Book Thoughts - Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen

Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen
published 1998
320 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

For eighteen years, Fran Benedetto kept her secret. And hid her bruises. And stayed with Bobby because she wanted her son to have a father. And because, in spite of everything, she loved him. Then one night, when she saw the look on her ten-year-old son's face, Fran finally made a choice — and ran for both their lives. Now she is starting over in a city far from home, far from Bobby. And in this place she uses a name that isn't hers, and cradles her son in her arms, and tries to forget. For the woman who now calls herself Beth, every day is a chance to heal, to put together the pieces of her shattered self. And every day she waits for Bobby to catch up to her. Because Bobby always said he would never let her go. And despite the flawlessness of her escape, Fran Benedetto is certain of one thing: It is only a matter of time....

My thoughts -

I have to admit to feeling rather disappointed in this novel. I think Anna Quindlen is a fantastic writer, and I felt like this novel was a very superficial depiction of an extremely serious issue. I think Quindlen had the opportunity to really delve into something that could have been quite powerful, and instead chose to write a novel that was perfectly average. I'm not sure I would have stuck with it except I was reading it for a book group and wanted to be able to discuss. I think perhaps if I didn't KNOW about Quindlen's skill, I wouldn't have had such high expectations, but knowing what she is capable of, this wasn't up to par.

Finished - 2/19/13

Source - my shelves

MPAA rating - R for violence and adult situations

My rating - 6/10