Split by Swati Avasthi

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 94/100 or A
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

Split is one of those books that gives you chills as you are reading it. Split focuses on the before and after of abuse, which I have never seen before. Jace's story horrified and captivated me at the same time. Jace was such a strong character and I felt so sad with each flashback that was revealed. I can't ever imagine a father doing that to his son and it broken my heart. The plot was very slow at the beginning, but it quickly gained momentum and became a fast and addicting read. Avasthi's debut was an emotional roller coaster. She created such strong emotional responses as you read this book. I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible. It was just so engaging and hopeful.