The Second Life of Mirielle West

Written by Amanda Skenandore

Narrated by Nicole Poole

1920s Los Angeles: Socialite Mirielle West's days are crowded with shopping, luncheons, and prepping for the myriad 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 Carville 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.

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 has become? And what price is she willing to pay to protect the ones she loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: Jul 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781696603911

Amanda Skenandore

Amanda Skenandore is a historical fiction writer and registered nurse. Her first novel, Between Earth and Sky, won the American Library Association’s Reading List Award for Best Historical Fiction. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Readers can visit her website at www.amandaskenandore.com.

Reviews for The Second Life of Mirielle West

[Lucía García · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Where to begin to review this moving story? I could tell you the characters are unforgettable, the setting unique, the main character arc perfect, and the ending both heart-wrenching and uplifting. What I will tell you is quite simply, read it, you won’t regret it or forget it.

[Leah Sibley Dozier · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story. It was a different which was nice. However, being from Louisiana I was appalled at the narrators lack of due diligence with the local pronunciations. All of the city names were mispronounced.

I recommend the book for try unique story line.

[Glaiza Neuhaus · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Even with despair there is always hope. It’s a good read!

[Becki Basley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore
(An audiobook read on Scribd)

We meet Mirielle West as a spoiled alcoholic wife of a silent film Actor. An injury takes her to the doctor who notices Strange leisons on Mirielle’s body. A test confirms its leprosy ( or as its called today Hansens disease) and Mirielle is sent to the Carville Lepers colony in Louisiana. There she Will have to leave behind her Hollywood life and make a New one on the colony

While the story is make up the location of the colony is not. It reminds me of another leoer colony that i read about in molokai by Alan Brennert. Its an interesting read . I recommend it.



Would i buy it? Possibly

[Nicole Strauss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A bit slow a first but such a good story line

[Selina Cooper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

That was good! Took a little while of my getting into it to realize just how well written the story is as I wasn’t too sure at first. Great premise with a lot of historical background about what is now known as Hansen’s disease. Wow! I learned a lot about the disease and the unbearable suffering afflicted people went through before a cure was developed. Very well developed characters…I cried at the end….?