Monday 29 April 2013

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

17568548
Mama says no matter how poor folks are, whether you’re a have, a have-not or a break your mama’s back on the crack in between, the world gives away the best stuff on the cheap.  Like the way the white-hot mornin’ light dances in diamonds across the surface of our creek.
Pages – 298
Published by Indigo on the 2nd May 2013
Goodreads Summary
A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen-year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey's younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and the girls are found by their father, a stranger, and taken to re-enter the "normal" life of school, clothes and boys.
Now, Carey must come to terms with the truth of why their mother spirited them away ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won't let her go ... a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn't spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.
*******
It’s hard to put into words, how I feel about this book. It really rocked my emotions to the core. A few days after finishing it, it stills plays heavily with my thoughts. If Carey and Jenessa were real people, I would have to write to them to show how much their story touched me. The characters are that realistic, representing every child who has suffered  some form of abuse in the world. My heart aches when I think about the girls and how many children have been through similar experiences.
I don’t want to go into too much detail about the book because I really think you need to go into with your eyes wide open, your ears ready to listen and your heart ready to welcome these wonderful children into your life.  The harsh reality of this book will take your breath away. The strength of friendships and family bonds will restore it.
Carey’s voice is very authentic from the start, expressing her opinions in  a voice of a neglected child. She has a  hardness about her, that loosely covers the innocent child within. She had to do what was right. She had to make decisions that would keep her six year old sister Jenessa safe. Between them they hide secrets that will affect the rest of their lives and by the end of the book you are aware of what they have really been through. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there is  sequel that will show what happens when the truth is truly free.
Carey and Jenessa have a lot to deal with  as their world changes beyond recognition, yet they face each new situation with courage and honesty. They quickly learn about life and your heart bursts like a proud parent.
The writing is beautiful and poignant. I can’t believe this is Emily Murdoch’s first book. She has created a book that will be passed from hand to hand. Word will quickly spread about the awesomeness of this book.  I will certainly be making the people around me read it. If you read one book this year, make it this one. 
This book has the emotional pull of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and the harsh reality of Room by Emma Donoghue and The Bunker Diaries by Kevin Brooks. A life affirming read that highlights the parallel between the good and the bad in  everyone’s life.

1 comment:

Hiya, thanks for stopping by, it is always nice to hear what you have to say, so do leave a comment if you have time.