Scan barcode
ww2me's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book to a point. I understood that the author is British, but she used a great deal of slang and terminology that was difficult to understand. I didn't like the ending as much because it was not a smooth transition to acceptance as it was portrayed to be.
tahmeka's review against another edition
3.0
I really want to give this 3.75 stars but this ain't Star Search so here we are .
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Marcia Williams was an attentive mother and tried to do all the things she could to allow for her son to have the best upbringing and by a turn of circumstances he is murdered. The book begins as the trial for his alleged murderer and she believes that she must sit through every day to help with her grief and "support" her now deceased son. Her marriage is falling apart and her husband is dealing with the grief in a very different way and they are not connecting. This story is not only about a marriage in disarray and a courtroom drama.
This book is both in and out of my wheelhouse in interesting ways. I love a good courtroom drama and I read them often, so that was in my wheelhouse. The out of my wheelhouse was that it came from the viewpoint of the mother of the deceased and there was drama both out and in the court and they bled together.
Marcia Williams was an attentive mother and tried to do all the things she could to allow for her son to have the best upbringing and by a turn of circumstances he is murdered. The book begins as the trial for his alleged murderer and she believes that she must sit through every day to help with her grief and "support" her now deceased son. Her marriage is falling apart and her husband is dealing with the grief in a very different way and they are not connecting. This story is not only about a marriage in disarray and a courtroom drama.
This book is both in and out of my wheelhouse in interesting ways. I love a good courtroom drama and I read them often, so that was in my wheelhouse. The out of my wheelhouse was that it came from the viewpoint of the mother of the deceased and there was drama both out and in the court and they bled together.
readincolour's review against another edition
4.0
Gah, so many emotions! I was a nervous wreck reading this, but I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to discuss it with others after they've had a chance to read it.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
"My empathy is matched by my anger, which wants to insist on more from him yet is frustrated by his fragility, the acute sense of attacking a helpless creature, which in turn fuels the rage that I have been made to be wrong in this, wrong to expect anything at this time from my husband; my husband!"
Marcia's 16-year-old son has been murdered. And now, she must sit in the court room and look her son's killer in the eye: another 16-year-old boy. How could he have committed such a cold act? Why him? Why her son? And just who really is Sweetie, the girl both boys had eyes for, and what does she have to do with this case?
As Marcia grapples with these questions, wondering about the impact of locking up another black boy but seeing no other method for justice, she also struggles maintaining her home life. Her relationship with her husband is in shambles, she's losing her hair, her anger bubbles up at unseemly times. Her son's justice is in the hands of complete strangers, so she is at a loss for what to do on any level of her life.
Written in an introspective, nearly morose tone of voice, Edwards' depiction of such a horrific event rings true and authentic. Edwards weaves threads in her tale, further encapsulating topics such as police brutality and teenage sexuality that show that even though her son is not a character, he had life, and his absence is sorely missed by the reader. He is a ghost, but always at the forefront of the text. Truly a beautiful book about love, loss, and motherhood.
Marcia's 16-year-old son has been murdered. And now, she must sit in the court room and look her son's killer in the eye: another 16-year-old boy. How could he have committed such a cold act? Why him? Why her son? And just who really is Sweetie, the girl both boys had eyes for, and what does she have to do with this case?
As Marcia grapples with these questions, wondering about the impact of locking up another black boy but seeing no other method for justice, she also struggles maintaining her home life. Her relationship with her husband is in shambles, she's losing her hair, her anger bubbles up at unseemly times. Her son's justice is in the hands of complete strangers, so she is at a loss for what to do on any level of her life.
Written in an introspective, nearly morose tone of voice, Edwards' depiction of such a horrific event rings true and authentic. Edwards weaves threads in her tale, further encapsulating topics such as police brutality and teenage sexuality that show that even though her son is not a character, he had life, and his absence is sorely missed by the reader. He is a ghost, but always at the forefront of the text. Truly a beautiful book about love, loss, and motherhood.
kxmulligan79's review against another edition
4.0
I would love to read a novel about Tyson Manly. I'm intrigued by his family and would like to see that dynamic explored further.
book_worm23's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
valje's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Reading this as part of UK Black History month. Such an amazing novel! I was hooked from the beginning and had to stop everything to finish it! Yvette Edwards is such a talented writer - can't wait to see what she does next.
coops456's review against another edition
5.0
The plotting is well-paced and the writing is just stunning. Tragic, realistic, hugely emotional. I thought the ending was spot-on; anything "tidier" would have felt trite.
I couldn't put this down. It's definitely the best thing I've read this year.
I couldn't put this down. It's definitely the best thing I've read this year.