Like Family

by Michele M. Feeney

“In Like Family, Feeney not only brings us back to the terrifying time when the Spanish flu had its hold on us, but also beautifully explores the meaning of family.” –Ann Hood, author of The Stolen Child

Mollie Crowley, a 26-year-old Irish unmarried teacher at a one-room schoolhouse in rural Michigan, and 8-year-old Cecilia Pokorski, a Polish girl orphaned after the deaths of her family during the 1918 influenza pandemic, are an unlikely pair.

While Cecilia is grieving the loss of her beloved Mamusia, Mollie leans on her own mother, Catherine, for assistance after taking the girl into their home. Mollie loves teaching, but Cecilia hated having Mollie as her first teacher.

In their town in rural Michigan, the Irish and the Polish don't mix. The Catholic Church, the town's doctor, and Mollie's older brothers are pitted against Mollie, who is highly independent, even stubborn. Everyone who fears "the sickness" is desperate to stay safe and healthy, and unsure of what precautions work.

Cecilia is treated with suspicion, even fear. Mollie, Cecilia, and Catherine, while isolated on their family farm, face all these struggles with courage and creativity.

Readers will see challenges they faced during COVID-19 as similar to the ones people faced nearly a hundred years earlier. Like Family explores themes of prejudice related to ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion; foster care and adoption; feminism; education and teaching; language and cultural differences; family factions; death and grief; loneliness; and ultimately, the power of love, family (biological and intentional), and community.

Genres: Historical Fiction

219 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel, set in rural Michigan in the summer of 1918, still feels completely relevant. There is an obvious parallel between the Spanish Flu Epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, with the fear of contagion and the resulting isolation. If you lost someone you loved to COVID-19, as I did, this story will bring it all rushing back. As a retired teacher who also taught in a rural area, I easily identified with Mollie as she agonized about what would happen to her students when the school closed.

An equally important thread in the story concerns gender restrictions for women. In particular, how Mollie is treated by her older brothers and the men in her community because she is single and uninterested in marriage, determined to be independent. American women are facing this once again as we are being defined by childbearing as a measure of worth. The story flows beautifully, and I loved how it highlighted that families don't have to be limited by genetics or tradition. Families are defined by love and come in a variety of styles. I am so impressed that this is the author's debut novel and I look forward to reading more from her.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in 1918, at the height of the “Spanish Flu” epidemic. Many of the details about the disease, and preventions used to curb its spread, were eerily familiar to the COVID-19 pandemic ones.
A young spinster, her widowed mother, and a little girl, orphaned due to the flu epidemic of 1918, come together and are determined to become a family. The villagers band together in protest, thinking wrongfully that the child was responsible for the spread of the disease. As a result, the elderly mother and her daughter take a stand against the prejudice and hostility of the townspeople, in order to give the young girl a better life, and love she craves.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Mholden999 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your reward for surviving COVID-19 will be to read this book to compare modern-day experiences with what teacher Mollie Crowley lived through over 100 years ago when homemade masks were washed by hand, when a debate raged about closing school, when quarantines needed to be understood, and when women rarely used their voices to make sure things got done equitably, reasonably, and well. Although Mollie keeps her heart tucked well inside her teacher's garb, you'll see it expand as the story line develops. Mollie's is a story that is unforgettable and will give readers a greater understanding of how the word "family" has so many more layers than just the one. This book is destined to become a classic because one way to learn about the reality of an history event is to read fiction about it. Who really can know the truth...yet, the truth in imagination is a strong force to be reckoned with and appreciated.

[Susan P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book set in rural Michigan, this is the story of an unmarried teacher and an 8-year-old girl orphaned by the 1918 flu epidemic. I'll be waiting for more books by this first-time author, as this was an excellent, thoughtful, and deep book.

[Andrea Harmeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Set in rural Michigan, it tells the story of Mollie, Cecelia, and Catherine—three strong and independent female characters who find family with each other. Although the book is set during the influenza epidemic, the parallels with the COVID pandemic are striking. It’s a great read!

[Andra Nations · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story that is very relevant to our post-pandemic times.

I enjoyed the simplicity of this era, along with the complexity of issues, as women dealing with a pandemic during a time when women were not encouraged to make decisions for themselves or anyone else. Mollie and her mother, Catherine, navigated these challenges with love and grace.

[patti voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story, over too soon

I wanted this book to last longer. Good storyline, well edited. No profanity . Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Mike Palumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel set in rural St. Claire County, Michigan in the years after World War I when the Spanish Flu ravaged the United States focuses on the intertwined lives of three female characters of different generations. The dramatic story is largely about how those three females exhibit unusual strengths in overcoming the challenges presented to them by the Flu.

The three primary characters are Cecilia Pokorski, an eight-year-old orphan whose family is wiped out by the disease, Mollie Crowley, a twenty-six-year-old unmarried teacher at the local one-room school house, who lives at the ancestral family farmhouse with her elderly mother Catherine, the third of the principal characters. The plot of the novel revolves around Mollie’s efforts to accommodate Cecilia’s orphanhood and to re-open her classroom in the face of community resistance. At a time when American society was male dominated and women did not yet have the right to vote, these women showed it was possible to shape their own futures that lead to the formation of a different family unit.

Each of the three protagonists demonstrate strength of character in many ways. Mollie wanted to open her school and take in Cecilia to live with her and Catherine. Mollie’s decision to have Cecilia live with her and Catherine was quite bold. Mollie had to stand up, not only to the powers-that-be in the Village of Emmett, i.e., the local doctor, Dr. Murphy, and the local Catholic parish priest, Father Foley, she had to deal with the resistance of her older brothers, who lived in Detroit and thought she was nothing more than a non-conforming maverick. Catherine exhibited strength by supporting Mollie in her struggles. She earned the appellation “Grandma Catherine” by attending to Cecilia’s personal needs. She demonstrated strong maternal interest in Cecilia by objecting to the brothers’ efforts to force Mollie to abandon Cecilia to the local orphan authorities rather than put their mother at risk by staying with Mollie, and she determinedly stood in the way of the brothers’ attempt to take the interest in the family farmhouse from Mollie. Cecilia may have been the strongest of the three. She had not liked Mollie as a teacher- she thought she was mean. She had to deal with the grief attendant with the deaths of her parents. At the same time, because of Dr. Murphy’s great fear about the transmission of the Flu, he insisted that Cecilia isolate herself alone in her family’s house for several weeks before Mollie became aware of her situation. Needless to say, grief and isolation can be a great challenge. Cecilia’s successful adjustment to life in Mollie’s “family” illustrates her fortitude.

Sub-plots add to the dimensions of the novel. Most significant of the subplots involved the moral dilemma surrounding Cecilia’s aunt and uncle, the brother of her deceased father, who lived in Chicago. Cecilia had never met them and did not even know that she had an aunt and uncle. Mollie had to decide whether to inform them of Cecilia’s status and what to do if they asserted any claim to custody of Cecilia or rights to the family’s assets. The resolution of this conundrum further reflects on Mollie’s character.

All in all, the dynamics of these affairs present drama that engages the reader and makes the book a real page-turner. The reader will be glad to have purchased the book and spent the time establishing a relationship with the meaningful characters.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and it's a real plus that the setting is my home state of Michigan. The novel starts in 1918 in a small rural town. The town is mostly made up of Irish immigrants and they don't mix with the few Polish families who live there. This character driven, beautifully written novel takes the readers into the reactions of the town to the Spanish Flu.

Cecilia is an 8 year old Polish girl who lives with her parents and her brother. Her older brother returns from being in the hospital after WWI and is dead of Spanish Flu within a day. Soon her parents and other brother succumb to the disease and Cecilia is alone. The townspeople including the doctor don't want to go near her in fear of catching the disease and leave baskets of food for her in front of the house. She misses her family and doesn't like being alone but has no choices. Until the 26 year old school teacher finds out about her. She decides to bring Cecilia into the home she shares with her mother. They decide to quarantine until they are sure that Cecilia can't transmit the disease to them. Molly's brothers and the town doctor are appalled that she would expose their mother to possibly catching the disease. Molly is a strong and resilient woman who fights the town on keeping the young girl and wanting to open the school back up. She is surrounded by men - brothers, the doctor and the priest - who want her to do things their way but she resists and follows her own path. They feel since she's not married, she should follow the lead of the men in town but she is feisty enough to resist them.

I loved the characters in this novel. After meeting Molly's mother, it's easy to understand why Molly is so strong. And poor Cecilia, left with no family and living with a family that is completely different from what she has lived with for her whole life, works to remain true to her mother and family while she is being immersed in the Irish family. Like Family is a book about family love and people caring for other people no matter the circumstances. It reminds us that family isn't just created by blood but can also be created with the people who love and care for you.

I loved this book and enjoyed getting to know the characters. I also enjoyed the setting in rural Michigan and it was described so well that I felt like I was there. This is a book that I won't soon forget.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My local library book club is hosting this author in October. I was given a copy of this book to read in advance.

This is a very well-written book. There aren't too many main characters and the minor ones are easy to remember and distinctive.

The topic of coping with the effects of the Spanish Influenza epidemic in a small Michigan town is well-presented. The reactions of the townspeople to those infected seemed realistic to me.

I was moved by the plight of the little girl who is the sole survivor of her family. Her family spoke mainly Polish and her command of English is poor. Worse, she is mocked by other students for everything "different" from them.

The teacher who decides to take her in rather than leaving her to fend all by herself on the farm is a thoughtful person. I was impressed when she was presented with evidence of how she is perceived by a student and chose to change. She tries to stay informed and continue school with masks.

The relationships that she has are quite interesting. You can see how the interactions with the girl and the teacher's own mother shift as they encounter new truths about themselves. The teacher's relationship with a local hardware-store owner also involves stereotyping and letting go of fears and prejudices.

The story itself kept me riveted to see what would happen next. I was thoroughly engrossed in the world of Emmet, Michigan, both in its own townspeople and in its visitors.

The theme of limits, real or imagined, imposed on women is dealt with squarely. I also enjoyed the theme of mass hysteria and its impacts on a community.

Above all, the themes of adapting to change, overcoming fears about the future and the consequences of one's own actions, and being resilient resonate throughout the work.

I must admit that I thought that this book was going in a certain direction. I can't discuss it here without giving away the ending. Perhaps at my author session I can bring this up.

I can see this work leading to prequels and sequels that further explore the characters in this title.

Highly recommended.

[Rich Marcello · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartwarming Story of Resilience and Chosen Family

Michelle Feeney's debut novel, Like Family, completely captivated me from the very first page. It's a beautifully written story about three strong women navigating the challenges of the 1918 flu pandemic and the societal prejudices of their time.

I found myself fully immersed in the lives of Mollie, a kind young teacher, her mother Catherine, and the orphaned Cecilia. Their bond amidst a world filled with disease, fear, and uncertainty is both heartwarming and inspiring. Feeney's writing is simply beautiful, and I was particularly impressed by how she seamlessly captured the unique perspectives of both Mollie and Cecilia.

The historical setting is so vividly portrayed that I felt like I was right there in that small Michigan town, experiencing the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic alongside the characters. Feeney's attention to detail is remarkable, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.

Like Family is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of human connection and chosen family. The characters' struggles and triumphs resonated with me, and the story left me feeling hopeful and uplifted. I can't recommend this book enough, especially if you enjoy historical fiction, stories about strong women, or simply an emotional read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

[Lynn Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction, and feel “Like Family” is a worthy addition to any library (my husband and I both read it). Ms. Feeney’s grasp of the conditions in Michigan near the end of The Great War is spot on. Soldiers were returning (or NOT returning) from WW1, some carrying the scars of war both visible and invisible (with what was then called “shell shock”), some carrying the Spanish flu to infect family and friends. Women’s expected subservience to their husbands, fathers, brothers, and other males of “substance” (doctors, preachers and priests, etc) saw many young lady’s hopes and dreams curtailed to fit the patriarchy of the times. “Like Family’s” main character, Mollie, breaks all the molds as she tries to do what is right.

The book’s recording of the Spanish Flu pandemic draws so many parallels of what we so recently experienced a few years ago when COVID19 reached the United States. I could feel Mollie’s fear for her safety, as well as that of her students and her elderly mother. Ms. Feeneys sense of place, her character development, understanding of the Irish community of the small Michigan town, and the fears of Cecilia, a young Polish girl are very apparent.

Give this book a try-you won’t be disappointed!

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down, I felt as if I were there with Mollie, Cecilia and Catherine, identifing with each character. This author paints a very good picture of the school house, farmhouse, church and cemetery, with great feeling. There are so many parallels to the pandemic we all went through with Covid, wiping down surfaces with bleach, the wet and sour stench of the masks that were so uncomfortable to wear (my daughter wearing a mask to play high school volleyball), mass not being held, quarantining and so on. I would love to see what happens to Cecilia, did she stand up to those nasty bullying girls, did she become an artist, did she stay in the area? Did Mollie ever marry, maybe Tom Reid, how did her brothers react when that received their mother Catherine’s letter that Mollie was left the house. I loved Catherine’s wise words. Hoping for a continuation.

[Robert Radin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost there

This book could have been really great but it missed the mark. The writing was unimaginative, with repetitive questions and incomplete characters. However, the story lines regarding immigrants and pandemics are very timely. Unfortunately some people still vilify immigrants and pandemic precautions 100+ years later. There are lessons to be learned from this book about family, women's rights, equality of education, rural life, and many more.

My mother was a teacher in a small town in Michigan in the 1920s and 30s. She had a college degree, a car, and a career. Once she got married (at age 28) she was not allowed to teach anymore. Hard to believe! So that part of the book rang true.

The ending left the reader hanging with too many threads unresolved.

[Lee Husemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful heartwarming story with a little sadness mixed in which is what makes this such a wonderful read. This story takes place in a small town in Southeastern Michigan in 1918 where 8-year-old Cecilia Pokorski lives with her parents and her older brother Hugh. Hugh gets sick and dies, Cecilia's mother and father get sick and also die, all from the Spanish flu. Cecilia does not get sick and stays in a small pantry in the home with neighbors bringing her food daily. This went on for several weeks until the town's schoolteacher, Mollie Crowley, found out and decided to bring her to live with her and her mother. I loved this book with all of its social issues and events that took place. If you are looking for an all around great read, I highly recommend this book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first 5 Star Review I have Ever Given

This book had everything I love- historical fiction, a compelling plot, realistic characters, and none of the typical smut. I related so much to Mollie that it felt as if Michele was writing about me. She is not perfect by any means The, which I appreciate, but she wants to do the right thing.. The plot moves along quickly and there was enough suspense to keep me reading way past my bedtime. Being from Michigan and having family members that survived the Spanish flu just made it that much more interesting. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author!

[Barbara Stark-Nemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele Feeney’s Like Family is a warmhearted, well-told tale of the loving bonds that can arise when good people reach across the barriers of prejudice, and limiting societal roles in response to human need. Set during the flu epidemic of 1918 in a rural Michigan town, Feeney expertly draws the characters as they cope with an orphaned girl, a frightening epidemic, cultural differences, and rigid expectations of a young independent teacher. The fears, and the divisions sustained by powerful people in a small town ultimately give way to the bravery and loyalty of its best citizens in this timeless story . A wonderful read.

[Katie Harmeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend Like Family! Historical fiction is typically tough for me to read because it is hard for me to see myself in the characters. However, Like Family bridged this gap for me. Mollie, Cecelia, and Catherine navigate the beginning of the Spanish Flu much like we had to do with Covid-19 not too long ago. As Mollie was determining how to safely open the classroom, I could remember similar conversations happening during my own college experience. I think it is a good reminder that regardless of the timeline, we are all humans who live through our experiences in similar ways. It is a story about loss, uncertainty, bravery, and hope.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complex and heart-warming story about the different ways family can be defined. The story follows Mollie, a strong independent woman during a time when women were not seen or appreciated as such. She is ambitious and complex as we get insight into her struggles to make challenging decisions regarding her mom, Cecilia, and the community at large. I loved getting to live within her perspective and watch her fight for what she cared about. I would highly recommend this book, especially to those interested in history, strong women characters, and unique ways to define a family.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Read

This was a wonderful story about the coming together of a family. Sadly, I kept checking the progress as I read not wanting it to end. The author managed to capture the essence of teaching life to a t. Anxiety and excitement for the first day. The hard work of organizing and preparing a classroom. Frustration when It all comes to a halt. This reader felt it all. And Cecelia. Her situation was heartbreaking. It was so heartening that after weeks of being alone she was rescued. And loved. Can’t wait for another installment!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Feeney’s debut novel. This was a beautiful, heartwarming story, showing family doesn’t always translate to blood relatives. I loved the beautiful bond that developed between Cecelia & Molly. Navigating the 1918 influenza pandemic was no easy task, and it brought back memories of the challenges we faced during Covid-19 pandemic. 😷 As the saying history repeats itself shows, we see people making similar choices and facing similar challenges across different time periods.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Spanish Flu, similar to Covid, where Cecilia loses her entire family to the outbreak and is taken in by her school teacher, Molly, and Molly’s mother, Catherine. Can the independent, impulsive, stern, old-maid Molly be a mothering presence in Cecilia’s life? Cecilia is blamed by the local doctor and priest as being the source of the flu and will do anything to thwart Molly’s attempt to reopen the little one room schoolhouse. Relatives from Chicago arrive to take Cecilia home with them. What will be decided about the flu carrier and where Cecilia will live.

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Family by Michele M Feeney
In the prologue, the author discusses the similarities between the influenza epidemic of 1918 and the more recent covid 19 pandemic. As I read the book, I couldn't help but think about how both events generated fear, isolation, and uncertainty within local communities and how individuals coped with those feelings. The author also explored the meaning of family and the role of women in the early 20th century in this heartfelt novel of rural life. Highly recommend. I found it hard to put down.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another one of those 1.99 purchases via bookbub that turned out to be surprisingly good. It takes place in rural Michigan at the outset of the Spanish Flu epidemic, when a spinster teacher takes over care of an orphaned 7 yr old girls after her entire family succumbs to the flu. It was an interesting speculative look at what may have happened during that time, although I thought the teacher’s knowledge and anti-contagion actions were a little ahead of that known in 1918. Aside from that it was a good read with a satisfactory ending. I liked that the teacher, Molly, wasn’t portrayed with a perfect,beautiful, saccharine personality, rather a strong, perhaps too stern, woman who embraced her career and spinsterhood with pride. The young girl, too, was portrayed sensitively, with intelligence and artistic talent. Yup, I liked this little read.

[Amy Nippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book in a Long time

I loved this book and hated to see it end. It wasn't the sweet saccharine book I expected, but instead one where people who were emotionally closed had to open
👐 up in order to bond and thrive. I hope there is a sequel or even a series fro
m this because I want to see more about these characters and especially want to know if there will be a romance and marriage. Author Feeney, don't leave us hanging!

[Patty S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and life affirming

Ms. Feeney’s characters reveal the unique challenges of a woman’s existence in the early 20th century, and the grace and dignity with which they might have been met. There is no melodrama here. Rather, the 3 generations of women scrutinize the world they are given and their own personal goals, and find a path to a satisfying life. Beautifully written.

[marvin Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

like family

I enjoyed the book, especially the depiction of strong, self-assured, independent, problem-solving women.
My hope throughout was that Cecilia would find a family situation that would bring her comfort.
Appropriate use of the subjunctive would’ve made for a less distracting read.
I recommend this book.

[Sally Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect way to while away a cold, rainy day. I

This was a sweet story that begins with a horrifying event. The pages just fell away and I did not want to put this story down. The images are clear and so closest to our collective experience with covid. I found myself rooting for the stronger than they realized female characters. I almost cheered at the ending.

[Melissa King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut novel. The theme of the Spanish flu was interesting as how people responded paralleled to how we managed the COVID 19 pandemic. The characters are thoughtful. The book explores many themes, family, prejudice, a woman’s role in society. It went fast and the ending was satisfying.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and enjoyable read. The audio narration is excellent. The parallels of the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic and Covid are haunting. I think the author was able to create a believable narrative because she experienced it first hand. I also like that this is not about a romance but the relationship that builds between a child and adoptive mother.