Review ~ Broken Branches by M. Jonathan Lee

Hideaway Fall
July 2017

What's it all about ..

'Family curses don't exist. Sure, some families seem to suffer more pain than others, but a curse? An actual curse? I don't think so.'

A family tragedy was the catalyst for Ian Perkins to return to the isolated cottage with his wife and young son. But now they are back, it seems yet more grief might befall the family.

There is still time to act, but that means Ian must face the uncomfortable truth about his past. And in doing so, he must uncover the truth behind the supposed family curse.

What did I think about it...

When Ian Perkins moves back into Cobweb Cottage which was once his family home, it opens up festering scars which have been hidden for years. Ian is a deeply troubled young man, obsessed by the idea that a family curse is destroying his peace of mind, and he is determined to delve into his complicated family history in order to discover more about the blight which seems to affect his family.

The author writes well and has infused into the narrative a real sense of sadness which seems to last throughout the whole of the story. I’m struggling to say more as I’m conscious of not giving the plot away which would ruin everything. But the story opens up the debate about the deeply troubling effect of mental health issues within a family, of the difficulties within a marriage which sometimes go far beyond the ordinary, and when the possibilities of saving someone seems an, almost, impossible task.

There's a real element of disquiet about the story, which looks at the disintegration of a family, about the cruelty of living with profound grief, and of how sorrow can manifest itself in unusual behaviour. I had great sympathy for the Perkins' family who seem to be struggling with issues far beyond their control.

All I can say is the dénouement when it comes is profoundly sad, and left me considering the outcome of the story for quite a while afterwards.

Best Read With...a mug of strong, dark coffee...

More about the author can be found on his website

Follow on Twitter @MJonathanLee #BrokenBranches @HideawayFall

My thanks to Sarah at Hideway Fall for my review copy of Broken Branches and also for  the opportunity to be involved in the launch of a new and exciting publishing house.

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