Books by Dorothea: REVIEW - The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This book totally intrigued me and I was not disappointed by any of it at all. It was offered as an ARC by Book Club Girl which offers a free Kindle ARC every two weeks usually on Monday. I normally find out about ARCs via Instagram, but I only read the books that really interest me like this one did.

This multiple-time period historical novel is all about secrets, DNA testing, and the real meaning of family. The characters were so interesting and varied plus the plot line hooked me especially as I have friends who have had family secrets unearthed because of DNA testing. Honestly, I am shocked that nothing has bubbled up yet for me, but one never knows!

This novel had three female protagonists and was a female-centered novel which was incredible and enjoyable. However, this is a novel where women help women, but also a novel where take advantage of other women. When will we, as women, ever learn?

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

The writing was strong and descriptive, but efficient. It was surprisingly easy to read even with some of the difficult subject matter. The writing did not hold back when dealing with some of the most difficult storylines, but it was not gratuitous.

Character development: 4.5 stars

There is one main female character - Cecily. The novel takes her from a four-year-old girl being dropped off at an orphanage by her mother in 1924 to an elderly woman in 2015. She had one heck of a life that was a fun ride from beginning to end of the book!

The secondary characters are Liz, 2015 (daughter) and Molly, 2015 (granddaughter) plus other people who are impacted by the same DNA. DNA testing uncovers secrets that disrupt their lives in both positive and negative ways.

The tertiary character is the normal folks one would encounter in each period and place including partners, family members, and friends. There are a lot of characters again as this is a normal historical fiction novel.

Storyline: 4.5 stars

This novel is about Cecily in multiple periods. Honestly, she is a fascinating character who lived through so many tragedies, but her life was filled with love! Love is what makes Cecily who she is!

The main locations were Minnesota, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

Memorable/Informative: 4.5 stars

The biggest takeaway is that women have been abused and continue to be abused by the patriarchy. The big issue is that women support the men in their abuse to get a "step up". Men manipulate the women to manipulate other women. What a horrific mess. We need to stop this cycle for our daughters and granddaughters.

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Just lovely!

Book title: 5.0 stars

Outstanding!

HIGHLY recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

NetGalley and Book Club Girl ARC (ebook)

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker

384 pages

Mariner Books

Release date of 02/20/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS