4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Diane Merrill Wigginton has done an outstanding job in penning down the misery and heartbreak of an Irish immigrant in her latest book titled Lara’s Story. It is a historical fiction set in the backdrop of the great famine in Ireland and mid-nineteenth century Philadelphia. Lara’s Story, while fictional, borrows heavily from real-life incidents and some of the lesser-known names in history also make an appearance.
The novel starts with Lara, a young lady of twenty-one, narrating the tale of her family and childhood to her fiancé. Lara Flannigan was born in Dunmore Head, Ireland, to Rory and Laurel Flannigan. Her Da and Mama were the proud parents of six children. Being twelve years old, Lara was the youngest of them. Laurel Flannigan dies while delivering her seventh child, which puts their whole family into depression. It was 1845, the time when Ireland was impoverished by a horrible famine called Potato Blight. Lara’s family, who owned a potato field, suffered great loss as a result. Her father, indebted and with no means to pay the rent, signs an agreement to their landlord Lord Horatio Henley, agreeing to trade his daughter Lara as compensation.
Young Lara, depressed by her mother’s death and her father’s betrayal, is taken to the landlord’s home. From there she escapes after hitting her landlord Lord Henley, while he attempts to assault her. Enduring severe malnourishment and poverty in the streets of Ireland, Lara is finally rescued by Charity and Zane Roscoe, an American couple who were visiting Ireland. Charity and Zane bring her back to Philadelphia and adopt her. After severe mistreatment and sorrow, Lara finally finds a home in their bungalow. She also befriends Ella Blackthorn, sister of her father’s supervisor Roman Blackthorn. Trying to fit in with the elite society, Lara is still plagued by the haunting events of her childhood. But the remnants of her past catch up with her. The way she manages to tackle them and ultimately conquer her grief and loss forms the subsequent part of the novel.
This book is incredibly well-written. Wigginton’s prose is almost lyrical, managing to weave emotions and profoundly touching sentences with immense ease. It reminded me of Arthur Golden’s ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ I admired the resilient nature of all the characters. There were several inspiring moments, especially when Lara and her friend Ella Blackthorn very briefly meet and discuss woman empowerment with Sarah Worthington King Peter. Sarah’s character, as revealed in the author’s note, is based on a real person. The family and relationships in this novel are also noteworthy. The best of them was Lara’s character development. From a clueless child to a mature young woman, Lara’s growth is so profusely blended within the lines, I couldn’t help being motivated. It got me thinking how deeply I can impact the society if I tried, instead of merely existing and doing nothing. Her story, as incredible as it is, leaves the reader dumbfounded and aware of their own potential.
Because she was portrayed as a saintly character with little to no flaws, I found Lara’s character a little unrealistic. I also did not like how clueless she seemed to be regarding other people’s feelings for her. While Wigginton gave enough time for the romance to develop, I was not overly impressed with the love interest, Roman Blackthorne. I felt he was too overbearing and possessive, like the time when he found Lara kissing another boy and refused to speak to her for almost four months. But I did like their relationship eventually.
There were a few cases of missing quotations or spelling mistakes, but the book is undoubtedly professionally edited. I wouldn’t reduce a star owing to the slight discrepancies with the characters, because this book had a huge impact on me. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Lara’s Story is categorized as young adult, but don’t let that banner dissuade you from reading it. Unless you’re extremely sensitive to mentions of abduction and abuse, I would recommend this book to everyone regardless of age and gender. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick another book by this author.
******
Lara's Story
View: on Bookshelves
Like Fuzaila's review? Post a comment saying so!
You must definitely try this book regardless!
$u$han €kanayak€ 
