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A review by ryner
Tell the Rest by Lucy Jane Bledsoe
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
As a teenager Delia was sent away one summer to an anti-gay, conversion therapy camp, an overwhelmingly traumatizing experience. Now, many years later, after having been let go from her position as head coach for a college basketball team, Delia returns to her childhood home in Oregon to coach her old high school team. But coming home will also mean facing people, events, places and emotions from the past.
I was skeptical for the first chapter or two, because I initially detected more "tell" than "show" in the narrative and grew concerned. However, Bledsoe soon found her stride, and by mid-point I was fully engrossed. There is a fair amount of pain and trauma, but there are an equal number of moments of hope and inspiration. Religious bigots may have an abysmal record for successful conversions, but they certainly reign undefeated in cruelty.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
I was skeptical for the first chapter or two, because I initially detected more "tell" than "show" in the narrative and grew concerned. However, Bledsoe soon found her stride, and by mid-point I was fully engrossed. There is a fair amount of pain and trauma, but there are an equal number of moments of hope and inspiration. Religious bigots may have an abysmal record for successful conversions, but they certainly reign undefeated in cruelty.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.