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A review by sarcastic_n_fantastic
Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
3.75
I still don't know how I feel about this book. It was a lot. It's a good book because it definitely made me think from a different perspective. Worth a read. Do check the content warnings though.
As an avid true crime listener, I have always hated criminals and would gain little sympathy even after hearing their childhood trauma because their condition never justifies how they act later in life and the crimes they commit.
I felt the same way for Noah in the beginning. I did not like him. I didn't like the mother for taking his side and downplaying the seriousness of his crime. I sort of agreed with the father in the starting.
However as the book progresses, I couldn't help but understand the mother's point of view and her love for her child.
When I understood why Noah did what he did and his desparation, I won't lie, I felt bad for him. But I feel the number of criminals who actually feel like him are WAY less than the ones who are downright evil.
The book made me cry really hard for the mom and her suffering. Arguably, the mother suffered a lot even when she didn't do anything wrong. The emotions were so raw and gut-wrenching.
Spoilers!!!
I sort of agree with the ending. I have always been fascinated with the idea of dying with dignity and forcing people to live who want nothing more than to die. I couldn't see Noah's situation getting any better. I do believe he could have controlled his urges but people's reactions and other elements were out of his control, so I understand why he wanted to end his life.
I also think the reveal of the father being a pedophile was SO unnecessary. It added nothing to the plot and it felt like it was written just for shock value.
As an avid true crime listener, I have always hated criminals and would gain little sympathy even after hearing their childhood trauma because their condition never justifies how they act later in life and the crimes they commit.
I felt the same way for Noah in the beginning. I did not like him. I didn't like the mother for taking his side and downplaying the seriousness of his crime. I sort of agreed with the father in the starting.
However as the book progresses, I couldn't help but understand the mother's point of view and her love for her child.
When I understood why Noah did what he did and his desparation, I won't lie, I felt bad for him. But I feel the number of criminals who actually feel like him are WAY less than the ones who are downright evil.
The book made me cry really hard for the mom and her suffering. Arguably, the mother suffered a lot even when she didn't do anything wrong. The emotions were so raw and gut-wrenching.
Spoilers!!!
I also think the reveal of the father being a pedophile was SO unnecessary. It added nothing to the plot and it felt like it was written just for shock value.