when the ghosts were speaking (Pearl is not the only ghost in the story), so it felt disjointed at times and I felt like perhaps there were too many stories going on. The book is gritty and addresses some sensitive and hard issues.
Quotes I liked:
"Nothing is funny about war," Sister said. "But one must find reasons to laugh anyway, especially when nothing is funny. Sometimes joy is the only defense you have, and your only weapon. Remember that."
When Frankie had a small moment of joy and felt guilty about it because so many sad things were going on. A woman told her, "You're allowed to be glad for a moment....we only get scraps in this lousy life. Take what you can get, do you hear me?" p.274
Sensitivity cautions: S, LB
Pearl is a ghost telling the story of Frankie, a girl who stays in an orphanage because her father cannot afford to keep the children during the Great Depression. I had no idea that it was a common practice for parents to put their children in orphanages during that time in order to ensure that their children would be fed and cared for (maybe not well fed or well cared for, but I guess something).
There are elements of mystery and suspense as Frankie's story is unveiled and Pearl's story comes to light.
It was an interesting read, but a tough one. I did find the book confusing at times since the author did not use quotation marks when the ghosts were speaking (Pearl is not the only ghost in the story), so it felt disjointed at times and I felt like perhaps there were too many stories going on. The book is gritty and addresses some sensitive and hard issues.
Quotes I liked:
"Nothing is funny about war," Sister said. "But one must find reasons to laugh anyway, especially when nothing is funny. Sometimes joy is the only defense you have, and your only weapon. Remember that."
When Frankie had a small moment of joy and felt guilty about it because so many sad things were going on. A woman told her, "You're allowed to be glad for a moment....we only get scraps in this lousy life. Take what you can get, do you hear me?" p.274
Sensitivity cautions: S, LB
I typically do not care for historical fiction and did enjoy this book, so historical fiction fans are likely to really enjoy it. I was particularly impressed when I reached the end of the book and learned that the realistic (non-ghost) of the two stories is based substantially upon a well-researched true story of the author's family member. Few authors can successfully weave fiction among researched details without the research jumping out at you, and this author did.
Frequently heartbreaking, this excellent story by Laura Ruby left me both wrecked and hopeful. I loved this story of Frankie. She, older brother Vito and younger sister Toni are left by their father in an orphanage upon the scandalous death of their mother. There, though it was not a particularly loving environment, Frankie, Vito and Toni had their friends and routines. Then their father takes Vito out of the orphanage with him after remarrying, leaving Frankie and Toni behind.
There's also a ghost, who's been watching Frankie for years at the orphanage, and has her own issues that keep her brooding and wandering the city.
Laura Ruby impressed me with her story Bone Gap; I loved her prose, and incisive, brilliant way with emotions and relationships. I was a little worried going into this book that I would not like this book as much as I had Bone Gap. No worries. The ghost's story and Frankie's tale are rife with betrayals and masterfully interwoven. Both young women have different truths they need to find out about themselves and their families, and Ruby handles the sentiments skilfully.
This book was brilliant, poignant, and beautifully written. I loved this book.
There's also a ghost, who's been watching Frankie for years at the orphanage, and has her own issues that keep her brooding and wandering the city.
Laura Ruby impressed me with her story Bone Gap; I loved her prose, and incisive, brilliant way with emotions and relationships. I was a little worried going into this book that I would not like this book as much as I had Bone Gap. No worries. The ghost's story and Frankie's tale are rife with betrayals and masterfully interwoven. Both young women have different truths they need to find out about themselves and their families, and Ruby handles the sentiments skilfully.
This book was brilliant, poignant, and beautifully written. I loved this book.
Mixed feelings about this book. Love the ghost, but sometimes there are moments of didacticism that feel really out of place. I love the ideas this book explores and interrogates, but I think it's strongest when it shows instead of tells. I also feel like I lose focus as it goes on--because it's not a plot driven book, it struggles to keep me engaged at times. There are some moments that feel round-about. There's such lovely writing, and such great ideas, but I think it could be tightened and focused more.
Very good, I think, if perhaps not the very best YA I read all year. I am glad I read it. It actually makes me think a little of the Book Thief, since it has an unusual POV conceit and was fairly dark and grim. It was actually several stories in one, since the narrator had a story of her own, too. Well done.
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed while reading and had an easy time following the story but i tried laying out the plot to someone after the fact and realized it’s kind of a fever dream
Bleak. I was propelled forward to finishing it...so I could start my next book. Good author's note though.
Fictional nature and ghostly status of some of the characters aside, this tells real stories about real people. Evocative, multifaceted, absorbing, and moving.