Naseem Rakha
Fiction
What: Murder, forgiveness, death row, grief, lossWho: Irene (mother), Nate (father), Bliss (daughter), Shep (son), Carol (Irene's sister), Daniel (murderer), Mason (executioner/prison superintendant), Jeff (Bliss' ex-boyfriend)
Where: Southern Illinois and Oregon
When: 1983-2004
How story transpires: Nate moves his family from Illinois to Oregon for a reason that is not told until the end. He tells the family it's because of a new job for him as deputy sheriff. Son Shep is murdered at their home and Daniel Robbin is convicted and put on death row. Unable to get over her anger and grief, Irene chooses to correspond with Daniel without her family's knowledge. When a date is set for Daniel's execution, Irene fights to save him, especially when she finds out why and how Shep was really killed.
Why I liked/didn't like: I liked every bit of it. Other reviewers said they didn't like the twist the author put in - the why and how Shep was really killed - but I did; I thought it added excitement. The characters were believable, Irene's grief and anger was powerful, the differences in the way Irene and Nate handled their son's death was honest and real, and I loved how Mason's tragic upbringing was brought into the story. I liked that the author was able to make the story sad but not depressing.
Who else reviewed: The Book Zombie, A Novel Menagerie, The Eclectic Reader, The Book Lady's Blog
What else by author: None
Where to find him/her: NaseemRakha.com
Why I chose: I'd seen this on other blogs. The name of the book and the cover were intriguing to me.
Where I got: Library
When I read: 3/11/10
How I rated: 4 Stars (Enjoyed It)
8 comments:
Loved this book! I didn't really think it was depressing either. Sad, yes but extremely well done especially for a debut novel.
This one has been on my meaning to read list for a while. Glad to see you and Kaye enjoyed it.
Sounds like a good one. I am definitely intrigued by the twist.
Sounds like an interesting book! Off to check it out! Nice review!
wow..i've read other people reviews and they also have mix reviews on this. but, i will definitely go for this one.just like my kind of read. great review lynne!
This being my first look at this book I am blown away. This is to be right up my alley, and after your great review, I have to check it out.
You really had me in the what section.
Hi all, thanks for commenting! I think even the reviewers who didn't like the twist still enjoyed the book. If the murder, forgiveness, death row, grief topics grab you, I think this book's for you :)
Oh Lynne this one sounds interesting!
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