Review: Blood Wounds

Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Willa is part of a happy family. Her Mother, Terri, left her abusive husband in Texas when Willa was about 5. Terri eventually met Jack who was divorced with 2 daughters of his own. Jack is the only father Willa has ever known.

One day, out of nowhere, the police are on Willa's doorstep looking for Terri. Willa's biological father has disappeared and there is an Amber alert out for a little half-sister Willa didn't she had. Actually, Budge, Willa's bio-Dad is a person of interest in the murder of his wife and two small daughters.

This was a tough novel to read...While everything seems perfect on the outside, the whole family is simmering with resentment, just under the surface...Willa has been taught to be thankful for what she's got while her step-sisters get everything and then some because their Mom makes a gazillion dollars a year. So Willa's Mom and Step-Dad can't afford any extras for themselves or Willa, but in the meantime the step-sisters live in the same house as Willa and go to private school play sports, have horses and vacation in Europe all on their Mom's dime. Meanwhile, Willa cuts herself to alleviate the stress in her life, which is incredible.

Pfeffer creates a complex world full of complex emotions and situations. I know Willa handled all the chaos that her bio-dad created a lot better than I would have, but it still read as authentic to me. This was the first book by Pfeffer I've read and really enjoyed her writing style...I'm looking forward to read more of her work.



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