More Precious Than Gold

So this is a novel about the Pandemic Flu of 1918. Everyone pretty much knows how horrible it was so you know what you are getting into with this book. I normally try to stay away from depressing historical fiction, but living through a pandemic made me curious about the one in 1918. The book is about Kitty Winthrop and her desire to be a nurse. She ends up finding out her estranged grandmother is a very wealthy woman and wants Kitty to be in her world. She tries out the wealthy set for a time and isn't sure which life to live. The pandemic does not come in to play till near the end of the book but I found the time period interesting and of course the anticipation of knowing what was coming, especially to nurses.

"Over 100,000 children in New York City alone were left orphans due to the flu."

Kitty Winthrop is the main character in this marvelous historical fiction book.
She has never met her grandmother because her mother had a falling out with her when she was a young woman and she hasn't spoken with her since. Kitty learns her mother came from a privileged background and her grandmother tried to control who her mother married but she married for love and not money.
Kitty has a heart full of compassion and becomes a nurse just as the war is starting. The influenza pandemic overwhelms all healthcare workers alike but many including Kitty selflessly work past the point of exhaustion putting themselves at risk of contracting contagious diseases.
The influenza outbreak of 1918 was nondiscriminatory killing rich and poor alike.
I am so thankful for all health care workers who like Kitty ,go above and beyond caring for those in need.
One of the patients she had was a very sick little boy who she became close to. It was heartwarming seeing the relationship she had with him and his family, helping all.
I can understand how those in the medical field would feel down when one of their patients dies, you would feel like not only are you failing them but you're failing yourself.
Kept my attention all the way through. I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read whatever the author puts out next.

Pub Date 28 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is an interesting story - set in NYC in the WW I era and includes the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Lots of moving parts to this story - it's Kitty's story. She is from a middle class family, her father is a clergyman and her mother finds homes for orphans. Kitty dreams of becoming a famous clothing designer or a nurse. Then she receives a letter from her grandmother, whom she wasn't aware was living. Her grandmother is part of NYC high society and had a falling out with Kitty's mom years before. So Kitty is thrust into the society rounds and debuts, earning the attention of royalty. The story follows along as she decides to forgo the high life, turning to nursing school as the war breaks out.

Strong characters, determined women and engaging storyline. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.