Friday 5 September 2014

Book review : Who Are You? - Elizabeth Forbes


Juliet is a victim of domestic violence. But her husband Alex is an ex-soldier suffering from PTSD. Who Are You? is a book that makes you question guilt and innocence and even right and wrong. Is it Alex's fault? Should Juliet be more understanding? Does she purposely wind him up or is he just over sensitive? Is Alex a hero or a villain?

The book throws up new levels of questioning. Both Juliet and Alex suffered abuse as children. Is this just "the sins of the fathers" coming back for another round or is that a cop-out? Who's to blame? Is it nature or nurture?

Neither of them are blameless, but does it even matter in the end? Is a happy ending ever going to possible and if so, for who? Is Alex's final decision an act of cowardice or great courage? Should he be condemned or ultimately hailed as a hero?

I came away from the book with a whole lot of questions but no answers. It's a very poignant, moving read and I couldn't help but think they were all victims on some level. It certainly makes you look at army wives differently, considering them almost as heroic as their husbands. But the final question I asked myself was whether the army actually had anything to do with it or whether the outcome would have been the same anyway.

It's a book that leaves you with plenty of food for thought, long after you've turned the final page.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £7.99

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Cutting Edge Press (1 July 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1908122730
  • ISBN-13: 978-1908122735
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm


Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book.

Other reviews you may be interested in :

Book review : The Pink Suit - Nicole Mary Kelby

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