Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Returning Injury by Becky Due

7 years ago Rebecca was physically assaulted by a man named Roy. She was left with damage to one ear and emotional scars to last a lifetime. Through counseling and a positive support network, Rebecca makes conscious choices to not only improve her life but also serve others who have been in an abusive relationship.

Told in third person, the story flashes from present day to past tense easily, giving the reader a glimpse of Rebecca's journey. With her husband out of town, Rebecca has time to reflect on her current work and her life experiences, making connections. All the while she is cognizant that Roy has been released from prison recently.

Dark, stormy night, alone in a big house all by herself except for her dog who has never been potty trained, the foreboding atmosphere of impending doom is palpable, if not contrived. Will Roy show up while her husband is gone, during a dark, windy, and scary night? 

I liked having Rebecca being a strong role model for those who have been in abusive relationships. I found her strength refreshing. It is also indicated that it didn't come easily. The author provides incredibly sound and useful information and research for the reader regarding prostitution, sexual abuse, pornography, and other uncomfortable subjects.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't like the story. It seemed extraneous and didn't engage me. Rebecca's character muses over the relationship of both sets of grandparents, her mother, her father and herself but it didn't go anywhere. I also didn't see the significance of the dog and the coyotes.

Though I didn't think the story was as well developed, I was exceedingly impressed with the research done on the subjects regarding women's issues, abuse of all forms, pornography and prostitution. I would highly recommend the book to any person struggling with any of the aforementioned issues.

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