The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets

A compelling narrative about the first known set of quintuplets to survive beyond infancy.

There is much to be amazed about in this fascinating study of the lives of famous quintuplets Annette, Cecile, Emilie, Marie and Yvonne.  Born to a farming family in rural northern Canada, their parents had no idea that more than one baby was expected and how dramatically their lives would change.  From moments after their birth through their young adulthood, the lives of the sisters (and by association their family) were exposed to the world through newspaper, radio, and television.  Author Sarah Miller blends multiple sources into a thought-provoking narrative that showcases the contrasts of their childhood; the strong bonds between the sisters and their isolation from the rest of the world; the many parties who wanted to do best by them and those who sought personal and financial gain.  The reader is left with a strong impression of the bond between the sisters despite media intrusion and exploitation.