The Children's Blizzard
Book Review - The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
Melanie Benjamin’s latest novel will come as somewhat of a shock to her longtime, loyal readers. The Children’s Blizzard is a pretty big departure from the previous novels we’ve known and loved. This book is much darker, grittier, and reads more like a thriller than a typical work of historical fiction. It had my heart racing from the turn of the first page.
Book Review - The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
Unlike Melanie Benjamin’s previous novels, The Children’s Blizzard is not about a real person but rather a real historical event. If, like me, you hadn’t heard of The Children’s Blizzard of 1888 (also known as The Schoolhouse Blizzard or The Schoolchildren's Blizzard) this will be quite an education. This novel tells the story of several school houses located in the U.S. plains states, including Nebraska, who were caught in a surprising and deadly blizzard.
Book Review - The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
I’ve read and reviewed several of Melanie Benjamin’s previous novels including Mistress of the Ritz and The Swans of Fifth Avenue (the book that got me hooked on her novels.) I was forewarned that this novel would be different after I interviewed Melanie at the St. Louis County Library following the release of Mistress of the Ritz last year. The Children’s Blizzard is an excellent book. There is no denying that Melanie Benjamin is an incredibly talented author (and I will read anything she publishes.) But I do think that her longtime, loyal readers should be forewarned that this is not the Melanie Benjamin of old. Part of me loves this new direction for her. I imagine, creatively, this new challenge and direction was so good for her. Another part of me hopes, just a little, that she doesn’t completely abandon her old style.
Book Review - The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin
