One Saturday morning, on our usual walk around our neighborhood, Dan and I came across a free sale. A young lady was moving from her apartment and had put out a number of things with a large “Free” sign. Of course, I had to stop. As I browsed, this young lady encouraged us to take anything and everything. Her rented U-Haul was already there, and it was filling up fast.
As I looked at the books, the young woman said, “Oh, this one is my favorite book. You’ll love it!” With such an enthusiastic recommendation, I took the book. I always like a heartwarming story.
Except it kind of wasn’t. I hadn’t heard of the book, “Lilac Girls”, so I didn’t really know what I was in for. As I began reading the book, I began to realize what the story involved. It was a hard book to read. I usually read at bedtime. Some nights, as I tried to fall asleep, it was hard to forget what I had just read.
I felt an obligation to read the entire book. I thought, if people had to live through this, I can at least read the story. I learned much about Nazi Germany and the one and only woman’s concentration camp. By the time I finished the book, I knew I had read a story I wouldn’t forget.
I now also have a new place to add to my list of places I want to visit: the Bellamy-Ferriday home in Bethlehem, Connecticut. Martha Hall Kelly, the author of Lilac Girls, recommends visiting the home in May, when the lilacs are in bloom.
The Bellamy-Ferriday home happens to be near another home already on my list of places I want to visit: the Mark Twain Home and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut. I added this to my list years ago when I watch a PBS special by Ken Burns on Mark Twain. Turns out, these two homes are only about 50 miles apart. If you’ve been to either one, let me know what you think in the comments below.
There’s one more ripple effect from my happenstance with the young lady who gave me the book. When I mentioned “Lilac Girls” in one of my comments, fellow blogger Beth, of the Small Simple Things of Life blog, asked me if I had heard of “Lost Roses” which is the prequel to “Lilac Girls.” I hadn’t heard of it, and I immediately requested it from the library. Thank you, Beth.
Now, I didn’t write this post as a book review. After all, “Lilac Girls” is already a New York Times Bestseller. I wrote it because I am amazed how one small act by someone I didn’t even know had such an impact on me. All because she handed me a book.
Chambers on the Road 
Random acts of kindness are the best! I like your stories, Betty. And the way you tell them makes them engaging to read.
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Thank you very much, David. I enjoy your posts very much, too. Enjoy your day!
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Good read, thank you.
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Thank you! Enjoy your day!
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Amazing story. One never knows who we will meet nor how we will touch their lives. Thank you for the reminder. Have a great week.
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Yes, this young woman moved away and will never know the affect that book had on me. Safe travels to you, and I hope you have a great week ahead!
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Thank you, Betty! I enjoyed Lost Roses, but it was also hard to read at times. Just had to shut my eyes, so to speak, and read on. But the heartwarming ending was worth it. I also want to get back to CT someday and visit the Bellamy-Feriday home. I read this as part of the Barnes & Noble book club. Isn’t it wonderful when a stranger hands you a book that you enjoy?
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This stranger will never know the impact that book had on me. I am so glad I read it even though it was hard. So, I will read “Lost Roses” even if it is hard – as from what you say, I expect it will be. Enjoy the coming week!
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Sounds like you were meant to read it. Some of the best books I have read were ones I borrowed from others.
And some books are just meant to be read by many. Its one of the reasons I hand my novel out for free to as many people that want it twice a year.
I plan to travel a little when COVID lets up. Hopefully that happens soon.
Fingers crossed.
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Yes, I do think this book is meant to be read by many. Hope you can travel soon, too. Have a good week ahead!
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Hello, Betty. I also loved Lilac Girls and also found it difficult to read. Such a great example that we can all make a difference if we choose to do so. I wasn’t familiar with Lost Roses. I’ll be taking a walk over to my library this afternoon to pick it up.
Sharing books is a magic part of life!
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The ripple effect continues!! Thanks for reading, and letting me know. I agree. Reading and sharing books is a joy in my life. Enjoy your walk to the library and your day!
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Thank you for this post Betty. I cannot live without a book. The moment I read your post, I turned to Waterstones and I bought the book. I cannot wait for it to arrive. You have a wonderful Sunday.
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Thank you so much! I love books, too. A good book is one of my joys in life. Thanks for your comment, and enjoy your day!
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Thank you Betty for your sweet response. I cannot wait for my book to arrive. I will also feature it on my blog.
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I look forward to your post about the book. The book will be difficult to read (it was for me), but it was so worth it to learn about these women and the people who helped them. I am sorry for the delay in responding to you. Your two comments were in my spam folder which I check every once in a while. Now, that I replied to you, your comments shouldn’t go there any more. Enjoy your day!
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