OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tragic Renewal" by Marlina Williams.]

“Get a Life”. How can three simple words change the course of a person’s life? Harper shows us how, in Tragic Renewal, a book in the romance genre by Marlina Williams.

Harper’s marriage was dead long before she finally parted ways with her ex-husband, Scott. She receives the worst farewell gift, when Scott informs her that the woman he left Harper for, is going to make him a father; a duty which Harper could not fulfill in twenty years of their marriage. This bitter reminder of her three miscarriages, which spelt doom for their marriage, emotionally paralyses her. Harper did not imagine that things could get any worse, until her only support in the world, her best friend, Cara, dies in a car crash. Not even left with a shoulder to cry on now, Harper is dependent on pills and alcohol to get through her day. However, life has something else in store for her, when Harper finds out that Cara has named her as the sole beneficiary in her will. Harper decides to take a chance on life and relocates to Cara’s farm, hoping to live Cara’s dream in her memory. Her recovery is helped with the presence of her neighbors, Noah and his four year old son, Grayson. Will Harper succeed in her second shot at happiness or will her ugly past reclaim her?

The strongest asset of this book is its characterization. The author has provided the reader with multi-dimensional, flesh-and-blood characters, who are intriguing and believable at the same time. Years of emotional abuse and manipulation, has contributed to Harper’s negative attitude towards life, building in her mind a mental block against change and revival. The author’s portrayal of Harper’s listlessness and vulnerability is impressive. Small instances like stacking up her shopping trolley with all sorts of junk she doesn’t need, only to cover up the sleeping pills and wine hidden underneath, are acute evidences of Harper’s despondency. Harper’s magnetic attachment with Grayson, fueled by the loss of her unborn children, is heartwarming.

Apart from the central character, the emotions and motivations of the secondary characters like Cara, Noah, or Scott are also expressed quite well. What impressed me the most, was the sketching of the main negative character, Scott. His character is a complex mix of sadism, delusion, and yet, an almost painful love for a long-awaited son. I liked the how the author is able to maintain the balance between the contradictory traits tell the very end of the book.

The basic plotline of regaining hold over one’s life and making a fresh start isn’t new, but simple and somewhat movie-like scenes give the story a refreshing flavor. Taking an impression of a scrawled message and carrying it around, to give one inspiration at times of need, is just one of the many examples. The author’s writing style is uncomplicated, and relies a tad too much on metaphors and vivid descriptions to prod on the reader’s imagination, though it isn’t a distracting annoyance.

What did irritate me was the half-baked editing, since there were quite a few technical errors which could have been easily avoided. Apart from these drawbacks, the novel makes for an engaging read. I rate it 3 out of 4 stars.

******
Tragic Renewal
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like ananya92's review? Post a comment saying so!

Nice review! The premise of the story sounds like every wife's worst nightmare - a husband leaves his wife and then tells her his new girlfriend is pregnant. Adding to the pain is that the wife can't carry a baby to term. Sounds like a real page turner!

Thanks

That sounds like an interesting book. I would be very much interested about how Harper was able to pick herself up and get herself a life.

Seems like an emotionally involving book. Good review!

Thank you!