A review by berls
A Tiny Upward Shove by Melissa Chadburn

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Man, oh man. This book was good. Really truly good. But I would definitely NOT say I enjoyed it. It was sobering and tragic, especially because there's no denying - except for the slight fantasy addition - that the horrible things that occur are based in reality. So, yes I highly recommend it, but I also say proceed with caution for the following triggers: 
  • child abuse
  • rape
  • sexual violence
  • drug abuse
  • trafficking 

Here's the thing - this book is essentially about generational poverty, racism, and immigrant life -  and the very real consequences on the children. We follow the life of one girl in particular - knowing from the start that it has a tragic end. And as you read her story and the story of her ancestors, you see how if she had just had this one opportunity, or if her mother had just had that one better decision, or if her ancestors had just had that one better chance, how things could have turned out some differently. And as her path crosses others, you see similar stories of poverty and resulting abuse that just breaks your heart for how tragically real you know it is. 

I don't think I would have ever picked up or finished this book if I weren't buddy reading it with my brother. But I'm honestly glad I read it, because it was impactful. And while I can't say it ended happily - how could it? - it does have a happy twist that I brought a happy tear to my eyes. 
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