Split by Swati AvasthiJace's father has always been physically abusive. His older brother Christian got out by running away. Before that Christian did his best to take the hits meant for their mother. When Christian left Jace stepped into his brother's place as target.
The novel opens with 16 yr old Jace being kicked out by his father for fighting back. With no where else to go he's drive 19 hours straight from Chicago to Albuquerque where Christian lives. Jace hasn't seen or talked to his brother in five years.
I've heard very good things about Split all year. So I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. Jace was a well drawn out character. Jace and Christian both love there mother but she won't leave. Christian came to terms with, their mother's decision years ago. Not Jace, he's still wondering why?
At the same time Jace must comes to terms with looking like his father and having his temper. Jace fears he will turn into his father. When the two brothers meet again it isn't an instant connection. Though, eventually Jace begins again in Albuquerque.
One of the many things I loved about Split, there are no easy answers. There is hope and possibility at the end but no guarantees. I have much respect for an author who refuses to patch everything up nice and neat at the end.
Read an excerpt
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1 comment:
Great book! I assigned the book to 14 college freshmen in a seminar course this fall. They loved it! We were amazed at how real and complex the characters were and by the intensity of the situations in which Jace found himself. I truly look forward to reading more of Avasthi's work in the future.
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