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A review by knynas1
The Secret of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange
5.0
Beautifully written with wonderfully vivid characters. The main character Henry has had to deal with a lot in her 12 short years. That age can hold many frustrations, inconveniences, and confusion. It is an age where one is caught between child and teenager.
This story depicts the atrocities that women faced in the early 20th century. When mental illnesses such as PTSD and post-partum depression were yet to be named and "treatment" could range from scalding hot baths to lobotomies. Women were seen to be hysterical or psychotic when going through the natural progression of grief or anytime they tried to defy a man. Many women were institutionalized.
Henry's character was both an early feminist and a heroin. She knew right from wrong and stopped at nothing to protect her family. This story has a mix of the classics and fairytales. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful. I would recommend it for ages 12 and up as some of the subject matter may be either too dark or would go over younger children's heads. I give this one 4.5 stars.
This story depicts the atrocities that women faced in the early 20th century. When mental illnesses such as PTSD and post-partum depression were yet to be named and "treatment" could range from scalding hot baths to lobotomies. Women were seen to be hysterical or psychotic when going through the natural progression of grief or anytime they tried to defy a man. Many women were institutionalized.
Henry's character was both an early feminist and a heroin. She knew right from wrong and stopped at nothing to protect her family. This story has a mix of the classics and fairytales. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful. I would recommend it for ages 12 and up as some of the subject matter may be either too dark or would go over younger children's heads. I give this one 4.5 stars.