Incredibly compelling, and a welcome reminder of how powerful, lovely, and/or heartbreaking historical fiction can be. I certainly didn’t know the details and nuances of “orphan” trafficking systems (for lack of a better term) like Tann’s; it’s certainly not a topic that gets much coverage but deserves to.

All the characters were relatable and vivid, if not all that complex — but since this story is more about how one specific event affects the characters, it actually helps maintain reader focus in the right area. The plot development overall is believable, and though often used, the concurrent timelines effectively enhance rather than detract from the narrative.