A review by booktalkwithkarla
The Bright Forever by Lee Martin

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

“There comes a time when you have to believe in the goodness of people.”

Katie Mackey leaves her home on her bike one early evening to return library books. She doesn’t come home. This is a very complicated book about humans with complicated stories. The truth about Katie is revealed slowly throughly the points of view of multiple people, none very likable.

Lee Martin writes well and had it been any other topic I would have liked the book more. Martin created tension and suspense, evoking many emotions. He writes so well that I felt the power and sadness (and anger) in my whole body making it a horrible reading experience. Probably the point. 

I needed to know truth so I kept turning pages, hating every minute. Reader know thy self when considering reading this book. I need redemption and hope in my stories and unfortunately this fictional account mirrors reality too closely.