Author: Louise Fein
Published: October 19th 2021 by William Morrow Paperbacks
Format: Kindle, Paperback, 480 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
First Sentence: July 1928. Mabel grips Eleanor’s arm tightly as they bowl fast along the country lane, Dilly’s hooves kicking dust into sultry July air.
Synopsis: Eleanor Hamilton is happily married and mother to a beautiful four-year-old girl, Mabel. Her wealthy husband, Edward, a celebrated war hero, is a leading light in the burgeoning Eugenics movement—the very ideas that will soon be embraced by Hitler—and is increasingly important in designing education policy for Great Britain.
But when Edward and Eleanor’s otherwise perfectly healthy daughter develops debilitating epileptic seizures, their world fractures. Mabel’s shameful illness must be hidden or Edward’s life’s work will be in jeopardy and the family’s honor will be shattered.
When Eleanor discovers Edward has been keeping secrets, she calls into question everything she believed about genetic inferiority, and her previous unshakeable faith in her husband disintegrates. Alarmed, distressed, and no longer able to bear the family’s burden, she takes matters into her own hands. (Goodreads)
My Opinion: This book took me a long time to get through. The subject of eugenics is so disgusting that I found myself alternating between being sickened, angry, and walking away. Yet, strangely, I think that is precisely what makes the Hidden Child an amazing read, one which everyone should experience. Though a work of fiction, the novel is based on facts, social mores, and wealthy influential leaders who do not want their lives upended by those deemed to be of lesser value.
Louise Fein weaves her history lesson through the lives of Eleanor Hamilton, her husband Edward, a leading researcher in the field, and their four-year-old daughter Mabel. Heartbreaking at its core, this novel takes the reader on a ride of epic proportion, and I doubt anyone will come away without being deeply moved.
Synopsis: Eleanor Hamilton is happily married and mother to a beautiful four-year-old girl, Mabel. Her wealthy husband, Edward, a celebrated war hero, is a leading light in the burgeoning Eugenics movement—the very ideas that will soon be embraced by Hitler—and is increasingly important in designing education policy for Great Britain.
But when Edward and Eleanor’s otherwise perfectly healthy daughter develops debilitating epileptic seizures, their world fractures. Mabel’s shameful illness must be hidden or Edward’s life’s work will be in jeopardy and the family’s honor will be shattered.
When Eleanor discovers Edward has been keeping secrets, she calls into question everything she believed about genetic inferiority, and her previous unshakeable faith in her husband disintegrates. Alarmed, distressed, and no longer able to bear the family’s burden, she takes matters into her own hands. (Goodreads)
My Opinion: This book took me a long time to get through. The subject of eugenics is so disgusting that I found myself alternating between being sickened, angry, and walking away. Yet, strangely, I think that is precisely what makes the Hidden Child an amazing read, one which everyone should experience. Though a work of fiction, the novel is based on facts, social mores, and wealthy influential leaders who do not want their lives upended by those deemed to be of lesser value.
Louise Fein weaves her history lesson through the lives of Eleanor Hamilton, her husband Edward, a leading researcher in the field, and their four-year-old daughter Mabel. Heartbreaking at its core, this novel takes the reader on a ride of epic proportion, and I doubt anyone will come away without being deeply moved.
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