THE LIGHT OF LUNA PARK By Addison Armstrong
Historical fiction
336 pages

In the 1920's when a baby was born as what we call a preemie. An underweight baby most Dr's would just leave it in God's hands instead of trying to do everything to save the baby. No one had ever heard of the technology we now know about. One young Nurse has heard about incubators though and in her heart she can't just let these underweight babies die anymore. She makes a decision with one underweight newborn that will change their lives forever.

This debut novel is an amazing story of a young nurse's courage and her will to heal. I love this book and predict great things for this debut author!!!!!!! I highly recommend this book.

The freak show. Thank goodness we no longer put people on display who have the misfortune of being born with defects. But with movies like The Greatest Showman and with Tom Thumb and the bearded lady part of the vernacular, most Americans are somewhat familiar with that shameful period of time. New York City was one of the most famous areas for this display, with P.T. Barnum’s show and the sights at Coney Island offering an up-close look at society’s unfortunates.

What isn’t so well known is that premature babies at Coney Island were also part of the show. And, “freaks” or not, the doctors at Coney Island’s Luna Park were saving these babies before hospitals became willing to take them on. While people lined up to pay a dime to see babies that could fit in nurses’ palms, behind the scenes they were warmed in incubators and fed through their noses with special spoons.

Author Addison Armstrong has focused her debut novel, The Light of Luna Park, on this scenario. In New York City in 1926, student nurse Althea Anderson works at Bellevue Hospital, helping out in obstetrics.

Read the rest of the review by clicking on the link below.

Thanks to Putnam for an advanced copy of The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong.

I had heard briefly of the incubator exhibit at Coney Island so was excited to read a historical fiction about it!
Althea Anderson is a trainee nurse at Bellevue Hospital in 1926 and had recently seen a newspaper article about the survival rates of premature babies treated in incubators at an exhibit in Coney Island, when she mentions it to the doctor, he dismisses the idea and she decides to take the baby there anyway...

Told in a dual perspective of Althea in 1926 and Stella in 1950 as her life is falling apart. This was a quick and enjoyable book. I really enjoyed the writing style of debut author Addison Armstrong and how seamlessly she weaves in the themes of family, sacrifice, loss, doing what is right and love. The medical history was also fascinating and the medical ethics questions, especially of the 1920s.

The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong is a dual timeline novel. The story alternates between Althea Anderson and Stella Wright. Stella has just lost her mother and her grief is highlighting parts of her life that are unsatisfactory. Stella quits her job and decides to empty out her mother’s apartment on her own. While going through a special box, Stella finds some curious letters. She begins to wonder if she really knew her mother. Stella decides to follow the clues and see where they lead. Stella is in for a journey where her mother’s deepest secret will be revealed. I found The Light of Luna Park to be a depressing story. The beginning is slow with the pacing picking up in the second half of the story. I thought the author captured both time periods (1926 and 1950) especially the attitudes of doctors in the 1920s, the PTSD that affected World War II soldiers, and the feelings of people towards the education of students with disabilities. I did not find either character likeable and there was too much repetition of certain details (twice is fine, but more than that is too much). Althea was preferrable to Stella for me. Stella’s woe is me attitude got on my nerves. I understood that Stella was grieving, but she let it overwhelm her whole life (it makes for a depressing story). It was interesting learning about Dr. Couney, and his infamous incubator babies exhibit at Coney Island. At the end of the book, I was left with unanswered questions. The Light of Luna Park had an interesting premise, but it did not appeal to me. Each of us view books differently. I suggest that you read a sample to see if this historical novel appeals to you. The Light of Luna Park is a dual timeline novel with infamous incubators, a committed mother, a repugnant principal, abnormal missives, an unsettled spouse, and an essential mission.

A wonderful debut novel. A tale of two strong women who fought for the lives of people deemed unimportant or undesirable. In 1926 Nurse Althea is finishing her nursing rotation helping to deliver babies. After watching several pre-mature babies die she wonders if it wouldn't be better to send them babies to Coney Island's incubator exhibit. But the doctors at the hospital deem this to be unsavory and just a sideshow. Now she is faced with the choice between a baby's life or everything she has worked so hard for.
In 1951, Stella Wright's world is falling apart. She quits her job, she feels like her marriage is falling apart, and her mother just died. When she cleans out her mother's apartment, she comes across a letter that disrupts her view of who her mother was. As she tries to piece the puzzle together the past and present will come together to show what people are willing to do for those they love.
I adore the books that have dual timelines in history, and this one did not disappoint. Althea and Stella are such strong women, who fight for the undesirables of their times. Their stories honor the women who throughout history have fought against the system and ideas that were harmful. Both women are relatable and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into a part of history that is not often written about. I highly recommend this book.

The Light of Luna Park is gripping and emotional historical fiction—once I started I could barely put it down. From the first page, I was caught up in this heart wrenching story about two brave and strong women, determined to make their voices heard—a difficult feat in 1926 and 1950, when the dual storylines take place. I had so much admiration for each of these women; Althea, a nurse in 1926 who tries to right a terrible wrong, with far-reaching consequences; Stella is a teacher of special needs students in 1950, still mourning the loss of her mother at a time when her marriage is fragile. There are so many fascinating layers to each of their stories, and the author deftly and honestly writes about eugenics, spousal abuse, and other difficult subjects. I read this book with my whole heart; my heart broke, my heart was healed; no matter what, my heart was always involved. Congratulations to debut author Addison Armstrong—I can’t wait to find out what’s next!

The Light of Luna Park is about Mothers. A mother's love, her protective nature, and most of all, laying it all on the line for your child.

The Light of Luna Park is about strong women, women who aren't afraid to speak up and their fierceness.

The Light of Luna Park is a dual timeline book based after World War 1 and after World War 2 in New York. Althea is studying to be a nurse and is working and living at Bellevue Hospital. She is in working in Obstetrics and helping doctors deliver babies. This book starts with a preemie being delivered and during the mid to late 1920's there was no way to care or treat preemies so most were left to die and it was seen as God's will. Oh, how this part hurt my heart to read. Althea has read about Dr. Couney, a doctor out at Coney Island who has incubators and has been successful at keeping babies who weigh just 2lbs, alive. But most doctors and hospitals see him as a quack. See in order to support and help pay for the nurses, and the stuff that the babies need, he charges people to come see the babies, so people think he is a quack. But Althea thinks differently, so the next preemie that is born, she takes it after the parents decide to let her die.

In 1946 Stella has lost her mom and is floundering. She is a special ed teacher and is teaching those kids that society thinks aren't worth teaching. Her principal is an ass ( no nice way to put it) and will not give her what she needs in order to help these kids. The only thing he does give her is straight jackets!!!

This story is powerful, and at times heartbreaking...but overall you have two very strong women who will not take no for an answer!! Amazing book!!! 5⭐

This was an interesting story about the incubators on Coney Island that follows the lives of two women separated by a generation. While it was a bit slow in parts, I did appreciate each of the timelines and thought it was a solid debut.

It’s 1926 and Althea Anderson is a nurse in training at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital working in the obstetrics ward. When she sees that the doctor in charge refuses to try and save premature infants, she is outraged. When Margaret Perkins is born three months early at two pounds, two ounces, Althea tells the parents that there is a doctor in Coney Island who is saving babies by using state-of-the-art incubators. Dr. Couney does not charge but makes money by placing his hospital on display in a sideshow within Luna Park, a popular amusement park. The father wants no part of this. Unable to allow Margaret to simply die, Althea brings the baby to Luna Park, putting her career in jeopardy. In 1950, Stella Wright, a young special education teacher, is fighting for resources for her neglected students as her school principal views them as uneducable. Stella is also grieving the loss of her mother. While cleaning out her mother’s home, she uncovers a shocking family secret which sets her on a journey of self-discovery. The strength of each of these women, whose stories come together, provides a highly engaging and moving tale.

This wonderful book has so much going for it. The main characters are complex, strong women. With some exceptions, the men are warm and supportive adding a nice element of romance. Author Addison Armstrong, in a highly impressive debut, has done an excellent job presenting the two periods of time reflecting the roles of women, the state of medicine, the spread of eugenics and the plight of returning veterans. The theme of love and sacrifice never gets old. Historical fiction fans will especially enjoy The Light of Luna Park.

In 1926, Nurse Althea reads about an incubator hospital on Coney Island. The hospital has a great success rate with premature babies, but is also a viewed as little better than a carnival act. When she is faced with the death of another premie, she overrides the parents decision and takes the baby girl to Coney Island. While the parents believe the baby died, Nurse Althea visits Coney Island almost daily, hoping to take a live, thriving baby back to her parents. In 1951, Stella dealing with the loss of her mother, a husband with ptsd, and the loss of her job, decides to go through her mother's house. When she discovers a letter, she begins to question who she is, and who her mother is.

I enjoyed reading Althea's time frame and point of view. I felt that Stella's time frame and point of view were completely unnecessary. Stella seemed to bog down the story and take away from the plot line. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

I feel like this situation happened more than many people realized during this time. It made my heart melt and I appreciate Addison Armstrong for putting this story into such beautiful words.

This is the engaging story of a nurse who chooses to save a premature baby’s life, exploring the ties of motherhood and the little-known history of Coney Island and America’s first incubators.

This book was received as an ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam - G.P. Putnam's Sons in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

There are not many books that have brought tears to my eyes but The Light of Luna Park definitely brought tears of Joy and Sadness which made me continue straight to the end. Being a premature baby myself, this cause was very near and dear to my heart so the passion I felt through Althea and and Stella discovering new advances in medicine that can change and save lives but it left her with a choice that can be life or death to anyone else. Then with Stella, she faces a difficult time through her life with her parent's death, quitting her job and struggling through her fallen apart marriage, she uncovers a letter written from her mother that opens her eyes about life itself and how important it is to just live and enjoy life to the fullest. That is such a heartwarming message and I know our community will definitely learn a thing or two and even tug at a few heart strings.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

THIS BOOK IS NOT TO BE MISSED!
This is a debut novel that will turn you into a weeping pile of mush. It's beautifully-heartbreaking. It's a subject that I have never read about. At least in part. I never knew about the incubators in Luna Park. I never knew they had been around for such a long time. What I did know is how awful women were treated in these times. Whether from being a nurse, teacher or pregnant mother. How dare you show yourself if it's obvious you are expecting. That just turns my stomach. How can women think they want to go back to the times before they had rights. Before they were allowed to have minds of their own. To be treated like second class humans. As nurses they had to keep their mouths shut and do what the male doctor told them.

This book is told from two different time periods and two different women. It is done in a way that you will wonder who the two will eventually intersect. How they are related. I did guess as you may too. Not a big secret but I won't tell.

In 1926, Althea Anderson was a young nurse in training. Only twenty four years old and working hard at getting her nursing degree. She was alone and making her way in the world. Both of her parents were deceased. Her mom during childbirth. Her dad just a few years before. The things Althea sees and does will make you love her. She's a strong young woman who only wants to do what is right. What is best for a very tiny early preterm baby. From there her life will never be the same.

In 1950, Stella Wright, is a young school teacher. Only twenty four years old and teaching children with special needs. It had been written in law that all children deserved an education no matter what and she takes this very serious. She's married and loves her husband more than anything. While he wants children Stella is not quite ready yet. She's still mourning the loss of her beloved mother just three months earlier. Her husband, Jack, is a wonderful man who she adores. He has nightmares and episodes from his time in the war. He doesn't want to talk about it and she feels he should.

This story will take you places. It will touch your heart in ways you will not be ready for. It's a historical and a romance all in one. It's a learning read too. At least for me it was. I got so angry at how the women were treated. Not only in the early twenties but also in the fifties. How dare they pretend to have a mind of their own. How dare they voice an opinion. Now I do have to say that Jack was not a pretentious pig like most of the men. And you will meet Charlie who is not either. Two men who value a woman's opinion. For that time period they were jewels for sure.

This book was great. This author took me in and didn't let go. I read this book until very late and I rarely do that. I didn't want to put it down. I hate that it ended but loved the ending too. This story made me laugh a few times but made me cry those big ugly tears too. The ones that make your eyes feel raw. The good kind.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AddisonArmstrong, #PenguinGroupPutnam for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

5/5 huge stars and it would be more if possible. I highly recommend this one to you.

Wow!
This book grabbed hold of my interest and was very hard to put down!
The dual timeline is something I enjoy in a book, and this device was used very well in the telling of the story and connecting the 1920’s story to the 1950’s story.
I also love historical novels in which I learn interesting facts…in this case, that the use of incubators to help premature babies grow and develop, along with skilled nursing care, was first used, at least in the New York area, at an unusual venue: Luna Park at Coney Island. The tiny babies in their incubators were part of a ”sideshow” along with other “freakish “ exhibits. Hard to fathom! But the doctor and nurses there truly helped many preemies live and thrive.

Other reviews tell more of the actual story but I’ll just say this was an amazing book by a debut author!
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a dual-timeline story that is beautifully written and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam via NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group - Putnam Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was not sure where this story was going as I began reading it but as it began to develop I found myself fascinated. I had to get used to the two timelines and who was who but once I mastered that I simply could not put the book down.
This historical fiction was set in the 1920s and the 1950s. Nurse in training Althea works in obstetrics and is concerned with the fact that preemie babies are left to die because the hospitals do not have incubators. She has been reading about Dr. Couney who has incubators at Coney Island in the Amusement Park and is having great success helping the babies survive. The doctors at her hospital have no interest in such techniques. In the 1950 era Stella is a teacher for what we call Special Needs children and her principal sees no need to educate these children. Both women struggle to help the children they love and want to see them have better lives.
I think the author did an outstanding job of creating strong women who fight for what they believe and will go to any length to help those in need. I learned a great deal about professional thinking in both timelines. I highly recommend this book.

What a great first novel for a budding writer The Light of Luna Park is not only educational and informative about the inaugural uses of incubators for premiers and beginning of mandatory instruction for special education, but also an extremely entertaining and intense story that was impossible to put down. I immensely enjoyed how the two decades were combined to solve N enticing mystery.

What a fantastic yet heartbreaking story. The part about Luna Park and the premature babies was really interesting, but the true heart of this story is the love of a parent, and that was written so beautifully.

“Use your voice. Silence is dangerous. Staying silent means saying it’s okay.”

This book is ultimately about the awesome power of a mother’s unconditional love and sacrifice for her child and it is an homage to all mothers, not just biological ones, everywhere.

The book is written in dual timeline and in two voices. The stronger voice and more interesting story is that of Althea, set in the 1920s. Althea is a woman of her time, a dedicated nurse facing the challenges of women in the medical field. She saves a premature infant by taking her to the Coney Island incubators, a life changing decision that sets her on a path of great sacrifice and ultimate love. Stella’s storyline is set in the 1950s, a time where women continue to face uphill battles in society. Stella must find her voice and stand strong for what she needs and for what is right , fighting for the dignity of “her kids”, the special needs children in her classroom.

The sacrifice and love of mothers is venerated in the book. The stories of sacrifice are beautiful and heart wrenching, particularly that of Hattie, a battered woman. But what really captured my attention was the historically inspired fascinating story of Dr Couney and his incubator babies. It was almost too far fetched to be true, which is what captivated me. At a time when premature infants were considered disposable, he saved thousands with his incubators which were not in hospitals at the time. People brought their preemies to Luna Park in Coney Island to survive. Dr Couney paid for treatments with showmanship, allowing spectators to pay to see the incubator babies like circus sideshow “freaks.” Also considered “freaks” in hospitals, the preemies were not valued and not wanted by society and were left to die at hospitals. Ironically, in the shadow of a circus sideshow, the babies were valued and they were nursed to viable health at the summer amusement park in Coney Island.

A theme woven throughout the book is that of the unwanted or unloveable: premature babies, sideshow “freaks”, special needs children, women. All are deemed disposable by a society that shows a low regard for the dignity of their lives. It is heart breaking and forces one to reflect on who society labels as the “unwanted” today.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.