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Burnt Edges
**2015 Global eBook Award Nominee**
Abuse or an uncertain future. This is Laurel Lee Page’s choice when she is faced with an unplanned pregnancy at 19. Born into a broken family, all she has ever known is guilt and shame. No matter what she does or who she meets, Laurel appears to be living a condemned life but she is determined to find independence and freedom in spite of her family’s legacy of hatred and self-contempt. Can Laurel see that she is in a powerful position, poised to break the cycle of abuse? Set in Southern California during the tumultuous 1960s era, Burnt Edges is based on true events and proves that strength can be found even in the most horrific situations
Abuse or an uncertain future. This is Laurel Lee Page’s choice when she is faced with an unplanned pregnancy at 19. Born into a broken family, all she has ever known is guilt and shame. No matter what she does or who she meets, Laurel appears to be living a condemned life but she is determined to find independence and freedom in spite of her family’s legacy of hatred and self-contempt. Can Laurel see that she is in a powerful position, poised to break the cycle of abuse? Set in Southern California during the tumultuous 1960s era, Burnt Edges is based on true events and proves that strength can be found even in the most horrific situations
- GenresWomens Fiction
190 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
About the author
Dana Leipold
10 books80 followersDana Leipold loves the written word. Her award-winning debut novel, Burnt Edges, delves into the dark reaches of abuse and incest while depicting the resilience of one young girl. She also self-published two books, Stupid Poetry: The Ultimate Collection of Sublime and Ridiculous Poems and The Power of Writing Well: Write Well. Change the World. She helped found, Kōsa Press, an independent publishing label specializing in shared universe anthologies and is a member of the Association of Independent Authors. She practices yoga, loves funny cat videos, and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 3, 2015
"I wish life were easier, Laurel Lee,” he said. “But God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. He’ll put us through the fire a few times, so we get a little burnt around the edges, but all in all, we come out fine."
I was speechless and pretty much bawling my eyes out after reading Burnt Edges. And it just intensified when I read the authors note and found out that what I just read was based on true events. There's something so touching and emotional when you find out that what you just read all happened in real life. Although half of this book was heartbreaking and I would not wish it to happen to anyone ever, it awes me that someone, a true person, experienced all of this and survived!
Burnt Edges is set in the 1960's and the author really did a great job in transporting the readers into where Laurel is. What I really admire about this novel is how vivid everything is. To be honest, I did have a hard time reading this book so much. Although the rapes aren't too graphic, its still heartbreaking. I was angry, full of tears and I just want to close the book. But no, if the author has the strength to write this book, then I should be brave enough to read it.
Burnt Edges will shock you, play with your emotions and will open your eyes. Its brave and provocative and absolutely a must read. Laurel Lee's story is heartbreaking, very emotional and authentic. You will be awed by her strength, by her power to push through, and her braveness to love again. Praise for Dana Leipold!
January 21, 2015
Abuse or an uncertain future. This is Laurel Lee Page’s choice when she is faced with an unplanned pregnancy at 19. Born into a broken family, all she has ever known is guilt and shame. No matter what she does or who she meets, Laurel appears to be living a condemned life but she is determined to find independence and freedom in spite of her family’s legacy of hatred and self-contempt.
The setting of the 1960’s sets the tone, Vietnam War, JFK Assassination, views on sex and social propriety along with family dynamics, the turbulent times permeate the air with unmistakable tension.
I admire authors broaching delicate and often piercing subject matter. Having abuse the apex of the narrative is not easily accomplished, however, Leipold demonstrates capability.
Leipold brings abuse – sexual, emotion and mental to the forefront without a multitude of graphic details, instead, forceful seeds are planted leaving a clear indicator of the horrific acts and damage occurring in this broken family.
The characters leave the reader filled with loathing and love. Laurel’s parents fill you with disgust and rage, questioning how on earth a parent can do the unthinkable, leaving you deeply affected. Being a mother, I was appalled and astonished by Laurel’s mothers reaction and behavior, absolutely insane. Sadly parents and families such as the Page’s exist, damaging innocent children forever and this is where the narrative and Laurel really hit home, this story is reality for some.
Laurel, needless to say, steals your heart from the beginning. A girl living in fear, suffering the inconceivable, entering an abyss of darkness. Her strength stealth, as she manages to forge on and carve a life for herself. Her ability to forgive and stand her ground is inspiring. She is the better person than any of her family members. For all Laurel endures you want nothing more for her to find her ultimate happiness.
A bittersweet story of one compelling young woman’s strength, determination and ability to forgive at the hand of the inconceivable, a woman resolved in breaking the cycle of abuse.
The setting of the 1960’s sets the tone, Vietnam War, JFK Assassination, views on sex and social propriety along with family dynamics, the turbulent times permeate the air with unmistakable tension.
I admire authors broaching delicate and often piercing subject matter. Having abuse the apex of the narrative is not easily accomplished, however, Leipold demonstrates capability.
Leipold brings abuse – sexual, emotion and mental to the forefront without a multitude of graphic details, instead, forceful seeds are planted leaving a clear indicator of the horrific acts and damage occurring in this broken family.
“But God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. He’ll put us through the fire a few times, so we get a little burnt around the edges, but all in all, we come out fine.”
The characters leave the reader filled with loathing and love. Laurel’s parents fill you with disgust and rage, questioning how on earth a parent can do the unthinkable, leaving you deeply affected. Being a mother, I was appalled and astonished by Laurel’s mothers reaction and behavior, absolutely insane. Sadly parents and families such as the Page’s exist, damaging innocent children forever and this is where the narrative and Laurel really hit home, this story is reality for some.
Laurel, needless to say, steals your heart from the beginning. A girl living in fear, suffering the inconceivable, entering an abyss of darkness. Her strength stealth, as she manages to forge on and carve a life for herself. Her ability to forgive and stand her ground is inspiring. She is the better person than any of her family members. For all Laurel endures you want nothing more for her to find her ultimate happiness.
A bittersweet story of one compelling young woman’s strength, determination and ability to forgive at the hand of the inconceivable, a woman resolved in breaking the cycle of abuse.
December 29, 2014
In the fictional book Burnt Edges by Dana Leipold the reader is led from the years of youth to young adulthood with the main character Laurel Page. The reader comes to know the Page family and the secrets and hatred that many of them in the immediate family have been able to keep over the years. With an alcoholic father and a mother that likes to lead a man, Laurel is caught in a bad place at the wrong time. She is hopelessly looked over and must find a way to live her life for her.
Leipold gives her readers a sense of responsibility and understanding for children that are in dysfunctional families. She helps her readers to have a clear sense of compassion with the way that she tells Laurel's story and displays her life concerns. This author actively provides her readers with the necessary background information that helps to form the main bulk of dysfunction within the Page family unit. There is no guessing here with this novel, everything is straight forward and easy to grasp.
I personally loved how fast the story moved and enjoyed reading it so much so, that I purposely made extra time to complete the novel. Leipold had me in tears and brought my heart to see how hard it may be to forgive those that you love, yet how important it is for the one wronged to forgive. I recommend this book and am certainly satisfied after completing it.
Leipold gives her readers a sense of responsibility and understanding for children that are in dysfunctional families. She helps her readers to have a clear sense of compassion with the way that she tells Laurel's story and displays her life concerns. This author actively provides her readers with the necessary background information that helps to form the main bulk of dysfunction within the Page family unit. There is no guessing here with this novel, everything is straight forward and easy to grasp.
I personally loved how fast the story moved and enjoyed reading it so much so, that I purposely made extra time to complete the novel. Leipold had me in tears and brought my heart to see how hard it may be to forgive those that you love, yet how important it is for the one wronged to forgive. I recommend this book and am certainly satisfied after completing it.
December 18, 2014
Just beautiful.
June 3, 2015
Reading about Laurel Lee Page suffering through abuse, the sexual abuse particularly hard to read and turning my insides sour really broke my heart. We have this look away reflex with these sorts of horrors, but that's how abuse thrives- isn't it. I absolutely hated her mother, and as much as I can say 'it's fiction' we know such parents do exist, such children.
Laurel Lee Page always seems to be near drowning in her life, just keeping her chin up above the hellish sea of her family. The reader wants so badly for salvation to come and the one person she has isn't around for long. She grows up, gets pregnant and just maybe will find a safe haven and know love. You have to read to find out.
The setting is in the 60's- sexual abuse wasn't discussed much, children weren't taught as they are these days about 'inappropriate touching', there wasn't a campaign against many abuses children bore. I have read several child abuse memoirs from those times, and beatings were often seen as deserved. The whole 'keep your business to yourself and mind your own' seems to be a strong theme for the olden days. In truth, a child did feel dirty and bad for things done to them and with adults driving home these 'untruths', what can poor little Laurel do?
It's not hard to see why Laurel grows up with conflicting feelings in relationships and confusion on healthy men vs rotten bottom of the barrel ones. Enjoyable though are the shows and songs of the 60s- it was a little like taking a trip through time.
Darkly disturbing, certainly inspires a range of emotions- this is not a sweet little read for those who can't stomach such topics. Heartbreaking, I would read more to see what happens if there is a sequel.
Laurel Lee Page always seems to be near drowning in her life, just keeping her chin up above the hellish sea of her family. The reader wants so badly for salvation to come and the one person she has isn't around for long. She grows up, gets pregnant and just maybe will find a safe haven and know love. You have to read to find out.
The setting is in the 60's- sexual abuse wasn't discussed much, children weren't taught as they are these days about 'inappropriate touching', there wasn't a campaign against many abuses children bore. I have read several child abuse memoirs from those times, and beatings were often seen as deserved. The whole 'keep your business to yourself and mind your own' seems to be a strong theme for the olden days. In truth, a child did feel dirty and bad for things done to them and with adults driving home these 'untruths', what can poor little Laurel do?
It's not hard to see why Laurel grows up with conflicting feelings in relationships and confusion on healthy men vs rotten bottom of the barrel ones. Enjoyable though are the shows and songs of the 60s- it was a little like taking a trip through time.
Darkly disturbing, certainly inspires a range of emotions- this is not a sweet little read for those who can't stomach such topics. Heartbreaking, I would read more to see what happens if there is a sequel.
January 12, 2015
“Burnt Edges is based on true events and proves that strength can be found even in the most horrific situations.”
-Back Cover, Burnt Edges
Abuse, whether physical or verbal is a situation that many children encounter every day in their lives at the hands of their parents. In Burnt Edges, Laurel, older brother Rusty, and younger brother Gerry all fall victim to physical and verbal abuse at the hand of their father Bob. It was rare that the children did not live in fear if things went wrong at home, which did not take much for Bob to attack physically or verbally to handle the situation.
Laurel shares her personal story she and her brothers endured as children growing up in the 1960’s Southern California. After graduating from high school, Laurel moves out of the house to begin her new life as a young adult. Laurel has complications when becoming pregnant was not in her immediate plans and makes a decision that surprises everyone, including herself.
It takes courage for a person to share their story of abuse at any time in their lives, young or old, and Dana has done just that. She explains in a very simplistic way the events that happened to her, how situations shaped her, and decisions she made for her life. This book is not overly descriptive concerning the physical abuse Laurel went through but the gist of it is there. For some, the subject matter may be uncomfortable but is worth the read.
I received this book free from Dana Leipold through the Masquerade Book Tour reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
-Back Cover, Burnt Edges
Abuse, whether physical or verbal is a situation that many children encounter every day in their lives at the hands of their parents. In Burnt Edges, Laurel, older brother Rusty, and younger brother Gerry all fall victim to physical and verbal abuse at the hand of their father Bob. It was rare that the children did not live in fear if things went wrong at home, which did not take much for Bob to attack physically or verbally to handle the situation.
Laurel shares her personal story she and her brothers endured as children growing up in the 1960’s Southern California. After graduating from high school, Laurel moves out of the house to begin her new life as a young adult. Laurel has complications when becoming pregnant was not in her immediate plans and makes a decision that surprises everyone, including herself.
It takes courage for a person to share their story of abuse at any time in their lives, young or old, and Dana has done just that. She explains in a very simplistic way the events that happened to her, how situations shaped her, and decisions she made for her life. This book is not overly descriptive concerning the physical abuse Laurel went through but the gist of it is there. For some, the subject matter may be uncomfortable but is worth the read.
I received this book free from Dana Leipold through the Masquerade Book Tour reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
December 20, 2014
I have to be honest, this was a tough book to get through, mainly because I know of someone close to me who was in a similar situation, minus the sexual abuse from her father, but every other situation. This story tugged at my heart strings and had me teary eyed, angry, sad, and just out right pissed off at the same time.
So many women go though these types of situations and I've recently learned that men do too. After the first few chapters, I was going to call it quits because I just couldn't take it. I persevered and made it through to the end and I'm glad I did because the ending was beautiful.
I'm glad Laurel finally stood up to her mother, although that was not the right place nor the right time to do it. I was so happy that she finally found her own. Her mother, in every essence, is exactly like my close friend's mom. She recently got married and pregnant and her mom had the same reaction, down to the T. It's quite scary actually how much I can relate to this book.
I read this book within a few hours and I'm surprised at that. But I think it was an amazing story and controversial at the same time only because you don't find too many people willing to share such a personal, deep, dark story such as this one. I am interested in seeing what's next with Laurel and Leigh and Paul. I hope that the story turns out much differently than Laurel's childhood.
So many women go though these types of situations and I've recently learned that men do too. After the first few chapters, I was going to call it quits because I just couldn't take it. I persevered and made it through to the end and I'm glad I did because the ending was beautiful.
I'm glad Laurel finally stood up to her mother, although that was not the right place nor the right time to do it. I was so happy that she finally found her own. Her mother, in every essence, is exactly like my close friend's mom. She recently got married and pregnant and her mom had the same reaction, down to the T. It's quite scary actually how much I can relate to this book.
I read this book within a few hours and I'm surprised at that. But I think it was an amazing story and controversial at the same time only because you don't find too many people willing to share such a personal, deep, dark story such as this one. I am interested in seeing what's next with Laurel and Leigh and Paul. I hope that the story turns out much differently than Laurel's childhood.
December 28, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Oh well, that ended prettily. Gosh talk about rough start.
YOU CAN READ MY FULL REVIEW AT NERDYCHAMPAGNE
OVERALL, life is what you make out of it. When you’re young, you have no choice but to go with the flow. When they don’t let you make your own decisions, you have to shut up and go with them. But time goes by and you grow up and you get to live your own life. Your life, your decisions, your mistakes, your sins, your love, your choice. Never let people ridicule you. When they have stepped on you back then, make sure they don’t do it to you again. Remember, you can be good without being a doormat. Days blend into another and people change. Some for the better but some just stay the same even if it’s not for the good. People are not under your control and sometimes, they make decisions that affect your life greatly – whether you like it or now. Life throws you things that you can’t really control, all you can do is make the most of it. Love isn’t something that you force. If your significant friend is forcing you to change or is making you uncomfortable, think again. Remember, no matter how your story started, you deserve a happy end.
Oh well, that ended prettily. Gosh talk about rough start.
YOU CAN READ MY FULL REVIEW AT NERDYCHAMPAGNE
OVERALL, life is what you make out of it. When you’re young, you have no choice but to go with the flow. When they don’t let you make your own decisions, you have to shut up and go with them. But time goes by and you grow up and you get to live your own life. Your life, your decisions, your mistakes, your sins, your love, your choice. Never let people ridicule you. When they have stepped on you back then, make sure they don’t do it to you again. Remember, you can be good without being a doormat. Days blend into another and people change. Some for the better but some just stay the same even if it’s not for the good. People are not under your control and sometimes, they make decisions that affect your life greatly – whether you like it or now. Life throws you things that you can’t really control, all you can do is make the most of it. Love isn’t something that you force. If your significant friend is forcing you to change or is making you uncomfortable, think again. Remember, no matter how your story started, you deserve a happy end.
January 16, 2015
Read the full review on my blog: http://newberyandbeyond.com/edgestour...
Burnt Edges is heart wrenching–this is both a compliment and a warning. If you can’t stand to read about child abuse and sexual abuse, don’t read it. I barely got through it myself. This story takes place during the 1960s, and it deals with alcoholism and abuse within that time period, and its saving grace from all these painful topics is how well written it is. The characters, especially the children, seem like real people, with all the mundane events and conversations of life, as well as the earth shattering ones.
My main issue with this book is the length–it’s a fairly short book, and a lot of things happen within its pages. I think this book would have benefited from a few extra pages for each event, just to allow us to absorb what was happening and what it meant for Laurel. Still, Burnt Edges provides a sensitive, if not in-depth, look into the complex life of an abused child.
*Note: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Burnt Edges is heart wrenching–this is both a compliment and a warning. If you can’t stand to read about child abuse and sexual abuse, don’t read it. I barely got through it myself. This story takes place during the 1960s, and it deals with alcoholism and abuse within that time period, and its saving grace from all these painful topics is how well written it is. The characters, especially the children, seem like real people, with all the mundane events and conversations of life, as well as the earth shattering ones.
My main issue with this book is the length–it’s a fairly short book, and a lot of things happen within its pages. I think this book would have benefited from a few extra pages for each event, just to allow us to absorb what was happening and what it meant for Laurel. Still, Burnt Edges provides a sensitive, if not in-depth, look into the complex life of an abused child.
*Note: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We all want a happy childhood. A great and happy family with lots of great memories. For Laurel Lee Page, that sort of childhood is but a dream. Laurel along with her two brothers never know when a slap or punch will come their way. Both of her parents act like all of them are a burden to them. Laurel endures pain and things no child should. As an adult, Laurel must make a choice. Does she choose to continue the abusive cycle or can she break it and live happily ever after?
Wow this book was really good! The author did an amazing job with the story and characters. Once I started I couldn't put it down. This is a great story about overcoming all odds. I highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars
We all want a happy childhood. A great and happy family with lots of great memories. For Laurel Lee Page, that sort of childhood is but a dream. Laurel along with her two brothers never know when a slap or punch will come their way. Both of her parents act like all of them are a burden to them. Laurel endures pain and things no child should. As an adult, Laurel must make a choice. Does she choose to continue the abusive cycle or can she break it and live happily ever after?
Wow this book was really good! The author did an amazing job with the story and characters. Once I started I couldn't put it down. This is a great story about overcoming all odds. I highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars
January 1, 2016
One of those books where you really dive into the characters, which is difficult because of the some of the situations. I thought the story flowed well and the descriptions were well written - so much so that they lingered with me for quite a while. My only criticism would be that I felt the book ended a bit abruptly. Maybe it was because I was so wrapped up in it, but it didn't feel like the story was finished (or maybe all of the details to the story weren't there). Either way, it felt a bit abrupt. A great read nonetheless.
January 17, 2016
Abuse takes many forms. It leaves a trail of anguish throughout a person’s life. And the family ramifications are never ending. Laurel is determined to break the cycle of abuse she has experienced. Through strength and persistence she finds self-reliance and confidence.
This is a very sad and dark read. It is not a read for everyone, but it is a story EVERYONE should read.
“The cycle of hatred was never going to end. It would continue forever until they were all broken from its wake.”
This is a very sad and dark read. It is not a read for everyone, but it is a story EVERYONE should read.
“The cycle of hatred was never going to end. It would continue forever until they were all broken from its wake.”
May 17, 2019
wow this was a emotional book. It has child molestation, a mother's hatred towards the daughter and failed relationships. The book does end on a happy note and will have to check out the next book to see what happens.
June 8, 2015
Im not normally one for reading books about the past, but the way that Burnt Edges was written was almost like reading a contemporary novel rather than one set in the 1960's. This is the story of Laurel Lee Page, whom as the oldest daughter was subjected to abuse by her father - mainly sexual but also physical. As we read we discover that her dad was part of the war and when he came back, he was a different man and more prone to violence and outbursts. The character that I hated most in this book was Laurel's mother as she acted like everything that happened was Laurel's fault and she never seemed to be smiling as the book did go on, I wondered if this was because her husband seemed to pay more attention to Laurel, than he did his wife. As the story goes through the years, we read as Laurel's brother Rusty heads off the serve in the Vietnam War and Laurel leaves home and falls in love with Dave. Dave is off to train as a soldier as well and serve the country, so they get engaged before he leaves for training. During this time Laurel meets Paul - one of her co-workers and despite Laurel's attempts at warning him off her , he keeps persevering and asking her out as friends. As they get to know each other, it seems that Paul is the only guy she has ever met that genuinely loves her for her and they sleep together which leaves Laurel pregnant ? Will she break her engagement off with Dave and be with Paul and her baby to be or will she head back to Dave and say sayonara to Paul and a life with him ?
Find out in Burnt Edges by Dana Leipold today. Burnt Edges was the type of story that will stay with you and in parts, make your eyes tear and if you have suffered abuse yourself - in parts you will reasonate what the character is going through.
Find out in Burnt Edges by Dana Leipold today. Burnt Edges was the type of story that will stay with you and in parts, make your eyes tear and if you have suffered abuse yourself - in parts you will reasonate what the character is going through.
January 14, 2016
Laurel Paige, an 8yo child growing up in the 60s -- a time when the US was sending men into space and The First Lady was the epitome of grace -- was living in fear along with her two brothers. Their father, a classic abuser, and their mother, a classic enabler, is an alcoholic and this is just one dangerous secret the family hides under the guise of a suburban family.
There were times when I was so angry at Laurel's parents that I had to stop reading. Leipold's writing doesn't rely on overly descriptive prose or vague euphemisms to convey the difficulties or abuse Laurel's parents inflict upon their children. There is no mistaking what takes place in the Page home. There is no room for misunderstanding. The hell and torment is simply told so that the reader is able to comprehend with compassion just what children experience in abusive homes. Her matter of fact writing strikes the perfect tone for laying out Laurel Page's life in each chapter, keeping the focus on Laurel and how Laurel begins to develop into a strong woman. You will be left with a feeling that, no matter how hellish Laurel's life was, there is hope.
Yes, there is darkness and there is a sense of helplessness at times. But that is real life for children in abusive homes. To leave this out would be disingenuous. Burnt Edges by Dana Leipold is an excellent read and one I would recommend to anyone.
There were times when I was so angry at Laurel's parents that I had to stop reading. Leipold's writing doesn't rely on overly descriptive prose or vague euphemisms to convey the difficulties or abuse Laurel's parents inflict upon their children. There is no mistaking what takes place in the Page home. There is no room for misunderstanding. The hell and torment is simply told so that the reader is able to comprehend with compassion just what children experience in abusive homes. Her matter of fact writing strikes the perfect tone for laying out Laurel Page's life in each chapter, keeping the focus on Laurel and how Laurel begins to develop into a strong woman. You will be left with a feeling that, no matter how hellish Laurel's life was, there is hope.
Yes, there is darkness and there is a sense of helplessness at times. But that is real life for children in abusive homes. To leave this out would be disingenuous. Burnt Edges by Dana Leipold is an excellent read and one I would recommend to anyone.
September 6, 2016
Not bad. Truly not bad at all. I'm only upset because I got to the ending and I felt like there is not even a second book even though it says there is. So needless to say, there is a lot of unfinished business left at the end of this book.
"But God doesn't give us more than we can handle. He'll put us through the fire a few times, so we get a little burnt around the edges, but all in all, we come out fine."
Burnt Edges has a bit of taboo in it which I don't mind one bit. I like cringing. I fricking love it when authors touch on sensitive subjects such as rape, abuse, incest, etc. Say what you will but it speaks volumes about an author when they can execute topics and stories that pertain to that sort of stuff and Leipold did an excellent job.
I didn't necessarily connect with any of the characters but I definitely connected with the story line and concept of the book. It was decent.
With saying that, this author tackled a tough subject and came out with a decently written book but with it only being 190 pages it was just too short for the amount of information and plots this author was wanting to portray. And where is the second book? It's so frustrating to me. Where is the follow up?
"But God doesn't give us more than we can handle. He'll put us through the fire a few times, so we get a little burnt around the edges, but all in all, we come out fine."
Burnt Edges has a bit of taboo in it which I don't mind one bit. I like cringing. I fricking love it when authors touch on sensitive subjects such as rape, abuse, incest, etc. Say what you will but it speaks volumes about an author when they can execute topics and stories that pertain to that sort of stuff and Leipold did an excellent job.
I didn't necessarily connect with any of the characters but I definitely connected with the story line and concept of the book. It was decent.
With saying that, this author tackled a tough subject and came out with a decently written book but with it only being 190 pages it was just too short for the amount of information and plots this author was wanting to portray. And where is the second book? It's so frustrating to me. Where is the follow up?
June 25, 2015
I loved the blurb/description of this book. Truth is, when I first saw Burnt Edges, the cover immediately captivated me. There’s something about this problematic barefoot girl that captured my attention. It’s like she’s all alone and the weight of the world is in her shoulders.
When I got to read the book, floodgates opened. I drowned in Laurel Lee Page’s world. The kind of abuse she received, the bruises she sustained, the emotional torture that plagued her, the sexual torment and horrific experiences – all these and more really broke my heart. Her unwanted pregnancy further reached the summit of my emotions. Everything about her world was just wicked, sick and hellish.
The topic of abuse – both physical and sexual – is a delicate subject that I sometimes want to steer away from. But Burnt Edges, surprisingly, kept me on my seat. Dana Leipold speaks to me through her words, through the characters, through the emotions. I was instantly floored by the author’s lyrical, raw, gripping and descriptive prose. I am certain, this book will greatly impact the society of today. A highly recommended book!
When I got to read the book, floodgates opened. I drowned in Laurel Lee Page’s world. The kind of abuse she received, the bruises she sustained, the emotional torture that plagued her, the sexual torment and horrific experiences – all these and more really broke my heart. Her unwanted pregnancy further reached the summit of my emotions. Everything about her world was just wicked, sick and hellish.
The topic of abuse – both physical and sexual – is a delicate subject that I sometimes want to steer away from. But Burnt Edges, surprisingly, kept me on my seat. Dana Leipold speaks to me through her words, through the characters, through the emotions. I was instantly floored by the author’s lyrical, raw, gripping and descriptive prose. I am certain, this book will greatly impact the society of today. A highly recommended book!
June 6, 2015
I would like to thank Booktrope Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy to read and review. Set in the late 50's to early 60's, Burnt Edges follows Laurel Page from childhood through early adulthood. At the hands of one or both of her parents, Laurel was abused on an almost daily basis. Abuse is an emotionally charged subject, but the author provided only a dispassionate telling of Laurel's horrific childhood. As tragic as her childhood was, I wanted to be taken on a journey with Laurel. In my opinion, the author did not forge that connection and I finished the book feeling that something was missing. The author did not allow the characters to come alive within the pages, which affected how the plot flowed. I appreciate how the author tackled a very difficult subject, as I can imagine how difficult it is to write. Although this particular book did not really catch my eye, I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
June 18, 2015
I had the pleasure of reading pieces of this as part of a critique group with Dana Leipold. Certain places are very hard to read, evoking very strong feelings of disgust for Laurel's parents and grandmother. I bought a copy when it came out. Throughout the whole book I just kept hoping something would give and things would get better for this poor child. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, but I will say this much: the end was bitter-sweet and very true to life. There were a few editing issues, but not enough to pull me out of the story. The whole thing just made me FEEL so much. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a peek at hope from a desolate place. We've all been there, in some way or another. In a way, Burnt Edges is a story we can all relate to.
March 11, 2016
Sadly, abuse is all too common these days. In Burnt Edges, Laurel shares the story of her and her two brothers Gerry and Rusty. The story did not go into cringe-worthy details and it was easy to settle into the events that unfolded in the Paige family household. I fell into this story and never even realised it was based on true events until I read the reviews here. I am happy for Laurel and the way her life turned out, and at the end of the story she seems happy. Thank goodness for Providence though. I am sure if she had married that other one, the cycle of abuse would have continued.
August 29, 2015
Laurel's story is told through a filter that allows the author to illustrate the despair of child abuse in a dysfunctional family without dwelling on graphic details. It is an interesting look at personal demons and coping mechanisms used by various characters. Her life demonstrates the struggle between merely existing, drifting from crisis to crisis, and breaking through the violence to become a fully functioning adult.
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