Before I Wake
by Robert J. Wiersema
Published by St. Martin's Press
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Reviewed by Jake Chism
Robert J. Wiersema spins a memorable tale about family, relationships, and good vs. evil in this superb debut.
Simon and Karen Barrett’s world is changed forever when their three-year-old daughter, Sherry, is struck by a car. As Sherry’s life hangs in the balance, Simon and Karen struggle to keep their marriage alive. Meanwhile, the man who hit Sherry, Henry Denton, is on the run as the reality of his predicament sets in. All the while a solemn figure gleefully watches from the shadows as grief and despair overtake the lives of all those affected by Sherry’s accident. When evil threatens the Barrett Family, Henry Denton suddenly realizes that he might be the only one who can save them.
Robert J. Wiersema’s first novel has taken quite a journey on the road to getting published. Before I Wake was originally published by Random House in Canada in 2006, where it was a national bestseller. The U.S. version was launched by St. Martin’s Press on May 1, 2007. Wiersema currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and is a bookseller and reviewer for several publications.
Wiersema’s first novel is a fascinating read that grabs the reader tightly and demands attention. The unique narrative is written in the first person from each of the main characters’ point of view, thus the reader is able experience the story from multiple angles. Wiersema effectively explores the depths of human relationships, and looks intently at both the good side and the bad. Ultimately this is a story of redemption, and each characters journey to find it is heartbreaking, yet inspiring.
Armchair Interviews says: Before I Wake is a must-read novel that will tug at your heart strings long after the last line.
Author’s Web site: http://www.RobertWiersema.com