katrinaburch's review
challenging
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Part of me is not sure what to make of this book. The writing is well done, though maybe a touch too much dialogue for me. However, I want to smack Edward through 85% of the book. But I have to remember I'm reading this in 2022 and he was in the late 1920s England. What's sad is that a lot of what Edward believes still exists today and is continuing to be practiced.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement, War, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
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
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