Advance Readers' Comments for ORPHAN #8
In July, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Sneak Peek Contests won copies of ORPHAN #8 by Kim van Alkemade. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this book... and watch out for spoilers!
Susan K. of Baltimore, MD
Absolutely loved the book.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Sad, informative and open minded.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: I would compare this book to IDENTICAL STRANGERS. Jewish orphans are separated at birth for experimental purposes and are making the best choices in life even though the circumstances are difficult.
Would you recommend?: Yes. I want my book club to read it in September.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I absolutely loved this debut novel by Kim van Alkemade. Plan to go to PA For one of her readings and book signings.
Pam N. of Alma, MI
Overall, I liked the book, although I found it slow at first. I have read several books recently which have skipped around with time periods in the same story and am aware of this as effective storytelling, yet there were times I was a bit confused by Rachel's story. For example, van Alkemade mentioned the Abrams before they had been introduced and did the same with the steamer trunk and its contents before the introduction of Mary. The patient reader's questions will be answered as the book progresses, and I hope the book won't be abandoned too early by some. It was interesting to have the identity of the "roommate" evolve as the book progressed and not revealed until almost the end.
Rating: I don't like to rate books. What works should I compare to rate the book -- classics, current fiction, historical fiction, etc.? I feel the author may get the wrong impression by a numerical rating.
Describe the book in three words: I think much of the book was "sad," I was intrigued by the "Jewish history" and I was encouraged by the treatment of "lesbian love."
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: I would say this reminds me of the book THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot. The book is a good one to read because of the historical, medical, psychological and sexual motifs. It is not a fluffy, easy read. There is a great deal of pain and sadness in this story.
Would you recommend?: I would recommend the book. The time period, the treatment of orphan children, the New York and Colorado settings, and the heartbreak of being different were handled well by the author, and I was engrossed enough to abandon other responsibilities to finish the book quickly.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I would be interested in reading more by Kim van Alkemade. I appreciated her bibliography and the breadth of her research. I was delighted to learn that she was related to Vic and Vic's mother, as I didn't surmise in the author's biography a tangible reason other than general interest.
Mary Ann H. of Richmond, VA
I really loved it. Once I started reading ORPHAN #8, I found it hard to put it down. I am a "binge" watcher of new episodes of a series that I like. Well, I started reading ORPHAN #8 when the new episodes of "Orange is the New Black" appeared on Netflix. I chose to keep reading! (After I finished the book, I caught up with the series.) I was fascinated with the description of the tests done on these children --- it made me recall the period in our history when lobotomies were considered an acceptable medical practice. It is hard to believe that anyone could condone experiments on helpless children. I also found the tension between revenge and forgiveness captivating.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Family secrets, revenge and forgiveness.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This book is about large orphan institutions and how they were good only up to a point. Many held secrets and the children were at the mercy of the people in power. The book is about human frailties and forgiveness.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I have already recommended this book to a friend. There are many interesting topics in the book: philanthropy, large institutions and the fate of the people living in them, same-sex relationships, secrets, revenge, forgiveness, the search for love and acceptance, family ties, independence and the good fortune to have "pluck."
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Yes.
Susan R. of Julian, NC
I thought that this book was excellent. It was very thought provoking and kept my interest --- in fact, I had a hard time putting it down because I was so interested in seeing what happened in Rachel's life. I liked the way the author went back and forth from the past to the present in alternating chapters. One of the ways that I personally know if a book is good for me is the length of time the story and the characters stay with me after I finish the book. I have been finished with this book for over a week, and I still find myself thinking about Rachel and her story.
Rating:5
Describe the book in three words: Sad, uplifting and karma.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This was the story of a nurse in the early 1950s who had been raised in a Jewish orphanage in the 1920s and used for medical experiments. She is faced with remembering her past when the doctor who conducted the experiments comes into the nursing home under her care. Even though it could be a very sad book, I found it to be very uplifting and hopeful.
Would you recommend?: I already have. I have several good friends who share book recommendations and I told them about this book before I had finished it and then gave them a definite note to add it to their reading lists when I was finished. I think that it’s very well written and should be read by people who enjoy good literature.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Definitely.
Lori B. of Huntington, MA
Loved it, stayed up too late on a work night to finish!
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Intriguing, thought provoking and moral issues.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Historically accurate situations in 1920s orphanages and medical experiments done to further treatments for all. The aftereffects and choices made by the main character make for a great read.
Would you recommend?: Already did to my book club. I think it would provide great topics to discuss and debate.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Definitely. Her research and great character development made this a couldn't-put-down book!
Judy C. of Peachtree City, GA
I LOVED ORPHAN #8!
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Historical, intriguing and human.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This story is told from two perspectives: a narrative of a four-year old girl, Rachel, separated from her brother and placed in a Jewish orphanage in the early 1900s, and the first-person account of adult Rachel, who comes face to face with the woman responsible for her mistreatment at the orphanage. As the two perspectives unfold, Rachel’s entire life is revealed, and she is forced to confront difficult choices that reflect the person she is.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I have already recommended this book to several friends. It’s very well written. The story draws you in, and even though Rachel is a very different person from me, I identified with her and the emotions she experienced. It made me wonder how I would have handled the circumstances.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I would love to read more from Kim van Alkemade. I find her writing among some of the best I’ve read.
Jennifer I. of Richmond, MI
I loved ORPHAN #8. In certain places I found myself reading as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen. I loved how Kim van Alkemade went back and forth between Rachel's past and present. It was like getting two stories in one book. And of course, that style of writing helped to explain Rachel's personality. I also liked how little pieces of Rachel or her life would be revealed here and there, adding to the suspense of the book.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Enduring, loss and searching.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This novel is an orphan's journey to find herself over her lifetime. She struggles with relationships and wishes to have family, friends and a mate. Rachel has a rewarding job but in the end it could be her downfall. The reader will have to read ORPHAN #8 to find out.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I would, and I will be on Twitter. The historical feel/premise this book will intrigue some of my book friends. And Rachel's journey to finding herself is epic.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Absolutely! I loved Kim's writing style and the way she didn't disclose all the details right away.
Madelyn M. of Birdsboro, PA
I really enjoyed ORPHAN #8 and was extremely glad to have received this book in the contest.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Intriguing, visceral and dark.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: ORPHAN #8 draws you into Rachel Rabinowitz’s life from the first page and holds your attention as you learn about her difficult past and how it intertwines with her decisions as an adult. Through the juxtaposed segments of her past and present life, it remains captivating.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend this book because it was well written and really drew me into the story, while characters and kept me interested from beginning to end. Despite being historical fiction, it did not fall too heavily into focusing on the time and location, but rather wove those details into the narrative and kept the focus on the characters and story.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I would absolutely be interested in reading other books by Kim van Alkemade, and I look forward to seeing what writing she puts out in the future.
Julie M. of Hellertown, PA
I absolutely loved it --- heartbreaking yet uplifting. Hard to put down. A book I thought about even when I wasn’t reading it.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Heart-wrenching, fascinating and excellent.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This book is based on actual events, which makes it all the more heartbreaking. It tells the story of a girl who was in an orphanage and used for medical experimentation. Told from the perspective of her childhood and adulthood, it is a fascinating story of a young orphan’s life that will be sure to draw you in completely.
Would you recommend?:Yes! A few of my friends have added it to their “to be read” lists from my posting on Goodreads. I plan to give it to my mom today because I think she also would love it.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Yes! I loved her writing style.
Melanie W. of South Huntington, NY
This is a challenging and very deep book full of moral complexities.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Ambiguity, complexity and forgiveness.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is a coming-of-age story about a young woman whose early victimization in a Jewish orphanage unmoors her life. [SPOILERS] She becomes a nurse and must face her inner anger when she has to care for her tormentor because the woman is dying. She also discovers that her so-called unnatural desires are shared by other women and ultimately finds happiness and true love. [END SPOILERS]
Would you recommend?: I have already recommended it to several friends who enjoy reading and discussing books about moral issues, both Jewish and gay history and ethics.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I would love to read more books by Kim van Alkemade!
Dorothy N. of Millstone Township, NJ
I found ORPHAN #8 to be a very interesting, emotionally charged novel with strong female characters and a compelling storyline. I found the use of alternating time periods to be very effective in enhancing the narrative. The novel is based on true events and it is obvious that the author spent much time in researching the material. It is also obvious that Kim cares deeply about the subject matter. In the novel, Rachel Rabinowitz is placed as a young child in the Hebrew Infant Home where medical experiments are performed on the children. The scars inflicted in childhood, both physically and mentally, extends throughout life, causing Rachel to face moral and personal decisions. My only small criticism of this book is that there were perhaps just a few too many characters cluttering the landscape. Overall, this is a solid, well-written book just ripe for book discussion groups.
Rating: 4.75
Describe the book in three words: Thought-provoking, atmospheric and compelling.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is a compelling coming-of-age novel set in the early- to mid-20th century. Our main character must face her past to learn how to deal with life-changing present events.
Would you recommend?: I have already recommended this book!
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Yes, I would definitely read other works by Kim van Alkemade.
Donna S. of Dublin, OH
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciated the dilemma faced by the characters.
Rating: 4.5
Describe the book in three words: Disturbing, complex and survival.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is a story of a youngster placed in an upscale Jewish orphanage during the early 1900s. She was an innocent little girl placed in the hands of a doctor who wanted to make a name for herself in the medical field. Experiments were done on this child that affected her for life. She has her chance for revenge...but does she take it?
Would you recommend?: Yes, I will recommend it to friends. I may choose it for my book club selection --- I believe it will create interesting discussions.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Absolutely, I would be interested in reading more books by Kim Van Alkemade.
Roxanne H. of San Diego, CA
I found it an enjoyable read but I didn't love it.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Informative but predictable.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is an easy-to-read historical novel whose main character, Rachel Rabinowitz, is sent to a Jewish orphanage along with her brother due to of a family tragedy. While there, some painful events occur that will change the course of her life. The novel explores revenge, forgiveness, acceptance, love and family ties.
Would you recommend?: Maybe. It is an interesting read and I was engage, but I didn't find myself drawn into the story in the strong emotional way I would have expected based on the plot summary. The author needed to develop some key elements of the story more fully, such as the death of Rachel's mom and its impact on her and Sam. It is as if at the end of the story the author ran out of steam and wanted to finish the novel because Rachel very abruptly chooses to give up her need for revenge on Dr. Solomon and also coincidentally discovers Naomi at the carousel. These are two examples of things being tied up too neat and tidily.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Perhaps.
Sylvia G. of Scottsdale, AZ
Thought it was well written and interesting.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Historical, sad and moving.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is an historical novel about a young orphan who had medical experiments inflicted on her, and yet she has a spirit that makes her a survivor. Told in alternating chapters between the past in the 1920s and the present (1950s), it's powerful, sad and at the same time hopeful. I think you'll like it.
Would you recommend?: Yes.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Yes.
Elizabeth Z. of Madison, WI
ORPHAN #8 was a quick read and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I appreciated the historical context, and it was nice to see a lesbian representation. I think it would make a great pick for book clubs.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Engaging, discussable and historical.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Rachel Rabinowitz grows up in a Jewish orphanage in New York City where she is subjected to medical experiments. After running away from the home, she tries to find her place in the world and ends up becoming a nurse. Years later, she is confronted with her past when her new patient turns out to be the same doctor who performed the x-ray treatments that left Rachel disfigured.
Would you recommend?: Yes --- already have.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Yes.
Beverly S. of Chesterton, IN
I enjoyed ORPHAN #8.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Love conquers all.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: I thought that the author developed her characters very well; the story held my interest. There might be times you need a Kleenex.
Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book. I thought it was a very good story and held my interest.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I would be interested in other books by this author.
Bev M. of Boise, ID
Undecided. I was more interested in what happened to her after she left the orphanage, but that part was condensed and then fast forwarded to when she is 40 and learning she has breast cancer.
Rating: 3
Describe the book in three words:Interesting, historical and reflective.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: The book is about a Jewish orphan during the 1940s and her experience as an orphan --- she was used as a medical guinea pig, and later in life learns she has breast cancer as a result of the testing. As a nurse in a Jewish hospital, she learns that one of her patients who is dying is the doctor responsible for using her for testing. To rectify her past, she wants to punish the doctor for making her damaged goods.
Would you recommend?: No. It's not a quick read and it touches on sexual encounters that my friends have no interest in and quite frankly are uncomfortable.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Perhaps. The book started out rather slowly, and I felt that the part that could have made the story better got skimmed over.
Betty Z. of Los Angeles, CA
This book was confusing as it had two themes and many flashbacks.
Rating: 3
Describe the book in three words: Descriptive, fragmented and confusing.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This book, while trying to be an historical novel of a girl growing up to become a lesbian during pre-war America, does not do either well. Although the novel was pleasant and easy read, the characters are not remarkable and the plot leaves much lacking.
Would you recommend?: Other. It is trying to be a feminist novel and does not really succeed.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: Not sure that I would want to read another Alkemade book.
Adrianne F. of Cincinnati, OH
So many stories to put in one book.
Rating: 2
Describe the book in three words: Too many coincidences.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: So many historical references were very interesting but the coincidences used to pull them together were farfetched.
Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book to a literature class as a model where the author tries to tell evert story she wants to tell in one novel.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: I don’t think I would seek out other books by this author.
T.J. C. of Novato, CA
I struggled through it. Interesting story, but too wordy and slow. I was surprised at the turn it took and skipped to the end. I have read similar plotlines with someone caring for someone from their past done much better.
Rating: 1
Describe the book in three words: Depressing, slow and wordy.
Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Interesting storyline, but it was too slow and could have been more tightly written. Not an enjoyable read.
Would you recommend?: Would not recommend. I like page turners (like ORPHAN TRAIN) with likeable characters. [SPOILERS] The lesbian love affair should have been acknowledged up front. [ENDSPOILERS] PAYING GUESTS by Sarah Waters was similar in the turn it took.
Would you read more by Kim van Alkemade?: No, would not be interested in other books by Kim Van Alkemade.
