I read this book in two days, which either shows it was great or it was easy reading. I really enjoyed this book until the end. Basically, the plot is that Cora travels with a young 15 year old, Louise Brooks, to New York, for dance. The book takes place during the 1920s and highlights women's vote, clothing changes, prohibition, great depression, etc. Cora is a married women with two grown sons. She participates in society functions and follows all the 'rules' such as morals and how someone should dress. She travels to New York, in order to discover more about her past. Louise doesn't enjoy following Cora's rules and often tries to break free.

Cora discovers herself more than just being the society woman, wife, and mother. Her spirit is almost awakened as she sees Louise act certain ways.

I almost give the book 4 stars, but I really wasn't pleased with the ending. Yes, Cora discovered herself more in New York, but I think it was too drastic than what probably would actually happen. There wasn't too much character depth. The author seemed to need to include all details from this time period. Did I enjoy the book? Yes, but I didn't love the book.

I have never read such a unique book. Trevor Stratton is an American professor who teaches in Paris. He discovers a box that contains a mixture of objects, such as letters, photos, gloves, and even a scarf. The owner of the box and objects is Louise Brunet who lives in Paris, through both world wars. It is somewhat a mystery how the objects connect and fully describe her life. Trevor keeps the box a secret and attempts to understand Louise better. Some things he's able to piece together from the objects is that Louise had a love for a cousin, a marriage to a dependable man, and a passionate attraction to her neighbor. However, Stratton almost sets his imagination free and fills in the empty spots to create her full life. What made this book so unique is that there are actual photographs of each object. It felt as though I discovered the objects with Trevor. 13, rue Thérèse refers to the building where she lives. The book reminded me slightly of The Time Traveller's Wife, because the book moves past to present and the reader gets both Trevor's and Louise's viewpoint.

The author actually found these items in a box that belonged to a real Louise Brunt. However, that is where the similarities differ because the Louise in the book is completely fictionally. In the back of the book, the reader is able to scan QR codes to discover more information and details about the objects. At times I was confused while reading the book, but the reader should just go with it. I love books that contain letters and illustrations, so this was quite an enjoyable book.

Luke has never gone to school, left his house, or met any other besides his family. He lives in the attic and cannot even look out windows. Luke is a third child who lives in the shadows. He must remain hidden, because he lives in a society where there can only be two children. Once when peeking through the attic vents he notices a face looking out the neighbor's window. How will Luke respond to the face? Is it another third child who must stay hidden?

I really enjoyed this book, because it was an interesting plot. I suggest this for 10+ since it contains government context and perhaps mature ideas. The book had a great cliff hanger and I'm ready to read the next book in the series.