October 2017 Host:  Stephanie

The Life She Was Given by Marie Wiseman

Summary

This story is set in 1931 and the main character Lilly is a ten-year-old child who is forced to stay in her room.  Her mom convinces her that if anyone saw her, they would be frightened of her.  Lilly eventually escapes her prison (her mother sells her to the circus) and ends up being part of a circus where she finds familial and friendship bonds with the others, however, she also finds her new world can be cruel and brutal in this depression era circus.  Two decades later, another family member, Julia Blackwood, uncovers the truth of Lilly’s life after Julia’s parents pass away and she inherits the house that Lilly was kept prisoner in.  As Julia’s and Lilly’s stories unfold, it brings their stories closer to coming together.  As an adult, Lilly learns the truth about her past, and at times, her past as well as her present are gut wrenching and heart breaking.  This novel reads like a combination of “Flowers in the Attic” and “Water for Elephants” and if you enjoyed either of those novels you will like this novel.