Publication Date: 5th June 2012
Pages: 336
Book Source: Penguin Group & NetGalley
Synopsis: Clare Burke’s life took a devastating turn when
she tried to protect her sister, Anne, from an abusive and controlling husband
and ended up serving prison time for assault. The verdict largely hinged on
Anne’s defense of her spouse—all lies—and the sisters have been estranged ever
since. Nearly twenty years later, Clare is living a quiet life in Manhattan as
an urban birder and nature blogger, when her niece, Grit, turns up on her
doorstep.
The two long for a relationship with each
other, but they’ll have to dig deep into their family’s difficult past in order
to build one. Together they face the wounds inflicted by Anne and find in their
new connection a place of healing. When Clare begins to suspect her sister
might be in New York, she and her niece hold out hope for a long-awaited
reunion with her.
A riveting story about women and the primal, tangled family ties that
bind them together.
My Thoughts:
An overwhelming sense of suffocation and misery, had me thinking I wouldn't be able to finish this story, it made me angry and sad, it made my heart hurt and it also brought up some unpleasant memories. I managed to finish Little Night by putting on my big girl pants and stepping straight into the wreckage.
Anne's married aoxygen bandit controlling, abusive, narcissistic man who does little to hide his true character from others and her younger sister Clare has paid a steep price for trying to protect her sister and children; 2 years in prison. I couldn't help wishing that Clare had done a better job, knocked Frederick's head off rather than just denting it, he sure deserved it.
I didn't like Anne and I had trouble summoning empathy for her (makes me feel guilty just putting that in writing.) I understood the isolation and fear, the erosion of self esteem, the walking on eggshells, the loss of self but Anne's pretentious and superior attitude made it difficult to feel for her. But my heart broke for Anne's children, Grit and Gilly. It's difficult to stomach 'seeming' complacency in the face of emotional and physical torment, especially when children are involved.
The only lightness in Little Night comes via the descriptions of bird watching in Central Park. I guess there's an element of hope in the story - it's nice to see Clare finally come alive with the promise of a relationship with her niece Grit, up until that point Clare's pretty much hidden from life and happiness. Grit saved the story for me but overall this is a dark, depressing, train wreck of a read.
Anne's married a
I didn't like Anne and I had trouble summoning empathy for her (makes me feel guilty just putting that in writing.) I understood the isolation and fear, the erosion of self esteem, the walking on eggshells, the loss of self but Anne's pretentious and superior attitude made it difficult to feel for her. But my heart broke for Anne's children, Grit and Gilly. It's difficult to stomach 'seeming' complacency in the face of emotional and physical torment, especially when children are involved.
The only lightness in Little Night comes via the descriptions of bird watching in Central Park. I guess there's an element of hope in the story - it's nice to see Clare finally come alive with the promise of a relationship with her niece Grit, up until that point Clare's pretty much hidden from life and happiness. Grit saved the story for me but overall this is a dark, depressing, train wreck of a read.
I like how you stated about putting on your big girl pants and jumping into the wreckage. I'm hesitant to read it only because of your thoughts about Anne. I could see how she would be a hindrance to the whole story. I'm glad though that you made it through the book.
ReplyDeleteAnne did my head in Staci, she was extremely unlikeable and I usually have a lot of empathy for people in these type situations.
DeleteThis sounds so good! I wonder how I never heard about this book. It would be interesting to read for me, just for the character of Anne - this reminds me of Tina Turner's autobiography (the domestic abuse case I know the most about) and how she too suffered from huge self-esteem problems that surely contributed to the situation. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI've read a number of novels focused on domestic abuse, none quite like this one. I'll be interested to see what you think.
DeleteBummer that this didn't turn out to well.... the synopsis sounds good!!
ReplyDeletecheck out some other reviews Julie, it was sort of good, just not for me lol
DeleteThis does sound like a terribly painful book, especially since it triggers awful memories for you. (((Hugs))) Thanks for the thoughtful review. I am both intrigued and put off by the idea of reading this novel.
ReplyDeleteI had similar feelings Stephanie, probably should have ignored the feeling drawing me to this one ;)
DeleteI read a few Luanne Rice books years aso and really liked them. I'm not sure I'd like this one but I never hesitate to recommend her.
ReplyDeletethis was my first Luanne Rice (what an initiation) ... any suggestions on what to try next?
DeleteI lived in this kind of wreckage (as a career social worker), so you'd think I'd avoid these kinds of books. Instead, I am drawn to them...go figure.
ReplyDeleteI can see that I'll be furious with Anne...a lot. And poor Clare. And already I'm trying to rearrange their lives in my mind so they can do better...lol
Thanks for sharing....
LOL yes I can see with your experience you'd want to do some 'rearranging' :)
DeleteA good review but I think I will pass on this book. I could see how Anne would frustrate the reader because even though logically we can understand how submissive someone can get in that situation (I am not sure submissive is the right word here but I will go with it for now) to then not be grateful at all for what your sister has done? I have known people in that situation and while they felt powerless and were fearfull they were greatful for help any help.
ReplyDeleteHope you get what I am trying to say. Hard to focus with my little guy trying to bury his cars under my legs, sheesh.
Anyway I am on a bit of a sad book ban at the moment so I will not be too worried about missing out on this one.
Yeah I think I need to do the same Caspette, ban depressing books for a while ;)
DeleteI understand exactly what you mean, I've come out of an abusive marriage where I felt powerless but I still put my children first and managed to seek help. Anne acted so superior, it was hard to be sympathetic towards her.