Review: When the World Was Young by Elizabeth Gaffney

Publish Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Random House

Synopsis: Wally Baker is no ordinary girl. Living in her grandparents’ Brooklyn Heights brownstone, she doesn’t like dresses, needlepoint, or manners. Her love of Wonder Woman comics and ants makes her feel like a misfit—especially in the shadow of her dazzling but unstable mother, Stella.

Acclaimed author Elizabeth Gaffney’s irresistible novel captures postwar Brooklyn through Wally’s eyes, opening on V-J day, as she grows up with the rest of America. Reeling from her own unexpected wartime tragedy and navigating an increasingly fraught landscape, Wally is forced to confront painful truths about the world—its sorrows, its prejudices, its conflicts, its limitations. But Wally also finds hope and strength in the unlikeliest places.

With an unforgettable cast of characters, including the increasingly distant and distracted Stella; Loretta, the family’s black maid and Wally’s second mother; Ham, Loretta’s son, who shares Wally’s enthusiasm for ants and exploration; Rudy, Wally’s father, a naval officer, away serving in the Pacific; and Mr. Niederman, the family’s boarder, who never seems to answer Wally’s questions—and who she suspects may have something to hide—Elizabeth Gaffney crafts an immersive, beautifully realized novel about the truths that divide and the love that keeps us together. (from netgalley)

Review: I had no expectations going into this book- the cover was pretty and the synopsis sounded interesting. Upon completion of the book, I really wished that it had continued a little bit more.

For the first half of the book, I was apathetic. Where is this book going? What is the point? There are a lot of different characters in this book and it took a bit to figure out who everyone was and how they fit together. The protagonist, a young girl named Wally, did have my heart from the beginning. Her spirit and innocence just grabbed me and held on through the novel. During the last half of this story, I felt the plot formation was improved but was still weak. There was also a better connection to more of the characters. I did want to see what happened next, which is where my initial comment comes into play- the book ended too soon. It was wrapped up nicely, I like the events that occurred. I just want to know what happens after!

Wally was from a more privileged family but led a difficult life- so much loss, so much change, so much for a little girl to understand and handle. The only thing that stayed consistent were her ants, so is it any wonder that she turns ants into her life and studies? Her best friend as a child, Ham, was set up to have a difficult life from the get go. It looked like things were looking up however he turns to self-harm which just creates more problems. They are unlikely friends, but I found them to be such a great match!

A lot of big events happen during this book including V-J Day and the Manhattan Project/dropping the Atom bomb. The author does a nice job at weaving these events into the characters' lives. Didn't love, didn't hate this book, so...3 stars!

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.