Reviews

Karin Slaughter is one of my favourite thriller writers and so I was suitably thrilled when she began bringing out digital short stories which I could easily download onto my Kindle and zip through on my commute to work. Once I started reading, the story was familiar and I realised that it has also previously been published in the collection Charmed, which was edited by Karin Slaughter. The Blessing of Brokenness opens on a woman sitting in a church pew watching the cross at the front of the church being repaired. She is visibly upset and fiddles distractedly with a charm bracelet on her wrist, while through her rambling thoughts she admits her secret to the reader. One thing we have to know about Mary Lou is that she is an incredibly devout, religious person, and this makes her guilt at a love affair with Pastor Stephen Riddell even more shameful for her. Especially considering his attitude to her now – as a general dogsbody for the church and nothing more.

The concept of this story, hence the title, is that “the part of you that is broken becomes all the stronger for it.” which is a thought-provoking statement and refers to poor Mary Lou, her faith almost broken through the affair, and then the result of the affair itself which leads Mary Lou to making some harsh, difficult decisions that questions everything she has ever believed in. And then there is the obvious symbol of the broken cross, and the repair crew making it “as good as new” again, and the less obvious head foreman who acts as Mary Lou’s saviour at the end of the story. This is a cracking short story that reminds me why I’m a fan of this author. I can’t wait to read more.

Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.wordpress.com

marielle68's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

chazlove's review against another edition

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Wow.

mjanemartin's review against another edition

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2.0

A short story I listened to on audio. I thought I had read some Karin Slaughter, but my Goodreads book list says no. This was not an encouragement to do so. It felt all over the place with an abrupt and unsatisfying ending. What I did like about it was how she portrayed a woman struggling with having an abortion or not. Well done. And to be fair, I'm new to audio books and not sure they are for me, at least not fiction. I think the narration had a little to do with my "ok" review.

desdemonarose's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A short story about a woman who's directing the correction of the listing cross in the church she works for/attends. The story is more or less a religious, "Karen." As the story progresses you learn more about her and her current situation. It's a quick read if you want something short and don't care about liking the characters.

nickikendall's review against another edition

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4.0

It's no secret I have been a longtime fan of Karin Slaughter's books and this is just another one to add to the list of favourites. Whilst it's a very short read, it doesn't lack any of the suspense and page turning addiction that her longer books do. A great short read for anyone short on time but still wanting to wrap themselves up in a great read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ #karinslaughter #theblessingofbrokeness #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #greatreads #bookqueen #bookstagram #shortread #litsy #amazonkindle

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