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The Orphan Collector
The Orphan Collector
Author: Ellen Marie Wiseman
In the fall of 1918, thirteen-year-old German immigrant Pia Lange longs to be far from Philadelphia’s overcrowded slums and the anti-immigrant sentiment that compelled her father to enlist in the U.S. Army. But as her city celebrates the end of war, an even more urgent threat arrives: the Spanish flu. — Funeral crepe and quarantine signs ap...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781496715869
ISBN-10: 1496715861
Publication Date: 7/28/2020
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 32

4.2 stars, based on 32 ratings
Publisher: Kensington
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 31
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

VolunteerVal avatar reviewed The Orphan Collector on + 584 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I was completely and unexpectedly consumed by The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman! Every time I had the chance to read a few pages, I resented whatever caused me to put it down (sleep, work, etc.).

I didn't realize it's a 1918 Spanish Influenza story; it was compelling and unsettling to read during our current pandemic. The Orphan Collector combines the themes of As Bright As Heaven and The Girls With No Names but with darker and sadder intensity. This is not for all readers, especially now.

The plot focuses on Pia, a 12-year-old German girl who has immigrated to Philadelphia with her parents; four months ago twin brothers joined their family. Their loyalty to the US is constantly questioned so her father enlisted in the US military and was sent to fight in WWI and her mother takes the children to the fateful parade to celebrate the war's end.

Bernice Groves, a neighbor to Pia's family, also experiences devastating losses and is motivated by her grief and privilege to take unthinkable actions. I've never disliked a character so strongly! If Bernice were a person living today, I know who she'd vote for in the Presidential election.

Ms. Wiseman's thorough research and compelling writing fully immersed me in this world, and I was literally on the edge of my seat until I turned the final page.
susieqmillsacoustics avatar reviewed The Orphan Collector on + 1061 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A wonderful book, very well written! Our protagonist is someone to root for and she goes through so much! I was hoping for a happier ending but it does bring her to a better place and a somewhat happy ending. It is hard to put down and will make you stop and think on how much evil people could get away with and how easy children could slip through the cracks in those days.
njmom3 avatar reviewed The Orphan Collector on + 1359 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The flu came to Philadelphia in September of 1918. That is where The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman begins. Within this context of history is the personal story of Pia Lange, a thirteen-year-old German immigrant. In this very historical novel, the author also introduces an element of magical realism. Ultimately, the historical setting of this book is timely, and the story is an the emotional personal conflict between Pia and Bernice and all that they each represent.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2020/03/the-orphan-collector.html

Reviewed for Bookish First.
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MKSbooklady avatar reviewed The Orphan Collector on + 937 more book reviews
A sad story about 'orphans' during the 1918 flu epidemic. Not all these orphans were without parents. Pia, a very brave German girl in Philadelphia finds herself alone during the outbreak.


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