The Second Life of Mirielle West

By: Amanda Skenandore

Narrated by: Nicole Poole

Los Angeles, 1920s: Socialite Mirielle West's days are crowded with shopping, luncheons, and prepping for the myriad glittering parties she attends with her actor husband, Charlie. She's been too busy to even notice the small patch of pale skin on the back of her hand. Other than an occasional overindulgence in gin and champagne, which helps to numb the pain of recent tragedy, Mirielle is the picture of health. But her doctor insists on more tests, and Mirielle reluctantly agrees.

The diagnosis - leprosy - is devastating and unthinkable. Changing her name to shield Charlie and their two young children, Mirielle is exiled to rural Louisiana for what she hopes will be a swift cure. But the hospital at Carville turns out to be as much a prison as a place of healing. Deaths far outnumber the discharges, and many patients have languished for years.

At first, Mirielle keeps her distance from other residents, unwilling to accept her new reality. Gradually she begins to find both a community and a purpose at Carville, helping the nurses and doctors while eagerly anticipating her return home. But even that wish is tinged with uncertainty. How can she bridge the divide between the woman, wife, and mother she was and the stranger she has become? And what price is she willing to pay to protect the ones she loves?

©2021 Amanda Skenandore (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Pronunciation

Reader Needs to research how to pronounce towns, medicine, parishes and pirogue! With accent please

What a great book

Beautifully written historical fiction book! Characters were so well developed. Story of loss and redemption.

Great story

Great story, and new to me with an interesting heroine and orated nicely. Highly recommend this one.

Interesting but…

I found Mirielle a bit whiny and the author was too descript on certain details. Overall the book was ok. Fell a little flat towards the end.

Interesting Topic

I knew absolutely nothing about leprosy so this story was enlightening. It made me research the condition and the treatments available so I’d have a better understanding. The development of the main character and the change she goes through was very well done. The supporting personalities were also developed well so you could feel a connection with them…happiness when things go their way and sadness when it doesn’t. I did think the story dragged a little in parts but maybe that was just me wanting something earth shattering to happen to combat the disease! I recommend this book.

Very good.

Lots of great info about this time period. Very sad but good book. Really enjoyed reading it.

Heartbreaking story - but a lesson in life

I enjoyed this from start to finish, but it was a bit hard to take. It wasn't my favorite book, but I liked it quite well. Sure gives you a taste of a different kind of life. I loved the characters a lot and narrator was great. The book ended abrubtly to me, so I think that's why I didn't love it. But I kind of understand that type of ending as well

Enjoyable and educational read

A good book, a very good performance. Story was unique and very enjoyable but seemed to come to a quick conclusion that didn’t seem worthy.

Leprosy is a topic I have never read about!

Very interesting story. Some of it was predictable, but other parts were fresh and interesting. Now I want to learn more about the history of this topic.

Highly Recommend This Book!

Highly recommend! This was very interesting and I didn't want it to stop. I love historical books and this one is a sure keeper!