Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson

 

Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American Officer, is living in Occupied Germany in the 1950s. After discovering a local orphanage filled with the abandoned mixed-race children of German women and Black American GI’s, Ethel feels compelled to help find these children homes.

Philadelphia born Ozzie Phillips volunteers for the recently desegregated army in 1948, eager to make his mark in the world. While serving in Manheim, Germany, he meets a local woman, Jelka, and the two embark on a relationship that will impact their lives forever.

In 1965 Maryland, Sophia Clark is given an opportunity to attend a prestigious all white boarding school and escape her heartless parents. While at the school, she discovers a secret that upends her world and sends her on a quest to unravel her own identity.

Toggling between the lives of these three individuals, Keeper of Lost Children explores how one woman’s vision will change the course of countless lives, and demonstrates that love in its myriad of forms—familial, parental, and forbidden, even love of self—can be transcendent.

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About The Author

 Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels including The Reese's Book club pick, The House of Eve. Her accolades include the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award and the Phillis Wheatley Book Award. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and three teens.

 

My Review

 This is such an emotional read, from beginning to end.
This book has it origins in the late 1940's, part of the 1950's and ending in the 1960's. From the research I made, this is based on a real person, name change, and a true story.
What a read, compelling page turner. I became engrossed in the lives of these people, Edith with her desires for children, Ozzie trying to drown his demons, and Sophie who broke my heart, but such a heart she has.
Found myself with tears in my eyes, but loved how the author wove this story, and brought it to a conclusion.
I learned some thing that I hadn't heard before, and they are true! I'm glad I chose to read this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Simon & Schuster, and was not required to give a positive review.