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Now on to our latest book review:
Why should you read a novel about the Influenza Epidemic of 1918? You’ve probably heard, if not read, about it.
I recently discovered The Orphan Collector, a novel focused on this epidemic, and I could hardly put it down.
Why?
- I worried about the characters—would they overcome their many challenges?
- Multiple plot threads kept me interested in more than just whether the characters would survive the epidemic
When the influenza epidemic strikes Philadelphia in 1918, Pia, a shy German immigrant in her early teens, struggles to keep her family alive and together.
In the midst of this devastating plague, well-intentioned strangers send her to an orphanage.
She experiences both the highs and lows of human behavior: selfishness, cruelty, bigotry, prejudice, and deception, as well as friendship, kindness, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.
The Orphan Collector takes readers with Pia as she wages a heroic battle for her family’s and personal survival.
Major Characters:
Pia Lange—young protagonist, she must mature and struggle with difficult personal qualities to survive and help her family
Finn—Pia’s Irish neighbor, a kind teen who becomes her loyal friend
Bernice Groves (Nurse Wallis)—Pia’s neighbor whose losses bring out her best and worst qualities as she deals with orphans, grieving parents, and the world
Mother Joe—director of St. Vincent’s Orphan Asylum, where Pia was forced to live; she employs the severe discipline frequent in that era, but also shows wisdom at times
Dr. and Mrs. Hudson—sympathetic couple who employ Pia as their nanny
Max and Ollie—Pia’s twin baby brothers for whom she risks everything
Strengths:
- Strong plot
- Sympathetic major characters draw readers in
- Antagonistic characters are shown as multi-dimensional people whose weaknesses may arise from factors beyond their control.
Weakness:
A situation or two seems a bit contrived.
Content review:
- Includes descriptions of the symptoms and after effects of influenza infection that may disturb some readers
- Very limited violence
- No descriptions of physical intimacy
- Some mild profanity
My Recommendation:
If you enjoy an engaging story with heroic yet realistic characters, and you don’t flinch from the realities of an epidemic, The Orphan Collector will be a rewarding read.
Reader, is there a story you love with heroic characters in extreme situations?
Arrivederci/ Until next time,
Colleen
Lucia’s Renaissance: a Novel of 16th-century Italy
By the way, it’s not too late if you’d like to find out more about joining My Renaissance in Venice tour in September, 2025! Just send me a comment if you’d like more information.