Review of Covid Orphans

[MsH2k]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Covid Orphans" by Teri Peluso.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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“It takes a village to raise a child.” This African proverb has never been more applicable than now, in the aftermath of our twenty-first-century pandemic. Author Teri Peluso shares this staggering statistic from a study published in The Lancet in July 2021: “over one million children worldwide had been orphaned because of Covid.”

Covid Orphans introduces the reader to the Powell family. Chandra, her two daughters (Isabella and Makayla), and their father moved to Florida in 2008 for better job opportunities. By 2019, Chandra had added a son (Tristen) to the family and was estranged from her children’s fathers. Chandra was a dedicated single mother. She worked two jobs and found safe, supervised childcare for her children when she could not be with them. One of her jobs was as a housekeeper at a long-term care facility. At the peak of COVID-19, Chandra and many of her coworkers were required to quarantine at work to keep from spreading the disease to their families.

Sadly, Chandra died while in quarantine, and suddenly, her three children were not only isolated at home—they were orphans. Chandra had been adamant that if something happened to her, she would want her children to remain together. Will Isabella, Makayla, and Tristen fulfill their mother’s wish? Who can they trust to help them? This historical-fiction novel will evoke tears, laughter, gasps, and cheers as these three children join the ever-growing number of pandemic orphans and navigate their new life.

I have hesitated to read books related to the pandemic because the experience remains raw and new variants continue to surface. However, the lonely young woman on the cover and the focus on COVID-19’s effect on children, especially orphans, attracted me to this book. The story was well rounded and contained many subplots, including cyber intelligence and criminal investigation, but my favorite component was its depiction of relationships.

The “village” comprised family members, friends, colleagues, and community leaders involved in healthy, caring (and unhealthy, manipulative) relationships. I was relieved that the pandemic, although the fundamental reason for the conflict, was not the constant focus of the plot. In fact, having COVID-19 as the backdrop made the story more relatable. The main characters were described thoroughly, and I formed a rooted connection with them. There were also many secondary characters in the story, but it was easy to keep track of them because each one had a niche to fill. I particularly enjoyed the strong female personalities, who were compassionate and competent in their work. They complemented their male counterparts, creating a balanced undertone for the plot. I commend the author on the story’s combination of drama, humor, and suspense—this book would make a gripping television movie.

I rate Covid Orphans 3 out of 4 stars. Although it did not diminish my reading experience, the number of grammatical errors warranted a 1-star reduction. Otherwise, there were no negative aspects. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy relationship-driven themes and are at least 18 years old. Profanity occurs occasionally, but it is relevant in the context. A more cautionary note is the inclusion of a sexual predator and references to pornography on the dark web. The descriptions are not extremely graphic, but they may trigger some readers. I generally avoid books with sexually manipulative components, but the author handled this all-too-common issue sensitively, and I did not find it offensive in this read.

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Covid Orphans
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[Amy Luman]

I do believe that COVID has left many orphans, and not just children. Many have lost spouses, friends, and confidantes. While some say this disease is not as bad as portrayed by the media, there is no denying the losses involved.

[Jennifer Coxon]

I too would have shied away from this book because of the the close proximity of the pandemic, which in one way or another is still ongoing. However, your review has encouraged me to change my mind and give this story a go. Thank you.

[Juvensky power]

COVID pandemic was one of the harsh we ever had for such a long period,we accept the loss incurred and urge organisations to support the most affected psychologycally and financially if need be.For the review,i think i wont think twice to read,am headed for it

[Hannah Mae Fabro]

Covid had destroyed so many lives. And it is heartbreaking to find out that there were kids who had been affected. I hope I read this soon. Thanks for the review.

[MsH2k]

I do believe that COVID has left many orphans, and not just children. Many have lost spouses, friends, and confidantes. While some say this disease is not as bad as portrayed by the media, there is no denying the losses involved.

Yes, going through the pandemic was an indescribable experience. The author used it as a backdrop in this story very well. Thank you for stopping by, Amy. I appreciate your thoughtful comment.

[MsH2k]

Covid had destroyed so many lives. And it is heartbreaking to find out that there were kids who had been affected. I hope I read this soon. Thanks for the review.

In spite of the pandemic looming large, this was an entertaining story. I enjoyed the characters and the touch of suspense. Thank you for your comment.

[Kavita Shah]

Covid was terrible and everyone who lost someone, I'm sorry for their loss. It's like forgetting it happened will ease the pain, but that's just running away.
I really want to know how the kids made it through. Thank you for the beautiful review!

[MsH2k]

Covid was terrible and everyone who lost someone, I'm sorry for their loss. It's like forgetting it happened will ease the pain, but that's just running away.
I really want to know how the kids made it through. Thank you for the beautiful review!

I really bonded with the three kids. Their commitment to each other was very touching. I hope you have the chance to read this story and find out how they made it through.
Thank you for your visit and your comment!

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child and that proverb needs to be applied now more than ever. Children are even more vulnerable now. Truly sad. Awesome review!

[MsH2k]

Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child and that proverb needs to be applied now more than ever. Children are even more vulnerable now. Truly sad. Awesome review!

Yes, the author touched on the challenges in the foster care system as well. We can do better in caring for and protecting children, and this story included some creative options that I hope are in the works today.
Thank you for your visit and kind comment.

[Abril Zacca]

I like the fact that although COVID is important to the plot, it is not mentioned constantly. Thank you for your honest review.

[Faisal Kurfi]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review of the book and I also find the title cover quite appealing. The story is gripping as you rightly pointed out that covid-19 remains fresh in our minds, making it even more relatable.

[MsH2k]

I like the fact that although COVID is important to the plot, it is not mentioned constantly. Thank you for your honest review.

I got a little nervous after I selected this book and hoped it wouldn't drag me down into COVID despair, but thankfully, the story was very entertaining.
Thank you for your visit!

[MsH2k]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review of the book and I also find the title cover quite appealing. The story is gripping as you rightly pointed out that covid-19 remains fresh in our minds, making it even more relatable.

The author used the pandemic to bring many issues to light, and it was a great mix of characters too.
Thank you for your comment and your visit, Faiso!