Review: The title doesn't do this emotive and moral story any justice...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 5, 2012
There are so many moral issues and emotive plotlines in this story that it is difficult to know where to start. To be honest I found the first half drifted along slowly and was in danger of losing the readers/my interest. It was the inevitable build up and connection of storylines, but I felt it was too drawn out. Imagine my surprise when just after the half a book mark there came a scene, which not only woke me up it also made tears come to my eyes. I have got to say the scenes with Dylan the child broke my heart. His sorry mommy made me well up. They were so realistic, so much so I that the knowledge can only come from someone, who has either been in a situation of frustrated helplessness or they have done their research on it. The writer describes the neglect and abuse, which the abuser seems completely unaware of, but the reader can clearly envisage how she treats and doesn't care for her child. I would take care not to blame it on the substance abuse, that can make it worse, but it is never the solitary reason. The blame game that ensues between mother and daughter is an interesting look at era, culture and society. On top of that the writer makes us take a closer look at the death penalty and the men/women, who are executed. More so however she makes us take a long hard look at the families of the inmates that are left behind and have to deal with the subsequent fallout from that persons death sentence. I really enjoyed it and I didn't think I would based on the first half, but it was really emotive and honest in its approach. So all in all even if some of it drags along I think it is worth the read. I received a free copy of this book for my review.