Wellread111's reviews

A truly heart-breaking life story of a mother who lost her child all too soon, to a horrific illness, a real societal disorder of 70-s and one that continues to kill others: young and even younger, still, now... An honest and tough in its honesty and bravery of a such vulnerable person as Ms. Carol Burnett to put on paper, in writing... for everyone to see. And to have a right to judge her and her child. I read some of this small book, and just couldn't go on. It had been very difficult to continue to "observe" the open heart surgery done by a "patient" herself... in such a selfless and brave way as if she was and is a bystander...

The author had changed...to a much worse writer or, perhaps, her books' editors and other "helpers-consultants" have taken over her craft for her, in artistry, style and ability to write artfully, cohesively and in the best traditions of American-English language ! The plot is mild non-violent, which is great, but unrealistic, it ends well and no drama is there. But the assault on our dignity is undoubtful: the text is unbelievably repetitious throughout the whole book, the use of American-English vocabulary is absurdly limited and the style of writing just not Danielle Steel's anymore, the one we could always identify with ! It's so poor ! The amount of pages could be minimised to the half of what it is, because of all the repetitions. I do Not recommend it !

Would have been a very interesting, historically-wise novel-research account, if the text would be easy to comprehend and enjoy... Unfortunately, it is far from that: while author, understandably, attempts to keep the historical presence in speech and mannerisms of the era past, he forgets to adjust the grammatical intricacies and irregularities of the language then to what can be understand today as an american audience. Otherwise, our interest and enjoyment vanishes as I've (and perhaps, others) face while trying to "conquer" the text. Literally. The photos and personal details of both people in the story- book are awesome, just wonderful !

The novel is absolutely heart-breaking and very well researched and delivered. In a meaningful and accurate (historically) way. A very young girl of about 14-15 is forced to mend for herself after her sister with husband escape Germany for Switzerland and she and her father work at his hospital as a nurse-assistant and he-as a prominent and a well-loved surgeon. A while later, her father is arrested by Nazi germany High Admiraliteit and sent to Dachau... His daughter, now 16, chooses to become a nun and to help the resistance that way. .. The story ends well for her, but costing unbelievable challenges and scars ... Unfortunately, but now so frequently, editorial work lacks good literal judgment and fail to correct unneeded repetitions and lack of eloquence .

This little essay is type of the lecturing material for the ... young kids. It repeats the obvious: that Being rich, healthy and young is great, and that it is a sin to be Poor, sick and unhappy... Lecturing and patronising are the author's only achievements s here. And that's it ! No professional advice ,nor "street wisdom" offered by Ms. Elissa Epel. Rather, just childish "prescription" on how to change your view on things. Samples of the made-up characters' tales are lacking any probability of taking place in reality (past or present) and true chance of happening in Past (1950s ) or present life anywhere: here in US or in any foreign country... Just a waste of hope and relativity for those who are elderly and need the adult voice of reason or some professional advice or acknowledgment of facts. I do not recommend this to anyone.