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Broken #1
Broken
introduces Mattie Hampton, a woman who has just left her husband but is still desperately trying to find ways to mend her broken marriage. While Jake, Mattie’s husband, gravitates between understanding and frustration, and their two small children try to make sense of the separation, Mattie begins a physical and emotional journey that will ultimately see her committing the unthinkable.
348 pages
First published January 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Ilsa Evans
16 books64 followersIlsa Evans is an Australian author. She has written across several genres from light fiction (such as the books that make up the 'laundry series') to more gritty social realism. Two of her books, Broken and Sticks and Stones stem from the findings of a PhD on the long-term effects of family violence that Ilsa completed in 2005. Ilsa teaches creative writing and carries out public speaking when she is not writing. She lives in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne with her children, assorted pets and several uninvited possums.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 21, 2023
Everyone thought Mattie and Jake's marriage, with their two children, eight year old Max and six year old Courtney, was a match made in heaven. They owned a beautiful home in Victoria, one Mattie adored. But Mattie was desperately unhappy; she walked on eggshells when Jake was around. Finally she'd had enough and moved out with the children to a small two bedroom flat not far from the children's school.
Jake proclaimed he didn't understand why Mattie had left him and vowed he would do anything in his power to have her return. And he did. As Mattie continued hiding away from her family - sister Hannah and her mum - it was a neighbour, Hilda, who discovered her secret. What would be the outcome for Mattie and her two confused children?
Broken was one of the hardest books I've read in a long time. Originally published in 2007, Aussie author Ilsa Evans tackles a subject which is brutal, and in the media more and more lately, as we continue to lose (mostly) women to domestic violence. Well written, the harsh realities of some people's lives succeeded in shaking me - I needed to put the book down several times, often wondering if I should read on. But I did. I don't often add trigger warnings to my reviews, but for anyone closely related to domestic violence, this book tells that story, albeit fictionalised.
Jake proclaimed he didn't understand why Mattie had left him and vowed he would do anything in his power to have her return. And he did. As Mattie continued hiding away from her family - sister Hannah and her mum - it was a neighbour, Hilda, who discovered her secret. What would be the outcome for Mattie and her two confused children?
Broken was one of the hardest books I've read in a long time. Originally published in 2007, Aussie author Ilsa Evans tackles a subject which is brutal, and in the media more and more lately, as we continue to lose (mostly) women to domestic violence. Well written, the harsh realities of some people's lives succeeded in shaking me - I needed to put the book down several times, often wondering if I should read on. But I did. I don't often add trigger warnings to my reviews, but for anyone closely related to domestic violence, this book tells that story, albeit fictionalised.
December 3, 2016
Review to follow.
July 28, 2011
Definately one of the most powerful books I have ever read.
From the moment I picked up this book I had to keep reading it. Ilsa Evans writes so clearly, I felt like I was there in the pages and I have never felt such strong emotions while reading a novel. A couple of times I physically had to put the book down so I could calm my breathing and let my heart rate settle. I felt real fear, intense anger and completely helpless while I read this story.
I want to say I loved this book, but that feels like such a strange thing to say because the topic is so painful, 'domestic violence'. I never thought I would enjoy reading about this topic, but I read this book because I heard Ilsa Evans talk at a "Library Week" event and really enjoyed hearing her talk, so I bought the book then and there. 'Broken' is one of the best books I have ever read.
This story is alive in me, I feel like I need to talk to people about it. And I am always looking for Mattie, Max and Courtney.
From the moment I picked up this book I had to keep reading it. Ilsa Evans writes so clearly, I felt like I was there in the pages and I have never felt such strong emotions while reading a novel. A couple of times I physically had to put the book down so I could calm my breathing and let my heart rate settle. I felt real fear, intense anger and completely helpless while I read this story.
I want to say I loved this book, but that feels like such a strange thing to say because the topic is so painful, 'domestic violence'. I never thought I would enjoy reading about this topic, but I read this book because I heard Ilsa Evans talk at a "Library Week" event and really enjoyed hearing her talk, so I bought the book then and there. 'Broken' is one of the best books I have ever read.
This story is alive in me, I feel like I need to talk to people about it. And I am always looking for Mattie, Max and Courtney.
January 2, 2011
If you are in a happy marriage/relationship consider reading this book and count your blessings. If you're in one that you consider to to be unhappy or dysfunctional this novel will provide you with a gauge by which to measure. No relationship could be as horrific for one of the participants, plus children, as this novel portrays, could it? No man could be as monstrous towards those he claims to love as the odious Jake, could they? Then you read of men who drive into farm dams thereby drowning their offspring, or those committing suicide, after murdering their children, as a means of 'getting even' and you do wonder. Occasionally here in Tassie you come across mothers and their children who are fleeing from violent relationships on the big island, and you do know that something of what the book is about happens in a world very different to your own. Men like Jake make me ashamed of my gender.
That Evans has written a sequel leaves the reader to hope for a happy ending for Mattie and her kids. I know cruelty in marriage can work both ways, and in some ways Evans makes Mattie come across as a less than resilient, perhaps even compulsive obsessive, character at times, but no woman should have to endure what she did. Reading Evan's website, you soon discover that the author sadly has drawn from her own experience.
For my money the controlling Jake outranks the menfolk of 'The Slap'. He is no bogan but an outwardly privileged denizen of McMansionville. This novel also points the finger at officialdom in the way it deals with such matters, and this is a fine work that will resonate with me for some time.
That Evans has written a sequel leaves the reader to hope for a happy ending for Mattie and her kids. I know cruelty in marriage can work both ways, and in some ways Evans makes Mattie come across as a less than resilient, perhaps even compulsive obsessive, character at times, but no woman should have to endure what she did. Reading Evan's website, you soon discover that the author sadly has drawn from her own experience.
For my money the controlling Jake outranks the menfolk of 'The Slap'. He is no bogan but an outwardly privileged denizen of McMansionville. This novel also points the finger at officialdom in the way it deals with such matters, and this is a fine work that will resonate with me for some time.
July 18, 2010
One of the best books I've read. It was one of those that inhabits your soul for a few weeks. It's an Aussie author and set in Melb so familiar on that level but it was the subject matter that completely sucked me in. It's about domestic violence but not the standard slap the wife type. Written by an author who's spent years researching the long term effects on women of domestic violence it describes a bright middle class women who marries a charming accountant. All is great except that he gradually erodes her confidence and gradually needs control of everything. But he's also gregarious and loving and a fabulous Dad so she stays with him and over time questions whether it's her problem not his. Very insidious and totally believable watching her lose confidence, alienate her friends and support base and finally be left with the choice of either losing herself or everything else.
Fascinating if hard to process emotionally.
Will definitely read her other novels.
Fascinating if hard to process emotionally.
Will definitely read her other novels.
January 21, 2012
Wow. I could not put this book down. You surely felt you were living their lives. Very powerful story, yet disturbing to know that domestic violence occurs and has such devastating effects on both the adult and children. It surely had me appreciate the very safe, secure, loving and happy life that our family functions in and am blessed to live freely in. This story definately confirmed the very clever, devious and controlling manner that some men live by. This story is very close to my heart as I have witnessed a friend and her children subjected to this such treatment. Believe me there are some very nasty monsters walking our streets. WE need to listen, speak up and advocate for all victims of domestic violence and stand together to support those being affected and work towards it being prevented and stopped.
May 31, 2010
This is a thought-provoking story which shows just how hidden domestic violence can be in our own community.
Evans steps away from the light-hearted style we are used to and this book is not the comfortable peek into the lives of women of a certain age muddling through. Instead, we are perched on the edge of a life dealing with the most horrendous situation, challenging our comfort factor and making you view the reality of life for too many women and their children.
Evans steps away from the light-hearted style we are used to and this book is not the comfortable peek into the lives of women of a certain age muddling through. Instead, we are perched on the edge of a life dealing with the most horrendous situation, challenging our comfort factor and making you view the reality of life for too many women and their children.
September 28, 2013
Definately worth reading. I couldn't put it down.
December 17, 2019
Please let me explain my 1 star rating!
What type of ending was that? So I will never know what happened. The elderly lady at the station went over to see if the mother was ok and they had gone...Where??? Did he get them or had they started running again?
I felt ripped off! I had been with them every step of the way, I felt every thing that happened to her to her. I cried for both her and her children as they suffered throughout the book.
I read it in one sitting, heart pumping, page turning, eyes fixed, running with them....then it all came to screaming halt! With no explanation. I read the ending twice in case I missed something. Did I miss something?? I am hoping that someone can put me out of my misery...please!
A cruel ending for a reader like me
A 5 star book with an ending that left me crying with frustration
What type of ending was that? So I will never know what happened. The elderly lady at the station went over to see if the mother was ok and they had gone...Where??? Did he get them or had they started running again?
I felt ripped off! I had been with them every step of the way, I felt every thing that happened to her to her. I cried for both her and her children as they suffered throughout the book.
I read it in one sitting, heart pumping, page turning, eyes fixed, running with them....then it all came to screaming halt! With no explanation. I read the ending twice in case I missed something. Did I miss something?? I am hoping that someone can put me out of my misery...please!
A cruel ending for a reader like me
A 5 star book with an ending that left me crying with frustration
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2019
I both loved and hated this story! I loved it because it's such a powerful story/topic and I hated it because this really goes on in our society!!
I don't think I have ever felt so emotional reading a book! I hate to admit it, but I was one of those people who would have said "why doesn't she just leave?". I now know that it's not that's simple and that there is so much at stake both by staying and leaving. Probably the most thought provoking book I've ever read!
I don't think I have ever felt so emotional reading a book! I hate to admit it, but I was one of those people who would have said "why doesn't she just leave?". I now know that it's not that's simple and that there is so much at stake both by staying and leaving. Probably the most thought provoking book I've ever read!
August 13, 2022
This was tough to read, but for all the right reasons. Beautifully written to provide a perspective that many if us don't (luckily) have. To all the women in the world living or having lived this type of experience, my heart is broken for you 💔
March 10, 2018
Amazing! All the emotions...couldn't put it down!
August 30, 2022
Powerful. Could not put it down.
August 15, 2023
Such a powerful and heart wrenching, well told story.
January 15, 2024
So suspenseful. I wanted Mattie to come to her senses. She has moved out of the home she had with Jake. Jake becomes frustrated trying to get Mattie to return home with their 2 kids aged 8 and 6.
February 27, 2024
Very emotional and sad read. Very true for so many women, probably more than we know! 😢
October 2, 2021
5 stars
“She’d worn white to her wedding. Huge clouds of frosted white that billowed around her in the wind like fairytale snow. But now the fairytale has ended and Mattie Hampton’s marriage is over, or so she thinks.”
The small blurb for Broken does absolutely nothing to prepare you for what’s ahead in this book that details the demise of Mattie’s marriage to Jake and the extent of domestic violence that he has perpetrated upon her and continues to terrify her with.
It’s hard to say much more without giving the plot away, which I won’t do as it’s a book I recommend. However, I will say at this point; that the detailing of the domestic violence was very frank and not at all sugar coated. Parts of it read like I was reading an affidavit at work (I’m a lawyer that practises in domestic violence law) more than a novel; and I believe that some people may find this confronting. Conversely, it will be an absolute eye opener for people who hear about domestic violence and say things like “why didn’t she just leave?” or “how hard is it to just walk away?”.
As I’ve said in previous reviews of her books; I don’t know why Ilsa Evans isn’t a more well known author. I personally think she is a fantastic Australian writer and I love that her books may appear to be chick lit but are always so much more. In Broken, the characters are likeable and for the most part relatable, except for Mattie’s husband Jack. He’s definitely a villain but Evans has captured him as a domestic violence perpetrator to a tee, with his Jekyll and Hyde personality. The plot, whilst a slow build, is worth it as you need the layers to build to get to the ending you won’t except but will be happy about.
Broken will stay with you long after you’ve read it. I recommend it, especially if you liked The Lost Flowers of Alice Heart. It’s well worth a read.
To join in my book bingo follow @kt_elder on Instagram and/or #ktbookbingo.
“She’d worn white to her wedding. Huge clouds of frosted white that billowed around her in the wind like fairytale snow. But now the fairytale has ended and Mattie Hampton’s marriage is over, or so she thinks.”
The small blurb for Broken does absolutely nothing to prepare you for what’s ahead in this book that details the demise of Mattie’s marriage to Jake and the extent of domestic violence that he has perpetrated upon her and continues to terrify her with.
It’s hard to say much more without giving the plot away, which I won’t do as it’s a book I recommend. However, I will say at this point; that the detailing of the domestic violence was very frank and not at all sugar coated. Parts of it read like I was reading an affidavit at work (I’m a lawyer that practises in domestic violence law) more than a novel; and I believe that some people may find this confronting. Conversely, it will be an absolute eye opener for people who hear about domestic violence and say things like “why didn’t she just leave?” or “how hard is it to just walk away?”.
As I’ve said in previous reviews of her books; I don’t know why Ilsa Evans isn’t a more well known author. I personally think she is a fantastic Australian writer and I love that her books may appear to be chick lit but are always so much more. In Broken, the characters are likeable and for the most part relatable, except for Mattie’s husband Jack. He’s definitely a villain but Evans has captured him as a domestic violence perpetrator to a tee, with his Jekyll and Hyde personality. The plot, whilst a slow build, is worth it as you need the layers to build to get to the ending you won’t except but will be happy about.
Broken will stay with you long after you’ve read it. I recommend it, especially if you liked The Lost Flowers of Alice Heart. It’s well worth a read.
To join in my book bingo follow @kt_elder on Instagram and/or #ktbookbingo.
April 11, 2012
This was an excellent book about domestic abuse. Really well written. I hope many women read this. I couldn't put it down. The characters seemed very real and as such it was hard to take at times with all the violence. I will be looking out for this authors other books.
August 13, 2008
God, this read more like a domestic violence pamphlet than an actual novel, with things like a plot, and characters you're capable of believing in. Awful.
February 2, 2013
This book challenges any dismissive thought you've ever had about women who stay in abusive relationships. You can't help but feel Mattie's fear and utter helplessness.
August 21, 2014
Like a road crash - you don't want to keep reading, but can't tear yourself away.
January 10, 2016
One of the best books I have ever read
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews