You may have seen me review a few books for the Legend 100 book club since the beginning of the year and today I have another review for you. Today’s book is The Wacky Man by Lyn G. Farrell which is published on the 2nd of May. You can find it on Goodreads here and order it via the picture below {affiliate link}
My new shrink asks me, ‘What things do you remember about being very young?’
It’s like looking into a murky river, I say. Memories flash near the surface like fish coming up for flies. The past peeps out, startles me, and then is gone . . .
Amanda secludes herself in her bedroom, no longer willing to face the outside world. Gradually, she pieces together the story of her life: her brothers have had to abandon her, her mother scarcely talks to her, and the Wacky Man could return any day to burn the house down. Just like he promised. As her family disintegrates, Amanda hopes for a better future, a way out from the violence and fear that has consumed her childhood. But can she cling to her sanity, before insanity itself is her only means of escape?
I seem to be reading the more heartbreaking, gut wrenching tales of late. This tale isn’t for the faint hearted. It tells the story of Amanda and her painful upbringing. With a father who took out his anger on his children and Amanda continuing to carry the emotional damage from that time, it is harrowing to read all about Amanda’s childhood and why now she refuses to leave her room with her mother and therapist having to speak to her from outside her door.
Reading all about what Amanda endured is enough to turn anyone’s stomach but the way the author has written this novel means you want to read on, perhaps in hope of some sort of closure or hope for Amanda’s future. The author has managed to weave a tale that has you completely immersed, completely on side with Amanda and her trauma and living it with her. I would never have guessed this was the author’s debut novel if I wasn’t told. This book is raw, its unsettling but its brilliant. Definitely worth checking out.
Book sent for purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions my own.