I started One Split Second by Caroline Bond before my dad died and it's taken a long time for me to get it finished, not because I wasn't enjoying reading it, just for the reasons mentioned above. It was definitely worth the effort though.
"When a car carrying five friends home from a party crashes into a wall, the consequences are devastating - not just for the young people directly involved, but also for their families and the wider community.
No one escapes unscathed, but some are more deeply scarred than others. Those affected are left to question who was to blame for the accident, and what price they will pay.
This moving story of an accident and its aftermath explores our understanding of love and loyalty, grief and forgiveness."
I found this a moving and sad story, not least because our family has suffered such a similar tragedy. My cousin's daughter was killed in a very similar car crash when she was travelling in a car with friends on a night out. I've witnessed first hand what devastation an incident such as this can cause, how lives can be torn apart for ever, and I think the author has dealt with the subject matter well and with compassion. The book explores the effect of the crash on different characters and it's very believable.
The course of so many people's lives can change in just one split second. I'd definitely recommend this book.
This sounds like a really good read Jo thank you for the review, I'll have to look it up. xx
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for my next book to read so thanks for the recommendation. I have almost finished 'Where the Crawdads Sing' and give it 5 stars. 💖
ReplyDeleteI've added this book to my list - one of my neighbours also experienced a similar tragedy with one of her sons and, even though we are not related or even that close, that incident evokes such fear when I think of my kids as they approach driving age.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo. Adding that book to my reading list. Sorry you haven't been able to concentrate. I have had similar times when life is so much "in my mind" that it is hard to think beyond that. Hope you are doing okay....xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised you have not been able to read Jo. You are absolutely right that when the mind is really full we cannot take anything else in. I am so glad to hear that you have been able to read a little bit and a book that you really enjoyed that makes such a different doesn't it. It sounds like a good one, thank you for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to concentrate on any reading for a good few weeks, although I have picked up some books recently from the charity shop so have some in store for when i'm in the mood again. I try not to read books along the family tragedy line just because I'm a worry wort.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've found time to read and relax a bit.
ReplyDeleteI'll see if the library have it. It sounds quite a emotional read.
ReplyDeleteI remember that brain fog Jo, in my case it was more like a thick pea soup! I used to stare at words and know I recognised them individually but by the time I got to the bottom of a paragraph I could not tell you what I’d just read.
ReplyDeleteMy advice (not that you need it) would be to shift to reading really fluffy stuff (aga-saga type things if you can bear them) and believe that eventually this will pass. But in its own time - sadly cannot be rushed. take care, xx 💚💐
I agree with Crimson, Jo, that it's good you managed to relax and read for a while. I talk a lot about how my garden is getting me through these troubled times, but I should also give credit to some of the absorbing books I've read lately. Thank goodness for my garden and my Kindle. Thinking of you. P.x
ReplyDeleteOh, I knew a group of kids who all suffered a simlar story. Thinking of you as your fresh grief is a struggle. You are loved by us all!
ReplyDeleteThe subject of the book sounds like a sad one, but meaningful when you can relate to it. I'm glad that you found a book that you could concentrate on and relax a little as you go through this difficult time. xxL
ReplyDeleteI can quite understand you not being able to read and concentrate at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound a very good book though, thanks for the review.
Take care, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
I know what you mean about not being able to read, I have had those staring at words moments. This does sound like a good read.xxx
ReplyDeleteThe mind only has room for so much. You're dealing with so much it's not surprising that concentration levels are low. It'll pass.
ReplyDeleteTake care Jo
xx