The Precious Jules by Shawn Nocher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing story: Shawn Nocher outdid herself with The Precious Jules!
The Jules Family are well off – not fabulously rich, like the Kennedys, but comfortable enough to be able to send 7 of their 8 children off to college, live in large house in a ritzy neighbourhood, and generally keep up with the Joneses.
Hilary Jules is finding it hard to cope with her many children, as well as the demands of her special needs daughter. I was horrified by some of her coping mechanisms: no spoilers here, but, sadly, this type of “medicated coping strategy” is something I have heard and seen before. She was stretched to the limit and made some bad and very fateful choices, unfortunately. (I loved how Hillary and Lynetta had that “sisters in arms” moment at the end: neither of them comes out of this story wearing a halo, but they both loved Ella and wanted – and ultimately did – what was best for her.)
I adored Ella. She went through so much: my heart ached for her and there was many a time that I wanted to jump into this story and beat up those awful characters who were tormenting her. I’m an avowed pacifist so this tells you a lot about poor Ella’s many trials and tribulations: she was a targeted victim from the very day of her birth. Some humans can be so despicable!
The author is not gratuitously graphic when it comes to the “abuse” portions of this story, and for this I was grateful. People who are triggered by themes of physical violence, sexual abuse, eating disorders, and drug abuse (I’m using this latter term loosely so as not to create a spoiler) should be able to read this book without too much “skimming or skipping” – which is something that I do when some stories get way too graphic for my comfort level.
I loved every minute of this novel and that explosive ending will live on in my memory! No wonder it is a huge favourite among Book Clubs: I was enthralled and did not want to put this book down, ever! I was downright sad to have to turn that last page: all of the characters were very real to me and I enjoyed spending time with most of them.
I highly, highly, highly recommend this emotionally and intellectually engaging novel. I can’t stop thinking about it: Shawn Nocher is a a gem of an author! I’m looking forward to her next book!
(I just wish that NetGalley allowed us to earmark our favourite authors so that we never miss a new title by them! I can’t believe I missed this ARC, but I am so glad I found it – eventually!) A truly great read, with something for everyone!
View all my reviews
Crossing the Pond Reviews 