Of Better Blood
“I’ll see you on the midway.” It took me some time to get into this novel but once I understood what was happening, I really enjoyed it. The relationship with Dorchy and Rowan was what made it so special and over-the-top for me. As I read it, little things about their bond made me smile and as the book came to an end, I realized I was going to miss them. They were quirky, they got each other but what really did it for me was how they connected to each other. There were times when they were opposites, yet they belonged together and other times it felt as if they were fused together. It makes me smile now thinking about Rowan and Dorchy and their adventure together. Inside the novel, Dorchy played a great actress as she helps Rowan escape and I was laughing as the two of them head on down the road, Dorchy even fooling Rowan. This novel raised my emotions on many levels. The relationships, the subject matter itself and the drama, my feeling all over the place as I read along on Rowan’s journey. Reading about the committee comments, listening to them as they performed their evaluations and discovering about their past activity I was appalled that this group had the power to use their bias opinions on others. Unfair isn’t a strong enough word to describe their actions, they were irrational and demented. Ahhhh!
So are you an unfit? Are you part of an unfit family? In your family history, do you have crime, insanity, alcoholism, poverty, disease, and deformity? I could go on but I believe you understand where I am going with this. According to the New England Betterment Council your future of bearing children is slim if you are unfit. Sterilization is likely in your future with or without your consent if you scored low on their questionnaire. The year is 1914 and the Betterment Council believes in Unfit and Fit individuals. Rowan’s father and sister are known for their role in promoting the Fit individual. Rowan at the age of eleven contacted polio and her father got her the best treatment possible before he went off to war. Rowan prognosis is good, with her left leg needing more treatment but her sister Julia has other plans for her. Rowan’s new plans are to be a part of The Unfit Family. Playing the role of a cripple daughter, she becomes part of the traveling show. The novel transitions between 1917 when Rowan is hospitalized with polio and 1922 when she is performing with the show. I liked that Rowan believed in the words of her father and that becomes part of her positive attitude that keeps her spirits high. Reading about her life before the show we understand her family and the character of Rowan. They follow the same script day in and day out for the traveling show and Rowan get tired of playing the cripple. Her friendship with Dorchy throws this novel into second gear and she gives Rowan the boost that she needs. I did find it hard to stay with this novel but once I did, I really enjoyed.
Thank you NetGalley and Albert Whitman & Company for the copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
5
