I was looking really forward to the book as I have never read something this intense about adoption and someone I know recently adopted a baby around about the time I was reading this. I really loved Jonah as a character, what a charming little man. I especially enjoyed he’s use of language albeit from a 7 year old. Of course it is clear in many ways he is wise beyond his years.
Even though you can’t help but hate Grace for what she allowed to happen to this little boy, you cant help but somewhat forgive her for what she did, she is also perceived as wise and for me it is as if she always had something of a third eye which she used to carefully guide Jonah. For the most part, I liked how she received Rosie and what she had to say from the little she did say when Rosie, Sam and Jonah arrived in Kenya. I also liked that this book took us to Kenya, living in Africa myself I really enjoyed the “close to home’ness” of the book (even though Kenya is far form where I am). In any event, I did find the book to be a little winded in the sense that it took longer than usual for the plot to really gain traction which was kind of a drag, only to lead to more bad news. Something should of at least been good.
I like Sam and Rosie as a couple and a part of me was hoping for a pregnancy right at the end, but they were kind of portrayed as desperate (not only for a child but in general), especially Rosie and her constant strange and mediocre appearance. They were a very sweet couple with a lovely story and I felt that should have been portrayed more amicably. I did enjoy Grandma Flick a lot and the natural and easy way she got along with Jonah – I think once they met it really changed Jonah’s perspective toward his new parents and family a lot.
I liked that Jonah finally had a friend his own age in Alice and their weird little games were pretty much the only only child-like thing about them. Both had serious illnesses (although Jonah only finds out about his later). Both children were far more mature for their ages and they are both really something to be proud of, even people to look up to.
I enjoyed the book but was not the best for me. I would rate it a 3 star at a bit of a push.