In the Absence of Miracles
Ratings2
Average rating3.5
"John Docherty's mother has just been taken into a nursing home following a massive stroke and she's unlikely to be able to live independently again. For in a box, in the attic, he finds undeniable truth that he had a brother who disappeared when he himself was only a toddler. A brother no one ever mentioned. A brother he knew absolutely nothing about. A discovery that sets John on a journey from which he may never recover. For sometimes in that space where memory should reside there is nothing but silence, smoke and ash. And in the absence of truth, in the absence of a miracle, we turn to prayer. And to violence. "--Provided by publisher.
Reviews
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The theme of this book is dark, uncomfortable and often upsetting, unfortunately some of the dialogue between the characters is toe curlingly awful, especially in the first half of the book. 2 stars, just ok.
Once in a while a book comes along that affects you emotionally, and you need a little bit of time to think about what you just read, and how you are going to review it. In the Absence of Miracles is just such a book.
Michael J Malone has written a book that is equal parts dark, disturbing and heartbreaking. What started out as a simple tale of a missing brother, morphed into a story of abuse; the revelations of said abuse make for uncomfortable reading.
At the start of the book I didn't like the protagonist, John Docherty. As the story unfolded, I felt a deep sadness for him and the child he once was.
This is the second book this year, that has had me cry for the protagonist, and both books shared the same dark theme.
The fact that this book got under my skin is testament to Michael J Malone's skills as an emotive writer.
