"This book is utterly unputdownable. At once atmospheric, disturbing and absolutely engrossing, it poses a host of moral questions; I fully anticipate that it will become popular with book clubs." - Historical Novels Review ".van Alkemade succeeds in bringing to light a fascinating and little-known chapter of history.she vividly chronicles her heroine's pain, resilience and capacity to be honest with those who loved her, with those who betrayed her, and ultimately with herself." - Lillith Magazine "A sure book club pick and a strong debut, this title functions well on multiple levels and will appeal to a broad readership." - Lambda Literary Review "Inspired by actual events, van Alkemade crafts a powerful story of festering vengeance and redemption that touches readers on many levels. Alkemade has managed to incorporate many emotions into her thoughtful debut, emotions that linger long after the last page is turned.
" - RT Book Reviews "Orphan #8 peers unflinchingly into a little-known chapter of America's history, an orphanage where innocent children are experimented upon in the name of science. With rare honesty and emotional courage, Kim van Alkemade tackles some of the largest ethical questions of our time. Yet the sense of moral outrage that permeates this novel is tempered by an understanding that all our paths are a complicated series of missteps. Orphan # 8 will leave you breathless, eager to turn each page, until you reach its dramatic and utterly beautiful ending." - Dolen Perkins Valdez, author of Balm "Kim van Alkemade has moxie. In her provocative novel, family is saturated with betrayal, care is interrupted by ambition and desire, and the past is intimately explored, invoking the abandoned child in all of us. Orphan # 8 brims with complicated passions and pitch-perfect historical details. A riveting, memorable debut.
" - Catherine Zobal Dent, author of Unfinished Stories of Girls Even non-aficionados of historical fiction will find much to savor in this remarkable novel. Its themes and artistry will linger in reader memory. Orphan #8 is a remarkable work, well rooted in some little-known history. a broad landscape of issues, superbly rendered. - GLBT Reviews, American Library Association's LGBT Round Table "The story of how Rachel gains agency-psychologically, bodily, and romantically-never feels forced. Her burgeoning feelings for another girl at the home are treated with depth and help the story stand out from others. The premise and lesbian representation make this a solid recommendation for fans of Jodi Picoult and Sarah Waters." - Library Journal.