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3.55 AVERAGE

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging hopeful sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
informative mysterious sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
dark sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
informative sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

A bit heavy handed, to my taste.

Americanisms broke the spell of authenticity 

A thoughtful and surprisingly complex novel about the women in an Magdalen laundry, both the nuns and the "penitents". It did not fall into the typical trap of demonizing or glorifying any, instead showing realistic motives for the nuns who meant well and for those who committed the girls to enforced labor for anything from a misunderstanding to a deliberate act. Nothing was belabored, and Sister Anne's own inward struggle and personal motivation brought added depth.

From Nora, who had tried to escape the craziness of home, to Teagan with other issues and the slightly touched artistic Lea, the girls have lives and characters of their own, hopes and expectations. Some of the Magdalen girls were all but institutionalized, unable to picture any other life and most likely unable to survive in the outside world, while others were desperate to escape their sacred prison but still managed to find solace in friendship. Readers of Noel Stretfeild's books may recognize some elements of the institution (especially in Thursday's Child).

There were scenes of sadness, of confusion, loss, bitterness and anger as well as scenes of hope, regret and joy, and the final resolution felt like an appropriate settlement.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Great historical fiction on a subject I knew nothing about. The things that were done to these women in the name of religion is disgusting. Add to the fact that they were there because of some false accusations or their families thought they were promiscuous and they didn’t even get a chance to defend themselves.