Thank you BiblioLifestyle and Kensington Books for a free physical copy and Netgalley and High Bridge Audio for the audiobook.
by: Amanda Skenandore
narrated by: Nicole Poole
rating: really liked
When the fabulous wife of silent film star is whisked away from her life and home after a leprosy diagnosis, she finds herself in Louisiana at Carville Lepers Home. This place is so vastly different from the life she knew. She was used to getting her way and running the show. Now she's just another patient and keeps being told to just go with the flow and accept her fate.
Because of multiple books I have read lately, I have realized I love a book with fleshed out, interesting secondary characters and this book is full of them. From Jean, a little girl who is a thorn in Mirelle's side, to Irene who teaches Mirelle how to navigate this diagnosis and new life, to Frank who is equal parts repulsive and intriguing to Mirelle, and Sister Verena who Mirelle can't seem to please.
I generally like very likeable characters and Mirelle doesn't start that way for sure in this book, but her character arc and her changing her outlook on life was lovely to read. She doesn't betray her true colors even in her transformation though, and I like that although her rough edges are filed down, she doesn't lose who she is.
Overall I fully recommend this one. I think it's so interesting to read a new facet of history and Amanda Skendendore can write some great layered characters.
Content Warning: Confinement, Chronic Illness (Leprosy)
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