Getaway

by Maureen Brady

After years of living with her abusive husband, Cookie Wagner snaps. She grabs a newly sharpened knife to defend herself against his latest attack. Convinced she's killed him, she flees to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. But, consigned to a secretive life with a new name and the need to be on constant alert, she eventually has to face all she has not gotten away with.

230 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Carol Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getaway is the moving story of Cookie, a battered wife who stabs her husband and leaves him for dead. She flees to Canada.

Cookie is working class and has a limited education. She fears prison. She changes her name goes to a small town in Nova Scotia to hide out. People there are kind to her.

This is a well-written book telling an important story. It also shows the battering husband's voice in a believable way.

[Debramosk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saved it for a week at the beach but then it rained the first day and I couldn’t help but read it all day, through to the end. Couldn’t put it down. Great and real characters and sense of place and definitely a compelling page-turner. Important themes about men and women that never get preachy or obvious. You won’t be able to stop until you find out what happens. A compelling, honest story of love, pain and redemption, a truly great read.

[Patti Lustig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every minute of this book. The characters were intriguing and engaging and I could feel and see them in every scene! I was excited by every twist and turn and loved how the ending left me having to draw my own conclusion about what might happen next. I hope she writes a sequel.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“Getaway” by Maureen Brady follows Cookie Wagner as she finally fights back against her abusive husband. Her flight takes her to Canada and a new way of life, but she fears her newfound freedom will be cut short at any time so she can’t plan for the future, just live one day at a time.

This contemporary women’s fiction story is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The author’s voice allows the reader to experience the shock and challenge of dealing with the pressure and repercussions of an abusive relationship. The frantic journey north and the struggle to blend into a tightly knit small community and learn a new way of life are vividly depicted. Those who are concerned with such should be aware that there are multiple points of view that come and go in places and a couple of dangling threads that didn’t get tied up completely, but the overall story is compelling and I love the message of acceptance that permeates the story. Serious life challenges are explored and tension is kept throughout the story even as a gentle romance develops. I was on tenterhooks until the end and invested in Cookie’s journey and enjoyed watching her relationships develop.


A copy of this title was provided to me for review

[Mernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One wouldn't imagine from seeing 'Stabbed her abusive husband' that this is a gently suspenseful read about seeking reinvention and redemption on many levels. The characters - our friends, family and neighbors, are humbled by blunders large and small by a compassionate and wry author. Redemption in many forms comes from kindnesses given and received. This book was a strong cup of good tea. This book inspires me to be a little more observant, a little less judgmental and more willing to offer help. Funny, because Getaway doesn't read like an inspirational book - its much better.

[Jillian Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. I read it cover to cover. The characters were nuanced and human, including the abuser, which I found refreshing. Cape Breton was stark, haunting, and vastly beautiful, a characacter itself.

[Paula Martinac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong characterization, quick pace and an evocative setting that made me want to visit Cape Breton! I especially liked that the author alternated the POV of different characters, allowing us to piece together the story from different perspectives. A very engaging novel!

[patti zapf · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating story

unique story of domestic abuse. highest score due to the spot on depiction of the abuse as well as dealing with Alcoholism&AA.

[Sally Bellerose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getaway is an inspirational, redemptive novel, a character and plot driven story with a protagonist this reader was rooting for until the surprising end.

[Deborah Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s OK. Goes exactly where you think it will. No surprises.

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly inspirational. Cookie had suffered for years at the hands of her husband, and she finally decided to take matters into her own hands. Afterwards, she escapes to Canada and hopes that the police don’t find her there. She can’t even access her money because nearly everything was in her husbands name due to him trying to control her entire life.

This novel takes place throughout the course of a few years and tells the story from the POV of a few people that Cookie has encountered with throughout her life. It truly delves deep into how far abusers can go to try and manipulate people, and tells the story of a woman being able to find herself again after years of being stuck. Later in the story, you even get some of the POV of the abuser to see what goes through his mind as he comes home to Cookie. It is definitely an emotional journey and will teach the readers a lot along the way.

The plot is addictive and has many twists and turns, but it doesn’t move too fast. Even though it is multiple POV it is not confusing, and every character is unique with their own story. There were no editing errors in the advanced copy, everything just seemed to run very smoothly.

Cookie was strong, and she used her strength to help the people around her in her new community. This leads to others there telling their stories. I won’t spoil too much, but Cookie isn’t the only one in this book with an inspirational story to tell.

I really have no complaints about this book. Even though it is categorized as women’s fiction, it is also a mystery of sorts and has elements of a thriller. I would not categorize myself as a frequent reader of women’s fiction, but I loved this one from beginning to end. Even if you aren’t a fan of women’s fiction, I would still suggest that you give this book a try.

I would recommend this book to any lovers of Women’s Fiction or inspirational stories.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Peggy Tan]

I loved the book because it dealt with real situations like abuse and alcoholism yet had a happy ending. It was suspenseful all the way through. We had a clear picture of the alcoholic and alcohol's effect on him and his family. I cheered for Cookie all the way through her flight and subsequent relationships. She had a chance to live without fear, and her real personality came out. No spoilers here, but I felt the book was substantive in dealing with redemption, hope, and forgiveness.