Book Review – Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood #bookreview #netgalley

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: None
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Publication Date: 8/6/2019
Pages: 320 (eBook)

Goodreads Synopsis:

Dover, Massachusetts, 1969. Ginny Richardson’s heart was torn open when her baby girl, Lucy, born with Down Syndrome, was taken from her. Under pressure from his powerful family, her husband, Ab, sent Lucy away to Willowridge, a special school for the “feeble-minded.” Ab tried to convince Ginny it was for the best. That they should grieve for their daughter as though she were dead. That they should try to move on.

But two years later, when Ginny’s best friend, Marsha, shows her a series of articles exposing Willowridge as a hell-on-earth–its squalid hallways filled with neglected children–she knows she can’t leave her daughter there. With Ginny’s six-year-old son in tow, Ginny and Marsha drive to the school to see Lucy for themselves. What they find sets their course on a heart-racing journey across state lines—turning Ginny into a fugitive.

For the first time, Ginny must test her own strength and face the world head-on as she fights Ab and his domineering father for the right to keep Lucy.

My Opinion:

In only took a few pages for me to know that this was going to be a good but emotional read!

Ginny and Ab are elated to be adding another child to their growing family. Lucy was born in 1969 with mongoloid and to Ginny’s dismay, they were advised by their doctor to send her away. He pressed the importance that Lucy should be in a special school that will care for her given her condition.

I had so many feelings running through my head while reading this book. At times I was deeply saddened by Lucy’s storyline. It is sickening what this sweet little girl went through. I had moments of joy watching Ginny find her voice and becoming empowered. She was taking control, using her head, and listening to her heart.

I was about 30% into this book when I woke up one night and started thinking about this story. I pondered what would I do if I were in Ginny’s position. This speaks volumes to the power of this story, it is very unusual for me to wake up thinking about my current read. It got in my head and would not let go!

Reading about the mindset of people in the 1970’s, in reference to those with disabilities, was very disheartening and extremely disrespectful. As a society I think we have come a long way, but we can always do better!

Then there is Marsha, Ginny’s best friend. What an amazing best friend, we all need a friend like Marsha! Her love for Ginny never wavered and she was there for her no matter what!

In the end Ginny, in my opinion, made some questionable decisions, but her determination, love, and transformation were amazing!

*Thank you St. Martin Press for the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

*Keeping Lucy is available for purchase at these fine retailers:

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Book Depository

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