Seven-year-old Lucy Campbell is keeping a secret and suffering the consequences. Her father dismisses her recurring nightmares, believing they are just a childhood phase. Lucy's troubles spill into the daytime when she interacts with decedent images she calls Wonders. Her frustrated mother punishes her for lying, but Lucy knows the entities she sees are real. Only one person knows the trauma the child has suffered and he isn't talking. Lucy's turmoil extends into the classroom when the bully's taunts exacerbates her bizarre behavior. Miss Harding is alarmed at her formerly timid student's unpredictable outbursts. The teacher's efforts to seek help for the little girl are hindered when Lucy commits a horrific offense. Will Lucy receive the treatment she so desperately needs? Or is it already too late?
It takes a strong person to write about some of the horrors in this world, but it takes an even more talented writer to make you want to read about them; Dawn Taylor did just that. The content in Something’s Not Right With Lucy can make the book somewhat of a struggle to get through if you are triggered by the subject. However, the subject matter is something that I feel we (humanity) fail to realize happens all around us on a daily basis. I am glad that Dawn had the courage to help bring this awareness to light. The fluidity of the writing captures the heartbreaking emotion that Lucy endures; you feel her pain and struggle with her throughout the story. The twists and turns that Dawn wrote into the story are not only perfectly placed, but also kept me wondering how Lucy was going to jump the next hurdle. Lucy’s story hits home slightly, so I wasn’t even planning on reading it. After some thinking, however, I decided that I would, simply to learn from a more seasoned writer. Not only did I learn from Dawn, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and highly recommend the book. I am looking forward to reading her next book Unraveled Ties which picks up 20 years later, and is scheduled to be released in November.
This was a very tough depressing read. The abuse this young girl goes through is terrible and the lack of intervening adults was frustrating. I understand the situation this girl was in is too often a reality for real children in the world. But I did struggle with the idea that EVERY adult that came in to Lucy’s life was either a sexual predator or was so obsessed with their problems that they overlooked the needs of this innocent child. And for a school district to allow the principal to move on to an ELEMENTARY school after finding child porno in his office. I want to believe that our school system is better than that. I don’t think I would ever recommend this book to anyone.
Something's Not Right With Lucy is a dark and disturbing story that was hard to read at times because of the subject matter and graphic descriptions. It left me feeling heartbroken for Lucy and angry knowing that her story is reality for many children who fall through the cracks. I was left wishing there had been at least one character who had cared enough to champion her.
To put it simply, I do not think this is a book to be liked. The subject matter doesn’t allow for it.
It is a book, that after reading, you can appreciate.
You can appreciate the depth of the characters, the imagery (Lucy’s way of coping with her abuse) and dialogue. The hellish and grotesque nature of some of the characters (Al, the grandfather, comes to life on the page and will make your skin crawl). And the beauty and simplicity of others. The prose is well written and despite the topic it’s a very easy read.
Some of the imagery is heartbreaking, but beautiful. EX: “She slumped on the floor motionless, like a broken doll discarded by a bored playmate.”
There is an addictive quality to this book that kept me reading, unable to put it down. It’s horrific but you can’t turn away, even though sometimes you may desperately want too. I finished this book in a day.
The story is (I believe) meant to be told from an omniscient POV. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s done to standard as it comes off as ‘head-hopping’ to me. With POV switches that can be jarring to the reader and with other POV’s that I found completely unnecessary; Jenny, Margaret, and others.
For me, I feel the story would have been more powerful told from the POV of Lucy and Daisy, or maybe a few other key POVs’. For adult POV’s, Dan is the only light in a sea of darkness.
There are little issues I’ve found throughout with descriptions or continuity errors. Carol Anne walking her bike, but then crashing it/cutting her foot, Lucy’s sketchbook getting called a tablet threw me off (language/country difference maybe?), Doreen going out to a bar and returning drunk with no time seeming to have passed (maybe a format error/in need of a scene break), Lucy appearing at Daisy’s side after what seems like her mother tossing Daisy into the bed, Lucy having a towel after her bath but looking for another.
I don’t think I’ve read many, if any, books dealing with child abuse that went into detailed description of the act itself. I can’t say I found it necessary and believe it could have been told successfully in a more vague nature.
The ending didn’t sit well with me. I don’t think it’s satisfying in a way a reader would want and I think it could have been a little more powerful on Lucy’s part. That said, it’s really not meant to sit well with a person. It accomplishes it’s goal portraying the harsh realities of the world.
Overall, I think the book can be appreciated (and recommend) for its dark nature, and the terrible truths and messages hidden within its pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I finished this story yesterday and I've waited overnight to write my review which I normally only do if I finish a book so late I can no longer type from tiredness. However, I wanted time to consider what to write and what rating to give the book.
The truth is I'm still unsure.
I read this book as part of a book club so I will say in advance it is not the sort of book I would choose to read normally. I joined the book club to try to get out of my comfort zone with reading; to try something different; oh boy did the first book do that. So much so I even considered choosing not to read it, however, what kind of coward would I be if I stepped back at the first hurdle.
This book made me very uncomfortable (which is what it is supposed to do) from the beginning and whilst I should have been able to finish it in one sitting, after a few chapters I had to put it down as I couldn't read anymore. It took me three sittings with days in between to finish. The subject matter is dark and it goes into detail about what is happening, I've never read a book that has done this with this subject matter and if I'm honest I hope to never have to read one that does it again.
I don't want to give too much away but I would say that you should be prepared to see the dark side of human nature and the depressing reality that some people live in. It makes you value the life you have and cherish the good people you know.
This is why I've struggled with the rating I should give this book. Part of me wants to give it a 1 as I didn't like the subject matter but that would be totally unfair as the book is powerful. So I have to choose between a 3 or 4 star rating. If I'd written the review last night I would have chosen the 3 because whilst I want to give credit where it is due, there were some continuity errors, the book was depressing and I personally prefer more satisfying endings. However, the book made me think and whilst the ending left me unsatisfied I can see why it ended that way and it is in many ways a fitting ending.
In the end, I had to give it 4 stars. Not because I really liked the book (this isn't a book to be liked) but because the story and characters have stayed with me. With the amount I read few books do that, I read and enjoy them in the moment but then I'm on to the next book and the next characters and the old ones are forgotten. It has made me look at life and consider things differently for that if nothing else it deserves 4 stars.
This story is powerful and will tug at your heartstrings, whether you have kids or not. Although the nature of the story makes it difficult to read, I feel that people can learn from it as well.
This story is, unfortunately, true to life. Although the system failed Lucy, I do believe in the system and think that it has progressed immensely since the time setting of this book as it appears to be set in the late 60’s or 70’s (this is my assumption due to the cost of cigarettes and beer purchased in this story — I don’t remember reading a ‘year’ in the story, I may have missed it). Given that, I couldn’t stop reading this book. I thought it was very well written. The characters were true to life and believable. I could visualize each scene, some in more detail than I would have preferred, but that is what made the writing so good (IMO), because it evoked emotions in me that kept me invested in the story.
I will refrain from commenting on most of the characters as I don’t want to post any plot spoilers. What I will say is that I had a strong opinion about them all, most were not good, though they were very well developed and well written.
Of course, my heart was with Lucy and Daisy. All they wanted was to love and be loved. It was sad, but true to life, that a lot of the kids at school bullied them because they were poor, and from the ‘wrong side of town’. But it wasn’t just the kids that treated them this way, most of the adults did, too.
With the kittens, Lucy and Daisy experienced an unconditional shared love, a bond, and trust — the things that were missing from the adults in their lives. My heart broke for them when they were robbed of the one thing that fulfilled their needs.
The physical and mental abuse that Lucy endured with the people who were supposed to love and protect her was emotionally exhausting. Although Lucy was able to find strength in Violet, it wasn’t enough to escape the brutality forced upon her.
I think my heart stopped beating momentarily at the end of the story.
Lucy lives a hard life of a 7-year-old as the punching bag of her mother and living toy of her pedophile grandfather. All she wants is a kitten and peaceful playtime with little sister Daisy. Her father loves her, but struggles in his marriage and financially. School and Social Services fail Lucy.
Taylor does an excellent job showing how each person who could have assisted this little girl had an agenda they prioritized—mom, grandpa, teacher, principal, social worker, and foster parents. She, however, doesn’t fully explore the alternate personality of Violet, who does her best to protect Lucy and can inexplicably access memories of baby Lucy. The timeline is a bit confusing, as the reader sees Lucy being molested by her grandfather at age 7 as though it’s the first incident, but Violet witnesses memories of earlier sexual abuse. There's also no real explanation for Lucy seeing the dead whom she calls "wonders."
The mother Doreen is one-dimensional, actively seeking ways to terrorize her children, while taunting her husband, with no redeemable qualities, merely a couple references as the child of an alcoholic who ended up in foster care as a play for sympathy. The father Dan is more complex, with conflicting emotions driving his behavior, and a sense of desperation with the loss of control over his own family.
Lucy’s story comes across as a worst case scenario, showing every step of the way how every adult who could have improved her life chose instead to focus on their own selfish needs.
I was fortunate to receive this copy from the author in a giveaway.
Dawn Taylor is a fantastic writer. Her style of writing has allowed a significant depth to each character. It is a disturbing read that was at times, difficult to take. I found myself skimming parts as I couldn’t stomach the detail in which Dawn brings to the story. I read the story in a single day as I couldn’t put it down. It left me feeling angry, disgusted and appalled that the depiction in this story could, in fact, be some child’s truth. As a teacher and mother I wanted to climb into the story and give this child the love and affection she needed—give her that one adult who was there for her and not for their own agenda. Throughout the book I found myself cursing at the author for not giving any of the adult characters compassion but by the end it had me thinking that as adults we do sometimes not see the things that are in front of us—especially when it comes to children. All Lucy needed was that one person to really see her and fight for her. The teacher in the story got under my skin and I disliked her as much as Doreen (well maybe not quite as much as I disliked Doreen, but close). Why? Because she knew that something wasn’t right but while she made her reports she didn’t push the authorities, rather, she had the “I did my part” mentality. The story is a lesson for all of us when it comes to children—not just our own. We need to fight for them. Be their voice and never push our concerns to the side.
Something's Not Right With Lucy is heart wrenching story that tells a very much needed story about abuse and the effects it has on children. This is not a feel good story by any means due to the nature of the subject matter. It will leave you angry, frustrated, and heartbroken but it is an absolute must read. Dawn Taylor does an incredible job writing this story and drawing you in from the very first page. I have never felt such a strong connection to a main character as I did with Lucy and Daisy nor have I ever experienced having an emotional response to each character in this book. This book does an amazing job depicting what is wrong in our society and what actions/reason for lack of action leads people into failing those that need them the most. This book has haunted my mind long after reading it. Though a difficult read at times (again due to the subject matter), you will find it very difficult to put down as you will want to know what happens next. I look forward to reading more of Dawn Taylor's work.
I'm sure the previous reviews have said it all. This book is terrifying, horrific, about the poor young girl then slipped between the tracks. I felt sorry for the father, Dan who do to his own abuse as a child, couldn't save the poor girl, Lucy from her hateful mother. I found myself yelling out loud several times at her mother. The woman who cared less about her two girls. I wanted someone to do something, maybe the teacher, maybe the social worker, but they both had their selfish personal agendas. Someone needed to help, but there was no one. I wanted to jump in myself, I could raise that poor girl and a few times while reading, I wanted to help, that is how good the story is, it really drew me into it. It's is one of the best books I have read. There are a couple of scenes that were graphic, but also needed to be told, her writing is that good, the two scenes in question were repulsive, however needed to be written and told. This is not a pretty book, but a beautiful one.
I found Something’s Not Right With Lucy an extremely hard read due to the subject. Taylor’s writing draws you in, even when the graphic descriptions make you want to put it down. Taylor’s ability to create realistic characters will make your experience a range of thoughts and feelings. While I felt hatred for the mother and grandfather I hoped the father would be Lucy’s saving grace.
This is a book that you cannot say you’ve enjoyed or like, but it is a book that leaves you wondering if you are doing everything you can for the children around you. Knowing that there are children being ignored and failed by the system is heartbreaking and I think while this isn’t a pleasant story it is one that is a must read.
This novel is worthy of a five-star review. Great characters, great storyline, but will admit it's not for the faint of heart, and a very moving theme. Something's Not Right with Lucy is a powerful read. I felt so bad for Lucy, for having such a terrible upbringing. It brought me to tears where I had to put the book down for a few minutes. When an author can write something so brilliantly that the emotions stay with me for sometime after you know it's well written. I won't go into any detail on the actual plot because I don't want to spoil any of it, but I highly recommend this.
I read this book in one sitting. Riveting and intense, the writing is seamless and gripping. Detailed painted scenes create vivid atmospheres. The imagery is potent and sometimes disturbing. The narrative reminded me strongly of powerful books such as Go Ask Alice, Sybil, or Carrie, recounting the progressive abuse, tragic circumstances, and their effect upon a fragile, hopeful psyche. This is a powerful book, and I highly recommend it.
This is more than a book. This is an experience. This is a bound and gagged, forced to witness everything happening with no control, horrifying experience. I have never despised a character more than before reading Dawn’s book. And I have never felt so helpless. It has to be said that the content of this book portrays issues that are all too real; and all too prevalent in this day and age. It is a hard pill to swallow … and not a little pink one.
Dawn Taylor's prose flows effortlessly. She has created a world so real, I felt like I was with Lucy through every trauma, wishing I could protect her. Something’s Not Right With Lucy is the kind of book I search for and rarely find—the kind that doesn't pull punches and forces the reader to dive in heart first. I can’t wait to read Dawn's next release.
Wow. This book is so difficult to read, not because of the writing, the writing is wonderful, but the subject matter is devastating. My heart was repeatedly broken over how adults kept letting this child down. this book grabbed my heart and didn't let go. I highly recommend, just know, it will tear your heart out.
I don't know if saying I enjoyed this book is the right way to phrase it because of the subject. However, I couldn't put this book down. It sucked me in and I ventured right alongside Lucy.
The story line of Something's Not Right with Lucy was gripping and engaging. The author, Dawn Taylor, perfectly captured the process of how gruesome childhood physical and sexual abuse can lead to Dissociative Identity Disorder. Sadly for me, she included felinocide, but killing pets is an authentic component in how abusers control their victims.
My copy of the ebook contained scores of errors, including misspellings and words substitutions. Thus four stars rather than five. I believe the author has corrected some or all of the errors and can't understand why Amazon didn't download an updated version.
This book had me crying at some points. I wanted to pull the children out of the book and protect them. It's a difficult read, but you won't be able to put it down.
I would say more but I don't want to give any spoilers.
Merged review:
This is a heart-wrenching story about two little girls whose lives are slowly being destroyed by a force of evil and an inattentive, selfish mother. Well written and believable, I recommend it.
The reason I chose this rating was because it kept me interested from beginning to end. It was well written . My only hope is there will be a second part soon. Can't wait to finish the story!!
Once you start this book you won’t want to put it down. The author does an amazing job of tugging your heartstrings for poor Lucy’s plight. Looking forward to reading the sequel.