This post contains affiliate links. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore, but I’m glad I did.
About the Second Life of Mirielle West
Mirielle West is living a charmed life with her actor husband, Charlie West, when she goes to the doctor for a burn on her hand. What seems a harmless injury leads to a diagnosis she never expected nor wanted–leprosy. She is quickly whisked away to a leper colony, Carville, in Louisiana, far from her home in California.
She comes to the colony with evening gowns, expensive skin care products, and a definite attitude, which doesn’t win her any favors with the other residents. Mirielle believes she will put in her 12 months at the colony, after which, assuming she gets 12 negative skin tests, she can return home to her husband and young children. However, she doesn’t consider the stigma of leprosy nor the difficulty of getting 12 negative tests.
While on the colony, she learns to work, something she has never had to do in her life. She also learns to see beyond herself, which is also something she had not previously had to do.
My Thoughts on the Book
This book was a bit slow for me when Mirielle first got to Carville; I considered not finishing the book. She was definitely not a likable character. However, I’m glad I persevered because the book got better and better. The reader learns about a family tragedy that contributed to Mirielle’s unlikable personality. As the book goes on, we get to witness her growth and change. In addition, the author did a great job with the supporting characters. I felt like each one was almost as important as Mirielle to the story.
I learned more about how leprosy was treated, as well as the stigma and the variety of unsuccessful treatments patients tried. It’s sad to think that 100 years ago, there was no treatment, and people were just hidden away in a colony, far from their families.
Finally, this book also showed that even when you think your life is over because of some tragedy, you can rise from the ruins and create a good life, even if it is different than you expected.
I give The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore 5 out of 5 stars on the Mom’s Plans scale.
Leave a Reply