Heart-breaking, "un-put-down-able" and completely unique--a story of extreme physical abuse from the POV of the sons who got away, but also of the women who love their abuser, a caseworker who cares too much, and more. Sad but not sentimental and did not make me cry (and I'm a crier.) 5 stars, this is one you won't regret using a credit for, but also feel good about passing it on to someone else....
Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com
Jace has driven across the country and arrives at his older brother's doorstep. He's had enough of his father's beatings and wants to make an escape like Christian did. Christian's built a new life for himself, complete with his own apartment, a good job, and a girlfriend. Taking Jace in is not part of his plans, but he can't turn him away.
Jace settles in at school and keeps busy with soccer and working at a bookstore. He's even found an ally in Mirriam, his brother's girlfriend. It seems like Jace is heading for the life he's always wanted.
However, it's harder to leave the past behind than he'd thought. Jace is haunted by something he did before he left, and his mother is still in the house with his father. Together, Jace and Christian promise to take her in as well, as soon as she can get out.
Is it easier said than done? Will this family be complete again - and can they move on to the future?
I finished this novel in one day because I needed to know how it ended! What a fabulous first novel, and I hope that Ms. Avasthi has more in the works.
Jace has driven across the country and arrives at his older brother's doorstep. He's had enough of his father's beatings and wants to make an escape like Christian did. Christian's built a new life for himself, complete with his own apartment, a good job, and a girlfriend. Taking Jace in is not part of his plans, but he can't turn him away.
Jace settles in at school and keeps busy with soccer and working at a bookstore. He's even found an ally in Mirriam, his brother's girlfriend. It seems like Jace is heading for the life he's always wanted.
However, it's harder to leave the past behind than he'd thought. Jace is haunted by something he did before he left, and his mother is still in the house with his father. Together, Jace and Christian promise to take her in as well, as soon as she can get out.
Is it easier said than done? Will this family be complete again - and can they move on to the future?
I finished this novel in one day because I needed to know how it ended! What a fabulous first novel, and I hope that Ms. Avasthi has more in the works.
