49 pages • 1 hour read
The Life She Was Given
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
356
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1930s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Life She Was Given, alternating perspectives chronicle the lives of Lilly and Julia Blackwood in the 1930s and 1950s. Lilly, a child with albinism, is locked in the attic by her parents before being sold to a circus, while Julia returns to her family home years later, seeking to uncover the truth about her family's hidden past. The book addresses sensitive topics, including the mistreatment of people with disabilities and child abuse.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
61,936 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman weaves a compelling tale of two intertwined destinies. Reviewers praise its vivid characters and emotional depth, though some found the dual narratives occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's lauded for its evocative writing and historical detail, making it a poignant read despite its occasionally uneven pacing.
Who Should Read The Life She Was Given?
A reader who would enjoy The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman is captivated by historical fiction with emotional depth, intricate family secrets, and dual timelines. Fans of Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen or Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline will find this book equally compelling.
61,936 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
356
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1930s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.