cover image via www.goodreads.com |
What The Virgin Cure is about:
Set on the streets of Lower Manhattan in 1871, The Virgin Cure is the story of Moth, a girl abandoned by her father and raised by a mother telling fortunes to the city's desperate women. One summer night, twelve-year-old Moth is pulled from her bed and sold as a servant to a finely dressed woman. It is this betrayal suffered at the hands of her own mother that changes her life forever.
The Virgin Cure immersed me in the world of the terrible plight many women and children suffered living in Lower Manhattan in the late 1800's. McKay writes with a deft hand and allows the story to unfold without apology. My heart broke at the options Moth had or rather, didn't have. Knowing that the conditions and the treatment of women and children was quite factual, made this a hard read, but interwoven within the pages was a story of hope. Dr. Sadie was that hope, and her role as a female doctor was so important to this story and honestly to history.
Recommend? Absolutely. This is an important story that needs to be read, talked about, researched, and acknowledged. Life in the inner cities during the late 1800's - early 1900's was depressing, fraught with illness and death, utter poverty, and horrible transgressions against women and children. Reading this book has caused me to read more about this time and has also bolstered my respect for these people who managed to claw their way out of that miserable existence.
Source: Harper for TLC Book Tours
Disclaimer: Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.
© 2013, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I know this is going to break my heart but I have to read it. Left your post and just purchased this one & Birth House. I'm back to say thanks ... you enabler, you!
ReplyDeleteIt does sound really interesting
ReplyDeleteI really have to be in the right mood to read these books, because they get me so upset!
ReplyDeleteLove the cover and the story sounds good as well. Have a nice vacation Staci.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds heartbreaking to me. I'm like you, though - I really respect people who are able to come through situations like that.
ReplyDeleteWow!! This sounds amazing! Adding to my list!!
ReplyDeleteThis definitely belongs on my wish list! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteOh, this sounds so so sad. Says a lot about the book that it made you want to research more.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this for what seems like FOREVER. Now, I want to read it even more!
ReplyDeleteI am adding this book to my goodreads wishlist. It sounds depressing, but should make for an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your great review, Staci. I've had my eye on this one for awhile now and from your thoughts on it, I can tell it's something that I would really like to read.
ReplyDeleteThose that have gone ahead of us endured awful things that helped bring about changes for the future. You are right, we must not forget.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's a difficult but worthwhile read. Definitely will keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteI have had this on my TBR for the LONGEST time!! Must make time for it soon.
ReplyDeleteNice review, Staci. Definitely sounds heartbreaking, but also worthwhile reading.
ReplyDeleteIt is a marvelous book, so sad but you're so right about the underlying hope that McKay always makes you feel.
ReplyDeleteThis book intrigues me. I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteAdding this to my list.
ReplyDeleteHow women or people at survived back then always amazes me. Everything about this book just calls to me. Thanks for the recommendation :)
It was a heartbreaking life for sure. I really want to read this book to see what happens to Moth in the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one. So did I. You should read her first book as well. It's amazing.
ReplyDeleteA book to read when my mood has lightened :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one too...but there were definitely times when I cringed or closed my eyes tightly...trying to will away this part of history. The children...
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