The Hidden Child by Louise Fein

Secrets….Edward Hamilton has one and now he and his wife have one.

The secret they share together is that their daughter has epilepsy.  He has to hide it because he is in charge of a study of eugenics and is on the committee for Great Britain’s educational system.

It was sad hearing they were ashamed their daughter had epilepsy and kept her hidden from everyone. The treatment back then was awful, and my heart was broken for Mable.

My heart broke for Eleanor too, and I didn’t like Edward or trust him.  All he cared about was his image and his job.

We follow the family as they move through their days worrying about Mabel and as a new baby arrives.

The chapters where epilepsy speaks was unique and very interesting to have that in the book.

I enjoyed the chapters about Eleanor more than the ones that featured Edward and The International Congress of Eugenics.  The information about this Congress was very distressing and I never knew about it.

THE HIDDEN CHILD hit home about the epilepsy because my brother has epilepsy, and I remember how frightening it was when he had a seizure.

The book is well written and well researched with many ethical issues being addressed as well.

Historical fiction fans as well as women’s fiction fans will enjoy this book. 4/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.