I just love this cover. It speaks volumes about the content without giving one thing away.
I love reading historical fiction and especially when it’s based on a true event. In this case Anderson is writing about the area of this country where she is from: Missouri, the Ozarks. Once upon a time in a tiny town named Possum Flats, deep in the Ozarks, it was a scorching hot night in August, 1928. The local dance hall was packed and jammed with dozens of local young people, all together to let loose and have some fun. Unfortunately that fun came to an abrupt and horrifying end when the dance hall complete with dozens of dancers, blew up and caused the excruciating deaths of dozens of people. And that part is entirely true.
Anderson made up the characters in her stellar novel. But the basis of this outstanding story is part of history. I can only imagine the amount of research she did to make this novel so strong.
Daisy and Violet are born identical twins. The only defining difference being a tiny purplish mark on one long, slender neck. On the night of the explosion one of the twins is at the dance hall. One stayed home.
Looking back on the tragedy a big piece of the puzzle to me is that NO ONE ever spoke about the event. Children were born, then grandchildren, and none of them were told about the fire. Hush/hush. So much survivors guilt. So many strong characters. So much trauma. This novel went from one I figured I would blow through, to me putting the reading brakes on HARD so as not to miss one iota. How did this explosion get started? Who was responsible? And why isn’t anyone talking? So much to take in.
This is one of those amazing novels that have me googling as soon as the last page is turned. What I found was staggering. And, once again, I ask myself if anyone is who they appear to be. Boom.
Put this wonderful novel on your TBR list for this spring and summer. You will be so glad you did. And by the way, there’s a great section of questions and answers at the back of the book.
My physical review copy of THE FLOWER SISTERS was provided by John Scognamiglio Books, a division of Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Yes, I adored it!