The Guilty One by Sophie Littlefield Book Review
It is hard to even fathom how people cope with a tragic loss, the public media frenzy, and the aftermath. In this new release I reviewed, you get to see first hand how one simple act can impact a families forever. Check out this gripping read from a very talented author.
The Guilty One by Sophie Littlefield
Publisher: Gallery Books (August 11, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1476757834
From the award-winning author of The Missing Place—in which “Littlefield’s writing shines” (The Boston Globe)—another gripping exploration of the damage people can do to each other, and the resilience they find in themselves.
A man stands on the Golden Gate Bridge, poised to jump…if a woman on the other end of the phone tells him to.
Maris’s safe suburban world was shattered the day her daughter was found murdered, presumably at the hands of the young woman’s boyfriend. Her marriage crumbling, her routine shattered, Maris walks away from her pampered life as a Bay Area mom the day she receives a call from Ron, father of her daughter’s killer. Wracked with guilt over his son’s actions (and his own possible contribution to them), he asks Maris a single question: should he jump?
With a man’s life in her hands, Maris must decide, perhaps for the first time, what she truly wants. Retribution? Forgiveness? Or something more? Having lost everything, she’s finally free to recreate herself without the confining labels of “wife,” “mother,” or “mourner.” But will this shocking offer free her, or destroy her?
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My Thoughts: It is amazing what the mind can do for you when you are faced with such damaging loss such as the death of a child. This book contains a difficult subject for certain, but the storyline is unique and fresh.
When picking up a book like this, you expect the heavy hearts. The depressing subject matter. The emotional toll on the reader. But the author created a book that also brings healing, a fresh outlook, and even some forgiveness.
I have to admit, I has hesitant to review this title. After all the subject matter is tough. But I am so glad that I read this book. The author offers an amazing, gripping, emotional, story about a parents worst nightmare that is so worth the read. The characters are damaged for sure. How do you even move on from a tragedy like this – especially when it impacts several families? While you are expecting the crushing feelings, you also get some of the light at the end of the tunnel.
People are strong and resilient. The author’s depth into a human emotional field and actions is amazing. This book is refreshing in so many ways. The beginning is crushing and very deep. It sucked me in completely. There are twists and turns and some surprises up until the end. While it is not a thriller or a suspense read, the author sprinkled in plenty of lighthearted moments, good feelings, and created an complex read on how these characters came back to life that I could not put down. I read this in one afternoon!
This quote keeps popping into my head when thinking about this book, as it fits so perfectly:
“We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” Ernest Hemingway
This is an impactful read for sure and one that you have to check out! Sophie Littlefield is a very talented writer and one to watch!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.