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karenleagermain's review
4.0
Lucia Nevai’s “Salvation” is a story that is so depressing with such messed up characters that I just couldn’t put it down. The story is told from the point of view of Crane Cavanaugh, who was born despite a botched abortion attempt, to a mother who is a whore. Crane’s mother moves into a shack, where she becomes a squatter with a couple and their two children. This group becomes somewhat of a family that picks up odd jobs and preaches. The three children are forced to band together against a life of abuse and neglect.
Crane’s life drastically changes, when child welfare steps in and separates the children. The book is really about adults having their own agenda; regardless of whether or not ultimately benefits the children that are in their care. Also, it shows the cycle of abuse, in both the adults and the children. Everyone in this book has major issues.
I liked Nevai’s style and would look for her books in the future. I found parts to be a bit tedious, especially the pages and pages of ant behavior. I think she could easily write a follow up to this book, with the same characters. I would love to know more about Jima.
Final note…I am a sucker for any book that has anything to do with carnivals and tent revivals! This book had a bit of both!
Final-Final Note…this book was also a Tin House publication, which is almost always an automatic win!
Crane’s life drastically changes, when child welfare steps in and separates the children. The book is really about adults having their own agenda; regardless of whether or not ultimately benefits the children that are in their care. Also, it shows the cycle of abuse, in both the adults and the children. Everyone in this book has major issues.
I liked Nevai’s style and would look for her books in the future. I found parts to be a bit tedious, especially the pages and pages of ant behavior. I think she could easily write a follow up to this book, with the same characters. I would love to know more about Jima.
Final note…I am a sucker for any book that has anything to do with carnivals and tent revivals! This book had a bit of both!
Final-Final Note…this book was also a Tin House publication, which is almost always an automatic win!
johannalm's review
5.0
Salvation, Lucia Nevai
This is an exquisitely told story about the struggles and triumphs of a young girl raised in squalor by abusive, absent parents in rural Iowa. Crane is a character not soon forgotten. Her voice is humorous and eloquent even while describing the crazy circumstances of her life. Crane is both ignored and abused by her three parents, failed evangelists living in a shack outside Des Moines. Besides the wife, girlfriend and father, Crane is the youngest of three children. Her older sister takes care of her. None of the children are sent to school, they get very little to eat and almost no parental interaction other then being preached at and lots of other verbal abuse. As the suburb grows up around their shack, the children are quietly cared for by some of their neighbors. However, there comes a point when the children are removed from the home and Crane is separated from her sister, brother and parents. What follows is Crane's placement with some nuns, her first schooling, and then eventually adoption by a childless couple. Most stunning of all is Crane's academic ability - it turns out she's a genius who flies through school and becomes obsessed with ant life (I suppose it is a metaphor for her own life where her mother is queen and all serve her). Stunning language, great descriptions of Crane's continued social failure, and enchanting supporting characters. Really enjoyed this.
This is an exquisitely told story about the struggles and triumphs of a young girl raised in squalor by abusive, absent parents in rural Iowa. Crane is a character not soon forgotten. Her voice is humorous and eloquent even while describing the crazy circumstances of her life. Crane is both ignored and abused by her three parents, failed evangelists living in a shack outside Des Moines. Besides the wife, girlfriend and father, Crane is the youngest of three children. Her older sister takes care of her. None of the children are sent to school, they get very little to eat and almost no parental interaction other then being preached at and lots of other verbal abuse. As the suburb grows up around their shack, the children are quietly cared for by some of their neighbors. However, there comes a point when the children are removed from the home and Crane is separated from her sister, brother and parents. What follows is Crane's placement with some nuns, her first schooling, and then eventually adoption by a childless couple. Most stunning of all is Crane's academic ability - it turns out she's a genius who flies through school and becomes obsessed with ant life (I suppose it is a metaphor for her own life where her mother is queen and all serve her). Stunning language, great descriptions of Crane's continued social failure, and enchanting supporting characters. Really enjoyed this.
emdash8212's review
5.0
This book was beautifully written. It reminded me of My Happy Life, by Lydia Millet, which is one of my favorite books.
Crane is aware that her life is difficult, and as the book goes on, realizes that she and her siblings live differently than other people. Nevai does a great job of giving the reader more information as Crane grows up and encounters new people and situations.
Crane's life is dismal, but the book doesn't feel oppressive or depressing. It's streaked with dark humor, and the loving portrayals of some of the characters keeps the book riveting. Even characters who don't deserve sympathy receive it.
Crane is aware that her life is difficult, and as the book goes on, realizes that she and her siblings live differently than other people. Nevai does a great job of giving the reader more information as Crane grows up and encounters new people and situations.
Crane's life is dismal, but the book doesn't feel oppressive or depressing. It's streaked with dark humor, and the loving portrayals of some of the characters keeps the book riveting. Even characters who don't deserve sympathy receive it.
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