Plot/Storyline: 5 Stars
This novel is a little slow in the first few pages. I even thought about putting it down as it first appeared like it was going to be some `preachy' novel filled with religion. Later, I was so glad that I didn't stop reading. There was zero preaching throughout the book. I was so far off the mark it was laughable.
The storyline is basically Michael Stevens telling of his childhood with his many brothers in his poor and abusive family. In the beginning, Mike is in dire straits and believes he is dying. However, the reader is not privy to where he is or what happened to him. Throughout the novel, the reader is rarely reminded of Mike's current condition. This made it easier to get sucked into the story of Mike's life. And, boy, did I get sucked in! I could hardly put this book down!
The only downside to the novel was that I had trouble figuring out how old Mike during the first half of the book. That was a little distracting.
I was stunned, appalled, riveted, and amazed at the life this young boy was leading. I was shocked at the ending, so shocked that I couldn't cry until I read the last sentence. This book is not for the faint of heart. It describes horrible acts of child abuse, mostly physical, but some sexual.
The ending was abrupt and final. At first, I thought, "That's it?" and hit my Next Page button a few times to find more. This wasn't because the ending was bad, but because I didn't want the book to end, even there.
Character Development: 5 Stars
Mike was so believable that I wanted to go find him and save him from his awful life. He brought tears to my eyes and, at other times, a smile to my lips.
Mike's family was only developed through Mike's eyes, which was appropriate in this story. They were all unique individuals that the reader slowly comes to know.
Writing Style: 5 Stars
From the beginning to the end, Mike's voice in this story kept me enthralled. The writing was excellent with terrific structure and tone. The descriptions were vivid and detailed just enough.
I was absolutely amazed to find such talent, not raw but fully developed, in a first novel.
Rating: R for Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Rape
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