Cotton Candy

by L.M. Kimblin

Angie Ross, aged fifteen, sadistic, brutal, evil, wicked... The press had been the first to brand this teenager with all the usual condemnations and who could blame them? But, what drove Angie to commit such horrendous crimes? It was Susan Raynor's job to unravel the human story behind the monstrous act and to assess whether Angie was the sadistic beast that society believed she was. Angie’s dreams of her 'cotton candy' home, far away from the horrors of her childhood, depended solely on the outcome of this assessment but how could she tell a story so carefully locked away? This is a complex and harrowing narrative of misplaced trust and lost innocence that takes you on a journey outside of your emotional comfort zone.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2021

Reviews

[Linda Withnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the novel's cover a sentence reads, "A harrowing, psychological narrative of lost innocence and shattered dreams ..." and this book is all that and more. The events which have led to the protagonist's (Angie/Jenny, aged 15) imprisonment in a young offenders institution are told to the reader as she relates the events of her life to Susan Raynor, a Criminal Psychologist.

I like the way this novel is structured. It is written in two parts, beginning at the end of the story and works backwards. I was particularly struck by the author's use of simple language which seemed to me to be juxtaposed with the difficulty of the novel's subject matter. There were times that I had to stop and take a moment to think about what I had read and I was grateful for the simplicity of the words chosen. I also liked was that the reader is 'eased' into Angie's early life as the author alluded to past horrors during Part one - although we were not treated quite so gently during Part Two.

I particularly liked the characterisations of Jimmy and Alice - poor, flawed and vulnerable in the lives they led and yet loving, giving and accepting of Jenny because of their shared experiences. Tears of genuine sadness pricked my eyes at the events that unfolded as Part One came to a close. In contrast to the characters of Jimmy and Alice, those of Angie's 'wealthy' parents held no redeeming features. As a reader, I was left dumbstruck at the verbal and mental abuse that Angie suffered at the hands of her mother. If this is not enough to deal with her mother is also complicit in the brutal actions of her husband -Angie's father! My heart went out to this loveless child whose only friends in the world during her early years were paid staff and a teacher in "cherry red lipstick".

I could go on for another thousand words about how I enjoyed this book but I run the risk of giving away more spoilers so I will simply end by recommending this book as a "good read" and say that I hope to read more from this author before too long!

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is our August book club choice and was selected after one of the members heard it was the debut (lockdown) novel by a local author.

The premise, Susan a criminal psychologist is tasked with unlocking the secrets of Angie Ross, aged 15, who the press have labelled sadistic, brutal, evil, wicked…..

This isn’t a book I’d normally pick up as I thought the content would be too distressing. A number of times I’ve gone to pass the book on, but in the spirit of a book club providing the opportunity to read something different I decided this week to give it a go.

It is in parts a brutal read, and a sad reminder that many children live a similar life to Alice, it’s also a story of resilience and hope and friendship. The crime doesn’t happen until the very last pages of this book which made this an unusual read.

[Simon Stones · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Susan Raynor walks away with her shades on to hide the tears about to overwhelm her, you can’t help but feel the same having experienced a glimpse into Angie Ross’ damaged, broken childhood. ‘Cotton Candy’ does not gloss over the brutal reality of child abuse; rather, L. M. Kimblin has crafted a hard hitting, raw account of the irreparable damage that child abuse has, and the lengths these poor young souls must to go in order to escape the constraints of monstrous oppressors and abusers. There are many parts of the novel which are difficult to read, but these stories need sharing. This is the sad reality of our world, which so many of us are oblivious to. As you get to know Angie, you cannot help but warm to her character - wishing and hoping she could escape from her sad, sickening reality. There were many occasions throughout the novel where I reflected on my own life, and how blessed I have been to be raised by loving parents in a safe environment. It is a luxury which so many don’t have, and that saddens me so much. This is a novel you should read - if nothing else, to educate yourself. L. M. Kimblin’s style of writing makes for an easy, and interactive narrative - immersing you into Angie’s life. It was superbly wrote, and clearly based on detailed research in order to tackle this sensitive but important subject. I sincerely hope that Angie is able to find her Cotton Candy cottage in the countryside one day.

[pauline anne barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without giving away any spoilers, I can honestly say I 'enjoyed' reading about Angie and her life, albeit a life of abuse. It was written in the form of her own story as told to a Criminal Psychogist. Its a harrowing story, but I quickly engaged with her character and found her quite endearing and a victim of her circumstances.
Cotton Candy is an easy read and kept me focused throughout. It does contain graphic descriptions of the abuse she suffered but left me with a feeling of hope for her future in her Cotton Candy house.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting story. Jenny had to endure many horrifying acts by those who should have loved and protected her. Despite the abuse, there's beauty in the story. She finds true friendship and caring in those society deems not worthwhile, a class of person Jenny herself becomes. The story is touching in that she finds a little she can hold onto so she can endure. It's interesting to note that she found happiness not in the life that the world would see as successful, but in among the lower class, who survived the only way they knew how.

[Ruby Bowring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting but wonderfully written

To say I loved this book would not be wrong and yet the content of the book is disturbing, haunting and horrific but written with compassion thoughtfulness and care.
Yes parts of this story sadly reflected my own life which in turn made the plot believable.
I hope to read further books by L. M. Kimbal , and I would recommend this book highly.

[Sara Matilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book it’s such a sad story and it breaks your heart. In the story though there is some lovely characters who stick together through adversity and hardship. I don’t want to give any spoiler so some of my review may be vague

Love the way it’s into two parts i felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions

Definitely recommend this book

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the first half set in my home town of Bolton, I could quite easily picture the bus station and the terraced rows and get a sense of place. Whilst the story can be upsetting at times because of the Angie's circumstances it's such an important story to tell and kept me gripped throughout. Would definitely recommend to friends.