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Strange Arithmetic
Massachusetts, 1944. When Maggie O’Callaghan takes a job at Camp Myles Standish, the last thing on her mind is falling in love. She’s there to help the war effort so that heroes like Charlie Morris, the young man her family wants her to marry, can be brought home to safety. But when Maggie meets Carporale Leo
Castiglione, a chivalrous Italian POW being held at the camp, she is soon swept away by the intensity of her feelings. Will her family ever accept her love for a man who was once an enemy, or will Maggie be forced to fight for everything she holds dear?
Massachusetts, 2015. Kindergarten teacher Niamh Reilly longs to start a family with her wife, Christine. Since the death of her mother, Niamh hasn’t known any blood relatives, and she yearns for a biological child of her own to help fill the void in her heart. But when Niamh’s struggles with fertility lead her to search for her biological family, will she be able to come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future?
Strange Arithmetic is a fast paced, gripping historical fiction novel, filled with love, loss, and learning hard lessons. Although Maggie and Niamh can’t always control their circumstances, only they can control how their stories end.
Castiglione, a chivalrous Italian POW being held at the camp, she is soon swept away by the intensity of her feelings. Will her family ever accept her love for a man who was once an enemy, or will Maggie be forced to fight for everything she holds dear?
Massachusetts, 2015. Kindergarten teacher Niamh Reilly longs to start a family with her wife, Christine. Since the death of her mother, Niamh hasn’t known any blood relatives, and she yearns for a biological child of her own to help fill the void in her heart. But when Niamh’s struggles with fertility lead her to search for her biological family, will she be able to come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future?
Strange Arithmetic is a fast paced, gripping historical fiction novel, filled with love, loss, and learning hard lessons. Although Maggie and Niamh can’t always control their circumstances, only they can control how their stories end.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
6 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Kerrin Willis
3 books39 followers I am a bibliophile English teacher from southeastern Massachusetts. I am fascinated by local history, especially the idea that King Philip’s War, the bloodiest war in American History, took place in my own backyard. I pride myself on being a feminist and a strong protagonist in my own story, and have often joked that I’d have been burned as a witch in colonial New England. I can usually be found pausing The Little Mermaid and subjecting my daughters to a lecture on the dangers of giving up their voices.
I have a BA in English from Stonehill College, an MA in English from Simmons College, and I am currently working on my MFA in Creative Writing - Fiction at Southern New Hampshire University.
I have a BA in English from Stonehill College, an MA in English from Simmons College, and I am currently working on my MFA in Creative Writing - Fiction at Southern New Hampshire University.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 23, 2023
Strange Arithmetic is an engrossing piece of historical fiction with richly developed characters, immersive dual timelines, and poignant messages. Like Willis’s first book, this story is set in Massachusetts, and much of the plot takes place less than an hour from my home. I always find historical fiction set in or near Rhode island so fascinating. It’s amazing to see how much our world, cities, and societies have changed and how they haven’t. The dual timelines highlight these very striking changes and similarities. I also didn’t know much about prisoners of war who were kept in New England, but I did know a bit about the Irish-Catholic and Italian-American cultures, and I thought both were realistically portrayed.
The first timeline takes place in 1944 with Maggie and Leo’s story and the second in 2015 with Niamh’s. These characters are layered and complex, each with interesting arcs and unique connections. Their stories are woven together seamlessly into a compelling and engrossing narrative. I quickly became invested in these stories as Maggie meets and falls in love with Leo, an Italian prisoner of war, and Niamh struggles with fertility and identity issues. Their lives are realistic, their relationships relatable, and their stories are both hopeful and heartbreaking.
Something I really like about the story is the universal themes. For example, a common thread in both of the author’s books focuses on seeing things from different points of view. Maggie reflects on Leo’s captivity and treatment and compares him to her brother, who is also a soldier in the war albeit on the opposing side. She sees how these men are more alike than they are different, and she questions why some people are treated differently than others. It’s a strong and thought-provoking message about humanity, equality, and empathy.
Both Niamh and Maggie’s stories address the inequities and struggles of womanhood, the need for autonomy, and the challenges people face regardless of the time period. And let me tell you, some parts of the story made my heart melt, and other parts made it break. It evokes all kinds of emotions, and as the pieces between the two stories slowly come together, I found myself hoping beyond hope that there would be a happy resolution for the characters I came to love.
A deeply moving story about love, loss, prejudice, and so much more, Strange Arithmetic is a brilliant read and one I highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and romance. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
The first timeline takes place in 1944 with Maggie and Leo’s story and the second in 2015 with Niamh’s. These characters are layered and complex, each with interesting arcs and unique connections. Their stories are woven together seamlessly into a compelling and engrossing narrative. I quickly became invested in these stories as Maggie meets and falls in love with Leo, an Italian prisoner of war, and Niamh struggles with fertility and identity issues. Their lives are realistic, their relationships relatable, and their stories are both hopeful and heartbreaking.
Something I really like about the story is the universal themes. For example, a common thread in both of the author’s books focuses on seeing things from different points of view. Maggie reflects on Leo’s captivity and treatment and compares him to her brother, who is also a soldier in the war albeit on the opposing side. She sees how these men are more alike than they are different, and she questions why some people are treated differently than others. It’s a strong and thought-provoking message about humanity, equality, and empathy.
Both Niamh and Maggie’s stories address the inequities and struggles of womanhood, the need for autonomy, and the challenges people face regardless of the time period. And let me tell you, some parts of the story made my heart melt, and other parts made it break. It evokes all kinds of emotions, and as the pieces between the two stories slowly come together, I found myself hoping beyond hope that there would be a happy resolution for the characters I came to love.
A deeply moving story about love, loss, prejudice, and so much more, Strange Arithmetic is a brilliant read and one I highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and romance. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
March 25, 2023
A beautifully written story, Strange Arithmetic takes the reader on a dual-timeline journey following two wonderful Massachusetts women, Maggie and Niamh.
Nineteen year old Maggie is about to embark on adulthood in 1945. Growing up in a reserved, traditional Irish Catholic family, she has been following the life that was expected of her until Carporale Leo Castiglione sweeps her off her feet and shows her emotion, love and passion.
Niamh is happily married to her loving wife, Christine, in 2013. They have a beautiful relationship, but long to have their own child to provide the family that Niamh has never had.
Strange Arithmetic has well-developed characters, and covers a diverse range of difficult topics sensitively. The reader feels the frustration and pain of the consequences faced from falling outside of the community's expectations in 1945, the heart-breaking loss of love and family, and the struggle of diversity. Admirably, for a dual-timeline, I felt a strong connection to both sets of characters, and eagerly anticipated the progression and eventual coming together of both storylines.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was left torn between wanting to read more of the fates and fortunes of other characters, and of the unwritten events that had passed in their lives; but also impressed that weeks after reading, I still reflect on the characters and allow my imagination to fill in the gaps.
A captivating story of love, loss, heartbreak, hope, determination, belonging, and finding home.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader, although all views are my own.
Nineteen year old Maggie is about to embark on adulthood in 1945. Growing up in a reserved, traditional Irish Catholic family, she has been following the life that was expected of her until Carporale Leo Castiglione sweeps her off her feet and shows her emotion, love and passion.
Niamh is happily married to her loving wife, Christine, in 2013. They have a beautiful relationship, but long to have their own child to provide the family that Niamh has never had.
Strange Arithmetic has well-developed characters, and covers a diverse range of difficult topics sensitively. The reader feels the frustration and pain of the consequences faced from falling outside of the community's expectations in 1945, the heart-breaking loss of love and family, and the struggle of diversity. Admirably, for a dual-timeline, I felt a strong connection to both sets of characters, and eagerly anticipated the progression and eventual coming together of both storylines.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was left torn between wanting to read more of the fates and fortunes of other characters, and of the unwritten events that had passed in their lives; but also impressed that weeks after reading, I still reflect on the characters and allow my imagination to fill in the gaps.
A captivating story of love, loss, heartbreak, hope, determination, belonging, and finding home.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader, although all views are my own.
December 7, 2022
Absolutely loved this. The dual timeline is interesting without being confusing and the characters are charming. It gives you all of the joy that makes the heartbreak a little more bearable. Highly recommend!
March 2, 2023
“Some of us wear our scars on the inside, and some of us on the outside. This is part of what makes you you, and it is part of what brought you to me.”
Following the success of her debut novel, Iron and Fire, Kerrin Willis's novel Strange Arithmetic captures readers by blending historical fiction with romance in a nuanced, heart warming manner. This story touches upon multiple themes such as family history, diversity, faith, and infertility, leaving room for almost all of Willis's readers to see a bit of themselves in her characters. In Strange Arithmetic, Willis advances her writing techniques by incorporating a dual timeline, where readers spend the novel waiting anxiously to discover how the two stories will intersect. The characters from each timeline are well-developed enough that any reader will find it easy to become invested in the story. The difference in approach between her first and second novel should signal to readers that Willis will only continue to exceed expectations!
Following the success of her debut novel, Iron and Fire, Kerrin Willis's novel Strange Arithmetic captures readers by blending historical fiction with romance in a nuanced, heart warming manner. This story touches upon multiple themes such as family history, diversity, faith, and infertility, leaving room for almost all of Willis's readers to see a bit of themselves in her characters. In Strange Arithmetic, Willis advances her writing techniques by incorporating a dual timeline, where readers spend the novel waiting anxiously to discover how the two stories will intersect. The characters from each timeline are well-developed enough that any reader will find it easy to become invested in the story. The difference in approach between her first and second novel should signal to readers that Willis will only continue to exceed expectations!
February 25, 2023
The concept of love and the complications/heartbreak associated with it are explored in a dual timeline story. This novel is perfect for those looking to be introduced to the historical fiction genre as it flips between 1944 & 2015 with great balance. It's easy to become engrossed in the lives of Maggie, Leo, and Niamh as they navigate their specific path in life. Willis writes a story (2, actually!!) that blends together in a beautiful and surprising way. This novel is so well-written and was a joy to read.
May 15, 2023
After a terrible reading dry spell, I picked up Kerrin Willis’s second book and flew through it in two nights. Set across time (2016 and WWII), Willis brilliantly crafts parallel stories of family and the haunting memories of familial damage. Brilliantly done with characters I recognize from my childhood, I highly recommend this novel.
April 25, 2023
A beautiful, full circle love story that so nicely tied together the lives of Maggie and Niemh! It shows that everyone deserves, and will get, their own happy ending. Plus, you’ve gotta love an allusion to everyone’s favorite Mexican restaurant in the book!! Highly recommend.
February 17, 2023
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare notes that "the course of true love never did run smooth". In Strange Arithmetic, Willis skillfully explores how two young people sharing a great love face even greater challenges. The love of rebellious Irish-American Maggie O'Callaghan and the Italian prisoner of war Leo Castiglione faces great challenges: time, cultural differences, war, and society at large. Yet as we alternate between the main historical narrative and the modern day character looking for her own answers, readers are taken along for a ride that shows how some loves are worth fighting for, no matter how long the course may run.
April 14, 2023
I loved the dual timeline idea, and how the two stories were woven together. I instantly fell in love with Niamh and Christine and their banter. It took a little longer for me to warm up to Maggie and Leo, but once I did I wanted the world for them. You know that tension you feel when you can only cross your fingers and pray that everything will turn out all right for the characters? That was how I felt for the last 100 pages. I was hooked. This story is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Well done.
February 11, 2023
Do I read a lot of historical fiction? No. Did I hide from my children and stay up until 2am because I just HAD to finish this book? Absolutely!
Kerrin Willis’s “Strange Arithmetic” seamlessly brings together the commonality of identity and family struggles within two vastly different time periods. The first half (roughly) of the novel introduces relatable characters, conflicts, and developing relationships, whereas the second half is a fast-paced dive into the fight for love and autonomy.
I could not read the last few chapters fast enough. Having connected with the characters I found myself desperately routing for their triumphs (except Betty. Spoiler: she sucks). Willis writes equally interesting storylines for both historical and modern time periods, and I found myself excited to return to whichever period the chapter had ended with.
“Strange Arithmetic” does not disappoint as the follow up to Willis’s first novel, “Iron and Fire”. Both showcase original storylines while encompassing a straightforward style for any reader to enjoy! This will be your go-to beach read for the summer…if you can even wait that long!
Kerrin Willis’s “Strange Arithmetic” seamlessly brings together the commonality of identity and family struggles within two vastly different time periods. The first half (roughly) of the novel introduces relatable characters, conflicts, and developing relationships, whereas the second half is a fast-paced dive into the fight for love and autonomy.
I could not read the last few chapters fast enough. Having connected with the characters I found myself desperately routing for their triumphs (except Betty. Spoiler: she sucks). Willis writes equally interesting storylines for both historical and modern time periods, and I found myself excited to return to whichever period the chapter had ended with.
“Strange Arithmetic” does not disappoint as the follow up to Willis’s first novel, “Iron and Fire”. Both showcase original storylines while encompassing a straightforward style for any reader to enjoy! This will be your go-to beach read for the summer…if you can even wait that long!
January 3, 2023
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Honestly - from page 1 I absolutely devoured this book. I am typically not a huge fan of dual timelines as I feel like a lot of authors don't get it right, but Willis manages to blend the 2 timelines seamlessly to the point that once you GET to the place they meet, you almost don't even notice.
I fell in love with the characters (moreso Maggie and Leo in 1944 than Niamah in present day).
I stayed up way too late finishing which I cannot remember the last time I was that engrossed by a book and eager to see how the story ended.
There is literal JOY radiating from the pages even amid the heartbreak. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book
Honestly - from page 1 I absolutely devoured this book. I am typically not a huge fan of dual timelines as I feel like a lot of authors don't get it right, but Willis manages to blend the 2 timelines seamlessly to the point that once you GET to the place they meet, you almost don't even notice.
I fell in love with the characters (moreso Maggie and Leo in 1944 than Niamah in present day).
I stayed up way too late finishing which I cannot remember the last time I was that engrossed by a book and eager to see how the story ended.
There is literal JOY radiating from the pages even amid the heartbreak. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book
April 14, 2024
Short little read. Pretty straightforward and predicatable. Not terrible, not great. Maybe a bit contrived. After reading, I am reminded how grateful we are now to live in a time that women have access to birth control and are not forced to give up their babies. The author tried to write off the terrible treatment of women by saying people were only trying to do what was right. These young women were never consulted or treated as adults with their own rights.
February 24, 2023
This book had me feeling every emotion. The detail that Kerrin uses puts you right in the exact place and time as her characters. This story navigates a dual timeline with out any bit of confusion. Great read!
November 8, 2023
I always enjoy historical fiction especially when it gives me insight into something new. I appreciated learning about the camps in Taunton- of which I knew nothing- and really enjoyed both of the strong female characters, their strengths and how the story all came together.
April 13, 2023
This book has it all. Romance. Loss. History. Great writing. This is an amazing book and a must read. Kerrin Willis' writing is brilliant and beautiful.
August 7, 2023
Fun read as it was set in a local historic location.
October 16, 2023
this is such a beautiful story, i absolutely loved it. please please please read!
January 18, 2024
It is a feel good story. I enjoyed reading it and learning about the historical facts. On the downside, the writing style was simplistic and sometimes very cliche.
October 1, 2025
Picked this up because of the local ties. Fell in love with the story a quarter of the way in and finished the last 3/4 of the book in one night. Sweet and heartwarming ending!
March 21, 2023
This was a dual timeline story set around 1944 and the later time of 2015. Oh my! What a tearjerker this story was! I really felt for Maggie and Leo, I couldn’t understand why her parents were so heartless. In the later time Niamh and her wife, Christine, also had their problems but I liked the way they connected and tried to work out things together. All the main characters were so likeable and the story was captivating. In fact, the characters remained for me for some time, after I finished reading . The ending was just lovely and brought everything together. I received a copy via Niche Reader and have voluntarily reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 10, 2023
The novel is set during two timeframes in Massachusetts (1944 and current day) with the narrative alternating between both female protagonists, Maggie and Niamh.
I felt completely transported to 1944 whilst reading about Maggie’s story. It really opened my eyes to how things were back in those times- not just the military aspect it the civilian/religious aspect.
The writing flowed so smoothly that you do get lost in this book. I didn’t want to put this book down and was quite sad when I had finished! A marvellous read that will warm your heart.
I felt completely transported to 1944 whilst reading about Maggie’s story. It really opened my eyes to how things were back in those times- not just the military aspect it the civilian/religious aspect.
The writing flowed so smoothly that you do get lost in this book. I didn’t want to put this book down and was quite sad when I had finished! A marvellous read that will warm your heart.
March 21, 2023
I was disappointed by this book. Very formulaic and predictable. I received a free Kindle copy of this book from Niche Reader.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews