A review by ladykatka
The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0


I'm conflicted about this book. While it had some compelling elements, especially the flashbacks to Cecily’s past, the modern-day sections felt overcrowded with characters. Some weren’t introduced until halfway through the novel, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their roles in the story.

One of the biggest issues for me was the ethical dilemma surrounding Cecily’s DNA. The fact that her family took it without her consent is, at best, morally questionable and, at worst, outright criminal. The novel tries to justify it with a heartwarming resolution, but instead of feeling touching, it left me uneasy. A breach of bodily autonomy shouldn’t be so easily excused, no matter the outcome.

The central romance also left me skeptical. While I understand that a first love can be significant, the idea that a teenage relationship would still hold such overwhelming importance after 80 years—despite both characters living full lives, marrying others, and raising families—felt unrealistic. Cecily had experiences that might have deepened the impact of this love, but the way it was framed made it seem like everything else in her life was secondary, which didn’t sit right with me.

The ending, unfortunately, was overly sentimental. Rather than feeling earned, it came across as saccharine, tying everything up in a way that seemed to gloss over the more complex and uncomfortable aspects of the story.

Overall, while there were engaging moments, especially in Cecily’s past, the book’s structure, ethical missteps, and exaggerated emotional beats kept me from fully enjoying it.



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