Will you believe her? A young woman’s past and present collide in this intriguing psychological thriller.
I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it.. but I did finish it.
The book you pick up after a five star experience is always at a disadvantage.. and this one had the misfortune of being just that.
I know, I know, it’s almost Christmas/Kwanza/Hanukkah and I’m reviewing such a dark read? Well, in all fairness, I’m quite a bit behind on my reviews and it’s been a few weeks since I finished this one.
The best part? With the holidays coming up so quickly I’ll most likely fall even more behind..
Yay!
This book may not be a Christmas miracle but the author went with a pretty interesting topic, reincarnation, and blended it with the dark reality of history’s treatment towards those considered mentally unfit.
Possible Spoilers Ahead!
Trigger Warning! Abuse, Neglect, Torture, Sexual assault, Harassment, Murder
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First line: There’s smoke, shouting, steps: the whole building is awake and shrieking.
1927:
A five year old little girl experiences memories of another life, another family, and a death that haunts her still.
1942:
Now a young woman, institutionalized for much of her life, she’s learned not to speak of such things.
A new doctor who sees something in her that sparks the beginnings of an almost obsessive need to help her, know her, save her.
The search for answers will lead them both on a journey of discovery, revealing a mystery that threatens logic, they’ll both find that answers are not always what you’re looking for.. and sometimes?
A lie can be the truth.
Three and a Half Stars!
About the book:
1942
Five year old Edith is diagnosed with multiple personality disorder on her arrival at Seacliff Lunatic Asylum. Sent away for her shameful outbursts by her Pastor father who can no longer tolerate such talk of memories she claims are from her ‘other life.’
Just a little girl, confused, but sure of her own mind.. dismissed and rejected for the things that she knows.
I could not believe no one even gave this child a chance. It was heartbreaking, little Edith’s POV, which is easily the most absorbing part of the book. Her tragic story will leave you wondering just how many children have been written off or dismissed outright for such things.
Edith spends the next fifteen years growing up in a soulless institution where those deemed ‘crazy’ have no rights. Tortured and abused by the very people meant to care for her, Edith learns quickly to watch her words, else she be punished for them.
There was so much that disturbed me about the actions of the caregivers in this book. Living in constant fear of the doctors who abuse them, the nurses that turn a blind eye, and even the other patients. There’s an atmosphere of disquiet.. a sense that nowhere is safe and everyone is a threat.
Then a new doctor, Declan, arrives. He seems to really care for the patients, he listens, and even helps her friend ‘get better.’
He has this weird fascination with her for no apparent reason. Really. I didn’t get it. She’s been there the entire time and he’s only just noticing her? And now he’s borderline obsessed? He has no reason to have such a strong reaction when, by all appearances, they’ve barely spoken. It didn’t help that, in my mind, she still essentially had this childlike mentality and it disturbed a little that he seemed so fixated on her.
White night syndrome.
Declan is a very kind character, even if he doesn’t go about it the best way, he was determined to help his patients. I respected his protectiveness and desire to see these women well.
But Edith isn’t one of Declan’s patients.. she’s a special project of Dr. Malone, head of the psychiatric ward, and a despicable human being. He has no intention of allowing Edith out of his control, not when his experiments with a new ‘procedure’ rely on subjects such as her.
Dr. Malone is one of those characters you wouldn’t mind seeing karma visit and might even pay to watch.
Overall?
The writing is okay. Not flowery or captivating.. but well done. I enjoyed the alternating POV’s and timelines, it gave a sense of depth to the story that each would have lacked on it’s own. The characters suit the parts they play.. although, I didn’t feel drawn to any one in particular.
Sadly, I did consider throwing in the towel a handful of times.. The story just wasn’t able to hold my attention for very long and I found myself doing other things to keep preoccupied.
I do think I’ll read more from this author in the future but it probably won’t be soon.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review, I hope it was helpful.. or entertaining. Either works.
Try to stay safe out there!
Here’s a question for you: Reincarnation.. What are your thoughts?
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Hmmm, I was going to chase this one up, but think I will pass on it. Thanks for your honest review. ❤📚
It’s possible that you might enjoy it more then I did.. but I’m glad if it was helpful.