The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson

Ellen Baker
61 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2024

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Ellen Baker

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Historical Fiction
Setting

Minnesota • 1950s

Theme
Family

•

Grief

•

Hope
Topic
World History
First Publication Year

2024

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Reviews & Readership

4.0

20,423 ratings

73%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker weaves a compelling narrative with vivid character development and intricate plotting. Readers praise its emotional depth and suspenseful twists. However, some mention pacing issues and predictability in parts. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that many find engaging and memorable.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson?

A reader who enjoys The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen Baker likely appreciates character-driven narratives and historical settings. Similar to fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, they seek deep emotional journeys and richly woven tales of personal discovery.

4.0

20,423 ratings

73%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

The resilient and independent protagonist, who overcomes a traumatic childhood to build a life at a Chicago orphanage, later joining the Sax & Tebow circus as a bareback rider.

Cecily’s adopted daughter, raised in a conventional Itasca family, who experiences an identity crisis following revelatory DNA test results.

Liz’s daughter, a therapist who bridges family generations and initiates the DNA test that reveals deep family secrets.

Cecily’s unknown granddaughter, whose life is marked by separation, leading to personal struggles and eventual healing.

The biological daughter Cecily believed was dead, whose life mirrors themes of separation and connection.

Cecily’s first love from the circus world, whose memory and legacy remain significant throughout the narrative.

Cecily’s kind and steadfast husband who supports her through past traumas and together they form a loving family with secrets.

Cecily’s first mentor in the circus, whose relationship evolves from supportive to destructive due to survival instincts.

Molly’s ex-husband, who becomes a supportive figure and helps stabilize the family during crises.

Kate’s sister, whose exploration of her roots prompts significant family revelations and connections.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Historical Fiction
Setting

Minnesota • 1950s

Theme
Family

•

Grief

•

Hope
Topic
World History
First Publication Year

2024

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,900+ additional titles.