Shocking, raw, honest, beautiful. Difficult to read under the current COVID-19 circumstances. ( )

A very emotional and moving story about a close knit community that is hit hard by the Spanish influenza. It also touches on some other historic happenings such as WWI and the Women's Suffrage movement and how these events would have affected many people. The characters that have a lot of depth that really are the heart of the story. There is a strong sense of family values and along with some tragic moments you are embraced with love, hope and bits of humor. ( )

Enza tells the tale of a small town in Michigan in 1918, war is still going on but the war seems far away in this idyllic little haven. Life is simpler then, lots of family values and close knit families and friends. A wonderful story that gives us a glimpse in to life in a bygone era. What we have only read about. But things can change in a minute and that is what happens when the Spanish Influenza hits. It leaves a devastating wave of death in it's path, killing over 600,000 and it does not discriminate on age but seems to be more severe with the young people. The worst epidemic in American history

The author does a remarkable job with this novel of real events in such a way that I found myself having a hard time reading the pages through my tears. It was as if I was there right along with the survivors of this terrible illness. A very emotional read for sure and one that should be read by anyone interested in historical fiction. I give it 5 stars... ( )

Every character in this book is as interesting as a character can get. They all had depth and were beautifully described by the author. You will love all but one of them for their innocence and genuineness, and one of them you definitely will not like simply because of the unpleasantness she brings to every instance of meeting her.

The book is set in a small town in Michigan during the early 1900's during a time of stay-at-home women, large families, and just plain sweetness. It is a charming, nostalgic trip back to a time when life was much more simple and family oriented....lots of kids in each family, marriage proposals on knees, women expecting their man to be chivalrous, and men being the main bread winner.

The book is totally character driven and gives a glimpse into each family or single character's emotions and daily lives. You will feel when they are happy, frightened, or worried. The author did a fantastic job of putting you into the story and into the characters' lives....and you definitely will want to be a character in this heartwarming tale and to be a part of this town.

As the pages turn, you will be looking forward to seeing what your favorite or least favorite character is doing next. There is humor as well as friendship and all around genuine concern for the community and each other.

But.....will this wonderful life and the population be gone if and when the influenza reaches Charlotte, Michigan, and the rest of the world? Can they escape what is happening around the world with the Spanish flu?

It took a few pages to get used to the book's setup since its main focus was on each character and not really a plot, but once you get to know the characters, you will find it quite difficult to leave them as you turn the last pages through your tears. 5/5 ( )