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Book Review: Kindness of Strangers
Brittney Moody
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Katrina Kittle’s novel, “The Kindness of Strangers,” is a heartbreaking story which conveys the hardships and damages left with the preys of child molestation. As if the topic itself does not bring about enough emotion, Jordan, a 10-year-old boy, has had to endure it from within his own household and is too afraid to let anyone know the sick and twisted misfortunes he has to endure weekly. Jordan sees no other way of getting out of the sadistic lifestyle but to take his own life. However, Jordan never thought that his plan could go wrong, and his mom’s best friend, Sarah Laden, could stunt his attempt at suicide.
Once he is rushed to the hospital evidence starts to unfold of what has been going on under Jordan’s roof. Jordan’s father makes a run for it before the police start to search his house. Sarah, who is baffled by the news of the neighbors that she thought she knew so well, is in denial for as long as can be allowed. After Jordan forms a bond with Sarah’s son, Nate, she is cornered into fostering the boy.
It is not that Sarah does not want to protect Jordan, but she has recently been put through the death of her husband and does not want to deter her family’s growth anymore, less put her own children in any danger. Jordan appears very keen on returning into his mother’s arms and tries to defy those that tell him he should feel otherwise. As the story draws toward a close Jordan’s mother keeps to her word that she will protect him the very best that she can.
This story brings to life some of the most beautiful forms of relationships and the many illusions of trust and love. Moreover it delves into the world of how looking back on a specific childhood, like Jordan’s, can feel, and how at times you can be your own worst enemy. This novel also holds true to the fact that nothing is ever what it seems.
Kittle writes her story, as many of my favorite authors do, by switching between the viewpoints of four main characters. This novel is very alluring and was a simple, quick read, which I almost completed in one sitting. Although she writes in a simplistic way the story is bound so powerfully that I can do nothing but highly recommend this novel to anyone in search of an inspirational, great read.
Questions? Comments? Contact Brittney Moody at moodybri@msu.edu
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