Customer Reviews

Family Pictures

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When I first received Family Pictures by Rachel Berry, the size of the book was a little intimidating. Who would not look twice at a 667-page book? Well, the size was big but the story was bigger. In all families, there is some sort of scandalous truth hidden within pictures others can see or the memories of those who witnessed it. Berry tells the story of the Lo-Verde family history from the viewpoint of Regal, Emma Jean, and a friend; the friend is eventually revealed but not before most of the family secrets are known.

Regal and her aunt, Emma Jean, are alike in a few ways. Regal sees a therapist to keep a handle on her life that keeps delivering her some curveballs. Emma Jean was in a mental institution once due to her hard childhood and adult life. These two women have a strong relationship with each other, even though Regal's mother, Soul, speaks badly of Emma Jean every chance she gets. In Soul's opinion her brother, Winston, could have done much better than that crazy woman.

As Regal made strides toward getting married, two women wondered what they could do to keep the nuptials from taking place. All it took was the content of a sealed envelope to change the plans of various members of the Lo-Verde family. Regal goes to get the answers she so desperately needs from Emma Jean. Will all the members in the family make it out of the despair unscarred? Will the stories Emma Jean tells Regal be enough for Soul to finally get her wish of getting her daughter to stay away from her crazy sister-in-law? Or, will the lives of the Lo-Verde family go on as though nothing has happened?

Every time I thought I had been shocked for the last time, something else was revealed that had my mouth wide-opened in awe. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters. They reminded me of any family because of the internal jealousies, hatred, and those members who feel the need to control everything. If the plot was not fast-paced and filled with much drama coupled with believable characters, I would have put the book down due to the lack of proper editing. If and when the story is properly edited it would move along even faster. I received Family Pictures for review from the author. I recommend this selection from Ms. Berry to readers who enjoy reading family drama with multiple twists and turns on almost every page.

Copy of this book was provided for review by the author.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub