Review: Dark and Emotionally Taut!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 26, 2013
Tristis Manor by J. R. Wagner is a very dark and painful story of a young girl who has only known a life with rare moments of happiness. Most of Margaret's life has been spent as the object of her mother's disdain and cruelty. Although her father loves her dearly, he is often absent for long periods of time and is unaware of the totality of the abuse Margaret has suffered. Margaret has been raped by a pedophile, a man her mother is having an affair with. Her mother knows and warns her never to speak of it. She begins a ritual of self-abuse, almost dying from the infections caused. When her mother gives birth to another child, it becomes Margaret's responsibility to care for and protect her sister. Which she does at great peril to herself. Will the abuse continue? Will no one rescue her? When help does arrive, will it be too late for the girls?J. R. Wagner has created a tormented child that I couldn't help but feel for, while admiring her strength of character for one so young. Although a short read, Tristis Manor is filled with drama and an emotional tautness that put me at my limit! Was true justice served at the end? I think the readers must decide for themselves.This edition was provided by NetGalley and Solomon Caw Publishing in exchange for my honest review.