Kristina A. reviewed on 4/18/2023 + 1528 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner is a touching story. It is a dual timeline novel that takes us back to 1938 when Rosie lost her parents in an accident. The sixteen-year girl is taken in by the Calvert's who own the vineyard where Rosie's parents worked. Rosie becomes the Calvert's maid (cook, cleaner, laundress). When Rosie becomes pregnant, Mrs. Calvert has Rosie sent to an institution. Rosie had made the mistake of telling a person about her synesthesia which was not understood at the time. In 1947, Helen Calvert returns to the United States after working as a nanny abroad. Helen's brother, Truman has since passed. When Helen learns what Celine Calvert did to Rosie, she sets out to find her. Only the Beautiful is an emotional story. It is heartbreaking to read about the eugenics movement. I appreciated the author's note at the end which provided additional information. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. Rosie and Helen are great characters. I enjoyed getting to know them. I like the author incorporated the amaryllis into the story. I can tell the author did her research for this book and incorporated it beautifully. The story does address some difficult topics (racism, institutionalization, sterilization, assault, and doctor experimentation) which some people might have trouble reading about. It is a shame that throughout history those who are âdifferentâ are often targeted. Only the Beautiful is an informative book. It is a story that provokes discussion and it had me searching for more information on a couple of the topics mentioned. I enjoyed the author's beautiful descriptions of the vineyard. The theme that runs throughout the book is that no one needs to live the life that someone else has mapped out for them. The determined can carve out their own path. Only the Beautiful is a compelling tale orphaned adolescent, unwavering vineyard owner, a compassionate nanny, vibrant sounds, an involuntary surgery, and a desperate hunt.

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