Having grown up in the Halifax, Nova Scotia region myself, and knowing some of the street names named in the story and having learned a smidgen or two about the Halifax Explosion years ago, this work of historical fiction made the tragic happening of yore all the more real to me. It must truly have been a horrific and devastating period of time on top of the chaos and heartache of the ongoing WWI of that timeframe. Not knowing many of the facts of the explosion and its aftermath, as detailed in this tale, made me appreciate this book all the more for adding to my general knowledge.
As I read, I liked how the author carried the reader through the story as the before, during and aftermath of the explosion unfolds. The author, at least in my opinion, brings the reader through as if you'd lived through it all yourself. You really feel like you are at ground zero.
I believe that potential readers must be prepared to read some graphic word pictures; learn of the pyschological effects, the blindness from glass shards, the loss of family members, homes and be prepared for tears that may come, but also feel the joys. There were wicked people who took advantage of vulnerable people but also the kind and compassionate ones like Pearline, Daisy, Mrs. Hamilton and soldiers like Oliver and Murphy, who in turn all had substantial losses of their own.
Frustrating romance, and a strong faith and trust in God coupled with prayer were laced through the narrative in good, satisfying quantities, making the whole story an extra special read for me. The blind got very honorable mention, in fact, a school for the blind and the very newly made blind are highlighted and given good dignity and placement in the story.
I feel that this is a well-written work and it gets a 5 Star rating from me.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
July 2026
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.
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