A review by vnessa_angelina
The Bread the Devil Knead by Lisa Allen-Agostini

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Truly a mesmerising story that sucked you right in.

Alethea, a victim of domestic and sexual abuse, is a character you can’t help but root for. Having had to defend herself since young at the same time mothering her baby brother (and everything else in between) only to land an abusive partner, this is a tale of self-reflection, uncovering where you came from, making change for yourself and explored the whole notion of how such relationship is processed by the victim and through the eyes of those around them.

Alethea naturally & consciously try to blend into the background and many points through the book, found buoyancy in gratitude and seeking beauty in life through words and poignant colours in things. I suppose it’s sort of a coping mechanism when you have to go home to not just such home but also a very haunting family history. I thought that was a painful showcase of hope and survival. 

A story well told and everyone wanting insight into the topic should give this a go!
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