Genetic illnesses are probably nature’s trickiest way to make humans bring out their best to face the adverse and keep hope alive. It reminds us that hope and fear are two contrasting emotional responses of human beings in uncertain future. The at-risk individuals often face numerous difficulties and even the family members come across moral dilemma to navigate through such difficult situations.

The book starts with the protagonist moving to a different city with a feeling of hope for future and anxiety as well. A letter from a stranger reveals a deliberately hidden chapter of her life which turns her world upside down. She faces an unexpected dilemma in making future choices and gets immersed in sea of emotions while constantly debating her choices. An unplanned pregnancy makes the situation more complicated and test her marriage to the extreme.

The book stress on the fact that how a proper support system in form of medical infrastructure and supporting family can go a long way in helping a person who is susceptible of a genetic disease. Professional approach of genetic counselling centers in maintaining confidentiality of counseling participants, providing them a safe space to express their emotions and keeping their expectations real from the medical help has been highlighted appropriately. It also describes the counselling sessions of participants who takes an extremely difficult decision to express their deepest insecurity, fear, and their expectations from family members. Genetic testing gives life-altering reality and leave individuals at a painful crossroads which make the future more uncertain and overwhelming.

It also discusses an important aspect attached to genetic disorders: the stigma of adoption of children who may have inherited such conditions. Most often genetic disorders are perceived as carrying significant emotional and financial burdens and makes future of these children at risk, as prospective parents become reluctant to adopt them. It also talks about early mental health reformers in the United States, making readers aware that how such contribution in this field made crucial help accessible to everyone.

Author’s writing does not go over the edge while discussing sensitive issues of genetic disorder and mental health. The flow of writing keeps the story moving smoothly and readers would want to know what happens next. The tone of writing is subtle and emotional depth of each character is portrayed beautifully. Female readers will be drawn more towards it, as the book will reflect their own life where at some point, they would have faced unexpected circumstances and made difficult decisions.

The book is an emotional roller coaster and will strike a chord with all readers hence assuming it women-centric will be thoroughly under rating it. The haunting questions of “What if” and “What if not” can radically change a person’s life sometimes leading them to question their own existence. The book is an emotional journey from being fearful to being strong for making a choice which keeps the hope for a beautiful life alive.

I highly recommend the book!

“A Hidden Fate” was such a deep and thought provoking book! This made it hard to decide on a rating and I was very torn between rating it three or four stars. I think what the reader is hoping to get out of the book will determine how much it is enjoyed. The novel description focuses on the love story of Julia and Matt, but the standout of the novel for me was the story of Julia’s extended family and how they deal with the inheritance of a genetic illness. The decision to set the story in Baltimore in the 1980’s, a time and place where medical professionals were making advancements on understanding genetic components to some diseases, made the story feel very considered and thought out. The inclusion of the family’s interactions with healthcare professionals was also something that made the novel special.

The originality of the story, the careful and considerate way the families dealing with genetic illnesses were written about, and the addition of thoughtful details to help readers immerse themselves in the story made it a very enjoyable read. The romantic relationships in the book were some of my least favorite parts of it. I also sometimes felt bogged down by how many details were included about so many different characters.

I think the description does a good job of preparing readers for the heaviness of the novel, but it was still sadder than I was expecting. I was also surprised by how many different difficult themes were explored. It is not an easy or especially relaxing read, but it is one that makes you think and really feel for the characters dealing with tough situations. Family dynamics, pregnancy, grief, loss, genetics, mental health, and serious illnesses are all brought up in the novel.