Title: The Second Life of Mirielle West
Author: Amanda Skenandore
Release Date: July 27, 2021
Length: 384 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
***My Review***
A unique story, which simply bursts with emotions… Interesting, deep, and full of sadness, with a perfect pace that will nail you to the pages till the very end. A book that simply opens our eyes and brings a new meaning to the word respect…
“The Second Life of Mirielle West” by Amanda Skenandore is a unique and emotional story that captures the essence of the human spirit’s resilience and the power of love and empathy.
Mirielle is a Hollywood wife with a seemingly perfect life and two daughters, but her life takes a drastic turn when she is diagnosed with leprosy after a simple burn. Hospitalized and taken to quarantine in the Carville hospital in Louisiana, Mirielle takes us on a poignant journey that tugs at our heartstrings from the very beginning.
Skenandore does an excellent job of presenting realistically complex characters that captivate the reader’s attention from the start. As we journey with Mirielle through her struggles with leprosy, we witness the cruelty of society towards infectious diseases and the lack of information about their transmissibility. We are appalled by the people’s fear of the unknown and gutted that an illness can completely destroy a family.
Throughout the book, we see the transformative effect of empathy and compassion as Mirielle battles the physical and emotional tolls of leprosy. Her journey is not only one of physical healing but also one of emotional growth as she discovers her own strength and forms deep bonds with fellow patients who are also ostracized by society.
One of the book’s strongest themes is the power of love and the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Through Mirielle’s experiences, we see the transformative effect of empathy and compassion in overcoming ignorance and fear.
Skenandore’s writing is emotive, and she balances the emotional weight of the story with moments of lightness and humor, making it a well-rounded and satisfying read. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter leaving the reader wanting more and building towards a gripping climax that will leave you breathless.
That this book is remarkable is an understatement. And the reading requires time. You need time to handle the emotions this book will awaken. Time to think about what happened. Each issue raised indispensable thought time. Each challenge required the reader to contemplate the circumstance and outcome. I especially loved how the female gender and strength are captured and what that seemingly gentle gender can endure.
Mirielle is a complex character with a range of emotions and experiences that make her an authentic and relatable protagonist. At the beginning of the book, she is a Hollywood wife with a seemingly perfect life, but as the story progresses, we see her struggle with the devastating diagnosis of leprosy and the emotional toll it takes on her and her family.
One of the book’s most significant strengths is its portrayal of Mirielle’s emotional growth and transformation as she faces the challenges of living with leprosy. Her journey is one of physical healing, but also one of emotional growth and self-discovery. As she interacts with the other patients at the Carville hospital, we see her develop deep bonds with people who are also ostracized by society, and her empathy and compassion towards them grow.
Mirielle’s character is also a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Despite the setbacks and discrimination she faces, she remains determined to live her life to the fullest and find joy in small moments. Her inner strength and perseverance in the face of adversity make her a compelling and inspiring character.
I was truly impressed by Mirielle. A Hollywood wife, the mother of two daughters, she is a woman with a perfect life and hidden sadness. And as if that sadness was not enough, out of nowhere, from a simple burn, she learns that she is suffering from leprosy. Hospitalized and taken to quarantine, in the Carville hospital in Louisiana, she takes us through this journey that intrigues us from the very beginning with its excellent combination of realistically presented characters and an interesting plot.
During her stay there, we experience the cruelty of people and society as well as the people’s behavior towards infectious diseases and their lack of information about their transmissibility. We are appalled by people’s fear of the unknown and gutted that an illness can completely destroy a family.
Yes, this is a sad story about the cruelty of life, about the scars and wounds that each of us carries, visible or not.
One potential negative aspect of “The Second Life of Mirielle West” is the portrayal of society’s attitudes towards leprosy and the patients at the Carville hospital. The book presents a harsh and often bleak picture of the discrimination and stigma that people with leprosy faced during that time period. While this is an important aspect of the story and reflects historical realities, some readers may find it difficult to read due to its bleakness and harshness.
Additionally, some readers may find the pacing of the book slow or the plot predictable. The book’s focus on character development and exploration of themes may not appeal to readers who are looking for fast-paced action or intricate plot twists.
In summary, “The Second Life of Mirielle West” is a must-read for anyone who values empathy, respect, and the resilience of the human spirit. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and preconceptions and to strive towards a more compassionate and understanding world. Heartbreaking and heart-lifting at the same time, this story will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Amanda Skenandore has written a truly remarkable book that will touch the hearts of readers everywhere.
Heartbreaking and heart-lifting at the same time, this story will definitely stay in your mind long after you finish the last page.