What do you think?
Rate this book
Rose's Will
Acid-tongued matriarch, Rose D'Orsi, manages to snag the unconditional love of a wise, compassionate millionaire from the senior center. Eli's love, however, doesn't reduce Rose's need for complete submission to her will, or at least a damn convincing facade, as evidenced by Ricky, her 40-year-old people-pleasing son. Unlike her guilt-ridden resentful younger brother, authentic Brooklyn-born Glory D'Orsi believes that meaningful relationships are a two-way street, and that love means surmounting differences, not concealing them. Who's right? And does it really matter after Rose develops a terminal illness and there's so little time left? Ricky and Glory confront their own choices and each other when they grapple with the question: How much are we willing to disown in exchange for parental love and approval, and how do the consequences shape our lives?
- GenresFiction
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2011
4 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Denise DeSio
1 book21 followersDenise DeSio spent her first 40 years in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Phoenix in 1993, but she still considers herself a New Yorker. She graduated magna cum laude with a BA from Brooklyn College and took a full Masters course in English Literature. Denise is a member of the Arizona Author's Association and a past recipient of the notable Soroptimist Award for her essay writing. Rose's Will, her debut novel, has elicited unanimous 5-star reviews on Amazon.
For the past 6 years, Denise has turned her attention to editing, her dream job.
Denise has two wonderful adult children, who miraculously thrived despite her parenting.
When she's not writing, reading, glued to the computer or belting one out on the karaoke machine, she's addicted to puttering. She admits that calling a repair person feels like a personal failure, so most likely you'll find a pile of nuts and bolts formally known as a household appliance on her workbench.
Tidbits:
~ She hates to drive so her 22 year old Ford ZX2 has only 70K miles on it. UPDATE: Bought a used 2012 Mazda in 2021
~ She is currently on a mission to search the internet for every single person she's ever met.
~ Roller coasters make her vomit.
~ She sheepishly shares a birthday with Howard Stern!
~ She passionately misses Six Feet Under.
~ Don't, really, don't lie to her.
For the past 6 years, Denise has turned her attention to editing, her dream job.
Denise has two wonderful adult children, who miraculously thrived despite her parenting.
When she's not writing, reading, glued to the computer or belting one out on the karaoke machine, she's addicted to puttering. She admits that calling a repair person feels like a personal failure, so most likely you'll find a pile of nuts and bolts formally known as a household appliance on her workbench.
Tidbits:
~ She hates to drive so her 22 year old Ford ZX2 has only 70K miles on it. UPDATE: Bought a used 2012 Mazda in 2021
~ She is currently on a mission to search the internet for every single person she's ever met.
~ Roller coasters make her vomit.
~ She sheepishly shares a birthday with Howard Stern!
~ She passionately misses Six Feet Under.
~ Don't, really, don't lie to her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 18, 2011
It has been a long time since a book affected me in such a profound way. Rose's Will took me on a beautiful rollercoaster ride of raw human emotion, and I went from smiling one minute, to laughing out loud, and finally sobbing my eyes out. DeSio captures the very essence of dramatic family life and unravels some interesting truths about the family dynamic that most people would prefer to turn a blind eye to.
The book is told through three POV's which all centre round Rose D'Orsi, the family matriarch and tyrant. Each character is so well-written and defined that it wasn't difficult connecting with them.
Glory, Rose's daughter, whose continued efforts to gain her mother's approval puts more of a strain on their already weakened relationship. Her behaviour, although very much justified, had me at times wondering about her own stubborn intolerance for her mother.
Ricky, Glory's younger brother. His loyalty to Rose has left him bitter and self-righteous. He loves his sister very much but, always the one to pick up the pieces, Ricky's disdain for Glory becomes clearer as the book draws to an end.
My favorite character was Eli, a soft spoken, compassionate soul, always searching for the good in people. Eli's view of Rose is a full 180 to her childrens'. Rose's feistiness and garish behaviour excited him, and he was very much the yin to her yang.
In the end, the story offers a wonderful twist that left a smile on my lips for hours after I had finished reading it.
It was a great pleasure reading Rose's Will and I look forward to more amazing stories penned by Denise DeSio.
The book is told through three POV's which all centre round Rose D'Orsi, the family matriarch and tyrant. Each character is so well-written and defined that it wasn't difficult connecting with them.
Glory, Rose's daughter, whose continued efforts to gain her mother's approval puts more of a strain on their already weakened relationship. Her behaviour, although very much justified, had me at times wondering about her own stubborn intolerance for her mother.
Ricky, Glory's younger brother. His loyalty to Rose has left him bitter and self-righteous. He loves his sister very much but, always the one to pick up the pieces, Ricky's disdain for Glory becomes clearer as the book draws to an end.
My favorite character was Eli, a soft spoken, compassionate soul, always searching for the good in people. Eli's view of Rose is a full 180 to her childrens'. Rose's feistiness and garish behaviour excited him, and he was very much the yin to her yang.
In the end, the story offers a wonderful twist that left a smile on my lips for hours after I had finished reading it.
It was a great pleasure reading Rose's Will and I look forward to more amazing stories penned by Denise DeSio.
February 5, 2012
Rose's Will is one of those books that takes you fully into the world the author has constructed. Even while viewing that world from three different pairs of eyes, the reader is in it. Rose D'Orsi is an ignorant and bigoted Brooklyn born woman who manages to manipulate those near her via her unflinching narcisism. Glory, Rose's daughter, struggles to maintain her own personhood and authenticity in the face of Rose's will. Richie, Glory's brother, takes a more passive role and pays the price of conforming to his mother's expectations. Eli, a holocaust survivor manages to love Rose. Is that love a victory of moral triumph (unconditional love) or a victory of denial? This novel doesn't pull the punches that land on Glory's young body, thrown by the bitterly divorced Rose. And it tells the tale for many of us who have grieved the parent they wish they had in the face of our inability to love those who actually gave us life.
Rose's Will is a fast paced novel that will leave the reader hung in the book's after glow wondering how they would have reacted to the events of this telling of a 9/11 story, the device the author employs to impart the final lesson, that we must all wade through the character of others and decide who we shall love and how we shall love them.
Rose's Will is a fast paced novel that will leave the reader hung in the book's after glow wondering how they would have reacted to the events of this telling of a 9/11 story, the device the author employs to impart the final lesson, that we must all wade through the character of others and decide who we shall love and how we shall love them.
October 17, 2011
This is a fantastic debut novel that carefully balances wit with messy family drama
The chapters are divided into three points of view and DiSio created three believable characters. Glory, Ricky, and Eli are complete full fledged people that come to life the moment they step off the page. I enjoyed seeing some of the same scenes from all three points of view. The reader immediately empathizes and understands them.
The secondary characters were also wonderful--especially the Aunties. I enjoyed how Glory, Ricky, or Eli's perspective of them and their actions were completely different.
The chapters are divided into three points of view and DiSio created three believable characters. Glory, Ricky, and Eli are complete full fledged people that come to life the moment they step off the page. I enjoyed seeing some of the same scenes from all three points of view. The reader immediately empathizes and understands them.
The secondary characters were also wonderful--especially the Aunties. I enjoyed how Glory, Ricky, or Eli's perspective of them and their actions were completely different.
March 13, 2012
Just finished this book tonight and wow! THE ENDING! WOW! I'm not going to give it away, but the ending was spectacular. I love this little old man, Eli, and I was fascinated by the story of how he found something to love in Rose, a person who did everything she could do to inspire hate. Well, maybe "hate" is too strong a word. But maybe not.
Rose's Will is a great story about learning how to love difficult people in difficult circumstances. Highly recommended.
Rose's Will is a great story about learning how to love difficult people in difficult circumstances. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2012
Review of Rose's Will
I was given a copy of the book by the author to read to to provide her with an honest review. It took me two days in between work and training and house-keeping to finish it. Some books grab you from the word go and by the second paragraph in the book I was hooked by the words that the author strung into such beautiful sentences. There is word to describe that ability: wordsmith.
I am not one to give endless synopses of books. In short the story deals with a woman, Glory, who has to deal with an extremely painful childhood and who, despite horrendous abuse, tries to reconcile with her aging and belligerent mother, Rose. Her mother is still in denial and this leads to a series of confrontations between mother and daughter. Add to that Rose's hostility towards her daughter's lesbian relationship and you have an extremely volatile situation.
There are no car chases, no murder that needs to be solved...what there is is a brutally honest narration of dysfunctional relationships. Years of abuse left its mark on everyone, including on the brother Ricky. While Glory chose to leave the house, he chose to stay and look after Rose and he still resents Glory for leaving him to take care of Rose.
It is easy to paint characters in a story like this as either good/the victim or bad/the aggressor. The author side-steps this brilliantly and instead of a one -dimensional child abuser, you have Rose who struggles with her own inner demons. And her boyfriend Eli's narration is used as the voice of reason. Like Cicero that he is so fond of quoting, he is the one that approaches life logically. He brings out Rose as she was before the trauma ---the caring, laughing, jovial woman who is fond of dancing and whose laughter filled the canals of Venice.
But this is a multi-layered story. What is striking is that everyone knows that Glory was abused and neglected but still they remain apologetic. As if they are trying to by either trivialising events or by furnishing reasons for the mothers erratic behaviour eradicate the past. This in itself, instead of alleviating the pain of the victim, causes more trauma as it appears as if they do not understand what the person went through. Then the self-doubt returns: Maybe if I acted differently I could have avoided the abuse and the pain. But that of course is a fallacy, you cannot expect of a child to somehow, by behaving differently, stop the avalanche of abuse.
So Glory is not only fighting her painful memories, she is also fighting for the right to be heard, the right to be believed.
In the end, Glory finds solace in the stories of Eli of a mother that was happy, content and caring. He shows her the other face of the monster who brought her up.
The book is an emotional tale and the author's layering of perspectives is wonderful. It is seldom that a book with such a theme is such a page turner. The author also manages not to turn it into a sulking, melodramatic "O woe is me" book.
This has been one of the best and most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. I can't wait for the second one.
I was given a copy of the book by the author to read to to provide her with an honest review. It took me two days in between work and training and house-keeping to finish it. Some books grab you from the word go and by the second paragraph in the book I was hooked by the words that the author strung into such beautiful sentences. There is word to describe that ability: wordsmith.
I am not one to give endless synopses of books. In short the story deals with a woman, Glory, who has to deal with an extremely painful childhood and who, despite horrendous abuse, tries to reconcile with her aging and belligerent mother, Rose. Her mother is still in denial and this leads to a series of confrontations between mother and daughter. Add to that Rose's hostility towards her daughter's lesbian relationship and you have an extremely volatile situation.
There are no car chases, no murder that needs to be solved...what there is is a brutally honest narration of dysfunctional relationships. Years of abuse left its mark on everyone, including on the brother Ricky. While Glory chose to leave the house, he chose to stay and look after Rose and he still resents Glory for leaving him to take care of Rose.
It is easy to paint characters in a story like this as either good/the victim or bad/the aggressor. The author side-steps this brilliantly and instead of a one -dimensional child abuser, you have Rose who struggles with her own inner demons. And her boyfriend Eli's narration is used as the voice of reason. Like Cicero that he is so fond of quoting, he is the one that approaches life logically. He brings out Rose as she was before the trauma ---the caring, laughing, jovial woman who is fond of dancing and whose laughter filled the canals of Venice.
But this is a multi-layered story. What is striking is that everyone knows that Glory was abused and neglected but still they remain apologetic. As if they are trying to by either trivialising events or by furnishing reasons for the mothers erratic behaviour eradicate the past. This in itself, instead of alleviating the pain of the victim, causes more trauma as it appears as if they do not understand what the person went through. Then the self-doubt returns: Maybe if I acted differently I could have avoided the abuse and the pain. But that of course is a fallacy, you cannot expect of a child to somehow, by behaving differently, stop the avalanche of abuse.
So Glory is not only fighting her painful memories, she is also fighting for the right to be heard, the right to be believed.
In the end, Glory finds solace in the stories of Eli of a mother that was happy, content and caring. He shows her the other face of the monster who brought her up.
The book is an emotional tale and the author's layering of perspectives is wonderful. It is seldom that a book with such a theme is such a page turner. The author also manages not to turn it into a sulking, melodramatic "O woe is me" book.
This has been one of the best and most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. I can't wait for the second one.
March 26, 2012
"Small children are such wonderful creatures. Everything that they are is on the outside. I never have to use my inner eye to see inside of them. At what point do we turn ourselves outside in?"
--Eli Fineman
That is my favorite and most apropos quote of this story. Rose's Will by Denise DeSio. A tale of two siblings, one overbearing abusive mother and the man who loved her.
Eli Fineman is a refined, educated Bulgarian Holocaust survivor who was in love with a brassy, opinionated, larger-than-life, never wrong Italian from Brooklyn named Rose. He saw things in her that her family was never able to see due to his perception of her and who she created herself to be for him. He had an unconditional love for his Rose and she for him and together they were due piselli in un baccello--two peas in a pod.
Glory and Ricky―Rose's children both shared a kinship in sadness over their tumultuous childhood. The children's father left them early in life to get away from Rose's irrational temper. Glory, the oldest, left a bad situation to live a good one with her partner Claire, only to be haunted by the absence of her mother's love and disapproval of her life choices. Ricky, the obedient son, took the abuse and overbearing and intrusive nature of his mother head on as his life's purpose with much regret and resentment for his sister who was able to take the road better traveled; never admitting to himself that he too had that choice.
Rose's Will is a story of how this dysfunctional family came together when tragedy struck speaking in the different points of view of Eli, Glory and Ricky showing how their lives intertwined.
This story was both riveting and emotional. You can see that Denise cared a great deal for all her characters larger than life and small. Not to mention the heart-wrenching emotion of very tragic real life story that took place during this journey.
This was a beautiful portrayal of love, loss, forgiveness and a very wise, charming old man that lived by the words of Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. I absolutely loved this story it had many aspects that speak to my upbringing and I was able to relate personally which doesn't happen often when reading a story by a complete stranger.
--Eli Fineman
That is my favorite and most apropos quote of this story. Rose's Will by Denise DeSio. A tale of two siblings, one overbearing abusive mother and the man who loved her.
Eli Fineman is a refined, educated Bulgarian Holocaust survivor who was in love with a brassy, opinionated, larger-than-life, never wrong Italian from Brooklyn named Rose. He saw things in her that her family was never able to see due to his perception of her and who she created herself to be for him. He had an unconditional love for his Rose and she for him and together they were due piselli in un baccello--two peas in a pod.
Glory and Ricky―Rose's children both shared a kinship in sadness over their tumultuous childhood. The children's father left them early in life to get away from Rose's irrational temper. Glory, the oldest, left a bad situation to live a good one with her partner Claire, only to be haunted by the absence of her mother's love and disapproval of her life choices. Ricky, the obedient son, took the abuse and overbearing and intrusive nature of his mother head on as his life's purpose with much regret and resentment for his sister who was able to take the road better traveled; never admitting to himself that he too had that choice.
Rose's Will is a story of how this dysfunctional family came together when tragedy struck speaking in the different points of view of Eli, Glory and Ricky showing how their lives intertwined.
This story was both riveting and emotional. You can see that Denise cared a great deal for all her characters larger than life and small. Not to mention the heart-wrenching emotion of very tragic real life story that took place during this journey.
This was a beautiful portrayal of love, loss, forgiveness and a very wise, charming old man that lived by the words of Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. I absolutely loved this story it had many aspects that speak to my upbringing and I was able to relate personally which doesn't happen often when reading a story by a complete stranger.
April 3, 2012
I think the word 'poignant' gets thrown around a lot with books, but this one really is. It will affect you deeply, make you laugh, and break your heart.
It only took me a few pages to fall in love with this book. DeSio masterfully crafts the emotionally charged language, precise and often understated. Even if you grew up in the picture-perfect family (but who has?), you'll find something to touch your heart in this book. The story follows Gloria, Ricky, and their family of flawed, complex characters as they lose their mother Rose, a woman who puts the ass in passive-aggressive. The characters really make this story, and DeSio has a rare gift for vivid and flawless characterization.
She reminds us that we are all the sum of our experiences, flaws, and heart's desires, We're people who want nothing more than to be accepted for who we are, but often reinvent ourselves based on the person on the other side of the exchange. The characters in this novel are just that - people who truly believe they're doing the right thing, and doing the best they can, even if their actions seem selfish or silly to those not in their shoes.
The world is equally vivid, and the plot takes some unexpected turns that keep the reader guessing, while keeping all the trappings of literary fiction. DeSio has a gift for dialogue - you'd never know the exchanges in this book were fiction.
I wept openly twice while reading this book, and laughed more times than I can count, which is a rare task. I also had to fight actual knots in my stomach during the particularly painful parts. Despite this novel's debut status, its effect could only come from the type of seasoned pro DeSio clearly is. I certainly hope DeSio continues to crank out books this beautiful and gut-wrenching for a long time to come. It's one of the best things I've read in a long time, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
It only took me a few pages to fall in love with this book. DeSio masterfully crafts the emotionally charged language, precise and often understated. Even if you grew up in the picture-perfect family (but who has?), you'll find something to touch your heart in this book. The story follows Gloria, Ricky, and their family of flawed, complex characters as they lose their mother Rose, a woman who puts the ass in passive-aggressive. The characters really make this story, and DeSio has a rare gift for vivid and flawless characterization.
She reminds us that we are all the sum of our experiences, flaws, and heart's desires, We're people who want nothing more than to be accepted for who we are, but often reinvent ourselves based on the person on the other side of the exchange. The characters in this novel are just that - people who truly believe they're doing the right thing, and doing the best they can, even if their actions seem selfish or silly to those not in their shoes.
The world is equally vivid, and the plot takes some unexpected turns that keep the reader guessing, while keeping all the trappings of literary fiction. DeSio has a gift for dialogue - you'd never know the exchanges in this book were fiction.
I wept openly twice while reading this book, and laughed more times than I can count, which is a rare task. I also had to fight actual knots in my stomach during the particularly painful parts. Despite this novel's debut status, its effect could only come from the type of seasoned pro DeSio clearly is. I certainly hope DeSio continues to crank out books this beautiful and gut-wrenching for a long time to come. It's one of the best things I've read in a long time, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
March 27, 2012
Rose’s Will by Denise DeSio is a stunningly well-crafted novel. Ms. DeSio delivers literary strikes, rarely missing home plate. Rose’s Will has received outstanding reviews which are mini-synopses. To avoid redundancy and the tedious nature of authors of playing intellectual tennis, my review will only address the literary merits of this spellbinding family drama.
For range of effect, philosophical weight, variety of characters, originality of style, humor and tragic intensity, DeSio's work captures these skillfully.
This is a must read that explores the pain of estrangement between a mother and daughter. The author makes her characters' struggles universal by spotlighting our unreasonable demands for acceptance, approval and love (unreasonable only to the one demanded upon).
Rarely has the human drama for acceptance been accomplished without being spoiled by exasperating Hallmark moments. DeSio meets this challenge with her sardonic wit.
Rose’s Will is bold, authentic and most importantly, profoundly moving. The difference between a good book and a very good book is that the latter leaves the reader changed and entertained in the process.
Jeri Estes
Stilettos and Steel
January 5, 2021
A great read very insightful with humor and sadness mixed in
Time well spent reading this book and extremely forthright
in it’s entirety I strongly recommend Rose’s Will to anyone looking at the different maturations of life and it’s complexities
Time well spent reading this book and extremely forthright
in it’s entirety I strongly recommend Rose’s Will to anyone looking at the different maturations of life and it’s complexities
January 26, 2016
Rose's Will
By Denise DeSio
Rose’s Will by Denise DeSio is incredibly frustrating, wonderful and utterly engaging. Everyone comes from a range of different families, but do you come from a family interesting enough to write a book about? Rose's Will is exactly that. The analysis that all great stories revolve around a strong central character rings true in Rose’s Will as DeSio tells the story of her life with a unique style. DeSio does a superb job developing rich characters from Eli the holocaust survivor, and Richie her brother that really anchors the story. She cleverly gave each of her characters a voice that is with the exception of the main character, her mother, Rose.
The story gives a glimpse of the confusion and terror experienced by Glory growing up as Rose's daughter. Rose, the matriarch of the family suffers from depression. Glory's father leaves the family just as Glory enters pre-adolescence. The father's departure leaves Glory exposed to an onslaught of abuse by her mother, such as isolation, humiliation and trying to make her feel worthless.
Now as Glory faces that her mother was approaching death, she was torn about yet another effort at reconciliation. Should she visit and perhaps forgive her mother, or protect herself and live with a sense of guilt, however unjustified. The rawness of emotions grips the reader from the very first page and it's a page turner to the very end.
This book is brilliant, impressive like no other and flawlessly written. It leaves the reader wanting for more. A must read!
MCB
By Denise DeSio
Rose’s Will by Denise DeSio is incredibly frustrating, wonderful and utterly engaging. Everyone comes from a range of different families, but do you come from a family interesting enough to write a book about? Rose's Will is exactly that. The analysis that all great stories revolve around a strong central character rings true in Rose’s Will as DeSio tells the story of her life with a unique style. DeSio does a superb job developing rich characters from Eli the holocaust survivor, and Richie her brother that really anchors the story. She cleverly gave each of her characters a voice that is with the exception of the main character, her mother, Rose.
The story gives a glimpse of the confusion and terror experienced by Glory growing up as Rose's daughter. Rose, the matriarch of the family suffers from depression. Glory's father leaves the family just as Glory enters pre-adolescence. The father's departure leaves Glory exposed to an onslaught of abuse by her mother, such as isolation, humiliation and trying to make her feel worthless.
Now as Glory faces that her mother was approaching death, she was torn about yet another effort at reconciliation. Should she visit and perhaps forgive her mother, or protect herself and live with a sense of guilt, however unjustified. The rawness of emotions grips the reader from the very first page and it's a page turner to the very end.
This book is brilliant, impressive like no other and flawlessly written. It leaves the reader wanting for more. A must read!
MCB
January 16, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Rose’s Will, a book that is heart-wrenching and intriguing all the way through. Denise DeSio is a skilled writer and has a firm grasp on human nature.
Throughout the novel, we get to know three different characters, and through them we also get to know Rose D’Orsi, who is loved, hated and, arguably, misunderstood by those closest to her.
The book begins toward the end of Rose’s life, and as we pick up with the three main characters in present time, we learn what decisions and events in the past have led to all of them knowing a completely different version of Rose. She has alienated her daughter, manipulated her son, and captured the heart of a man who goes to her senior center.
When Rose dies, a mystery surrounding her will starts to unfold. And while the matriarch’s family is disjointed before her death, what she leaves in her absence threatens to destroy them for good.
DeSio has created a character-driven family thriller, as those who know Rose best discover they may not have known her at all, and their worlds teeter on the verge of collapsing around them.
Rose’s Will is a quick read with great character development. DeSio is a natural writer, who seems to get what makes people tick and the kind of love that’s needed to keep us going. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting and fast-paced family drama.
Throughout the novel, we get to know three different characters, and through them we also get to know Rose D’Orsi, who is loved, hated and, arguably, misunderstood by those closest to her.
The book begins toward the end of Rose’s life, and as we pick up with the three main characters in present time, we learn what decisions and events in the past have led to all of them knowing a completely different version of Rose. She has alienated her daughter, manipulated her son, and captured the heart of a man who goes to her senior center.
When Rose dies, a mystery surrounding her will starts to unfold. And while the matriarch’s family is disjointed before her death, what she leaves in her absence threatens to destroy them for good.
DeSio has created a character-driven family thriller, as those who know Rose best discover they may not have known her at all, and their worlds teeter on the verge of collapsing around them.
Rose’s Will is a quick read with great character development. DeSio is a natural writer, who seems to get what makes people tick and the kind of love that’s needed to keep us going. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting and fast-paced family drama.
May 4, 2012
I had some reservations about reading this book. I knew the book would touch on issues that are hard for me to read about.
I wanted to excuse Rose's dominating, abusive control over her children because she was definitely emotionally disturbed, but I couldn't.
Glory was the shining light for me in the story, like a lighthouse guiding me to safety.
Ricky had my contempt at first. By the end of the story I just felt sadness for his missed opportunities.
Eli warmed my heart with his unwavering love for Rose. He enabled me to see her as a human being instead of a tyrant.
Rose infuriated me. I could not understand how a person could go so far astray. She had no motherly qualities and filled me with so much anxiety.
The authors use of different points of view made the story feel a little disjointed, which I feel complimented it. The tension I felt as I read was relieved by well placed humor to lighten the emotional turmoil.
Denise DeSio's first novel deals with an extremely difficult situation and she tackles it like a pro. It was good therapy for me and I am glad I read it.
I wanted to excuse Rose's dominating, abusive control over her children because she was definitely emotionally disturbed, but I couldn't.
Glory was the shining light for me in the story, like a lighthouse guiding me to safety.
Ricky had my contempt at first. By the end of the story I just felt sadness for his missed opportunities.
Eli warmed my heart with his unwavering love for Rose. He enabled me to see her as a human being instead of a tyrant.
Rose infuriated me. I could not understand how a person could go so far astray. She had no motherly qualities and filled me with so much anxiety.
The authors use of different points of view made the story feel a little disjointed, which I feel complimented it. The tension I felt as I read was relieved by well placed humor to lighten the emotional turmoil.
Denise DeSio's first novel deals with an extremely difficult situation and she tackles it like a pro. It was good therapy for me and I am glad I read it.
June 10, 2012
A family drama , about a pair of brother & sister come to term w/ their deceased, abusive mother & each other, in the backdrop of 9/11. I got it for free from author giveaway. I like how Eli quotes Aurelius and Cicero, the sarcasm of Gloria, and how some characters are capable of both wonderful and horrible things.
Read
April 15, 2013[T]his is a well-told story and any of the three main characters could be its hero. That is a major accomplishment for a first-time novelist. Add to that the humor and the gift for language, and DeSio is a writer to watch in years to come.
http://lesbrary.com/2011/12/03/guest-...
http://lesbrary.com/2011/12/03/guest-...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews