The Life She Was Given

De: Ellen Marie Wiseman

Narrado por: Lori Gardner

From acclaimed author Ellen Marie Wiseman comes a vivid, daring novel about the devastating power of family secrets - beginning in the poignant, lurid world of a Depression-era traveling circus and coming full circle in the transformative 1950s.

On a summer evening in 1931, Lilly Blackwood glimpses circus lights from the grimy window of her attic bedroom. Lilly isn't allowed to explore the meadows around Blackwood Manor. She's never even ventured beyond her narrow room. Momma insists it's for Lilly's own protection, that people would be afraid if they saw her. But on this unforgettable night, Lilly is taken outside for the first time - and sold to the circus sideshow.

More than two decades later, 19-year-old Julia Blackwood has inherited her parents' estate and horse farm. For Julia, home was an unhappy place full of strict rules and forbidden rooms, and she hopes that returning might erase those painful memories. Instead, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and photos of circus scenes featuring a striking young girl.

At first The Barlow Brothers' Circus is just another prison for Lilly. But in this ragtag, sometimes brutal world, Lilly discovers strength, friendship, and a rare affinity for animals. Soon, thanks to elephants Pepper and JoJo and their handler, Cole, Lilly is no longer a sideshow spectacle but the circus' biggest attraction...until tragedy and cruelty collide.

It will fall to Julia to learn the truth about Lilly's fate and her family's shocking betrayal and find a way to make Blackwood Manor into a place of healing at last. Moving between Julia's and Lilly's stories, Ellen Marie Wiseman portrays two extraordinary, very different women in a novel that, while tender and heartbreaking, offers moments of joy and indomitable hope.

©2017 Ellen Marie Wiseman (P)2017 Recorded Books

Great book

Such a great story, it was hard to put it down to get things done!

Worth the listen

Another enjoyable two timeframe book, which I really like, but this one just didn’t have the depth as the recent ones that I have read. The controversial matter seemed well researched and was presented well, but I don’t think it will linger in my mind as much as ‘Before We Were Yours’, ‘The Address’, and ‘The Dollhouse’. Unlike a few of my friends, I actually liked the behind the scenes look at the circus. I didn’t like the behavior of a few of the characters, but I figure it wasn’t uncommon in those circles.
Overall, this is a book worth reading.

Fantastic Read

I felt like it was well written and that the story line we interesting, I enjoyed

A Delightful Visit to the back side of the Circus

What did you love best about The Life She Was Given?

The historical placement of this story and the world behind the scenes of the lives that made the circus.

What did you like best about this story?

The way it was woven between the two generations first perspective.

What does Lori Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The diversity of the the characters.

If you could take any character from The Life She Was Given out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Lilly because she had a deep understanding of her strength and what was worth fighting for.

Well written

The story was well written, though it felt slow at times. The narrator was good. I was occasionally distracted by words I would consider mispronounced, but she was consistent so it is likely a regional pronounciation.

heartbreakingly sad and beautiful

loved this book did not want to put it down, I cant imagine being in Lily's place. Going to be one I re-listen to soon!!!!

Engaging

Loved this story! It was well written and interesting. The 2 main characters were real. the story took turns i didn't see coming. I recomend this one!

Said

My only complaint about the story is that the author use the word said to many times.

Enjoyable story

I loved the character development and the story kept me listening but parts of it are a bit cliche…

The best.

All her books are just unbelievable. Love them all.
She always has that surprising ending. You never expect it.