Palace Beautiful

by Sarah Deford Williams

A secret room plus a hidden journal written during the Flu Pandemic of 1918 make for an emotional, magical middle-grade read.


When sisters Sadie and Zuzu move to Salt Lake City, they discover an old journal in a secret room in their new house. Along with their neighbor, Bella, the girls take turns reading the story of a girl named Helen who lived during the flu epidemic of 1918. They soon become wrapped up in Helen's tale, which ends with a tragedy that has a scary parallel to Sadie and Zuzu's lives. Did Helen survive the flu? Is she still alive somewhere? Or could her ghost be watching them?

A NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Mystery, Historical

232 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2010

Reviews

[Marleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

First line and a little: "My name is Sadie Evelyn Brooks." [...] That's what I wrote on the inside of my bathroom cabinet just before we hopped into the car to leave Texas for good. That way, even if it was just in the bathroom, I'd always be a part of the story of the house where I used to live.

Awesome quote:
"Is it a boy or a girl?"
"We don't know. Sherrie doesn't want to spoil the surprise."
"Hmm," said Bella. "I think it would still be surprising to have a whole person come out of your body whether you knew what it was or not, but that's just me."

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up an ARC of this book at a book swapping site for the Debut Author reading challenge that I am doing this year and I am glad I did. This was a wonderful book. The writing style is what really sets this book apart from others I have read recently.

Sadie and her sister Zuzu have recently moved into an old house in Salt Lake City. Their step-mother is very pregnant and Sadie, who lost her mother during Zuzu's birth, is very concerned about what will happen to their new mother through this pregnancy. When they move in Sadie becomes friends with a girl named Bella, who is obsessed with ghosts. While they are watching the graveyard from the attic of Sadie's house they find a secret room in the attic labeled Palace Beautiful. In that room they find a journal written by a girl during the influenza epidemic of 1918. The three girls start on a mission to find out what happened to the writer of the journal and along the way they deal with some of their own fears.

I immediately loved the writing style of this book. Each chapter is named after a color such as "Far-far-away Blue" or "Cave-Dwelling White" that conveys the mood of the Chapter. Williams does a fabulous job of creating beautiful and interesting imagery with her writing style for example, "Outside the window swayed a large sycamore tree. Its peeling bark like a paint-by-number picture, and its branches stretched all the way to the window, tapping the old flowing glass panes." or "A breath of spicy air from the canyons drifted in and swirled around the rooms."

The other thing about this book that is exceptional is the telling of the creation stories at the beginning. Sadie explains how everyone is born a certain way and lives their lives like the Great Dog, Adam and Eve, the cabbages, or the red birds. These "creation stories" are referenced throughout the book in a very creative way.

The journal entries were interesting and give an intriguing peek into the life of a girl living in the early 1900's. The parallels the author draws between the thirteen year old Sadie and the thirteen year old girl from the journal are well-done; as is the overall message that no matter what happens to us, life goes on.

The only small complaint I have is that the language usage and patterns are kind of inconsistent as Williams switches between the journal entries from the early 1900's and the current story. I felt like sometimes the journal entries weren't as authintic sounding as they could have been.

The book is an easy read, has a wonderful sense of urgency and mystery, and I really enjoyed reading it. It was a beautiful read and would be appropriate for all ages; although younger kids may not understand exactly what is going on. I am happy I picked this book up and will be watching for William's future books.

[lizzie rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author described how a pandemic feels so accurately:
“Every day was the same-eat, sleep, chores and rain. At first it was nice, but now it’s hard to be cooped up all day with the same people.”
“The sun stayed out most of the week, but each day seems like the same day over and over.”
“I’m just tired lately”
“There is no end in sight. All I want to do is sleep.”
“I hardly know what day it is anymore. All the days seem to blend together in one exhausting blur.”
Anyways it was a really good book and I couldn’t put it down.

[Ofilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is historical times two. It is set in the 80’s and is told through the eyes of 13 year old Sadie who lost her mother at an early age and is leaving her home in Texas with her bratty younger sister, Dad and sweet and pregnant stepmother Sherrie. They are moving to a big old house in Utah to be closer to their grandmother. She becomes instant friends with her across the street neighbor Belladona Desolation (aka Bella aka Kristen), who is a lonely girl largely unappreciated by her own mother. The old house holds a special surprise for Sadie and she begins to learn of the previous inhabitants who were in the grips of the Spanish influenza at the turn of the last century. Sadie is written so beautifully and genuinely. She is a painter with an artists’ eye and heart. Each chapter is the name of one the colors she uses in her paintings such as “clenched-fist gray” or “skinned knee red.” The creation myths Williams includes in the story really set the stage for something special. The book delves into issues of grief, love, relationships and anger. It is beautifully written and completely surprising that it is the author’s first novel.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read full review at the Deseret News
Set in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City, "Palace Beautiful" makes a fun read for locals.

Debut author Sarah DeFord Williams' prose is lyrical and sophisticated without being stuffy. And she deftly captures that awkwardness girls face as they make their transitions to young women with an honesty that will resonate with readers.

Though set in Salt Lake City, the emphasis here is not on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though there are a few references, but rather on a cohesive and compelling story that has a more universal theme.

With chapter headings like "Fuzzy-Monster Green" and "Crackling-Rage Red," readers are primed from the beginning for an intelligent and entertaining look at two lives set some 60 years apart.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My neighbor, my friend, my VT companion, and now a published author. I am inordinately proud of her.
The story itself is one I wish I had known as a girl. I would have treasured this book at twelve years old. Even now I have learned from the characters Sarah created. I hope to accept my children for who they are. I hope to be, like Bella, a red bird from the apple tree, filling in the missing space in others' lives. And most of all, I hope to make our home and my arms a "Palace Beautiful" for our children. Thank you Helen, thank you Sadie, and thank you Sarah.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of healing and a new way of perceiving others. It's a juvenile book that could change how you understand and categorize the people around you.

[A'Lyssa Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book by complete happenstance, but what better time to find this gem than in the midst of another pandemic? The story focuses on a group of girls in the 80’s that find a journal hidden in their new home written by a previous inhabitant, a girl that was their age in 1918 who wrote about her experiences during the influenza pandemic. The modern day storyline was interesting, but my favorite part was definitely the journal entries. I don’t know much about the flu epidemic, but I was absolutely floored by how similar Helen’s experiences were to what we’re going through right now with COVID-19. It was both terrifying and comforting to see my own thoughts, fears, and experiences during these crazy times reflected in a piece of literature - especially because the story takes place in Salt Lake City, near where I currently live. As Helen proved in the story’s conclusion, life goes on. Bad things happen that change your life forever, but you adapt and do the best you can to keep moving forward knowing that eventually, this too
shall pass.

[Emily Beeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Palace Beautiful by Sarah DeFord Williams
Book Review by Emily

When Sadie's family moves to Salt Lake City, she discovers a secret room in the attic with a painted sign that says "Palace Beautiful". Inside, she and her new friend, Bella, find the diary of a girl who lived during the flu epidemic of 1918. When the journal ends suddenly, they find themselves caught up in the mystery. Did the girl die of the flu? Is she still alive? Did she lose the people she loved?

Meanwhile, Sadie's stepmom is pregnant, and since her mom died in childbearing, Sadie is afraid.

Palace Beautiful is...well, beautiful. It's a tale of mystery, history, friendship, death, family relationships, and growing up. The best part is this...the characters. Every character is so well-developed that you feel like you are their friend. I particularly got a kick out of Sadie's dramatic friend, Belladona Desolation, known as Bella. I also enjoyed Sadie's unusual color descriptions.

In full disclosure, Sarah Williams is a friend of mine. I actually did some critiquing for her on this story. That said, I know I didn't just love this book because I love Sarah. It. Is. Amazing. (Go Sarah!!!)

I recommend it for kids and up who know where babies come from (or who you're ready to have that talk with), because Sadie makes mention about how embarrassed she was when she found out where babies came from. There is also a little bit of romance. A very little bit, but Bella does kiss a neighbor boy.

People who enjoyed Shug by Jenny Han or A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban are sure to like Palace Beautiful.

[Aine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book having no clue what it was about. A writing friend of mine said she was enchanted with the story, so I picked it up from the library. Imagine my surprise – it’s written for a middle grade audience! I normally don’t care for middle grade stories, but this one is fabulous. It is about thirteen year old Sadie who has moved from Houston to Salt Lake City, and finds along with her younger sister and new friend an old journal in a “secret” room in the attic. As they read through the journal and grow close to those who had lived in the past, they find encouragement and enlightenment for coping/overcoming the present. The journal entries discuss the influenza epidemic of 1918. The “present” is in 1980 and surrounds mother/daughter relationships.

The text is charming – I am absolutely in love with the way the author wrote her colors and used them for her chapter titles. I haven’t seen that done before. She had several nice tie-ins, and the flow was seamless. The tone of the book was “sweet.” I cried. A LOT. She did an excellent job of showing grief, depression, and family relationships. Her character development is solid. I ADORE the next door neighbor that quickly becomes a friend, Bella.

To be honest, there are things about this book I did not like. Those have to do with target audience and personal preference, not the writing. Except one tiny thing… I wish she had handled the information dump that filled in all the missing years at the end differently.

Having said that, I’m sharing it with my daughter – it certainly will give insight to the Influenza Epidemic. I suggest it to anyone that wants to enjoy a good read.

[Karen Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadie and Zuzu have just moved to Salt Lake City, Utah from Houston, Texas with their father and very pregnant stepmother, Sherrie. They've moved to be near Dad's mother, Grandma Brooks, and they've bought an old, well-kept house in her neighborhood. Sadie meets Bella, who lives next door with her neat-freak mother, and the three girls discover a small, hidden room in the attic of their new home. It's been decorated: the words "Palace Beautiful" are painted near the doorway, there's an old family portrait from the early 1900's pinned to the wall with a necklace hanging from the pin... and there's a journal. "To whoever finds this journal, I'm leaving behind this book on purpose. All the bad things in the world lie inked on these pages, and at present,I don't want to remember. Sincerely, Helen White." Helen grew up in the house, and wrote the journal during the 1918 influenza epidemic. As the girls take turns reading Helen's journal, they fear the worst for Helen and her family... and even though friends can be odd sometimes and little sisters can be wretchedly annoying, it's easier to find the courage to face the bad things, both past and present, when those who care about you are with you. Set in the 1980's, this is a great family story with wonderful, strong girl characters (from 1918 to 1985)! 6th grade and up.

[AnnaBnana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Palace Beautiful is the story of 3 girls (2 sisters and a new neighbor) who discover a secret room and a journal in the attic of the sisters' new house in Salt Lake City. The girls make the attic space their own and go about reading the journal--but only a few entries at a time so they can savor the experience. They soon learn that the diary was written by 13-year-old Helen during the 1918 flu epidemic. The girls become fascinated by Helen and her family's story and go about trying to find her.

If I were 12, this would absolutely be the sort of story I would be obsessed with. I liked it at 29, too.

The one thing that was weird to me about this book was that it was set in 1985. I was talking to a friend about this and she said that sometimes she notices that books will be inexplicably set in a pre-Internet age in order to avoid dealing with how computers will affect the story. That definitely could be going on here....but the other thing I realized is that if it was 2010, the question of whether or not Helen survived the epidemic would be moot because it would be far less likely that Helen would still be alive even if she had survived.

Regardless though, I wonder if the setting will matter to readers when historical fiction is a harder sell.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm back and forth on this book. I was caught up in Helen's story, and wanted to know how Bella and Sadie's current situations would pan out. But I didn't really click with any of the characters except Helen. I got distracted by Sadie's colorful world, and I never quite clicked/understood her different birth stories. I was frustrated that the girls were trying to figure out what happened and going all over with "what if" when they could have just finished reading the journal!!! Parts of the story felt dragged out. Other parts felt like worry over nothing, but then that is probably perfect for the 8-12 age range it is aimed for. I liked that the book was set in a place I am familiar with. I like that the few religious references fit well and did not need any more explanation (at least, for me--maybe that's because it was my own religion!)

I was thinking this would just be a 2 star review. But I loved Helen's story a lot, as well as the historical aspect the book offers the reader and that boosted the rating to 3 stars.

P.S. The author could be LDS, but nothing to verify or negate that from her writing or her webstite. And it doesn't make a difference to her book.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is much to like about this book, which unwraps like a mystery in two different time periods. As other reviewers have mentioned, the opening creation stories threw me a bit, but I really liked the use of descriptive color names as chapter titles. For once, even though a parent has died, there is a step-parent relationship that is totally loving and reciprocal. However, the relationship between neighbor Bella/Kristin and her mother seems just a bit strange and unexplained. (Why she wears the black skirt all the time is never explained, either.) I can see setting it in 1985, because things would have happened differently in an age of cell phones.

I think it could have used a bit of editing. (how many entries about being tired do we need?), and one time, on page 190, Sadie recounts sitting on the floor, but, a paragraph later, "jumping off the bed"?

However, I really did like the ending on several levels. It was thoughtful and suspenseful.

[Christinapstanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has wide appeal because it speaks to our hopes, fears, insecurities, courage, and most of all, love for family. Mystery, sibling rivalry, growing up, death, moving, making friends, and adventure are dealt with poignantly. The author's writing is clear, precise and powerful-no extra words. We read this for a book group with 2 boys, 4 women in their 20s-30s, a woman in her 60s and 2 women in their 70s-80s. Every one of us were powerfully touched. My husband and teenage sister also enjoyed it. I wish that it were required reading for 5th-8th graders because it brings to life history. After reading this I found out that I wouldn't be here except that my great grandmother's sister died of influenza in the same neighborhood as this story. My great-grandmother then married her sister's huband and their daughter was my father's mother.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one quite well--interesting characters and heart-wrenching circumstances, well portrayed. A couple of things went over the top for me, though. The main character is artistic, but that didn't come through in much other than her way-over-the-top color names; they would have felt less precious if her artistic side had played more of a role. I was also puzzled by the myriad creation myths incorporated--I didn't know if the author were trying to convey that she was of Native American origin or some other non-western ethnicity, but the family seemed pretty straightforward white American, so I don't really understand what that was about. Maybe I just missed something. But otherwise, a good work of realistic fiction with some historical fiction worked in in the journal entries.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not only set in 1985, it both looks and sounds like it was written then, too. Which is the goal when you're writing something set in the past. Wonderful story of sisterhood, childhood, and a historical element in the form of a discovered diary. What's better than a discovered diary in your new house?

[no u · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for Fall Reading Challenge: Stories Past and Future

The true beauty of this book is not its first impression, but the way it lingers. I first read Palace Beautiful when I was seven or eight, during my older brother's soccer game. I remember sitting on a blanket behind my parents' lawn chairs, reading, thinking more about the green shirt I was wearing than the actual book. I've reread it every few years since then, and it hits harder each time. (As you can imagine, I had ultimate bragging rights in 2020 for knowing what the Spanish flu was before the pandemic.)
Palace Beautiful has made its mark on me, well and truly. When I write, I describe colors like the chapter titles. I think frequently about the concept of "extraness". I have an interest in history, particularly the women's fashion of World War 1.
I've never been able to pin down this book as a favorite favorite, but it deserves a spot on this list for the sheer effect it has had on me.

In the beginning, there was nothing, no light, no dark, no air - nothing. Then, suddenly, a Great Dog as big as the universe came into being and then there was something...The dog panted and howled with loneliness. He lay his head down on one paw and fell asleep, and as he slept, his dreams leaked from his ear and spilled out over the nothingness...The entire universe spilled out of his dreams. When he woke, he howled with joy. Then there was everything.

Fall Reading Challenge: Stories Past and Future
Palace Beautiful - Sarah DeFord Williams
Maybe a Fox - Kathi Appelt and Allison McGhee
Emily of New Moon - L.M. Montgomery
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - Jacqueline Kelly
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1985 thirteen-year-old Sadie and her younger sister ZuZu (Susan) have moved into a large old house in Salt Lake City to be near their Grandmother. Their mother had died when ZuZu was born but their father had since remarried to Sherrie, a sweet woman that both girls adore. While exploring the house the girls find a small, secret room in the attic with the words 'Palace Beautiful' printed inside the doorway. With Bella, their new friend from next door, they also find a dusty old journal written by a young girl named Helen during the flu epidemic of 1918. The girls take turns reading the journal entries aloud learning of a tragic time in Helen's life and that of her large family. Sadie, ZuZu and Bella wonder if Helen could possibly still be alive and soon the search for the woman, who would now be 80 years old, begins.

This young adult novel is well done, highlighting a virulent epidemic throughout the world which also happened to coincide with World War 1. The 3 girls are likeable, although ZuZu is a bit on the dramatic side. It's a great story of a strong friendship and standing up for one's beliefs.

[Victoria Villers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read was “Palace Beautiful” writer by “Sarah DeFord Williams” this is a mystery book. This book was made in 2011 by “Puffin Book” but copyrighted by “Sarah DeFord Williams” in 2010, with 232 pages. This book is suppose to be about 2 sisters, Sadi and Zuze. The two girls were extremely excited to find out they had journal hidden in a secret room of their new house in, Salt Lake City, Utah with their dad, and their stepmom. But there was a little girl named Helen from the 1918 who lived in the house before them. Said and Zuze were trying to figure out who still lives in the neighborhood from the 1918’s, but they had some luck, but not enough though. But a miracle happened at the end of the book.

My response to the book was, I liked the book. The book I chose to read was a mystery book written by Sarah DeFord Williams “Palace Beautiful”, writen in 2010. I feel like this book is detailed with very important information on this mystery that they have to solve to find out what happened to Helen. But the thing I didn’t like about the book was, that they just told me about what she wrote in her journal. But the thing I liked about the book was, is that the girls wanted to to find out what happened to Helen.

[Libby Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Palace Beautiful is the compelling story of a 13 year old girl named Sadie who moves from Texas to Utah in the wake of a lot of family changes. Her new house is a very old house and she discovers a journal hidden in an attic room that belonged to a girl her age in the year 1918.

Sadie, her sister Zuzu, and their friend Bella read Helen’s heart wrenching journal entries as her family struggles through the Spanish influenza. In between the readings of the journal entries, Sadie deals with a lot of internal conflict surrounding grief, trepidation about the future, and struggling to know how to help her new friend Bella with her unhealthy relationship with her mother.

It was fascinating reading this book post COVID pandemic as our society grasps at recovering from it. Lots of connections to make there. Also a great book to delve into how stories connect us, how complex grief can be, how troubles and trials define and haunt us, and how to move on from tragedy.

Looking forward to leading a book club discussion on this!

[Emmalyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Palace Beautiful is about two girls who move to Salt Lake City Utah with their father, and their step-mother. After Sadie befriends one of her neighbors, they find a secret room in the attack, along with a diary from a long time ago during the influenza break. Along with her sister Zuzu, they read through these pages, and search for the girl who wrote in it.

I loved this book because the story was so hooking, and it was written well enough that I could understand. The characters, especially the sisters, were very relate able. I also liked that it took place in Salt Lake city, Utah, because a lot of books that I have read take place somewhere else, mostly in other states. Another reason why I liked it, was because it felt so heartwarming, and the characters were dynamic and well-written. There isn´t much to hate or dislike about it. I did think there was a bit too much detail added in some scenes, but that is really it.

I recommend this book to suckers for historical-fiction, like me. It has a lot of sad parts that deal with the influenza, and how it affected others´ lives. I also think people who like a book from the main character´s point of view will really get involved in the character´s feelings, and find a lot of the moments and thoughts relate able. Especially if you have a younger sibling. It can really appeal to most of it´s readers, and mostly the younger audience.

This book kept me up late at night, and it was hard to put down. I really recommend this.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie and Zuzu Brooks lives are changing - they are leaving Houston and moving to Salt Lake City, but not only that, their step mother, Sherrie, is pregnant. They love her, but the new baby coming only brings back all the fears and memories of when the girls' mother died in childbirth. THeir new home in SLC is an old home, and along with their neighbor and new friend Bella, they discover a secret room in the attic with a sign that reads "Palace Beautiful" and containing an old journal. As the girls read the journal, they learn of Helen and her family, and the tragedy of the influenza outbreak of 1918.

A sweet book, and although there were parts that I didn't love, the dual history told through the diary was my favorite, even if it was sad, which is why I gave the book 4 stars.

[Katie Chun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Palace Beautiful" was a wonderful book, because of all the mystery and the problems that occur in the story. This book is about a girl named Sadie that moves to a new town. In her house, she finds a secret hideout called Palace Beautiful. She finds a journal that belonged to a person named Helen White. They read her journal and try to find Helen and sees if she is a alive or if she passed away. My favorite part of the story is the end, because that part is filled with great memories and loving times. This book is enjoyable for adults to read or for children.

[Ryann Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my all time favorite! Its a mystery so if you guys like mystery go for it. its about a 2 little girls that move into a new house in Salt Lake City and they find a diary/book about another girls life in the attic of their house.. that used to live there. Ghost start appearing and they see lots of weird things and then they discover something that is very cool but scary in their minds. read the book to find out what happens.

[Sarah Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing on reading this book was ironic. It's an easy children's fiction read about a young girl who discovers a hidden nook and journal in her new home. The journal is written by a girl of the same age, back in 1918 when the Spanish influenza hit. The parallels of what was experienced back then and now during COVID-19 are interesting. This book gives a great view of what kids are thinking during these crisis times. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Theresa Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought it was beautifully written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. It was difficult reading about the devastation caused by the flu epidemic of 1918, especially since we've now endured an epidemic of our own. I cheered on the girls in their pursuits, and I found Bella especially interesting, though I did think her storyline was resolved a tad too quickly. All in all, it's a wonderful book that anyone of any age would enjoy reading.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this book was really good. I'm having Kristi read this for our World War I/Influenza unit. It's about these girls who live in Salt Lake City who find a journal written by a girl during the influenza epidemic of 1918. The girls are so sweet. And I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to hear what happened to the family in 1918!

[Kita Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a few times when I was a kid and I remember loving it. I am no longer a Christian so my enjoyment might change a bit as it has some Christian messaging, but I don’t recall that being so forward. I remember it fondly and might pick it up to see if it is as good as 10 y/o me thought it was.

[Bookmarvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It reminded me a bit of The Time of the Fireflies , because of the pregnant mother and some problems or worrying about problems.