Caustic

by Tamesha Edwards

Margaret was genuinely excited about spending a day out shopping at the farmer’s market. A perfect day can hold endless possibilities. Tragically, not all surprises are good. Margaret receives the shock of her life in the middle of the stalls. She sees her father.

It is all Margaret can do to keep her panic under control and duck into the closest boutique before he can see her. Here he is, having a happy afternoon with his new family, and only Margaret is left with the trauma of their shared past.

This one moment sends Margaret reeling back through the years to a time when she was young and defenseless. As Margaret relives traumatic memories in her life, author Tamesha S. Edwards uses her story as a rebuke of those who would turn a blind eye to the most vulnerable in our society.

Margaret’s story turns into one of sexual abuse, violence, rebellion, institutionalization, mental illness, and more. Try as she might, she cannot find a safe haven from the storm. As she moves from one hellish situation to the next, you will find yourself moved by one young woman’s resiliency in the face of all obstacles.

76 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2018

About the author

Tamesha S. Edwards was born in Berkeley, California, and grew up in the nearby city of Oakland.

Ever since she was young, Edwards has loved to read. She began volunteering in the library at her elementary school and was inspired by her mother to start writing in a diary. By the time she was in sixth grade, Edwards had written a poem, a play, and three books for her classroom.

Edwards continued to explore her creative side in middle school and high school. She later attended Merritt Jr. College and Cal State Hayward University.

Reviews

[Lily Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

CausticWhen I saw the cover of this book; I became intrigued. The writing style is quite unique in how the author tells a story that most readers or writers may not quite understand. You will need to have an open mind to read this book. This book is a tell all truth about abuse and mental illness. I will definitely recommend this African American writer, because she tells a story that is different from most authors that sugarcoat stories that are not what most individuals want to read.

[Amber]

Added it!! Looks like it hits very close to home.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

(From the introduction) "There is a constant burning from the inner torment of inflicted wounds that may or may not help one overcome the caustic torment of one's mind, spirit and soul, that causes one's eyes to be blurred with blood. This is what Margaret has become."
Caustic by Tamesha Edwards is a dark, harsh story of abuse and it's aftermath. Despite the topic matter being a real life concern, Caustic has a life all it's own, going where few writers go.
I was hooked from the very start with Margaret's very first line. The story is so well paced that with just under 70 pages the story will just fly by you and yet the impression it leaves on you will last long after the book has been read. The range of emotions expertly elicited by the author is huge ranging from anger to sorrow and despair. She also does a great job of building a world with just enough details to allow the reader to easily visuals it's comings and goings.
The characters have depth and are diverse with Margaret drawing enough sympathy to keep the reader turning the pages. At the same time we can feel the poison eating away at her. The characters are all relatable, making for a strong story line that has the effect on the reader of feeling invested in the outcome.
Finally the cover should not be over looked. If the eyes are truly the windows to the soul then this cover is a window into the soul of the story. A large eye circled in dark shadows, dripping blood easily conveys the anguish that waits inside.
This is a good story that will leave you thinking about the things you thought you knew. An Ideal read for a book club as there is plenty here to discuss.

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was all-around bad. I was immediately put off by the incredibly unnecessarily graphic depictions of sexual violence and murder, in addition to the vulgar language. It literally made me feel sick. Getting past that, the writing itself was confusing and just felt like a (bad) first draft. Despite being only 70 pages, the ending was so abrupt with a promise of continuation in another book. I can’t see how it would continue, given that I really didn’t see a plot in this book, mainly just poorly written dialogue.

I received a copy of the book from Goodreads and the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Savannah Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to share information on this new author. On Instagram is how I learned about this author. Last month this author created a promotion selling her book for $5 on her website and provided readers with a live reading of her book. This is my reason for joining Goodreads. The final reading was yesterday, and to have an unknown author take the time to explain the book in it's entirety is to be applauded. She informed us readers about Goodreads and how to connect with other readers and our favorite writers.

[Elaine Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Edwards,

Thank you, for using your social media outlet to reach out to those of us, who love to escape in the pages of a novel.

Your writing style, is somewhat different from other authors, that I've had the pleasure to read. Like a lot us of readers, that took part in joining your live reading session; was really amazed at how you linked the title cover to the story of Caustic.

I've joined goodreads, and thanks to you for giving freely of your time to answer questions and listen to us readers.

I hope you receive success in your writing.

[Roxanne Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on a giveaway on Facebook. Author encouraged individuals that like to read to join goodreads to connect with our favorite authors and other readers.

This is book had me wanting to know what is going to happen next. I give a 5 star because this book is relatable to my life. Cannot wait to read the next two books.

[Jasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ones a dark fiction and a quick read. Open and straightforward honest story of the main character named Margaret, her abusive past and how it carries over to her present.
For ages 18 +.