Who
Rescued Who
by Victoria Schade is a heartwarming novel. Intertwined throughout
the story is how family, friends, including the furry four-leg
types, can make an imprint on someone's life. Readers will
love the interaction between the charming town and the characters.
At the beginning of the book, the main character, Elizabeth,
gets fired from her social media job. Having been addicted
to social media herself, she feels lost and abandoned. But
coming to her rescue are lost relatives, an aunt, and uncle,
that tell her she has inherited some land in England. Elizabeth
decides to travel to the small town of Fargrove, a place where
her father grew up, to sell the land, and use the money. The
theme of the book shows how the number of likes you get on
social media isn’t as important as actually interacting
with people in person. Real-life relationships can be worth
so much more than those online, as Elizabeth finds out since
the town has limited access to technology.
I wrote Elizabeth as socially stunted, prickly, and closed
herself off. This is due to losing her mother during her formative
teenage years and having a father who was distant. I think
going to Fargrove and meeting all those in the tight-knit
community allowed her to realize who she truly is. Readers
might think that Elizabeth was so into herself because of
all the selfies she took. But she is actually a very generous
person. She helped those in need from the abandoned puppy
to her uncle and even her mother, who died. Social media was
her art canvas, with her photographs a way she could express
her creativity. At first, social media gave Elizabeth’s
followers an unrealistic perspective of her life Even though
her life was going to hell, on social media, it appeared she
had a fabulous life.”
Another lesson Elizabeth receives is from a few four-legged
friends. One day in the pouring rain, she comes upon a freezing
abandoned puppy. This loveable puppy helps her to connect
with a tight-knit community of new friends, from the aunt
and uncle she didn't know existed, to a grumpy coffee shop
owner to two very opinionated sheep, to a romance with a pub
owner.
“I contrasted the puppy Geogina with Elizabeth. The
dog has confidence and loves everyone. She became an ice-breaker,
a way for Elizabeth to start a conversation. I think the puppy
showed her how to interact. She also showed that you can be
liked and loved for who you are, not who you appear to be.
The title comes in because Georgina modeled behavior for Elizabeth,
helping her to step out of her shell, and Elizabeth literally
rescued Georgina.”
This is one of those stories that will engage readers. It
is an uplifting story of connections and relationships that
should be read by everyone.
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