I do enjoy historical fiction, especially when it deals with times and situations that I don’t know a lot about. I found The Vanishing of Margaret Small to be very emotional for me and want to thank Sandy over at Sandy’s Book A Day for this recommendation. You can read her review here.
The Vanishing of Margaret Small by Neil Alexander, Narrated by Annie Aldington & Rachel Atkins
Published November 16th 2022 by Embla Books
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Having spent many years teaching children with learning disabilities this book made me cry. Margaret Small was seven when she was taken from her home and placed in long-stay institution for children with learning disabilities, St Mary’s. While there, she was not taught, no attempt was even made to teach her to read or write. She was used as a “slave” working in the laundry and helping others. She knew no other life and was actually afraid to go out in the world. The girls and boys were kept separate, most of the time, but she did meet a male patient and they cared for each other, until he met her roommate and they ran away together. As an adult, policies changed and Margaret moved into a group home and eventually her own flat supervised by her support worker, Wayne. Throughout the story, we learn about Margaret’s past (dual timeline story) and her present. What is her fascination with Cilla Black? Who is sending her letters with money signed only with “C”?
I am shocked that this is a debut novel. I will definitely be watching for more books by Neil Alexander. The characters in this story were well drawn and recognizable. It dealt with social issues, not only the institutionalization of people with learning disabilities, but also homosexuality. As expected, the workers at St. Mary’s were very different from each other. Some nurses were the stereotypical brutal, punishing and didn’t seem to even like the people they were dealing with, while others were caring and tried to help the “patients” or residents. I loved Margaret. She might not be able to read or write, but she was caring, had amazing common sense and wasn’t afraid to ask for support or what something meant. As her story unfolds, my heart broke for what she had been through. I highly recommend The Vanishing of Margaret Small. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Annie Aldington and Rachel Atkins. They did a wonderful job with this story and added to my enjoyment. I recommend either format, whichever you prefer.
As an aside, I went online and looked up Cilla Black and listened to several of her songs. She has a very powerful voice and I enjoyed her music.
July 26, 2023 at 1:35 pm
I just saw your recommendation over on Carol’s Summer’s One #MustReadBook post. This book sounds fantastic. I’d never heard of it before, but it’s now on my TBR list. Thanks for the rec!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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July 27, 2023 at 9:31 am
It is a good story, Susan and one that needs to be told. There are still so many issues surrounding mental health and disabilities.
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March 7, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Both of these books sound excellent, Carla. I am currently reading a book about an autistic child and it is very well done.
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March 8, 2023 at 5:59 am
What is the book called Robbie. Having a grandson on the autism spectrum, I like to read books dealing with people who are not neurotypical.
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March 8, 2023 at 7:02 am
Hi Carla, the book is called An End to Etcetera and this is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/End-Etcetera-B-Conklin-ebook/dp/B0BM6KQBYL
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March 8, 2023 at 7:17 am
Thanks, Robbie.
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March 7, 2023 at 10:14 pm
Wow! I love the sound of both of these books Carla! Wonderful reviews!!📚💜
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March 8, 2023 at 5:56 am
They were both good ones, but of the two, I would recommend The Vanishing of Margaret Small more than Blackout Book Club. It was so good and emotional.
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March 6, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Wonderful reviews, Carla. I’m glad you loved Margaret. I’ll keep an eye out for The Blackout Bookclub at the library. ❤📚
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March 6, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Thanks for the recommendation, Sandy, it was really good. I hope you can get your hands on The Blackout Book Club. I love how it shares the love of books and friendships.
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March 6, 2023 at 7:43 am
Fab reviews Carla! I’ve not heard of The Blackout Book Club, but I’ve had my eye on The Vanishing of Margaret Small for a while. Cilla Black had an amazing voice and was a contemporary of The Beatles. If you can access it there’s a really good mini series all about her rise to fame called Cilla.
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March 6, 2023 at 9:10 am
Thanks, Nicki. I will see if I can find it. I read that she had the same manager as the Beatles as well. I definitely recommend The Vanishing of Margaret Small, it was really good, as well as emotional.
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March 6, 2023 at 4:43 am
These both sound brilliant although I’m not sure I could cope with the Vanishing of Margaret Small. Great Reviews Carla
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March 6, 2023 at 6:42 am
Thanks, Janette. It was beautifully written and Margaret didn’t really know what she was missing. At one point she left and went back of her own volition. I do recommend it.
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March 5, 2023 at 10:22 pm
Both of these sound good, but The Vanishing of Margaret Small would be heart wrenching! Was she taken away from her mother or was she not able to care for her?
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March 6, 2023 at 6:35 am
She was living with her grandmother and taken from her by someone who worked for the government. It is based on true events, which is sad.
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March 5, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Both books sound touching and well written. Excellent reviews,Carla!
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March 6, 2023 at 6:34 am
They were both good. Authors I will definitely read again.
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March 5, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Wonderful reviews! I just put The Blackout Book Club on hold at my library! I love the sound of both books
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March 5, 2023 at 7:34 pm
They were both very good, Wendy. I hope you enjoy Blackout Book Club.
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March 5, 2023 at 5:53 pm
Both sound so good! 🙌
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March 5, 2023 at 7:34 pm
They were Carol. I highly recommend them both.
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March 5, 2023 at 5:13 pm
I have the vanishing of Margaret Small on my list too, now I’m really looking forward to reading it! Great reviews
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March 5, 2023 at 7:33 pm
It was so good, Sarah. I highly recommend it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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