by Jeanine Cummins

Cummins certainly does a great job of bringing the past into the present in this novel. Though depressing, she really gets you into the psyche’s of two mothers, one in Ireland in the 1840s and one in the present day dealing with postpartum issues as a modern woman. Its relatable if you’re a mother and its relatable if you’re just a human being who has remotely heard of some of the disparity and struggles that human beings can experience.

I found this book to be hard to put down but quite depressing. It wouldn’t be a book that I would necessarily be quick to pick up again or to recommend quickly. Like I said, she does a great job with this, it was just a sad and dark book.

I don’t want to discount that the two main characters do come out of their stories triumphant but not without much despair and heartache that they have to deal with.

Do you have seasons in your life when you need something dark and sad, maybe as a pick me up to feel better about your situation? Or to get out some pent up emotions of your own? Do you enjoy a good cry with a book? (This book did not bring me to tears necessarily, but it was sad at times and heart-wrenching). This book might be for you if you are in one of those seasons or need a sad book.

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