2016 Oct 10
by Vandana Hiranand
My name is Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. My murderer was a man from our neighborhood. My mother liked his border flowers, and my father talked to him once about fertilizer.
Watching from her place in heaven, Susie sees her happy, suburban family devastated by her death, isolated even from one another as they each try to cope with their terrible loss alone. Over the years, her friends and siblings grow up, fall in love, do all the things she never had the chance to do herself. But life is not quite finished with Susie yet….
First-time novelist, Sebold, delivers a compelling story as told by her protagonist, Susie, from the comfort of heaven. This is a chilling and riveting novel which encompasses both the murder which occurred and most importantly, the events following its aftermath. Although relayed from the afterlife, this story does not focus upon the afterlife. Rather, it concentrates on those living after a tragedy. This is a fresh change of pace, from other murder-mystery novels as well.
Although Sebold received much criticism, most readers found the novel gripping. It discusses many topics which all readers can relate to, such as the afterlife, death and tragedy, topics which are always interesting to ponder upon. It shifts between two instances in time: before and after the murder. Undoubtedly, this leads to a few dull, dragging moments. However, Sebold has artfully mastered the time shifts and this one is definitely worth the read. After all, who doesn’t love a good old murder-mystery?
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
~Vandana Hiranand~
