Today’s team review is from Alison.
Alison blogs here https://alisonwilliamswriting.wordpress.com/
Alison has been reading Stolen Summers by Anne Goodwin.
It isn’t all that long ago that women who stepped outside of convention were ‘sent away’ for the good of society. This is what happens to Matilda in this short novella that explores how someone can be institutionalised in such a cruel and unfeeling way, but still manage to keep that spark of who they really are.
Told from Matilda’s point of view, this is a really well-written story, that deals with its subject matter sympathetically and unflinchingly. The coldness with which she is treated is horrible, but completely believable, unfortunately, and is written with authenticity. That aspect was, for me, the strongest part of this story and the writing – the way in which Matilda is tossed aside and treated as if she has no feelings, no worth.
There are moments of real humour and levity here too, which are a relief and which lift this novella above those that dwell in misery.
I would have liked more exploration of the way Matilda felt about giving up her child – for me this wasn’t developed enough. But that aside, this is a well-written and worthwhile read, and one that I definitely recommend.
Four stars
All she has left is her sanity. Will the asylum take that from her too?
In 1939, Matilda is admitted to Ghyllside hospital, cut off from family and friends. Not quite twenty, and forced to give up her baby for adoption, she feels battered by the cruel regime. Yet she finds a surprising ally in rough-edged Doris, who risks harsh punishments to help her reach out to the brother she left behind.
Twenty-five years later, the rules have relaxed, and the women are free to leave. How will they cope in a world transformed in their absence? Do greater dangers await them outside?
The poignant prequel to Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is a tragic yet tender story of a woman robbed of her future who summons the strength to survive.
Great review! Institution/asylum reads are as fascinating as they are horrifying.. I’ve added it to my TBR.
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I agree, no our best bit of history, but still something to learn about.
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There’s a lot in history that we really could have handled better but then again.. we’re making history right now and it doesn’t look so good.
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So sad how so many women were historically shipped off to places like this just to get them out of the way or to keep them quiet. I bet this is a hard book to read. So sad. Sherry
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It is important that we remember them.
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for sure!
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A lovely, thoughtful review, Olga. I am glad to have grown up in better times – this is so sad!
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I think each era has it’s problems.
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I have this series on my TBR. I can’t wait to get to it.
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Happy reading.
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