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.
Early Reviews:
“This is a beautifully written story. There are so many lovely, poetic descriptions woven effortlessly into a story that is not always pretty. They stand out without jarring from the narrative or seeming forced. It makes some of the more unlovely aspects of Laurel’s life easier to take.
I don’t know if it was intentional or not on the part of the author, but the narrative style feels one step removed from the actual events. As if we are viewing the action through Laurel’s memories and she’s slightly afraid to get too close. And with good reason. But instead of making the story less intimate, it gives Laurel a kind of gentle strength that is lovely to read. It doesn’t shy away from anything but lends the entire book an air of hopefulness that just works.
The raw yet beautiful language. Highly recommend.”
—Jennifer Ripley
