The Forgotten Room

I had not read a book written by three different authors and what brilliant writers each of them are. This is what attracted me to this book. I knew it had to be very good and very good it was.

Told in three different time lines each story was dramatic and full of suspense. Each story was from the beginning linked to another so that you knew at the end it was going to come together, happily or not. There was so much sadness, separation, hardship during the course of each story that it was not an easy read at all but I kept going because the characterization was so very good and each woman in the story was made of really good stuff and extremely admirable (in each circumstance). Very strong, very much to be admired women.

1945 Dr Kate Schuyler facing antagonism just for being a female doctor not just from fellow doctors but even from fellow nurses who feel that she is above them and she should be just one of them. There is Lucy looking for the father she feels is out there and someone she never knew and Olive who works as a servant in the mansion designed by her father and is bitter towards the people who now occupy it.

The period in which each story was set was also a tumultuous time not just for America but for the whole world - a time of much change especially for women and this was also a highlight of this book.

The stories blend and contrast very well and though at times I found it a bit difficult to keep the stories apart - the book in itself is a wonderful read.

Sent to me by Netgalley courtesy of Penguin Group Berkeley.