Imagine reading a news report of a child living only on water. For four months. Astonishing? Believable? Suspicious? Lib Wright was trained by Florence Nightengale and nursed patients during the Crimean War. She is asked to travel to Ireland and observe an eleven-year-old girl who claims to have eaten nothing in four months. The village council has concerns with the girl’s claim and wants to verify it before they are embarrassed. They hire Lib and a nun experienced in nursing. Both women are to trade off watching Anna giving 24-hour observation and not speak to each other to compare findings.

Lib has a much stricter view of nursing and finds herself at odds with the family hygiene, food, and constant arrival of visitors. Are the visitors compromising Anna? She questions Anna and her parents carefully. Lib examines the room from top to bottom trying to find where food could be hidden. Nothing is apparent. Sister Michael seems unconcerned with the conditions and calmly observes Anna. Neither woman is to compare notes but Lib is certain her training will help her uncover the hoax quickly. How could Anna still be alive after four months with no food? Where is she getting her nutrition? Is Sister Michael assisting this farce?

Despite her best intentions, Lib finds herself caring for the child, Anna. As she observes Anna, she is flummoxed by the calm manner Anna exhibits. Anna has no interest in food and sews while Lib is eating. Lib is afraid that Anna will not survive for much longer. She has no idea how to convince Anna to take nourishment. Against her training, she works to find someone to help. She can no longer observe a child starving to death. Who will help her? Will Lib find out whether this is a farce or not? Anna is deeply religious, do her strongly held beliefs influence her condition in any way?

Two damaged souls meet and learn to appreciate each other. Their friendship helps them heal. This story is similar to a gothic thriller with the underlying tension gradually becoming stronger. Anna’s parents seem loving and caring. How far will you go for your child? The characters are imaginatively crafted and the tension is palpable. Leave this century and enter this unusual story.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5