A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A USA TODAY BESTSELLER A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER A NATIONAL INDIEBOUND BESTSELLER An unforgettable novel by Kristina McMorris, inspired by a stunning piece of history. 2 CHILDREN FOR SALEThe sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by … era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.
Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.
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Memorable.
Loved it!
An original story in a period that I love reading about.
Set shortly after the Great Depression, this book is a great lesson on the consequences of one’s actions.
The noisy world in which we currently live seems so hard, so fractured, so full of doom. Books, television, movies of action, violence, debauchery, and criminal intent now pass as ‘entertainment’, sadly. The present day world isn’t any harder than it was in the time period of this novel. In fact one could argue it is much easier in many ways. Yet there are some of the same undercurrents one should never lose sight of; the power of the press, guilt as a nagging force, money and power and their interrelationships with happiness, tenacity, the need to love and be loved, and a host of others. This novel is somewhat historical in nature, and accurately so, but the themes of the human spirit don’t change all that much after all. This book would make an excellent movie, for those looking for a story with grip versus things blowing up and special effects. I’d recommend this read, for as I put it down each night I was anxious to get back to it the next. Well done.
A wonderful read based on facts. My near 90 year old husband remembers stories similar when he was a child! Loved the scenario of the characters finding themselves in post depression America, and the heartfelt way they were moved on a moral path. A great read.
I have recommended it to friends, Unique story line. Opened my perceptions.
This was a very poignant, well-written story.
It started with a picture and showed how one decision could affect your life forever. A parent will sacrifice their own happiness to make a better life for their child.
It was a mystery that had you reading and thinking to the very end.
Excellent story…and an eye-opener into the tragedy that was the Great Depression.
Often something as simple as a newspaper article or a photograph inspires a writer to create a short story, novel, screenplay, or play. When I taught Creative Writing, I tossed out dozens of old photographs, asking my students to choose one that fired their imagination enough to create a fine story. I often received great stories.
Kristina McMorris came across a vintage 1948 photograph of four Campbell’s Soup-type children sitting on a porch with their mother hovering above them and a clearly labeled sign off to the right stating “4 Children FOR SALE.” Such was the inspiration for the novel “Sold on a Monday,” and, boy, does Kristina McMorris make it work. Two points of view thoroughly engage the reader; those of Ellis and Lily, both newspaper people of long ago. Ellis takes a picture of children for sale and that puts him on the path to advancement, but it also plays on his conscience and sets him and Lily on a quest that entails a myriad of turns and twists.
The world building in “Sold on a Monday” is mesmerizing, and without giving important details away, I will say that the two main characters are extremely well drawn, each coming from families and backgrounds that provide them dimension. A great story.
I thought this was a well written and original story, highly recommend
The premise was unique and reminds us that times were sometimes awful for families not that long ago!
This was a very good historical fiction and romance story. Set in the early years of the Great Depression, Ellis is a newspaper reporter looking for a big story to help his career. Lily is a secretary to the boss at the newspaper. They quickly become friends, but a lost picture, decisions made with good intentions, and the desperate poverty all over the country lead to some unfortunate consequences. The lives of two children appear to be forever changed. Did their mother fall ill and die, did she sell them for their survival or for her own selfish motives? The sad lives of the poor during the depression years are brought to life in this book. I learned a lot about that decade of American history, and recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction and sweet romance.
A sad glimpse into apart of our recent past that we might rather forget.
I was completely drawn into the story with its original plotline, rich characters, and superb historical references.
Another fantastic book by an original, remarkable author. Meaty, thought-provoking, a serious look at our recent pst. A “must read”
Set in the time around and after the Great Depression, this book is based on true events of that time when parents sold their children in order to provide the essentials for them. Some, of course, sold them for money for themselves but in this case, the mother had a valid reason for doing it. It has a romantic side story, is realistic about the time period and has many twists and turns as Ellis and Lily are haunted by a photo that resulted in the sale of 2 children and how they track down the children. It was tragic and heartwarming at the same time. A good read!
When I finished I was so wanting to share this with someone. I just wanted to talk about the story and the characters. I loved it.
If this doesn’t break your heart, you may not have one. Based on a photo that is in the book, the story is fictional but it weaves a good story of the worst of hard times in America.
My parents grew up during the depression era and shared very little of their life experiences. After reading this and researching depression children, I learned a lot. I recommend this book …..