The Mother by Yvvette Edwards

Out in Paperback, 9 February 2017

“A provoctive and timely novel about an emotionally desolated mother’s struggle to understand her teenage son’s death and her search for meaning and hope in the wake of incomprehensible loss.”

Description

Today, Marcia is heading to the Old Bailey. She’s going there to do something no mother should ever have to do: attend the trial of the boy accused of her son’s murder.

She’s not meant to be that woman; Ryan, her son, wasn’t that kind of boy. But Tyson Manley is that kind of boy and, as his trial unfolds, it becomes clear that Marcia’s greatest hope for closure lies with Manley’s girlfriend, Sweetie. But can Sweetie be trusted?

Review

I was given this book for my birthday and wasn’t sure it was my kind of story, even though I am a fan of crime fiction. This book isn’t quite that genre. It is about a mother, Marcie, who is attending the trial of  17 year old Tyson accused of murdering her son Ryan, 16 years old. So not about finding the murderer rather will he be found guilty? Indeed, more than that it is about the aftermath of a murder. The consequences of actions that result in a violent death of a teenage boy. The guilt, not of those responsible for the killing, but of those not responsible who feel they are. The coping, or not coping, when someone you loved has been taken from you. Violently, suddenly and for what reason…… Why? That’s what Marcie wants to know. Will there be a resolution, will it be the one Marcie hopes for?

This book in it’s quiet telling of this harrowing story is very much worth reading. I am glad I added it to my 10 books of Summer reading list, I am glad I took the time to read it, I hope you do to.

Rating:  4.5* Highly recommended

Information

Yvvette Edwards lives in London. The Mother is her second novel. Her first novel, A Cupboard Full of Coats, was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Commonwealth Book Prize.

ISBN 978 1 4472 9454 2

Publisher: http://www.panmacmillan.com