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melike_k 's review for:

Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry
4.0
challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I think this book has been incorrectly classified as a thriller. For me it's more of a comment on morality and perspective. I think most people agree that the crime in this book is clear cut. To commit such a crime makes you a BAD person. I thought that would make this an easy read. 

However, I think the author whilst not condoning such acts wanted us to reconsider the clarity with which these crimes are viewed. There were moments where you could feel 3-4 conflicting emotions and that is where Berry's writing style really shines. 

Overall, the female main characters viewpoint irritated me as she clung to this "woe is me" outlook although I think this just added to the authenticity of the situation. 

The male main character provides a unique perspective on one of humanity's most abhorrent acts, which provokes the whole spectrum of emotions to play a part in the readers determination of the cumulative morality of the story. 

I think some readers might accidentally view this novel as "justifying" a horrific act.  However I think that is short-sighted as Berry never loses sight of the severity of the crime and the ability for her to make readers confront their moral views is testament to her writing style. 

I do think the presence of religion is misplaced and irrelevant in this book and doesn't really add anything except frustration to the overarching moral message.