The Lies They Told (by Ellen Marie Wiseman)

What an emotional read. The author does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story and keeping you invested in the lives of the characters. I had heard of eugenics but was not aware of the extent the abuse of power the authorities exercised in order to preserve their ideal of the human race ... which inhabitants of the U.S. fit their mold of being an individual worth existing. The setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is rustic and primitive. But the people in the area cared for and supported each other. I loved visualizing the way the natural remedies were used and how the families were intelligent ... just not necessarily book learning. The atrocities that were inflicted in the name of social justice will break your heart. There were times I almost put the book aside beside I was not sure I could absorb another word of hurt and anguish. But I am so glad I stayed with it until the end. A story of love, loss, emotional turmoil, strength of character, oppression, survival, and hope. This is one to put at the top of your to-be-read list. It is worth every moment you will spend on the pages with these amazing mountain people ... and especially Lena, her daughter, and the children whom she is tasked with providing care.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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