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celtic67's review against another edition
4.0
What a creepy cover. The more you look at it the more it tells you about the world you are about to enter, Be prepared!
Sharon has conjured up a dark, twisted claustrophobic tale. A tale that slithers its way into your psyche and makes you glad you have no such demons in your life. Or do you? I hope not for your sake.
Rebecca is a product of a broken home and many failed foster homes. Foster homes that have failed because of the demons in her head. Demons that drown out Rebecca's will and tell her what to do!
Lucas is the son of a paedophile, initially despising his father's lifestyle is fascinated by it. He is initiated into this lifestyle by his father and initially repulsed strangely finds himself enjoying it. Though in later life he tries to make amends and keep his past a secret.
Lucas and Rebecca, two broken people are drawn to each other and marry. An unholy alliance because one is out to destroy the other.
The opening of this novel really sets the tone. It is dark, creepy and evil.
You will find yourself loathing the two main characters and in turns feeling sorry for one or the other. And that is just the main two. There are plenty of evil people in this book.
As I said Sharon has written a dark and evil psychological thriller. Top quality writing and well fleshed and believable characters.
I know Sharon personally and I wonder how such a sweet and nice person can conjure up such an evil book!
I will need to watch my back when next in her company. Only kidding. Highly recommended to all who like their books on the dark side!
Sharon has conjured up a dark, twisted claustrophobic tale. A tale that slithers its way into your psyche and makes you glad you have no such demons in your life. Or do you? I hope not for your sake.
Rebecca is a product of a broken home and many failed foster homes. Foster homes that have failed because of the demons in her head. Demons that drown out Rebecca's will and tell her what to do!
Lucas is the son of a paedophile, initially despising his father's lifestyle is fascinated by it. He is initiated into this lifestyle by his father and initially repulsed strangely finds himself enjoying it. Though in later life he tries to make amends and keep his past a secret.
Lucas and Rebecca, two broken people are drawn to each other and marry. An unholy alliance because one is out to destroy the other.
The opening of this novel really sets the tone. It is dark, creepy and evil.
You will find yourself loathing the two main characters and in turns feeling sorry for one or the other. And that is just the main two. There are plenty of evil people in this book.
As I said Sharon has written a dark and evil psychological thriller. Top quality writing and well fleshed and believable characters.
I know Sharon personally and I wonder how such a sweet and nice person can conjure up such an evil book!
I will need to watch my back when next in her company. Only kidding. Highly recommended to all who like their books on the dark side!
kellyvandamme's review
4.0
Sins of the Father starts with a deeply unsettling prologue that hooked me right away. I felt incredibly intrigued and I simply had to know where this story would take me. I felt that we were heading for disaster and I hardly dared look, but I could not look away either.
Part One takes us back to the 1990s, to Rebecca’s childhood in a rather bold move by the author to steer clear from a dual timeline throughout the novel. I found it quite refreshing to have the whole background story in one go, and considering what comes after I do believe it’s the right choice, it gives us a frame for Rebecca’s subsequent actions and helps us to understand her.
Rebecca’s is the story of an abused and confused little ten-year-old girl taken away from her home after her mother has been brutally murdered. She hears voices in her head, other versions of herself who keep her company and offer comfort, but they can also be mean and scare her. Rebecca’s mum had fallen in with the wrong crowd, got herself addicted to drugs, and didn’t care what happened to Rebecca as long as she could get her fix. The tragedy of it all really got to me. Not just that a mum would offer up her daughter on a silver platter to be able to buy drugs, but also that the neighbours would ignore a little girl’s plight for quite some time.
People turn a blind eye to what we suspect might be going on behind closed doors cos it’s none of our business. While in some cases we should make it our business. Although foster care or care homes might not be the ideal solution either, especially for a troubled child like Rebecca, another difficult issue Sins of the Father touches upon. Stories like this always make me think too much, you know, about how it might be fiction in this instance and to me, but reality for more children than I dare consider.
As we meet up with Rebecca in the present, we find that the troubled girl has turned into an equally troubled woman. Unable to let go of the past she’s determined to make sure some of her wrongdoers get their just deserts. However, she is not the only one with a hidden agenda and ulterior motives.
Sins of the Father is teeming with characters ranging from unlikeable to positively despicable. If you need to like the characters in the book you’re reading I’d suggest you look elsewhere. I did understand where some of them were coming from, it’s easy to judge people in circumstances you have no personal experience with, and I try not to, but that doesn’t mean I have to like them.
Sins of the Father is a grim example of what might happen when mental illness not only goes unchecked but is exacerbated by various sorts of abuse. It is a tale of revenge and justice and a powerful debut whichever way you turn it.
Part One takes us back to the 1990s, to Rebecca’s childhood in a rather bold move by the author to steer clear from a dual timeline throughout the novel. I found it quite refreshing to have the whole background story in one go, and considering what comes after I do believe it’s the right choice, it gives us a frame for Rebecca’s subsequent actions and helps us to understand her.
Rebecca’s is the story of an abused and confused little ten-year-old girl taken away from her home after her mother has been brutally murdered. She hears voices in her head, other versions of herself who keep her company and offer comfort, but they can also be mean and scare her. Rebecca’s mum had fallen in with the wrong crowd, got herself addicted to drugs, and didn’t care what happened to Rebecca as long as she could get her fix. The tragedy of it all really got to me. Not just that a mum would offer up her daughter on a silver platter to be able to buy drugs, but also that the neighbours would ignore a little girl’s plight for quite some time.
People turn a blind eye to what we suspect might be going on behind closed doors cos it’s none of our business. While in some cases we should make it our business. Although foster care or care homes might not be the ideal solution either, especially for a troubled child like Rebecca, another difficult issue Sins of the Father touches upon. Stories like this always make me think too much, you know, about how it might be fiction in this instance and to me, but reality for more children than I dare consider.
As we meet up with Rebecca in the present, we find that the troubled girl has turned into an equally troubled woman. Unable to let go of the past she’s determined to make sure some of her wrongdoers get their just deserts. However, she is not the only one with a hidden agenda and ulterior motives.
Sins of the Father is teeming with characters ranging from unlikeable to positively despicable. If you need to like the characters in the book you’re reading I’d suggest you look elsewhere. I did understand where some of them were coming from, it’s easy to judge people in circumstances you have no personal experience with, and I try not to, but that doesn’t mean I have to like them.
Sins of the Father is a grim example of what might happen when mental illness not only goes unchecked but is exacerbated by various sorts of abuse. It is a tale of revenge and justice and a powerful debut whichever way you turn it.
the_coycaterpillar_reads's review
5.0
Sins of the father. History tells a tale that is resonated through time. Children are a product of their upbringing. Children have to suffer through their parents’ misdeeds and endeavours. Often children have a nice and wholesome upbringing but more often a lot of children do not. Sins of The Father is a tale that documents a quite frank abysmal upbringing of our protagonist, Rebecca through to adulthood and the impact abuse can have on an individual. Life is anything but easy but there are factors that could significantly ease that journey.
I am a complete goner for stories like this. I love the atmosphere, the story-telling of something so basic and natural and to see the skill of it turned into something so evil and nightmarish, takes a true spinner of tales.
Sins Of The Father is beyond extraordinary.
Sins of The Father is unlike any other psychological thrillers I’ve read in recent years.
Sins of The Father has dug its own path, with blood and sweat and tears. Its freaking awesome.
This was one seriously impressive debut from Sharon Bairden. I was surprised to find out that Bairden hasn’t been doing this her entire life. Her craft is well honed and exquisite. She was able to slip into my psyche and take up residence, rent free. She has certainly taken the worst that human nature can dig up and serve it to us in a well wrapped piece of art. She can sit in the knowledge that her readers are both suitably shocked but in awe of how the author showcased the worst of humanity. The plot is in a world of its own but before I touch on that let me just state how fantastical the narrative is. It is so haunting that it is stunningly beautiful. Bairden has concocted an absolute blinder.
Rebecca has suffered horrific abuse and when her mother dies she ends up in the care system. You would think this would give her a much-needed reprieve but alas it doesn’t ease her suffering, she is still dreadfully unhappy. You can’t help but have a strong sense of empathy for her…Christ she has suffered so much, but as an adult it is difficult to have the same sense as she has developed into a character that is largely unlikable. How many times have we read newspaper articles about children that live through horrific situations, but Sins of The Father really delves deeper…looks beyond those storylines and lets us see how far and how long the abuse stays with them.
The story reminds us that there is always two sides to every story and we have perspectives from several different characters including Lucas. I enjoyed the interaction between them, but I don’t want to say much more because it is just a book that you HAVE to read to be able to become at one with the darkness. One thing it has done amazingly well is displaying the intricates of the slippery slope of human nature. Nothing is clear cut, and everything is coloured in shades of grey. This novel tackles difficult topics with a barrel of emotions and absolutely heart-breaking inspiring characters.
I am a complete goner for stories like this. I love the atmosphere, the story-telling of something so basic and natural and to see the skill of it turned into something so evil and nightmarish, takes a true spinner of tales.
Sins Of The Father is beyond extraordinary.
Sins of The Father is unlike any other psychological thrillers I’ve read in recent years.
Sins of The Father has dug its own path, with blood and sweat and tears. Its freaking awesome.
This was one seriously impressive debut from Sharon Bairden. I was surprised to find out that Bairden hasn’t been doing this her entire life. Her craft is well honed and exquisite. She was able to slip into my psyche and take up residence, rent free. She has certainly taken the worst that human nature can dig up and serve it to us in a well wrapped piece of art. She can sit in the knowledge that her readers are both suitably shocked but in awe of how the author showcased the worst of humanity. The plot is in a world of its own but before I touch on that let me just state how fantastical the narrative is. It is so haunting that it is stunningly beautiful. Bairden has concocted an absolute blinder.
Rebecca has suffered horrific abuse and when her mother dies she ends up in the care system. You would think this would give her a much-needed reprieve but alas it doesn’t ease her suffering, she is still dreadfully unhappy. You can’t help but have a strong sense of empathy for her…Christ she has suffered so much, but as an adult it is difficult to have the same sense as she has developed into a character that is largely unlikable. How many times have we read newspaper articles about children that live through horrific situations, but Sins of The Father really delves deeper…looks beyond those storylines and lets us see how far and how long the abuse stays with them.
The story reminds us that there is always two sides to every story and we have perspectives from several different characters including Lucas. I enjoyed the interaction between them, but I don’t want to say much more because it is just a book that you HAVE to read to be able to become at one with the darkness. One thing it has done amazingly well is displaying the intricates of the slippery slope of human nature. Nothing is clear cut, and everything is coloured in shades of grey. This novel tackles difficult topics with a barrel of emotions and absolutely heart-breaking inspiring characters.
brandiefralick4's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
simon1967's review against another edition
5.0
This is great - the devil is in the detail - almost literally - just make sure you've got a few free hours, because you won't want to put it down
the_b00kreader's review against another edition
5.0
**TW**
This book contains details of sexual, physical and emotional assault, abuse of drugs, murder, child neglection and mental health. If a sensitive reader this book is not at all suited for you.
This book contains details of sexual, physical and emotional assault, abuse of drugs, murder, child neglection and mental health. If a sensitive reader this book is not at all suited for you.
bridgets_books's review against another edition
4.0
Sins of the Father is hauntingly good. The subject matter is very difficult to read and while I abhorred the actions in the book, I couldn’t put it down.
This devastating story of child abuse, system failures, mental illness, and mystery will consume you.
Each character has their own past and demons working on them. They come together after years of abuse, not for support, but to destroy one another.
The book is absolutely full of triggers. While it is horrifying to read, I could not put it down.
I powered through the book and expect to be rehashing my bought for many days.
It’s hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel. It read like it was written by a seasoned psychological thriller aficionado.
If you want a tale that leaves you breathless and heartbroken, this book is the one for you.
This devastating story of child abuse, system failures, mental illness, and mystery will consume you.
Each character has their own past and demons working on them. They come together after years of abuse, not for support, but to destroy one another.
The book is absolutely full of triggers. While it is horrifying to read, I could not put it down.
I powered through the book and expect to be rehashing my bought for many days.
It’s hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel. It read like it was written by a seasoned psychological thriller aficionado.
If you want a tale that leaves you breathless and heartbroken, this book is the one for you.
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
5.0
The story starts off with Rebecca’s dismal upbringing. It was heart-breaking stuff seeing this young child being neglected by her mother and the levels of abuse she has to endure. When her mother dies, she ends up in the care system. Sadly this doesn’t bring poor Rebecca anymore happiness than when she was back at home.
The main stand out character for me is Jim. I thought he was a wonderful character and I instantly warmed to him. You can tell he really cares about the kids that are in his charge and he tries to do the best for them. The authors own work background I think really shines throughout the storyline to do with Jim and Rebecca’s work roles.
In the main the story focuses on Rebecca although towards the latter we see things from hers, as well as Lucas’ point of view. It’s hard to know quite what to say about Rebecca. I had empathy for her but as an adult she isn’t overly likable. What happened to her as a child has made a huge impact in the person she is today. This is a without a doubt a book you need to read for yourself to understand the darkness within it.
Sins of the Father is such an impressive debut. I was hooked from the first few pages and begrudged the times I had to put it down to get on with real life. It makes for a compulsive read with some unexpected twists along the way. The pacing was spot on and the tension was enough to keep me well and truly glued to what I was reading. An immensely dark, tense, story that messes with your head and emotions. Can’t wait for more from the author!
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The main stand out character for me is Jim. I thought he was a wonderful character and I instantly warmed to him. You can tell he really cares about the kids that are in his charge and he tries to do the best for them. The authors own work background I think really shines throughout the storyline to do with Jim and Rebecca’s work roles.
In the main the story focuses on Rebecca although towards the latter we see things from hers, as well as Lucas’ point of view. It’s hard to know quite what to say about Rebecca. I had empathy for her but as an adult she isn’t overly likable. What happened to her as a child has made a huge impact in the person she is today. This is a without a doubt a book you need to read for yourself to understand the darkness within it.
Sins of the Father is such an impressive debut. I was hooked from the first few pages and begrudged the times I had to put it down to get on with real life. It makes for a compulsive read with some unexpected twists along the way. The pacing was spot on and the tension was enough to keep me well and truly glued to what I was reading. An immensely dark, tense, story that messes with your head and emotions. Can’t wait for more from the author!
Post navigation