Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Keeping Lucy” A Novel by T. Greenwood, St. Martin’s Press, August 6, 2019

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Keeping Lucy” by T. Greenwood, St. Martin’s Press, August 6, 2019

WOW!!  T. Greenwood, Author of “Keeping Lucy” has written an emotional, controversial, thought-provoking, novel that pulled at my heartstrings. The Genre for “Keeping Lucy” is Fiction, but has such a realistic feel. The timeline for this story is 1969 and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in this novel. The author describes her characters as flawed, confused, each having their own set of problems and conflicts.

Ginny lived a very simple life when she met Ab Richardson. The two come from different backgrounds. Ab’s family is wealthy, and his parents” expectations are that he goes to law school. and finally, join his fathers lucrative law-practice. Ab and Ginny get married and they have their son. Ginny and Ab move to a bigger home and prepare for the birth of their daughter.

Ginny is totally distraught when she gives birth go a little girl with “Down Syndrome”. She names her Lucy but is told by her doctor that the baby has a heart defect, and won’t live for long. Before she knows it, Lucy is placed in “WIllowridge” a special school for the “feeble-minded”. It is 1969, and there is not as much information about caring for “such children” as there is in 2019.

Marcia, a good friend of Ginny brings a newspaper clipping about an investigation into WIllowridge, showing abuse and neglect of children. The worst possible conditions exist there. As a mother, Ginny realizes that she has no choice but to go and save Lucy, no matter what the consequences.

I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of caring for disabled children, and the importance of courage, love, and hope. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel. I would also suggest you keep Kleenex on hand!!