The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

In The Secret Book of Flora Lea, Hazel and Flora are evacuated to a rural village in London to escape the war. While living with Bridie and her son Harry, Hazel creates a fairy tale for Flora about a magical land. But Flora suddenly disappears, leaving Hazel with a sense of guilt. Twenty years later, Hazel discovers an illustrated book called Whisperwood and the River of Stars which holds the secrets to Flora’s disappearance and could be a sign that her sister is still alive. As Hazel embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, her career and future are put on hold. This novel explores the bond between sisters, conflicted love, and the magic of storytelling.

Book review of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

The Secret Book of Flora Lea, authored by Patti Callahan Henry, is an absolute gem that stands out amidst a saturated market of World War II stories.

The characters in this novel possess a remarkable depth and relatability, often evoking a sense of discomfort that stems from their flawed choices. It serves as a poignant reminder of our own vulnerability to such decisions. Yet, the rawness and vulnerability of these characters manifest in more subtle moments. Hazel’s internal struggle with her growing love for Harry resonates deeply, as does Bridie’s battle with loss, spirituality, and a sense of belonging. Bridie, in particular, is a character who never seemed to receive the love and appreciation she truly deserved.

However, these characters are not portrayed as victims, not even little Flora during her disappearance. Instead, they exude strength in their autonomy, compassion, and interdependence. Their strengths and flaws, wisdom and foolishness, goodness and sins all contribute to their well-rounded nature. Spending time with each of them is a genuine pleasure, and as their story concludes, there is a sense of fulfillment and completion.

The settings in The Secret Book are captivating, which is a rarity for me as a reader. Binsey, the enchanting location where Whisperwood comes alive, bursts off the pages with its unique charm. It holds a distinct identity, separate from Narnia or the Kilns, and I found myself fully immersed in its existence. The incorporation of ancient Catholic and Celtic elements within Binsey, such as the treacle well, the chapel, and the festival of St. Margaret, adds an extra layer of richness to the narrative. I would have loved to explore these aspects further, particularly their interweaving with Christian culture and devotion to Jesus.

Patti skillfully weaves a mystery surrounding Whisperwood, its origins, and its journey. Throughout the novel, I found great pleasure in speculating about how Whisperwood became a bestselling series and who may have discovered or appropriated the tale from the Linden sisters. Although my guesses did not lead to the correct answers, the mystery itself was engrossing. As someone who does not typically read mysteries, I relished the experience, especially because it involved a book within a book – an irresistible allure for me.

Now, regrettably, I must address the weaker elements of The Secret Book… The most glaring issue is the resolution to the Whisperwood predicament. The solution, for me, appeared abruptly out of left field. While I understand the concept behind Dorothy Bellamy’s role and Frances’ involvement to some extent, the surrounding details became convoluted, making it difficult to suspend my disbelief. Without giving away any spoilers, it is hard for me to believe that Frances could have escaped the consequences of her actions, unless she suffered from total, decades-long, retrograde amnesia, which would be highly unlikely and overly melodramatic for this story.

Moreover, I remain uncertain about the relevance of Peggy, Maria, and Linda Andrews to the overall narrative. While I comprehend their intellectual purpose, their inclusion feels unnecessary and extraneous, particularly in relation to the roles of Hazel, Flora, Dot, and Frances. Unfortunately, this compromises the credibility of Whisperwood.

Specifications
	Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atria Books (May 2, 2023) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1668011832 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1668011836 Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches

About Article Author

Ethan Davis

Ethan Davis combines his passion for literature with another of his great hobbies: climbing. There is never a mountain high enough for him... nor a book he doesn't want to read, especially if it's a good crime thriller.