The Crooked Branch: A Novel

I got this book because I loved American Dirt! It was a lot different but just as fascinating to read. My new favorite author!

and I loved American Dirt and The Outside Boy and would place them in my top ten favorite books. The Crooked Branch had the makings of another favorite but I was somewhat put off by the changing of the dates and characters from chapter to chapter. Going from Ireland during the potato famine to a new other in present day New York didn’t resonate. The characters were distantly related (about 5 generations) but the New York chapters while humorous at times just didn’t hold my interest like the Ireland story did.

I like this author. I like how she writes. This was a page turner that I didn't want to end.

I was looking for a quick read after several very heavy books. This novel surely provided that with engaging characters, the familiar panic of new motherhood, and some good plot twists. Though I predicted them almost all, the story line kept me interested. The ending, however, was a bit abrupt, add though the author got to page -- and thought, "Oh, I have to end it here."In any case, this book lasted for much of another insomniac night...

A compelling story of lineage and postpartum blues. This story is told through the voice of a new mother , Majella who is doubting herself and her ability to parent. She feels crazy and even acts crazy at times. She finds an old diary of her great great grandmother and the rollercoaster gets to new heights. The best part is how this young woman discovers her own strength and how she comes from a long line of incredibly strong women. Takes every mother back to the birth of their own children and the miracle of family.

I love this author. I have read 3 of her books. I know a book is good when I find myself thinking about the characters when I am going about my day .I highly recommend ! This book is for all of us who have felt ourselves flounder a bit as new mothers.

Read it in 2 days. Good story.

I bought this Kindle Book because I loved American Dirt. The author has a fantastic ability to build her characters, draw the reader in and make the reader feel like they are there when reading it. But the plot just did not grab me like American Dirt. Majella is a new mother and not finding it easy. She finds her great great grandmother's diary, written during the potato famine in Ireland. Ginny's story in Ireland is a little more exciting than Majella's. The story line was a little too predictable. I was waiting for the twist and turn, it never happened.

The author paints a bleak portrait of life during the potato famine in Ireland and the oftentimes cruel decisions that were made by families to survive or not to as the case may be. Very well written and would recommend to anyone who has read the authors other books as I had and wanted to read more. I was not disappointed the author knows how to tell a wonderful story.

I read this after reading American Dirt. I enjoyed the parallel story lines but felt it concluded a bit too swiftly. I wanted more! That said, I did enjoy the book and will read the author’s other work.

Oh how I love the writings of this lady. American Dirt is up there with the greats for me, and this one? A very different type of story but no less enjoyable. As people have said a split time line which enhances the reading experience no end. Jeanine Cummings I love and salute you. I am away to download a rip in time and know for a fact it won't disappoint me

I chose to read this because I had loved American Dirt so much.I have not been disappointed.The story is set across 2 timelines, Ireland during the potato famine and present day New York. It also tackles the subject of postnatal depression and attachment.A fascinating story. I absolutely recommend it as a good read

Jeanine Cummins is a skillful writer who doesn’t disappoint. Moving back and forth between present day New York and Ireland during the potato famine two tales satisfyingly dovetail by the end.