A Heartfelt Reflection on Like Family by Feeney
When I first stumbled across Like Family by Feeney, I was instantly intrigued by the echoes of a tumultuous past, especially given our recent experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. The premise of an Irish schoolteacher and a Polish orphan navigating the emotional and societal challenges of the 1918 Spanish flu felt both relevant and poignant. Little did I know that this book would weave a tapestry of love, loss, and resilience that would linger with me long after I turned the final page.
In Like Family, we meet Mollie Crowley, a fiercely independent 26-year-old teacher, who takes in 8-year-old Cecilia Pokorski, an orphan grappling with profound loss. They are two souls thrown together in a small rural community in Michigan during a time when fear and prejudice were rampant. The tension between the Irish and Polish communities amplifies their struggles, marking a backdrop that feels achingly familiar. This complexity is woven beautifully throughout their journey, highlighting themes of family—both biological and chosen—acceptance, and the societal challenges surrounding ethnicity and class.
Feeney’s writing carries a warmth that pulls you into the characters’ lives. Her pacing is brisk, yet reflective, allowing space for introspection without sacrificing the plot’s momentum. The vivid descriptions of the community life and the emotional weight of grief and recovery felt so real that I often found myself lost in the pages, relating Mollie’s and Cecilia’s trials to my own contemporary world. One poignant moment that struck me was when Mollie, facing disapproval from those around her, defiantly states, “Sometimes love is the only thing that makes sense.” That sentiment resonated deeply, echoing the struggles many of us faced in our own lives during turbulent times.
Testimonials from readers highlight how much the novel resonates; one reviewer noted it was "a quick read that I couldn’t put down," while another reflected on its thought-provoking nature. Given the rawness of their emotions and experiences painted by Feeney, it’s no surprise that many have found themselves reflecting on their own lives through the lens of this story.
I believe Like Family will resonate with anyone looking for more than just a historical narrative. Readers who appreciate rich character journeys and the exploration of poignant themes such as grief, community, and the evolving concept of family will find solace and perhaps a mirror in these pages. The experiences of Mollie and Cecilia are not just relics of the past; they illuminate our own struggles, reminding us of the enduring human spirit.
In conclusion, reading Like Family was an intimate experience for me. It served as a reminder of how the heart can expand to embrace those we choose to call family, especially in times of crisis. Feeney has created a timeless story that blends historical perspectives with contemporary relevance, making it a must-read for anyone who values stories of resilience and connections. This book is bound to linger in the heart long after the final chapter, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all who seek a quick yet deeply resonant read.