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The Second Life of Mirielle West: Sneak Peek
Special Extended Excerpt Sneak Peek!
Snag your early sneak peek at this thought-provoking novel about a silent film star’s wife whose intoxicatingly glamorous life of star-studded Hollywood parties in the Roaring ‘20s comes to an abrupt end when she’s forced onto a train headed to America’s only leper colony. Inspired by the little-known true history of Carville, a Louisiana institution where thousands of Americans were stripped of their rights and involuntarily quarantined throughout the 20th century, Amanda Skenandore weaves an extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and one woman’s journey from stigma to self-worth.
1920s Los Angeles: Socialite Mirielle West’s days are crowded with shopping, luncheons, and prepping for the myriad of glittering parties she attends with her actor husband, Charlie. She’s been too busy to even notice the small patch of pale skin on the back of her hand. Other than an occasional over-indulgence in gin and champagne, which helps to numb the pain of recent tragedy, Mirielle is the picture of health. But her doctor insists on more tests, and Mirielle reluctantly agrees.
The diagnosis—leprosy—is devastating and unthinkable. Changing her name to shield Charlie and their two young children, Mirielle is exiled to rural Louisiana for what she hopes will be a swift cure. But the hospital at the Carville Leprosarium turns out to be as much a prison as a place of healing. Deaths far outnumber the discharges, and many patients have languished for years. Some are badly afflicted, others relatively unscathed. For all, the disease’s stigma is just as insidious as its physical progress.
At first, Mirielle keeps her distance from other residents, unwilling to accept her new reality. Gradually she begins to find both a community and a purpose at Carville, helping the nurses and doctors while eagerly anticipating her return home. But even that wish is tinged with uncertainty. How can she bridge the divide between the woman, wife, and mother she was and the stranger she’s become? And what price is she willing to pay to protect the ones she loves?
Snag your early sneak peek at this thought-provoking novel about a silent film star’s wife whose intoxicatingly glamorous life of star-studded Hollywood parties in the Roaring ‘20s comes to an abrupt end when she’s forced onto a train headed to America’s only leper colony. Inspired by the little-known true history of Carville, a Louisiana institution where thousands of Americans were stripped of their rights and involuntarily quarantined throughout the 20th century, Amanda Skenandore weaves an extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and one woman’s journey from stigma to self-worth.
1920s Los Angeles: Socialite Mirielle West’s days are crowded with shopping, luncheons, and prepping for the myriad of glittering parties she attends with her actor husband, Charlie. She’s been too busy to even notice the small patch of pale skin on the back of her hand. Other than an occasional over-indulgence in gin and champagne, which helps to numb the pain of recent tragedy, Mirielle is the picture of health. But her doctor insists on more tests, and Mirielle reluctantly agrees.
The diagnosis—leprosy—is devastating and unthinkable. Changing her name to shield Charlie and their two young children, Mirielle is exiled to rural Louisiana for what she hopes will be a swift cure. But the hospital at the Carville Leprosarium turns out to be as much a prison as a place of healing. Deaths far outnumber the discharges, and many patients have languished for years. Some are badly afflicted, others relatively unscathed. For all, the disease’s stigma is just as insidious as its physical progress.
At first, Mirielle keeps her distance from other residents, unwilling to accept her new reality. Gradually she begins to find both a community and a purpose at Carville, helping the nurses and doctors while eagerly anticipating her return home. But even that wish is tinged with uncertainty. How can she bridge the divide between the woman, wife, and mother she was and the stranger she’s become? And what price is she willing to pay to protect the ones she loves?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
86 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Skenandore
15 books2,258 followersAmanda Skenandore is an award-winning author of historical fiction and a registered nurse. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and garnered accolades from the American Library Association, Reader’s Digest, Silicon Valley Reads, and Apple Books. She is a 2024 Nevada Arts Council’s literary fellow. Amanda lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their pet turtle, Lenore.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 8, 2022
**Contains spoilers**
I found the historical content of this story very fascinating. Living in New Orleans, I had heard of Carville/The Marine Hospital but didn't know very much about it. I especially enjoyed the depictions of Louisiana how it must have been back then, it its more natural state.
Being an insider within the facility shed light on so many aspects that we could not have heard about otherwise. Not just insight into the disease and treatment, but into the everyday lives of those who lived there, and the joys and sufferings they experienced. Since Hansen's isn't something we hear about often these days, we aren't privy to its effects not only physically but socially and mentally. It's heartbreaking to hear about families disowning their loved ones, parents abandoning their children, families being ripped apart. But then you see that some of the patients had hope, whether it was for a cure, or for a good life even within the confines of the hospital.
Of course just as interesting is Mireille's evolution over the course of the book. At first you think, what an annoying, privileged woman. But as we learn more about her, we find that everyone has a past and reasons why they are who they are today. We can't judge even such a seemingly spoiled person because we don't know what they've endured in their life. And as she goes through the struggles of daily life at the hospital, and with this disease, you start thinking well what would I do in that situation? The patients there had to deal with more problems than most of us face in our lives, so I found myself not able to judge what any of them did, even Mireille.
I personally love a good happy ending, so was rooting for Mireille to be cured and reunited with her family. But this disease was harsh in so many ways, and it was at least good to see that she made the best out of her circumstances. In the end, isn't that all any of us can do?
Many thanks to the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my review!
I found the historical content of this story very fascinating. Living in New Orleans, I had heard of Carville/The Marine Hospital but didn't know very much about it. I especially enjoyed the depictions of Louisiana how it must have been back then, it its more natural state.
Being an insider within the facility shed light on so many aspects that we could not have heard about otherwise. Not just insight into the disease and treatment, but into the everyday lives of those who lived there, and the joys and sufferings they experienced. Since Hansen's isn't something we hear about often these days, we aren't privy to its effects not only physically but socially and mentally. It's heartbreaking to hear about families disowning their loved ones, parents abandoning their children, families being ripped apart. But then you see that some of the patients had hope, whether it was for a cure, or for a good life even within the confines of the hospital.
Of course just as interesting is Mireille's evolution over the course of the book. At first you think, what an annoying, privileged woman. But as we learn more about her, we find that everyone has a past and reasons why they are who they are today. We can't judge even such a seemingly spoiled person because we don't know what they've endured in their life. And as she goes through the struggles of daily life at the hospital, and with this disease, you start thinking well what would I do in that situation? The patients there had to deal with more problems than most of us face in our lives, so I found myself not able to judge what any of them did, even Mireille.
I personally love a good happy ending, so was rooting for Mireille to be cured and reunited with her family. But this disease was harsh in so many ways, and it was at least good to see that she made the best out of her circumstances. In the end, isn't that all any of us can do?
Many thanks to the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my review!
September 30, 2022
Mirielle West was a patient of the Carville LA home. This home was opened to keep patients with leprosy separate from the healthy population. When Mirielle contracts this disease, she is taken from her husband and two young daughters who reside in Hollywood CA. Mirielle is accustomed to living the good life where money is not an issue. Her husband is an actor and director so they know a lot of the stars and rich folks in Hollywood.
When Mirielle arrives at Carville she is mixed with all different kinds of people with various stages of leprosy. Mirielle eventually makes friends with some of her roommates and begins helping the nuns who are the nurses and caregivers in the hospital
This story is based upon facts. In the early 1920s, Carville was an actual hospital and clinic which housed and treated patients who were affected with Hansen’s disease, which was known as leprosy. A cure has been found for this terrible sickness. An interesting story about a subject I would never have thought about. There are many misconceptions about Hansen’s disease, but thankfully modern medicine has helped .
When Mirielle arrives at Carville she is mixed with all different kinds of people with various stages of leprosy. Mirielle eventually makes friends with some of her roommates and begins helping the nuns who are the nurses and caregivers in the hospital
This story is based upon facts. In the early 1920s, Carville was an actual hospital and clinic which housed and treated patients who were affected with Hansen’s disease, which was known as leprosy. A cure has been found for this terrible sickness. An interesting story about a subject I would never have thought about. There are many misconceptions about Hansen’s disease, but thankfully modern medicine has helped .
July 27, 2021
The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore is an intense historical read based on actual events in US history. Hanson's Disease/ leprosy is a subject I knew very little about before reading this book. No dry facts here; honest emotions of the afflicted are explored, as well as the public's view. I love books that make me feel, think, and stay with me long after the conclusion.
Mirielle is a socialite, married to a silent films star, mother to two daughters---with a tragedy in her past. Self-absorbed and depressed from the tragic event, she disassociates herself from her family and friends. Daily she struggles to keep up appearances, until a burnt finger sends her to the family doctor...and down a twisted path she could never have anticipated.
The way the people with this disease were treated is so shocking, the pain of leaving their families behind ---I don't know how I would cope. Mirielle did cope and she evolved into a stronger person as the story goes on. I learned so much about this emotional subject, and became attached to the characters, that the conclusion was both hopeful and satisfying. Clearly one of the best books I have read this year.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I review books I love for my friends and followers.
Mirielle is a socialite, married to a silent films star, mother to two daughters---with a tragedy in her past. Self-absorbed and depressed from the tragic event, she disassociates herself from her family and friends. Daily she struggles to keep up appearances, until a burnt finger sends her to the family doctor...and down a twisted path she could never have anticipated.
The way the people with this disease were treated is so shocking, the pain of leaving their families behind ---I don't know how I would cope. Mirielle did cope and she evolved into a stronger person as the story goes on. I learned so much about this emotional subject, and became attached to the characters, that the conclusion was both hopeful and satisfying. Clearly one of the best books I have read this year.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I review books I love for my friends and followers.
August 24, 2022
While I never wrote a review, this book deserves it. I can't offer enough praise for the literary work. This book captures your interest in the first two pages and never lets go. I can't even fathom the pain of being taken away from your family only to be housed in a leper colony without any hope of escaping. There are so many parallels of past and recent events that make you wonder if this could happen if the pandemic surged or some other grotesque disease. Finding a purpose in the midst of despair is unimaginable. As you grow with these characters the author illustrated that even if you heal you have no where to go. Was death the best choice? It reminded me, in part, of when slaves were freed without any education, job or money. So, where they ever truly freed? They continued to be segregated and depised which was so similar to the lepers. I had not paid attention to my reading progress and when the end of the book snuck up on me I was crushed. I wish there were another book to take readers through the rest of the history with Carville, the Leper hospital. Of the thousand plus books I have read, I would put this book in the top 5. Don't pass on this one, you will forever be touched by it.
July 4, 2021
Just got to read the first 47 pages...
The writing is terrible. So many misspelled words, and words that are missing to make a complete sentence. Didn't care for the language in it either. I will pass on this one.
The writing is terrible. So many misspelled words, and words that are missing to make a complete sentence. Didn't care for the language in it either. I will pass on this one.
May 1, 2022
Great story, and wonderful historical information.
July 5, 2022
I could hardly believe it: leprosy in the USA in the 20th century. The story was do compelling that I had to check facts. That led me to my next read: a memoir of a person who lived in the American leper colony in the ‘80’s.
Two really good books.
Two really good books.
March 11, 2023
This was a book that totally surprised me on how much I continued to enjoy it right to the very end. Very well written and an amazing eye opener for me be cause it was Historical Fiction on a subject that…….well…..better stop here. Don’t want to slip and expose a spoiler!
February 11, 2024
Very engaging story about leprosy, which I knew very little about. The characters are well drawn.
It needed editing as the last part of the story was unnecessary. Too long. I recommend this book because of how much I learned about this disease.
It needed editing as the last part of the story was unnecessary. Too long. I recommend this book because of how much I learned about this disease.
January 22, 2022
About a women who contacted leprosy in the USA and how she was isolated at a Louisiana facility named Carville.
January 28, 2022
Interesting glimpse into life at a leper colony in the 1920’s-1940’s. While fictional, it drew on a real place and real-life experiences.
February 24, 2022
Louisiana history interest
February 20, 2023
Kept my attention
Reading with my book club. Good book to share with friends. Interesting subject matter and good storyline.
wait to finish the rest of the story!
Reading with my book club. Good book to share with friends. Interesting subject matter and good storyline.
wait to finish the rest of the story!
May 27, 2023
The life of Mirielle and her life in a leprosy community. Interesting with some twists and turns and how she eventually found herself again.
July 20, 2023
Very interesting and lovely to read!
September 2, 2023
DNF language
December 14, 2023
Loved it! What a fascinating topic
January 15, 2024
More like 3 1/2. I did audiobook, which always skews my opinion because I get hung up on the readers interpretation.
January 20, 2024
very good, very interesting and gave insight into a disease that has all but been irradicated
September 6, 2024
A lot of oozing etc. Awful life, illness.
July 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️. I like historical fiction and did feel like I learned a few things by reading this book but generally did not enjoy it or recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews