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A review by faysieh
How to Play Dead by Jacqueline Ward
5.0
A clear 5 star read for me. The book is about the complexities of domestic abuse and the way in which women can be controlled and manipulated to such an extent that they are trapped, live in fear and suffer violence and psychological damage. There might not be a key locking these women behind a door but still they are unable to escape and be free. The book is not autobiographical or a self-help manual. It is a highly readable and enjoyable work of fiction. That isn't to say the topic isn't distressing but some very strong messages for the reality of domestic abuse are conveyed within a story that allows us into the fictional lives of Ria and Janice who head up SafeMe, a refuge and support centre for women and children, providing accommodation and all sorts of support services for victims as well as the perpetrators. I am well aware that domestic abuse can affect men but in this book it is the women who are trying to survive abusive relationships with their menfolk.
The book is also a thriller as at the heart of the story is the danger that Superwoman Ria faces from a man from the past. The plot is intricate and tells the stories of many different women, some who survive and one in particular who doesn't. There are links to a past event in Ria's teenage life, the very difficult relationship she has with her parents and frequent 'flashbacks' to friend Alice which leaves you wondering what did happen to Ria's best friend
There are sections of the book where the writing is faint.to signify the disintegration of a woman's strength and ability to fight back. Such a clever tool for illuminating the very real plight of how women in abusive relationships cease to exist, for themselves and also to the outside world, which often cries 'Just leave!'
Tender, uplifting, inspiring and heartbreaking this fictional story is a more palatable way of providing real insight into real women's lives and the real plights they suffer. And as this is a real problem in the real world, there is a section at the back of the book dedicated to supplying any reader who is experiencing domestic abuse with real helplines and support networks to contact.
The book is also a thriller as at the heart of the story is the danger that Superwoman Ria faces from a man from the past. The plot is intricate and tells the stories of many different women, some who survive and one in particular who doesn't. There are links to a past event in Ria's teenage life, the very difficult relationship she has with her parents and frequent 'flashbacks' to friend Alice which leaves you wondering what did happen to Ria's best friend
There are sections of the book where the writing is faint.to signify the disintegration of a woman's strength and ability to fight back. Such a clever tool for illuminating the very real plight of how women in abusive relationships cease to exist, for themselves and also to the outside world, which often cries 'Just leave!'
Tender, uplifting, inspiring and heartbreaking this fictional story is a more palatable way of providing real insight into real women's lives and the real plights they suffer. And as this is a real problem in the real world, there is a section at the back of the book dedicated to supplying any reader who is experiencing domestic abuse with real helplines and support networks to contact.