Review of Life Shattered

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Life Shattered" by Sandy Graham.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: LIFE SHATTERED
Author: Sandy Graham

Within the pages of this book, we're taken on an admirable and rousing journey to success. The subject's name is Delbert, and he is one of Teresa and Phil Pillage's sons. What an insecure and gaunt young schoolboy he is, not helped by his family's financial struggle. Some aspects of his life undermine his spirit, not least being relentlessly bullied at school. Later, he reaches heights that will probably cause satisfying disappointment in those school thugs. The love of his life, Sylvia, is a pious and faithful young lady whose love for him grows during their youth and even when he's away, serving as a beacon of hope and strength. His early life on the farm and close familial bonds influence his later 'nose to the grindstone' personality trait. The American Dream is his for the taking, encouraged by his parents, teachers and headmaster.

The reader enjoys a taste of life in the 1940s and 50s when optimism existed after the war. Life seemed more straightforward, and ambitions were more attainable. In small towns, everyone seemed to know everyone else. There is a friendliness about those around him that gives the book a pleasant aspect.

The prose is easy to read and draws the reader in with its easygoing writing style. The chapters and paragraphs are refreshingly short, with a nonverbose descriptive style and straightforward dialogue, making the book an inviting read. The reader rallies behind Delbert, especially after his rough school years.

The book lacks intense violence, sleaze, and awful language, although it has dark parts, as the reader will find out. I only found two grammatical mistakes and nothing to dislike. Perhaps children and young people can relate to the story and see similarities within their own lives, so this is a good book for all ages in that respect. I will award the book five stars.

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Life Shattered
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