The Light of Luna Park, (Paperback)

Addison Armstrong writes a powerful and heartfelt debut novel that explores the themes of motherhood, love, loss and self discovery. This is a dual timeline book that goes back and forth between Althea Anderson in 1926, an OB nurse, struggling in her job with what she is told to do versus what she believes is the morally right thing to do and Stella Wright in 1950s who is struggling with her marriage and job as a Special Ed teacher due to grieving her mothers death. Two women working in different eras, but still went through their own hardships that had parallels of making morally right decisions despite being pressured to go against what is requested and expected by their bosses. When Stella is at her lowest point in grieving, she decides to quit her job and clean out her mothers apartment. When she stumbles upon letters, she takes it upon herself to investigate. Will she find out hidden truths behind the letters? This heartfelt book will have you turning the pages to find out their fates and how these ladies are connected. Such an wonderful story that is full of the unexpected. Be sure to add this to your TBR list. A great book club pick!

The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong is a dual timeline novel. The story alternates between Althea Anderson and Stella Wright. Stella has just lost her mother and her grief is highlighting parts of her life that are unsatisfactory. Stella quits her job and decides to empty out her mothers apartment on her own. While going through a special box, Stella finds some curious letters. She begins to wonder if she really knew her mother. Stella decides to follow the clues and see where they lead. Stella is in for a journey where her mothers deepest secret will be revealed. I found The Light of Luna Park to be a depressing story. The beginning is slow with the pacing picking up in the second half of the story. I thought the author captured both time periods (1926 and 1950) especially the attitudes of doctors in the 1920s, the PTSD that affected World War II soldiers, and the feelings of people towards the education of students with disabilities. I did not find either character likeable and there was too much repetition of certain details (twice is fine, but more than that is too much). Althea was preferrable to Stella for me. Stellas woe is me attitude got on my nerves. I understood that Stella was grieving, but she let it overwhelm her whole life (it makes for a depressing story). It was interesting learning about Dr. Couney, and his infamous incubator babies exhibit at Coney Island. At the end of the book, I was left with unanswered questions. The Light of Luna Park had an interesting premise, but it did not appeal to me. Each of us view books differently. I suggest that you read a sample to see if this historical novel appeals to you. The Light of Luna Park is a dual timeline novel with infamous incubators, a committed mother, a repugnant principal, abnormal missives, an unsettled spouse, and an essential mission.