Book Review of “Behind the Barbed Wire Fence” by Jennie Linnane

Rating:⭐⭐⭐-(4/5)

Behind the Barbed Wire Fence is a captivating tale that follows Lucy's ill-fated relationship with Eric, a man cautioned against by the Parish community. Despite her youthful naivety, Lucy succumbs to love and marries him. Throughout their time together, she endures Eric's ever-changing nature before deciding to divorce him in the end.

In this book, the narrator offers a perspective on Lucy Smith, the central character, who was left at birth by her young mother, entrusting her care to the Sisters at the Orphanage. Despite being born with a cleft palate and speaking with a lisp, Lucy's passion for writing, nurtured by Sister Casima, shines through. 


Jennie Linnane's book captivates readers with its concise yet enthralling narrative, skillfully unveiling each new detail of the unfolding events. The straightforward language employed by Linnane avoids ambiguity, ensuring clarity throughout the text. 


I took immense pleasure in the unexpected twists surrounding Lucy's pregnancy. While I yearn to disclose more in this review, doing so would spoil the element of surprise. Nevertheless, Lucy's story reaches a fulfilling and uplifting resolution. To truly immerse yourself in the profoundness of her journey, I enthusiastically recommend acquiring a copy of the book!


With this book’s theme resonating strongly with middle school and high school readers, this book proves particularly beneficial to them. I have become an avid admirer of Linnane's work, awarding “Behind the Barbed Wire Fence” a four out of five rating. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of her literary creations.


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