Synopsis
Between the fast-paced New York City, a rural Mississippi town and a charming Pennsylvania college campus filled with secrets, two young girls learn the consequences of growing up too quickly.
Amalia Graeme, abused by her mother for most of her life, longs to escape her desolate hometown and fall in love. Contemplating her loss of innocence and conflicting feelings between her boyfriend and the dangerous attraction she’s developed for an older man, Amalia faces life-altering tragedies.
Brianna Porter, a sassy, angst-ridden teenager raised in New York City, yearns to find her life’s true purpose, conquer her fear of abandonment, and interpret an intimidating desire for her best friend, Shanelle. Desperate to find the father whom her mother refuses to reveal, Brianna accidentally finds out a shocking truth about her missing parent.
Set in alternating chapters two decades apart, the parallels between their lives and the unavoidable collision that is bound to happen is revealed. FATHER FIGURE is an emotional story filled with mystery, romance, and suspense.
Father Figure by James J. Cudney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Father figure starts of dramatically and continues with many sad and disturbing revelations until the heart-warming conclusion.
This is a tale full of heart with dual stories of Amalia and Brianna working side-by-side to reveal intricate connections that are truly remarkable to read.
I was particularly drawn to the sad narrative of Amalia and her life in Mississipi Brant with her controlling mother Janet and spineless father Peter who loves Amalia but can’t stand up to Janet. Yet Amalia loves him nevertheless.
Brianna doesn’t want to stay in New York and goes to Woodland to study. Her mother Molly is not pleased. It seems that both Brianna and Amalia want to escape their home towns to discover themselves and explore new possibilities.
Amalia’s story becomes more and more engaging as I continued to read about her poor, unfortunate life and the dreadful things that happen to her and her family.
There are many lighter moments too. I enjoyed the character of Brianna and her best friend Shanelle and the uncertainties conveyed about Brianna’s uncertainty about her sexuality and her life in general, as she has never had that all important guiding father figure.
But ‘blood,’ fathers are not necessarily flawless, or kind, and might even be wicked people. This tale explores fatherhood in all its shades and how secrets held can cause terrible shocking worries, and conflict.
Throughout the narrative one overarching question remains: fatherhood and the care freely given or withheld by those who should love you. This is conveyed in both the story of Brianna who doesn’t know who her father is and Amalia who does but is estranged from him due to circumstances and misfortune.
It’s a exceptionally clever story and the way James Cudney links the two women’s lives in an amazing reveal is brilliant.
There are exciting, witty, and heartfelt as well as shocking passages with disturbing content which might be triggering for some women. It’s a long story but well worth sticking with it to discover the revelations of who Brianna’s father is and what happened to Amalia.
Definitely a favourite of mine.
I listened to in audiobook. Narrator did a great job too.
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Hi Marje, Father Figure sounds a fascinating read. My sort of book, but lately… there seem to be several ‘corkers’ around. I’ll definitely put it on my list though. A good review.Thank you. Hugs xx
Hi Joy, my pleasure. I’m reading so many great books too! Glad to hear. Hugs. xx
Excellent review, MJ. It sounds like a suspenseful and emotional read.
That it is. I enjoyed it so much, Priscilla. 🙂
Marje,
I’m grateful for this wonderful review. You make the book sound amazing, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. Thank you!
J
My pleasure James I love writing reviews for books I enjoy. 🙂
A terrific balanced review Marje for the book.. I have read several books by James and he always creates interesting characters. xx
Yes, he does. He writes great characters and family tales as well as murder mysteries. 🙂
A great review of Jay´s book.
Thank you Darlene. <3 x
Great review, Marje. You capture the gist of the story so well. This my the first book of Jay’s that I read and I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
My pleasure Diana. 🙂
HI Marje, a lovely review of Jay’s book. This one is my absolute favourite of his books. Have a great weekend.
Yes, one of mine too, Robbie. Really enjoyed. <3