Life...The Vivere

ARTFUL READERS CLUB 

"ORPHAN#8" 

by Kim van Alkemade 

March 3, 2016 

 

 

My book review for this month is of “ORPHAN #8,” a debut novel of historical fiction by English professor, Kim van Alkemade. It’s set in the forgotten world of New York City’s Jewish orphanages of the 1920’s as well as the more modern times of the 1950’s. The main character, Rachel Rabinowitz, is a work of fiction, but her story is based on very real people, places and events. The story shifts between Rachel as a child in
the 1920’s and as an adult in the 1950’s... distinct
story lines that alternate as the story progresses.

Kim van Alkemade has written a stirring, beautifully detailed novel about the atrocities perpetrated on innocent children by those tasked with their care...in the name of research; the anguish and uncertainty of self-identity, belonging and acceptance of life’s harsh terms without succumbing to the bitterness; the Depression; WWII; sexual identity; love and revenge...all in 416
pages! 

Shocking, sensitive and heartwarming, this was a very impressive debut novel...I look forward to more from this author. 

 

Until my next posting,

Big Hugs,

abbyj