Cut

The first few chapters set up the story of a emotionally and physically abused teenage girl. Many times authors feel the need to give you too much (gory-type) detail; it is not the case with this book. I don't have to know every detail of abuse... my imagination will fill in the blanks from every story I've ever heard. With this story, the author gives us just the right amount of information about the characters. This enables the reader to sympathize with Persephone, the heroine of this book, and root for her resolution and hope for healing. For me, the book was a page-turner because every page put me closer to what I hoped would be a happy ending for a character similar to many people I have known in my life. The story is well written and grabs you from page one. The five-star rating, attached to my review, is well deserved.

I bought this book because I know Layla Harding can write. She has a gift for fully inhabiting characters in the middle of living their lives, creating something on the page that feels absolutely real. But I did put off reading it for a little while because I usually avoid "literature of dysfunction" -- misery memoirs or novels where characters are little more than their issues. In my own youth, the first novels to be classified Young Adult were so-called "problem novels," concerned with one issue at a time: divorce, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, suicide, etc. Was this going to be one of those?Well, yes, in the sense that main character Persephone has been "practicing suicide" and doesn't expect to be around much longer. Her home life is a mess, with her father abusing her and her mother absent through drink. She doesn't expect anyone to believe she has less than a perfect family, so doesn't speak up. Although she's a good student, she hasn't made plans for the future because she doesn't think she has one. Then a wrong number leads her to Ken, an intimidating Vietnam-era Marine Corps veteran who has a way of commanding respect -- and the truth. This unlikely pairing benefits both in ways neither expects and gives Persephone a glimpse of a different kind of escape from her life.Part of what made this story work for me was the understated mythological underlay to the very realistic, contemporary story. The touch is light enough that it doesn't interfere with or force the plot, but I enjoyed picking up the allusions. Gruff, craggy Ken has cancer; his home is Death's realm but offers sanctuary to Persephone when she needs it. Being close to death brings her back to life.Persephone came across as so real that when she started going to read to Ken after school, my first thought (as the parent of a recent high school graduate) was that she should be getting service hours for that. Her behavior with her parents is different from her behavior with her friend, which is different from her behavior with Ken or by herself. Yet each side of the character was believable and consistent, leading to heartfelt worry and relief on the part of this reader. I will be watching for more fiction from Layla Harding.

Having read and loved previous drafts of this novel, I was eager to read the finished product and finally know how the story ends. It was definitely worth the wait!Persephone appears to be a normal suburban teenager, one I’d have envied in my own high school years, who has become a “practicing suicide” to deal with her father’s emotional and sexual abuse and her mother’s alcoholism and neglect. A chance wrong number leads her to explore the world outside her uncomfortable comfort zone where she gets a glimpse of the kind of love and support she so obviously deserves.A terrific effort by Layla Harding!

For me, a good book keeps me entertained all the way through. There are a lot of those out there. A GREAT book also makes me care deeply for the characters. I don't run into those very often. This is a great book!I have been guilty many times of pretending not to notice someone who may need help. Whether it is because I am too shy or just don't want to have to deal with a conflict, I am ashamed to say that that is my usual reaction. Cut made me realize that even though it may be the harder path, if you just choose to notice, you can have a huge and positive impact on someone's life.Even though Cut is about a teenage girl, and I am an almost 40 year old man, there was a part of this book that hit so close to home that it brought a couple of tears to my eyes.I would recommend Cut to anyone no matter what their age or gender is. I can't stop thinking about it. Well done!

I have written and rewritten this review about 6 times because I can't find the words to adequately describe this work of art. Harding crafted an all too real world of pain, sorrow, joy, and true reality of life lived by a child/teen that has endured or is currently enduring a life altering trauma. The beautiful imagery captures you as she describes the internal struggle of giving up or fighting for ones life when it feels like all is lost, but in reality the sun is only beginning to shine on a bright new chapter of life. As an adult survivor of a traumatic childhood that led to a disastrous road of teen self destruction, I can promise you it is spot on to the real thoughts and experiences of this walk of life. I am so thankful Harding gifted us the reminder that reality for teens isn't always a fairytale, there are serious issues, and it never hurts to be genuinely kind.

Absolutely amazing.

Cut is an excellently crafted story of a young lady who is trying to figure out if her life is worth anything. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Persephone's struggle through her teenage years as she attempts to escape her horrific family life and find who her real friends are. When she accidentally befriends James and Ken, a beautiful story unfolds and shows Persephone that maybe she can really be happy. I love love love it!!!