mrs_mander_reads
Written on Feb 27, 2020
- ISBN10 1432876872
- ISBN13 9781432876876
- Publish Date 8 April 2020 (first published 1 October 2019)
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint Thorndike Striving Reader
- Edition Large type / large print edition
- Format Hardcover (Library Binding)
- Language English
Reviews
shannonmiz
Written on Aug 22, 2019
Thirteen Doorways is such a genuinely gorgeous book, I hardly know where to begin. Look, it's gut-wrenching, let's get that out of the way. I mean, it's orphans during WWII, you're probably not expecting sunshine and roses, right? The thing is, as hard as it is at times to read, there is a really inspirational aspect to it as well. It left me hopeful, that maybe humanity isn't doomed. Our mistakes are plenty, but there's still good, there's something worth fighting for.
The characters are incredibly well developed, I rooted for them from the start. And not just because of their circumstances, but because I genuinely cared about them as characters. The story is told mainly through Frankie, one of the young women at the orphanage, and well, a ghost named Pearl. I have mixed feelings about paranormal, so I am extra happy to report that the author handled this magnificently. I absolutely was as invested in Pearl's story and observations, as she had such a special and unique insight into both Frankie and the world around them.
And the stories were compelling, of course. Frankie is trying to keep her sister and herself safe in the middle of incredibly tumultuous times. There is a war raging around them, and they fear especially for all male family and friends, as they see young men in their own orphanage being drafted (and volunteering) for the war. I cannot comprehend the terror, frankly. Between worrying about your daily existence, and a looming global battle, Frankie had unfathomable courage.
The range of emotions that this book made me feel was epic. I laughed, I cried, I was angry, happy, inspired. I haven't read anything with such impact in quite some time.
Bottom Line: This is one of the rare books I would recommend to quite literally everyone I know. It's such a heartfelt, touching novel with current-era takeaways that should definitely not be missed.