A poignant and gripping novel that uncovers the eugenics movement in America.
Told in two parts this story beautifully and heartbreakingly weaves together the story of a single mother in the late 1930's sent away to an asylum because of her condition and her gift, and that of an American nanny in Austria during the second great war. Meissner is a masterful storyteller, and she weaves a gripping narrative rooted in a oft ignored part of American history.
Roseanne is a young woman with a unique way of seeing the world, stuck in a circumstance beyond her control. I admired her bravery and selflessness throughout everything that she endured at the hands of heartless people.
Helen is a capable woman who longed for a family of her own, but instead has given herself to caring for the children of others. I liked how Helen is willing to fight for what is right, and even though she wanted to have a family of her own her singleness gives her a freedom to stand up for others.
An outstanding read, thought provoking and well written this book does an excellent job of bringing to life complex characters that captured my heart, and had me holding on to the very end. I've had this author's books on my TBR list for a while, but this is the first that I have actually read, and it definitely won't be the last! Definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Buy it here: Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
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