A review by bellebookcorner
The Last Carolina Girl by Meagan Church

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

“Sometimes family is not who you’ve been given, it’s who you choose.”
 
If you like Where the Crawdads Sing, then you’ll have to read this one. 
Reading the story about Leah, a bright and cheerful young girl who went through a lot of stuff really breaks my heart to pieces, knowing that all she ever wanted was a family and a home. 
 
Throughout the story it was filled with Leah’s longing to a life she used to know before her father had an accident at work. I can’t help but cry while listening to the audio book. The narrator did a very great job of delivering this story, her voice capture every emotions in the story. 
 
While most of the story is heart-breaking, there are some parts that shows love and hope. Like Leah’s friend Jesse who never stop sending her letters, Mary Ann and Michael Henry that befriend her despite their wicked evil mother – Mrs. Griffin (I was so angry with her ever since she came into Leah's life, I wish I could slap Mrs. Griffin). 
Then there’s that surprising twist near the ending which was totally unexpected! 
 
I didn’t know anything about the eugenics movement before reading this one and to know it actually happen in our reality was horrifying. 
 
Overall, this is a powerful debut novel! 
This is a story that will stick with me for a long time. It’s an emotional roller coaster story filled with longing, loss and hope. 
I highly recommend for you to read this book and with a tissue box beside you! 
 
“Forgetting and forgiving are two different things.”
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to RB Media and the author!
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