Patty Akriel WROTE ON AMAZON: I write the title of this review as a question, because before reading the sequel to the Set Up (Redemption), there was no way in my understanding of causing by one’s own direct actions, the death of one’s own child that can be redeemed. The story is narrated convincingly as Macy whose child is murdered begins to fall apart mentally, emotionally and spiritually. During her grieving, she reaches a stage of denial that transports her away from her life, her mind and she returns to her own story with nothing more than acceptance, sporadically entertaining thoughts of suicide. This process makes the story very believable and where I initially resented her for an almost unforgivable act – allowing years of un-checked & systematic erosion of herself, the character is redeemed to me the reader at this time when she begins to take responsibility for her choices. When she becomes angry again at the “unfairness” and cruelty of her son’s death at this time, she seeks out ways to heal herself through the support of friends and family. The group of women illustrated in Redemption all unveil stories of their own, which endorses their characters but mostly their understanding of supporting each other and building the bond of friendships. I did not for once hope for a forever after ending where Macy reconciles with her husband as I believe that Jim her narcissistic husband, has set believes and behaviour ingrained in his psyche, which would only be unleashed and destructive in the long term. The story is indicative of so many women who blindly succumb to the fairy tale of “happy ever after”, releasing and finally loosing their own essence as women and human beings. I am left believing firmly that we teach people how to treat us, as the character of Macy stepped into this life, never questioning her role, and lulling herself into a false sense of happy. The author throughout tells a story of the “trappings” of marriage and relationships which could take place any where in the world, experienced by any cultural group. #TheSetUpNovel #Redemption

The Set Up

The Set Up