TLC: The Mother

Yvvette Edwards' novel explores one mother's devastating loss and the way she deals with it.

Marcia's beautiful sixteen year old son, Ryan, was brutally murdered as he sat in a park. Attacked from behind by another young man, Marcia is now sitting through the trial to convict the killer.  She is forced to listen to the details of her son's last moments.  

Edwards develops this story by writing of Marcia's thoughts and feelings.  There is not a great deal of action. The novel is one of character development, not one of fast paced action or a mystery about who her son's killer might be.  

As the trial progresses and Marcia sits through the testimonies of various witnesses.  Her husband Lloydie chooses to not attend the trial. He, too, is devastated by the loss of their son, yet is unable to bring himself to watch the trial.  Their different ways in grieving cause a rift in their marriage, or perhaps bring to the forefront a rift that already existed. 

This novel explores the range of motions a parent would experience if forced into a situation such as Marcia's. Edwards has managed to get inside the head of a grieving mother and create a realistic portrayal of a woman who is devastated by the loss of a child, but who ultimately must go on.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours for providing a copy of The Mothers for review.  All opinions expressed are, as always, my own.