The Orphans of Race Point

The Orphans of Race PointTitle: The Orphans of Race Point
Author: Patry Francis
Source: from publisher for TLC book tour
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Summary: Although I found the way some characters’ stories played out a bit disappointing, this book was so poignant and emotionally moving that I was swept away by it anyway.

From the moment Gus Silva’s mother dies, Hallie Costa feels strangely connected to him. Although he refuses to speak for months after, it’s Hallie who finally helps him start to return to normalcy. When a terrible tragedy befalls them at their senior prom, Hallie is willing to stay by Gus’s side. And when years later Gus is accused of murder, Hallie wants more than anything to believe he didn’t do it. However, it will take Milla, the daughter of a woman Gus was counseling, to help Gus escape the shadow of his past.

There was only one thing I didn’t like about this book so I’m going to get it out of the way now. I was not a fan of how Gus impacted Hallie’s life. She’s one of my favorite characters ever and I think she would have had a better life without him. That, however, brings me to one of my favorite parts of this book: Hallie. From a precocious to a intelligent, successful adult, she was someone I would love to be friends with or to be myself. The author did a great job bringing  all of her characters to life. Hallie, Gus, and Milla (especially Milla!), all had very distinct voices. I thought having Mila’s letters be written in terrible internet shorthand was a bit over the top, but other than that she seemed like an authentic, sarcastic, smart, and somewhat broken teenager. The setting was also fantastic, with interesting elements of Portuguese culture and of the culture of a small town in New England.

The plot took me on a complete emotional rollercoaster. Every time I was about to feel hopelessly depressed by what might have been, the characters displayed an amazing resilience which helped me keep going too. This book really deserves all of those blurbs I usually assume are hyperbolic. It’s gripping and poignant and a story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It’s beautiful and moving and a fascinating look at generally believable relationships.  Basically, it was all amazing. I couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend it.

For some other perspectives, check out the other stops on the tour, Amazon, or Goodreads. 

13 Comments

Filed under Fiction, Literary, Romance, Thriller

13 Responses to The Orphans of Race Point

  1. Andi @ Estella's Revenge

    #1 on my wishlist is always an emotionally affecting book. I’m glad to know this one grabbed you even though you weren’t a fan of the way some of it played out.
    Andi @ Estella’s Revenge recently posted…Upstairs at the White House by J.B. WestMy Profile

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    • Yeah, this is by far the most emotional book I’ve read lately! There were several parts where I just felt overwhelming despair on behalf of the characters, which would usually make me dislike a book since I do go for the happy endings, but every time the characters showed an inner strength that impressed and moved me. Even though this wasn’t anything like the stereotypical, happy book I often go for, that optimism about human nature really won me over.

      Reply
  2. Anita

    This one sounds good, not sure how I know so little about it!
    Anita recently posted…Review: The Book of YouMy Profile

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  3. Jennine G.

    Wow, I really wish I had picked this one up as a review copy somewhere! I will definitely be looking out for it come this summer (after I’ve read some TBR items)!
    Jennine G. recently posted…Closed DoorsMy Profile

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  4. Patry Francis

    Thank you so much for a beautiful and honest review. I’m thrilled that you connected with Hallie the way you did!

    Reply
    • Thanks Patry! I’m not someone who has book boyfriends and I often have trouble remembering characters I loved when surveys ask for favorite characters, but I think Hallie is one of the few who will really stayed with me. Definitely one of my favorite characters ever! I just really related.

      Reply
  5. Rebecca @ Love at First Book

    Allison really enjoyed this one, but it was a DNF for me. I got bored, and it looked like it was turning very love story (which you know I have zero tolerance for). But in general, it seems like people only have good things to say about it.
    Rebecca @ Love at First Book recently posted…The Quick by Lauren OwenMy Profile

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    • You might consider giving it another go when you’re in the mood, because I think it very much avoids becoming a typical love story, which you might enjoy even more than I did. Obviously if you don’t like it, I’ll still think you’re awesome and if you’re bored, you shouldn’t make yourself read it. But this is one I think could be worth a second chance :)

      Reply
  6. Allison @ The Book Wheel

    I absolutely loved this book and think Rebecca is totally crazy for not finishing it, which I’ve told her on more than one ocassion :) Glad you loved it!
    Allison @ The Book Wheel recently posted…Comment on Guest Review: To Rise Again at a Decent Hour by AndiMy Profile

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    • I loved it too! And I’m very surprised Rebecca didn’t. I would have guessed it would be even more her sort of book than it was mine!

      Reply
  7. Charlene @ Bookish Whimsy

    Wow, I haven’t heard of this one, but it does sound like an intense, fantastic read! I’m glad you were so emotionally invested – that’s always a good sign! I’ll have to wait for a time when I feel in the mood for a deeply affecting read to try this one!
    Charlene @ Bookish Whimsy recently posted…Limiting Your Book Genres + Survey!My Profile

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