First, I am such a fan of Meissner's writing, and her innate ability to transport the reader to another place and time - key to a great historical fiction book. You feel like you are experiencing everything right along with the characters. Her other talent is to entertain AND teach - her books that I've read have been just as educational as they are enjoyable to read. She does her research, and it shows in her stories. I feel like I'm learning so much!
Specifically on this book, it's the story of a family and their experience with the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919. But that's far too simple. It's also about love, loss, grief, family, hope, resilience. The characters are amazing - I loved their individual personalities and how those were revealed as the storyline developed. The alternating chapter voices worked so well here! As usual with Meissner, the four women are authentic and real. They deal with tragedy and loss and witness so much suffering, but work through it to regain their lives and find happiness. There's a lot of emotion (bring your tissues). Truly a fantastic read!
Specifically on this book, it's the story of a family and their experience with the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919. But that's far too simple. It's also about love, loss, grief, family, hope, resilience. The characters are amazing - I loved their individual personalities and how those were revealed as the storyline developed. The alternating chapter voices worked so well here! As usual with Meissner, the four women are authentic and real. They deal with tragedy and loss and witness so much suffering, but work through it to regain their lives and find happiness. There's a lot of emotion (bring your tissues). Truly a fantastic read!