"What a wonderful book! Halvorson recreates Minneapolis in the early 1920s through the eyes of the innocent, gritty Ethelyn. At age 15, Ethelyn is sent to a "home school" for delinquent girls because her father has died from the Spanish flu and her pregnant mother can't afford to take care of Ethelyn and her three sisters.
The reader is transported back to the time when girls without means faced a harsh, condemning world full of factories with endless Singer sewing machines, condescending do-gooders, predators, and a fast changing milieu. While searching for her family and working for slave wages, Ethelyn is drawn into the shady world of human trafficking. Despite her grim and scary circumstances, though, Ethelyn experiences kindness from mentors, friends and her first love.
Inmate is a charming book that could easily become a classic in young adult literature. While it is written for a younger audience, it speaks to readers of all ages. It provides a fascinating window into the mores of the early 20th century."
Well written story. Perfect for discussion about immigration and issues affecting women and girls.
Inspired by genealogical family research, Christine Halvorson in "Inmate" has created a portrait of the life her grandmother might have lived during the early years of the 20th century, beginning with the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918. Told cleanly and simply in the first person, Halvorson's story of teenaged Ethelyn Gertrude Thompson is rich in historic details, compelling characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Definitely recommended!
"I really enjoyed INMATE - the book sucked me in and I read it pretty much in one sitting. The writing, tone, and story felt perfect for the YA crowd, and Halvorson takes on issues like immigrant life and the sex trade that resonate today - and handles them in an age-appropriate way. But most important, it's just a great read. I loved Ethelyn and the people she encounters, and really got a feel for what life was life for immigrant families and their children. Highly recommended for young adults and adults!"