TLC Book Tours: The Mother by Yvette Edwards Book Review
Hey guys! I'm back with another book review for TLC Book Tours. Below you'll find information about the book, a summary, purchase links, a review, and a short blurb about the author! Enjoy!
Published: 2016
# of Pages: 256
Source: Review Copy
The unimaginable has happened to Marcia Williams. Her bright and beautiful sixteen-year-old son Ryan has been brutally murdered. Consumed by grief and rage, she must bridle her dark feelings and endure something no mother should ever have to experience: she must go to court for the trial of the killer—another teenage boy—accused of taking her son’s life.
How could her son be dead? Ryan should have been safe—he wasn’t the kind of boy to find himself on the wrong end of a knife carried by a dangerous young man like Tyson Manley. But as the trial proceeds, Marcia finds her beliefs and assumptions challenged as she learns more about Ryan’s death and Tyson’s life, including his dysfunctional family. She also discovers troubling truths about her own. As the strain of Ryan’s death tests their marriage, Lloydie, her husband, pulls further away, hiding behind a wall of secrets that masks his grief, while Marcia draws closer to her sister, who is becoming her prime confidant.
One person seems to hold the answers—and the hope—Marcia needs: Tyson's scared young girlfriend, Sweetie. But as this anguished mother has learned, nothing in life is certain. Not any more.
A beautiful, engrossing novel that illuminates some of the most important and troubling issues of our time, The Mother is a moving portrait of love, tragedy, and survival—and the aftershocks from a momentary act of cruel violence that transforms the lives of everyone it touches.
How could her son be dead? Ryan should have been safe—he wasn’t the kind of boy to find himself on the wrong end of a knife carried by a dangerous young man like Tyson Manley. But as the trial proceeds, Marcia finds her beliefs and assumptions challenged as she learns more about Ryan’s death and Tyson’s life, including his dysfunctional family. She also discovers troubling truths about her own. As the strain of Ryan’s death tests their marriage, Lloydie, her husband, pulls further away, hiding behind a wall of secrets that masks his grief, while Marcia draws closer to her sister, who is becoming her prime confidant.
One person seems to hold the answers—and the hope—Marcia needs: Tyson's scared young girlfriend, Sweetie. But as this anguished mother has learned, nothing in life is certain. Not any more.
A beautiful, engrossing novel that illuminates some of the most important and troubling issues of our time, The Mother is a moving portrait of love, tragedy, and survival—and the aftershocks from a momentary act of cruel violence that transforms the lives of everyone it touches.
What is most amazing about this novel is the emotion and power that is portrayed simply by words. The reader is given the opportunity to experience the day to day life of a mother who has to attempt to make sense of a senseless murder. If I had children there is no way that I would be able to go through and maintain a level of sanity that Marcia does in an attempt to understand and relieve some answers.
I think what troubled me the most about the novel was the fact that Marcia's husband basically checked out. It's understandable considering the circumstances; however, it was difficult to read. As a result Marcia is forced to go to court by herself and find redemption and answers by herself. I think that in a time when a mother loses her child she shouldn't have to face the experience alone and it was particularly difficult for me to read those parts.
The most beautiful aspect of this novel is definitely Marcia coming full circle and understanding that a senseless murder has a deeper story behind it. It doesn't change the pain or the hurt associated with losing a child; however, I think that Marcia gets some type of closure from being confused to understanding maybe why the other boy felt the motive or initiative to murder her son.
What I can say is that this book packs an emotionally punch and is definitely well-written to be under 300 pages. Edwards captures the pain and confusion so well that it draws the reader in and better allows them to connect with the characters. I definitely recommend this novel, but be prepared for an emotional journey of love, loss, and redemption.
Yvvette Edwards, the author of the highly praised A Cupboard Full of Coats, has lived in London all her life. She resides in the East End and is married with three daughters and a stepson. The Mother is her second novel.
As the mom of a young teenage boy this book terrifies me. I want to read it and yet I'm sure it will tear my heart out.
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