Review by Norma: The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman

The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE LIFE SHE WAS GIVEN by ELLEN MARIE WISEMAN was a moving, haunting, and heartbreaking tale with an intriguing and engaging storyline that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I have a fascination for circus themed books and this one kept me entertained and spellbound right to the very end.

ELLEN MARIE WISEMAN delivers a vivid, descriptive, and well-written read here with some uncomfortable and cringe worthy scenes that were difficult to read at times. The story is told in alternating perspectives of two very different and remarkable young women from Lilly Blackwood in the 1930’s and Julia Blackwood in the 1950’s.  I enjoyed both perspectives and stories equally. How these two women are connected to each other and their stories is the beauty of this novel.

To sum it all up it was heart-wrenching, sad, hopeful, and a compelling fast-paced read with an ending that I found to be totally satisfying and shocking.  I also love that cover and the title of this book and found both to be extremely fitting to this novel.  Would recommend!!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Ellen Marie Wiseman for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.