Shattered Embrace by P.R. Newton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Permit to say from the outset that is one of the most emotional books I have read this year, and there were portions that were extremely difficult to read. I have never participated in an adoption on any level, but I have heard portions of various horror stories. This takes those stories to the nth degree. There are no bedroom scenes in the book, but there are medical descriptions that will be potentially upsetting. Profanity exists in this book, but I barely noticed it due to the amazing story and the way in which P.R. Newton wrote it. There is no doubt in my mind that this story is written using first hand knowledge (the author has one adopted child). I was not appropriately prepared for the way this book would affect me, and it behooves me to make sure that readers are.

In addition to what has been mentioned above, the style in which the book is written is absolute genius. Most of the chapters go back and forth between the parents in Canada and the baby/toddler in Ethiopia. The chapters from Bethlehem’s perspective are generally short, poignant, and immeasurably insightful. It is as though the author somehow peered into the little one’s soul and put into her words what the child herself could never describe.

Tory was the character with whom I identified. I hadn’t planned to do so, but I believe her personality and mine are similar. When she blamed herself for being a bad mother, I found myself empathizing with her in an almost uncharacteristic way. Again, I have never adopted a child, but I know how I used to struggle with those feelings concerning my own daughter. I have my own set of “demons” that are nothing compared to Tory’s or Bethlehem’s. This book took me on a journey that was painfully exhilarating. Definitely worth the read.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

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