The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson

A Novel

De: Ellen Baker

Narrado por: Cassandra Campbell

“A family secret, a DNA test, a journey as rich and colorful as the early-day circus itself. Through Cecily Larson’s hidden life, Ellen Baker tenderly examines personal determination, lost love, family ties, and our innate need to discover our own truth.” — Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours and Before and After

Orphan Train meets Before We Were Yours meets Water for Elephants in this compelling multigenerational novel of survival, love, and the families we make.

In 1924, four-year-old Cecily Larson’s mother reluctantly drops her off at an orphanage in Chicago, promising to be back once she’s made enough money to support both Cecily and herself. But she never returns, and shortly after high-spirited Cecily turns seven, she is sold to a traveling circus to perform as the “little sister” to glamorous bareback rider Isabelle DuMonde. With Isabelle and the rest of the circus, Cecily finally feels she’s found the family she craves. But as the years go by, the cracks in her little world begin to show. And when teenage Cecily meets and falls in love with a young roustabout named Lucky, she finds her life thrown onto an entirely unexpected—and dangerous—course.

In 2015, Cecily is now 94 and living a quiet life in Minnesota, with her daughter, granddaughter, and great-grandson. But when her family decides to surprise her with an at-home DNA test, the unexpected results not only bring to light the tragic love story that Cecily has kept hidden for decades but also throw into question everything about the family she’s raised and claimed as her own for nearly seventy years. Cecily and everyone in her life must now decide who they really are and what family—and forgiveness—really mean.

Sweeping through a long period of contemporary history, The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson is an immersive, compelling, and entertaining family drama centered around one remarkable woman and her determination to survive.

©2024 Ellen Baker (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting story took a while to get into.

I enjoyed the second half of the book. I struggled through parts but that's on me not the writer. It started a little slow. I struggle with multiple storylines that intertwine in some books especially when I'm not focused on the book alone. However it was a good story and interesting take on ancestry and belonging. Would recommend if you like a few moving parts that come togetherv in the end.

Outstanding!

All I can say is that the novel left me crying and happy and it was well written and well narrated. I do not wish to give any information about the plot; however, I highly recommend.

Anyway…

This was a lovely yet predictable story. The author needs to learn a new word to segway from one story to another. I wanted to scream every time I heard ANYWAY!!

Secrets Come Out

Im still working out how Isabelle became that person. The circus parts were fascinating. A little soapy but i enjoyed the book.

Mostly good

I loved Cecily’s backstory. The novel could have been just that. The “present” time storyline dragged, particularly at the end. Worth a listen to though.

Well written and heartwarming

I don’t typically read or listen to this type of book but am very glad I picked this one up. Well written with intricate story lines and both love and hope intertwined with the tragedy… Give it a try, I think you will find yourself lucky you did.

way too many characters and timehopping

my head hurts. there were so many characters introduced in such a confusing way, and time hopping with no warning, as much as I want to like the story, I am just glad it is over. also, whichever editor let the ridiculous amount of times the word "anyway" was used through to the final edition, should be slapped. Cecily, what a life you had, what I could follow of it. Onward .

Great story

Some of the voices were tough. Story however- spot on. The issue of DNA Identification and “found” relatives is so timely.

Lovely story that tugs on your heart strings

I really enjoyed this book. The story hits hard as someone who has friends and family with some similar situations. (Don’t want to give away too much.) I found myself unable to put this down, going through many emotions. Ultimately, a lovely story that I would recommend.

Great story!

I really enjoyed the circus story! Double timeline and characters were interesting. Didn’t care for the reader.