Review: Dark side of romance
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 24, 2013
The struggles of a young woman caught up in the cycle of low esteem, isolation and domestic violence are played out in "Pearl" by C.E. Weisman.Pearl barely stays afloat after her mother walked out on the family. The lack ofself-worth follows her as she tries to find a place as an 18-year-old newlywed without friends or family. Her drunken, lying and cheating husband takes out his failures on his young bride, leaving her battered and bruised physically and emotionally.Weisman, however, provides a sense of hope amidst violence by giving Pearl a chance to build a few friendships, develop a shaky form of family and just a touch of independence. While the narrative is predictable, Weisman's writing style pulls in readers who want a happy ending and new beginning for the young heroine. The build-up is expected, but the conclusion will take you by surprise.