johannalm's review
5.0
Salvation, Lucia Nevai
This is an exquisitely told story about the struggles and triumphs of a young girl raised in squalor by abusive, absent parents in rural Iowa. Crane is a character not soon forgotten. Her voice is humorous and eloquent even while describing the crazy circumstances of her life. Crane is both ignored and abused by her three parents, failed evangelists living in a shack outside Des Moines. Besides the wife, girlfriend and father, Crane is the youngest of three children. Her older sister takes care of her. None of the children are sent to school, they get very little to eat and almost no parental interaction other then being preached at and lots of other verbal abuse. As the suburb grows up around their shack, the children are quietly cared for by some of their neighbors. However, there comes a point when the children are removed from the home and Crane is separated from her sister, brother and parents. What follows is Crane's placement with some nuns, her first schooling, and then eventually adoption by a childless couple. Most stunning of all is Crane's academic ability - it turns out she's a genius who flies through school and becomes obsessed with ant life (I suppose it is a metaphor for her own life where her mother is queen and all serve her). Stunning language, great descriptions of Crane's continued social failure, and enchanting supporting characters. Really enjoyed this.
This is an exquisitely told story about the struggles and triumphs of a young girl raised in squalor by abusive, absent parents in rural Iowa. Crane is a character not soon forgotten. Her voice is humorous and eloquent even while describing the crazy circumstances of her life. Crane is both ignored and abused by her three parents, failed evangelists living in a shack outside Des Moines. Besides the wife, girlfriend and father, Crane is the youngest of three children. Her older sister takes care of her. None of the children are sent to school, they get very little to eat and almost no parental interaction other then being preached at and lots of other verbal abuse. As the suburb grows up around their shack, the children are quietly cared for by some of their neighbors. However, there comes a point when the children are removed from the home and Crane is separated from her sister, brother and parents. What follows is Crane's placement with some nuns, her first schooling, and then eventually adoption by a childless couple. Most stunning of all is Crane's academic ability - it turns out she's a genius who flies through school and becomes obsessed with ant life (I suppose it is a metaphor for her own life where her mother is queen and all serve her). Stunning language, great descriptions of Crane's continued social failure, and enchanting supporting characters. Really enjoyed this.
emdash8212's review
5.0
This book was beautifully written. It reminded me of My Happy Life, by Lydia Millet, which is one of my favorite books.
Crane is aware that her life is difficult, and as the book goes on, realizes that she and her siblings live differently than other people. Nevai does a great job of giving the reader more information as Crane grows up and encounters new people and situations.
Crane's life is dismal, but the book doesn't feel oppressive or depressing. It's streaked with dark humor, and the loving portrayals of some of the characters keeps the book riveting. Even characters who don't deserve sympathy receive it.
Crane is aware that her life is difficult, and as the book goes on, realizes that she and her siblings live differently than other people. Nevai does a great job of giving the reader more information as Crane grows up and encounters new people and situations.
Crane's life is dismal, but the book doesn't feel oppressive or depressing. It's streaked with dark humor, and the loving portrayals of some of the characters keeps the book riveting. Even characters who don't deserve sympathy receive it.
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