Official Review: Irma's Daughters by Jennie Linnane

[Seraphia Bunny Sparks]

Thanks for the thorough review. I have to say though that since I wasn't interested in the first book I don't think that the second book will be a good fit for me either. I'm sure that others will enjoy this book who enjoyed the first.

[LauraLeeWasHere]

. “Age is not a shabby coat one is compelled to wear with shame, but a splendid, triumphant cloak which bears testimony to a lifetime of experience.”

I'm glad the author believes it and said it because sometimes it not just society that believes aging 'ain't' great, but us older folks too. Especially when your body stops doing what you tell it too.

I also thought it was perceptive of you to think through who this book would appeal to most. Actually, you described me on all counts, so I definitely will be reading this book. I was wondering if you recommend I read the previous book "Ironbark Hill" first. Even if this novel stands alone, do you think I will glean more from it if I know the circumstances and characters from before?

And I obviously think you did a great review because in such a short space I'm already throwing questions at you because I value your opinion.

Thanks for introducing me to a new and seemingly talented author. It is no small feat to be able to change narrators yet make them sound like unique individuals when it's all from the pen of the same person.

I'm looking forward to reading more from you too. Thank you for a superb effort and job.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

[Katherine Smith]

I have been waiting for the sequel to Ironbark Hill after since I read the reviews. I love that the author managed to create a voice for all of the charters that is unique and distinct from one another. I also appreciate that the author included themes like racism and inequality as reminders of how far we still need to go. I forgot that this story was set in Australia and not the United States, but the messages still resonate fifty years later.

[Samak]

It's so interesting when you read stories of strong women who actually prove unshakable. Natalie is a perfect example, despite all the assault she stood by her principles and got rewarded for by coming across Steve who cleared her hurdles. This story is rallied round characters that are bound together by love and also by blood. At some points Natalie had to take charge of taking care of the little unstructured family without a father and adequate parental support! This book is a little bit driven by emotions and at the same time hope and grace.

[Kelyn]

I usually don't mind so much starting in the middle of a series, but I think I would have to go back and read Ironbark Hill before reading this one to get the full impact of the story. I believe I will like the different 'voices' the author was able to give each character. Thanks for the informative review!

[Kelsey Hatch]

This is an excellent review - you’ve got me hooked! I love character-driven novels and this one sounds extraordinary. Thanks!

[Miercoles]

In reading the sample I found a lovely flow to this book, and I applauded Natalie's ability to stand up for herself. I am encouraged to read both this book and Ironbark Hill.

[Jeremie Mondejar]

The story seems interesting, but I want to read the first book in the series before reading this one. However, family history is not my cup of tea. Ironbark Hill seems a sad story about family because of Irma's husband. The sequel is a bit intriguing because the long-time suffering from an abussive head has gone. I wonder how'd it happen.

[kadinkins14]

Seems like a heart wrenching and yet heart warming novel. I do like historical fiction and this book is more appealing to me after reading your review. It is well written and thoughtfully created. Thanks for the review!

[simonfinest]

What an interesting review. It's totally worth the 4 out of 4 given to it according to you review. Congrats on BOTD

[navyapindi]

The storyline is interesting. The character of Irma seems promising. I want to read Ironbark Hill as well. Congrats on BOTD!

[shannonkate8]

So, what I'm gathering from this is that this is a sequel. And now I have to add more than one book to my to-be-read list!

[Sangeetha+Narayan]

I did enjoy Ironbark Hill a lot. So definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. I was pretty impressed with the first book's message, so I'm not surprised the sequel has such a beautiful message. Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for this wonderful review!!

[Nasishemo]

This sounds like a great book to read, I love the role Natalie plays in this story, it reminds me of me having to make sacrifices for family! Thanks for the review.

[ccundall2130]

At first, I was discouraged from reading this book because I don’t like books written in first person. It sounded long and tedious with so many chapters. But I am intrigued by the plot of the family living in times of racial strife while being biracial. It is also interesting that even though it is written in first person, the characters change. Might be worth a try.