The Devil Within

by Lauren Greene

When nine-year old William loses most of his family in a car accident, he is left alone with a religious zealot of a father. As a result of his father's abuse, William blames himself for his family's death and becomes convinced the devil is leading him astray. The backdrop of life in a rural Alabama town in the 1960's sets the tumultuous scene as William struggles to cope in a world no child should have to face on his own. Will William be saved or will he succumb to the devil within?

158 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2015

About the author

I grew up in Alabama. I said I'd never come back to Alabama. Here I am, in Alabama. I've been writing since I could hold a pen, and now I've decided to share it with the world.

1/31/15, my book, "No Turning Back" will be available on Amazon.

You can check out my blog and Wattpad for news about my writing.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard to read for me. Not because the writing has bad, because that was wonderful. But because of the subject matter. I suggest that you have tissues handy, you'll need them. It's such a wonderful book, full of hope and despair, and you root for William so hard. I am so glad that I read this book, even though it deals with topics that I am not comfortable with.

[Kay Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. I was impressed with the subject matter and how well it was written. My heart ached for William and all that he went through. By the end I was in tears. Great book and very well written.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Within is the story of Will (William), who at the tender age of nine, is trying to come to terms with the loss of his mom, sister and brother. Not only is he having to come to terms with their loss he also has to try and deal with the physical and mental abuse that his father has started since their deaths.

Obviously none of us know how we would deal with the loss of loved ones but to have nearly all your family wiped out must be devastating. Will's dad can't comprehend the loss and you can see how much he is struggling with bringing Will up on his own. Even though I certainly don't condone what he does to his son, there are moments that I did feel sorry for him for what he was going through and beating himself up about what he is doing to his son.

Will, I found to be quite a strong boy who has had to grow up very quickly. It makes him become a lot more grown up yet at times he is so vulnerable and I just wanted to reach into the book and hug him.

To be honest the first three quarters of the novel I found to be an okay read but wasn't really gripped by it, but as the level of abuse that Will has to endure starts to really come to a head, I was an absolute emotional wreck. I really had to fight the tears that were forcing their way out from my eyes, and I well and truly lost.

I think the story really came to life at this point as it really started to hit home just what poor Will was going through and the uncertainty of his future. The ending for me was done really well and to be honest it actually felt at the end that I had just read a novel of non fiction than one of fiction.

The Devil Within was a bit of a late bloomer but in the end it really shone out and would certainly recommend reading it.

[Elizabeth Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the tragic death of his mother and siblings, young William is left in the care of his abusive father, who uses religion to justify his brutal behavior. William’s extended family is his solace, however, they can only do so much to keep him safe.

The Devil Within made me weep from beginning to end. I wanted to climb into the book and save young William from his horrific life. With each page, I hoped for someone to come along and take William out of his situation. Greene’s prose is both emotional and simply heart wrenching. The novel is a stinging commentary on fundamental Christianity and the twisting of scripture to justify abuse.

[Laura Pinks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow such a roller coaster of emotions.
I felt every punch poor Will received and felt every ounce of pain, both physical and emotional, he struggled with.
I was so relieved this story had a happy ending as I was starting to question if it would have as the story progressed. He was offered a get out from the abuse on more than one occasion but always seemed to hide himself further away. I actually thought the end of the story would be him getting to go and be with his mum, brother and sister.
Very well written and definitely tugs on your heart strings.

[Elaine Plourde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly a sad and heart breaking book. I can't imagine what was going on in that poor little boys mind. I'm glad the system stepped in and didn't give custody to the aunt and uncle because they should have reported the dad after the first incident. I'm glad he finally found peace and love at the end.

[Liz Zard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the writing and the characters. Very well written and interesting content. Made me tear up at one point!