karlieash18's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
leannetr's review
The absurdity of eugenics and its presence in the book was maddening. It made me upset while reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Racism, Ableism, Antisemitism, Classism, and Homophobia
bookedbymadeline's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the eARC! I loved Louise Fein’s first novel and was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of her second book!
The Hidden Child by Louise Fein is a historical fiction novel set in 1929 England. The story focuses on the struggles of Eleanor and Edward Hamilton as they come to terms with their daughter’s epilepsy, hiding her away because her illness puts Edward’s life work, as a eugenicist, at risk.
Fein has a way of bringing complex characters and emotional stories to life. I really enjoyed the switching POVs between Edward and Eleanor; although I didn’t like Edward!
The writing style was wonderfully done, with the plot slowly developing and making me feel as if I was there. The novel is more character driven, so I had a harder time getting into the book but once it got to the 75(ish) page mark, I was hooked! This was a difficult read due to the subject matter, but I learned a lot and appreciated the voice that was given to people with epilepsy through Mabel.
A heartbreaking but beautifully written book, Fein once again has left me in awe ❤️ highly recommend if you enjoy 20th century historical fiction, complex characters (and their development), multiple POVs, strong female characters, and character driven stories!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Chronic illness, Racism, Ableism, Grief, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Miscarriage, Misogyny, War, Death of parent, Gore, and Blood
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, and Antisemitism
quizzle99's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Antisemitism, Racism, Misogyny, and War
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