When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells is an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving an irrational, warring suburban family during the 1950s and 60s. The narrative is told from Lucia’s perspective as the second child where she and her siblings are caught in the middle of a lifelong war between her mother, Ruth, an overbearing, unhappy homemaker, and her father, Leonard, a manipulative, sometimes violent New York City cop. Lucia is the silent, thoughtful eyewitness to her parents’ constant and sometimes life-threatening battle.

The story is told as a memoir; each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her siblings. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman, she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.

This timeless story of one woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it is powerfully and poignantly told.

I wasn’t sure what to think when I picked up this book, but I will tell you this…I’m wondering if there is going to be another book!  The story of Lucia’s life from birth to about 22 fascinated me.  She lived during the depression when she was younger and what her family went through just to survive.  Her story was one that could have been anyone’s story from that time frame and I think that is what drew me in…it could have been one of my grandparents or another family member.  I thought Susan wove the story well and it affected all of my emotions, from happiness to sadness and even anger at times.

Overall I give this book 4 paws and am hoping that the author is writing another book to follow this one to continue Lucia’s life because we definitely only get a taste of what her life was like!

If you would like an e-book copy you can enter the Rafflecopter Contest by clicking on the link below:

I am also giving away the copy of the book I received to review.  This contest is open to US Residents only (sorry, book is too heavy for me to ship overseas!) and the contest will close on Sunday, November 25th.  Just fill out the form below for a chance to win.