Review of 'The Buchanan Girls' by Emily Madden
Review of The Buchanan Girls by Emily Madden due out September 1st, 2021!
Review (under Musician’s Poet) also now on Amazon Au (since publication).
What a spectacular story! This is Emily Madden’s fourth novel and although all her books are heart stirring and well written, this one steps up to a whole new level of design, depth and desire. It focuses on family, friendships, identity, secrets, war, love, sacrifice, betrayal and healing.
This dual timeline novel of one family, past and present, has a natural style that flows back and forth in time and space with ease. The author has obviously taken great care to achieve this seamless transition.
In the first timeline of 2008, we meet Madeline: a future relative (of the historical cast) who delivers a touching tumultuous story through her own point of view. Her life is laced with heartache, betrayal, disappointment, indecision and frustration. Will the challenges she faces inspire growth, provide forgiveness, understanding and a fresh start? A choice cannot be made until she confronts obstacles and faces facts that aim to change her thinking. Throughout her struggle, we feel her every emotion. She has entrusted her heart to two men to keep her safe. But as the conflict within heightens (even mirrored in the weather!) the effects of grief from betrayal and death intensify, too. Will she overcome her pain and make the right choice? A new secret unveils and shines a light on her shadowy path.
The second timeline is set against the backdrop of World War II, where we meet twin sisters, Olive and Ivy: two very different people with seemingly adverse ambitions. One sister rules the home and all those in her domain. She wishes to be served, married and well-kept in the style to which she is accustomed. The other sister, Ivy, carries the stigma of being the second born and is seen as causing her mother’s death. She tries to prove her worth, fights for independence and strives to play a valuable role that will make a difference. To achieve this, much to her family’s horror, she joins the Australian Women’s Army Service. But the pull to ‘serve’ a ‘spoiled’ sister and take care of her endless needs is embedded in Ivy’s DNA. As a result, responsibility and sibling love run interference with her own chosen path. Ivy is caught in two battles: one within her family and the other on the physical battle field. Will she find the courage to step out and live her own life and follow her dreams? An unexpected plot twist adds even more complexity and layers to her dilemma.
The historical timeline is smooth, even effortless, in its narration with the point of view shared between two inspiring characters: hard-working, black sheep twin, Ivy Buchanan and dedicated, determined pilot Lieutenant Leo Hamilton of the American Southern Bomber Command unit. Leo becomes Ivy’s love interest after they meet during WW II in the 1940s. Together, they deliver a powerful picture of the past.
This well-rounded character cast draws such emotion from the reader, that we truly care about them and even get frustrated with their actions, reactions and demises! We feel empathy for the wounded parties and rejoice when skies turn brighter. We hope for positive outcomes and are shattered when these characters experience grief and loss. This is a mark of quality writing. It is crystal clear that the author has poured her heart and soul into these characters. For once leaving her imagination, they have taken on a believable shape and life on the printed page.
A few other notables are featured in this novel. The horrors of the Asylum are explored and its tragedies echo through history—to the point its restless souls haunt the living. These passages are powerful and at times painful to view for although our minds and hearts want to fight against the truth of the past, we know great atrocities happened in these places: some actions through ignorance and others that were deliberate.
Another, though more light hearted reference, is the cultural differences between Australians and Americans noted by the excellent phrase and word comparisons from each side. Initially these outside influences are annoying to Ivy—possibly because she is always fighting for independence and trying to step away from any help sent to her. This spills over into her views of country aid. But ultimately she learns the importance of teamwork and that people from the opposite sides of the sea want the same thing: peace. Learning another’s culture then becomes a more positive and sometimes playful experience where the two coincide in a sort of happy harmony.
The author has used Australian settings to her advantage. Her worldbuilding is done with great respect for the past. Meticulous details are assured and delivered with care. Along with a wonderful cast of characters who flesh out this story, wringing every emotion from tightly spun plots, there are many twists and surprises that will leave you guessing to the end—including a powerful secret that will knock you off your seat. There are lots of tears, regrets and remorse plus a revival of hearts where ghosts arise but are laid to rest. Yet not in the way you’d expect. The two timelines eventually overlap and blend together to create a satisfying, though surprising, ending. You will not want to put this book down!
I totally recommend this novel to all who love exceptional dual timeline novels with passion, purpose and heart. Thanks to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for an ARC to review.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review on Goodreads and Netgalley
