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Ellen Marie Wiseman, the Author of “The Lies They Told” has written a powerful, memorable, heartfelt, emotional and captivating novel. Kudos to Ellen Marie Wiseman for the hours of research in this significant well written Historical Fiction novel. The author vividly captures visit to Ellis Island, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia State colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded, and the dramatic, complex and complicated characters. The timeline is set around 1930, and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters or events. This novel is based on America’s Eugenics Movement.
This is such a thought-provoking novel that I discussed this with my 18 year old grandson who was visiting. It is unbelievable to think that Eugenics was a movement in America, before it became part of Hitler’s plan of extermination. My grandson couldn’t understand why this subject wasn’t discussed in High School. It is so frightening that this concept exists at all.
Ellen Marie Wiseman sets the stage for this book when the female protagonist, Lena Conti, and her baby daughter, mother and brother arrive to Ellis Island from Germany. The family is excited to be coming to America. A cousin, Silas Wolfe, a widower will be sponsoring Lena’s mother and brother. Unfortunately, Lena witnesses many unfair practices. Both her mother and brother are sent back to Germany, since they didn’t “pass” the qualifications. At Ellis Island there are many discriminating practices used to determine who should be sent back.
Lena convinces Silas Wolfe to take her and her baby with him to the Blue Ridge Mountains where he lives. Silas has a daughter and son that do many chores around their home. Lena is shocked that the daughter and son have to hide from visitors. The lot and home of Silas are valuable to the government, and they would love to see Silas and other neighbors be forced out. The Eugenics Office has been around to check on who is “feebleminded” “unstable” or “immoral” people. Lena and her two cousins are taken away, and tested. She is separated from them and her daughter. Lena is considered to be “feebleminded” and finds herself sent to the Virginia State Colony for the feebleminded. Many women and men are sterilized to prevent passing on these genes.
Ellen Marie Wiseman discusses the tragic consequences and of the Eugenics movement, and discrimination, cruelty, and inhumanity. The author also mentions the importance of dignity, courage, family, friends, love and hope. I highly recommend this significant and important book.
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