When Red is Blue |
Written by Administrator | |||
Book Review Sabrynne McLains autobiographical memoir/novel when Red is Blue is exciting and hart-felt. Her descriptive style makes readers feel they are with her in each scene as the author details encounters of her growing up as a bright young person, managing a mother with chronic long term paranoid schizophrenia and an alcoholic father. The readers feelings are wrenched at the reality of a young persons struggle to care for a mother with severe mental illness, while a well-meaning mental health system, professionals and authorities are unable to successfully contribute anything of tangible value. The story is gripping on every level. Sabrynne has lived a colourful life with her friends, her lovers, her work, and the tragic reality of her experiences. She vividly describes family events; student years; her work in a strip club; and her mothers immersion in the depths of madness in a country town, functioning somehow -who knows how-? Sabrynnes story culminates with an almost comical account. Having described the love between the family-despite their difficulties-she broaches the death of her parents. Her mother was eventually found dead behind a church in the snow by police after a desperately long search. Sabrynnes sorrow is eventually tempered by the inept endeavours of her estranged aunt and uncles to belatedly manage the situation and funerals. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. It finds a happy ending in the authors retention of sanity and the drive to go on with her life to face new challenges; a revelation of Sybrynnes special resilience. It is with much pleasure this publication is awarded the NNAAMI Trophy Award Mr Paul Mckillop (This book is recommended for adult reading) Available now at Amazon
|