Title: Torn
Author: David Massey
Rating: 3. 5 Stars
Release Date: July 30th, 2013
I've been struggling to write a review for Torn for quite some time now. I'm not exactly sure what I can say about this book, to be honest. It is a stirring, strong, and heartfelt story, but I've come to realize that it doesn't completely make a lasting impact on you. Its short length works perfectly for its subject matter - after all, none of us want to read an excruciatingly long story about war, no matter what Leo Tolstoy may believe. And debut author David Massey packs a punch in those pages, just maybe not enough of one.
Torn follows Elinor, a medic who is stationed in Afghanistan. While the first few chapters lag, detailing her daily routine and initial difficulties fitting in, the plot quickly turns to a group of child soldiers, specifically the ghost of a girl Elinor keeps seeing. In terms of its historical significance and accuracy, Torn is spot-on. It perfectly conveys the danger of war, the horror of seeing young Afghani children with weapons, and it even touches upon the political sphere surrounding the issue. As a history buff, I ate all this up. Elinor forms a bond with Husa, one of the children is found and taken political prisoner, and their growing relationship is sweet and touching to see unfold.
While I found the romantic element of this novel a little unnecessary - it doesn't require a romance to keep the pace or plot - I wound up really liking it. I do think it's a quick love story, one that doesn't take up much of the story at all, but it remained realistic enough with the backdrop of war and the dialogue kept me flipping the pages for more. Where I think this story falters is in its ultimate portrayal of all the characters. I thought the ending was rushed and the punch I was looking for, or even just the tug to be saying goodbye to these characters, never truly came. I did enjoy this story a lot - and I think Massey is incredibly talented for writing such a realistic female narration - but I ultimately think I hoped for a read that would leave more of an impact on me, especially as the subject matter is so serious. For those who shy away from issue books, though, this is likely to be a contemporary novel that will resonate. As someone who seems to be in the pursuit of getting my heart kicked by books, this fell just a little short of what I was looking for. Massey is a debut author to look out for, though, and I will certainly be snatching up anything else he writes - and soon.
This often happens to me too. I read a book and then I think of it as great and I really enjoy it, but after the week or two I completely forget most details. So yeah it's really hard to write reviews for them, but you did a great job. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteI'm ALLLLLL about the issue books haha but I know what you mean about forgettability. There's a certain something that a book has to have to be entirely memorable and stay with me long past the last page. While it might not have that, it still sounds like a pretty solid story. Lovely review, Keertana! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing this one for a long time, and I think I would enjoy it even though I historical fiction isn't my cup of tea. The plot sounds really interesting, and the fact that the romance worked out makes me even more intrigued. It's always a shame when a book doesn't leave a huge impact on you, but I'd still like to give this one a try. Thanks for the brilliant review, Keertana!
ReplyDeleteI like books that break my heart, or at least have some level of significant emotional impact on me, so I don't think I'll be going after this one anytime soon. It's good to hear that the author nailed the protagonist's voice, and the other aspects, like the romance and the relationship between Elinor and Husa, do sound well done, so I may come back to this...one day. Wonderful review, Keertana! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge issue book person, but I'll read one if I find it interesting enough. I just think that sometimes it is hard to capture all you want in an issue book. Sorry that this one was a bit flat. Too bad as the plot sounded promising.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad that this book didn't quite pack the emotions you hoped it would. Based on your mini-review, it does, however, sound really interesting. And quite timely; I don't think I've really heard of many other books about the Afghanistan War (which I realize may be entirely my fault, but it's still nice to see one). It also sounds like maybe this book dabbles in the paranormal/occult with ghosts? Or even a more pragmatic approach to the ghosts of those who suffered in war would be interesting (and sad) to read about, I think.
ReplyDeleteI've had this for sooooo long, I feel bad for not reading it. I liked the sound of it but I hope I like it!
ReplyDeleteI also like the cover of your version! I did my nails to match the other version but now I want to do this cover, too!
I had an email about this a while ago, but I'm glad now that I didn't request a copy. With books like this, where the subject matter is both relevant and serious, I definitely need that extra connection to be able to make it through to the end. It doesn't sound like a bad debut novel at all, but it's just perhaps not for me. I'm glad you were still able to appreciate the romance and the accuracy of the story, though. Lovely mini review!
ReplyDeleteI can always count on you to introduce me to new books Keertana! I haven't heard of this one before but I'm intrigued. I'm glad that despite feeling the romance wasn't altogether necessary, you still enjoyed the love story. You know I'm all about romance, so I'm sure I'll be thrilled it's there:) Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your heart wasn't trampled on by this book, lol! I had to laugh when I read your line saying that you're in constant pursuit of having your heart kicked by books! I like books with plenty of emotional impact and it's tough to do when the characterization is not done well. Great review, Keertana! :)
ReplyDeleteThis isn't something for me, but I do like the premise for it. When dealing with a serious issue in a book, I also need the book to keep a strong base until the end. If that gets lost on the way, it becomes hard to connect with the story. But, I am glad it was realistic in terms of the narration, romance and topic it dealt with. Glad you still enjoyed this, despite your reservations! Great mini-review!
ReplyDelete~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
Ahah, well, when Leo Tolstoy writes them, it's a whole different thing!
ReplyDeleteI often suspect, especially with these kinds of books, that the romance was thrown in afterwards, at the demand of some editor. It just feels like an afterthought, written in in revisions because they thought it would sell better. That always makes me very sad. It feels like a judgement. Are we really that superficial?
I've never heard this book and as much as your review is great, I think I'll pass. If I read it, like you, I'd probably love the historical aspects but the forgeability might be an issue. Quiet frankly, if it is as forgettable as you say, I'd probably spend my time on another book.
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