In an Instant

I have never started a book review talking about the author notes at the end of the book. To be honest, I don’t usually read author notes, but I didn’t want In an Instant to end. I clung to each chapter like a blanket in a snowstorm. So yeah, I read past the last chapter. I’m glad I did. 

Only upon reading these notes did I realize why the storytelling was tangible, and sincere. The author, Suzanne Redfearn, wrote from experience.  She survived a disaster as a child. Though this isn’t autobiographical, she drew from the helplessness as a child, as well as witnessing the choices adults made to save their own children while leaving others in their care to their own devices.

In an Instant delves into the human psyche, and the difficult choices one must make in life-threatening situations. Finn, the main character is able to narrate the story in first person. She dips into each survivor’s view … because she is dead. This isn’t a spoiler, because it’s basically the main premise of this story. It’s not really paranormal, though that might seem a contradiction, but when you read the book, you’ll understand.  The story is beautifully told. It yanked me out of my reality and into Finn’s point of view.

Rarely can an author make me actually FEEL the story … and feel I did. I laughed and wept. I wanted to slap people upside the head, and embrace others in a comfort. I trudged through the frozen wilderness, thirsted for rescue, and huddled along with the survivors in the wrecked bus. I experienced Finn’s helplessness, anger, and despair. I whooped at her glee, laughed at her sweet memories, and wanted to hold her hand through the myriad of experiences in her journey.

But there is more to this story than survival and loss. There’s self-discovery, self-loathing, selfishness, and generosity. There’s courage, and finding strength despite depleted hope. There’s family dynamics before and after the accident. There’s survivor’s guilt, pseudo heroes, and true heroes. There’s love, betrayal, physical and mental healing. There's. So. Much.

This story both knocked the breath out of me and made me hold my breath in anticipation. I could go on and on about this story, but I will leave you to it. Read it. Experience it.

I give this book infinite stars. 

The Gray Chamber

The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock initially drew my interest due to the true historical aspects, but the characters the author created made the story real to me. Blackwell Island Asylum was the first lunatic asylum in New York in the late 1800s, and plays a huge role in this story. Nelly Bly, the famed journalist who exposed the deplorable conditions at the asylum even plays a part in the book. Without a doubt, Grace Hitchcock blended research and storytelling. I loved every page she penned. 

Though The Gray Chamber is fictional, the author incorporated many true historical facts. I enjoyed the characters she created, especially Edyth Foster.  She’s quirky, and doesn’t care to follow social norms for a young woman of the times. Her passion is fencing, and her heart is hopelessly in love with her long-time instructor, Bane. He’s clueless to her admiration, but I still adored Bane. He’s kind, and a true friend to Edyth. I wanted to shake the man and force him to see the beauty in Edyth, despite her unconventional persona. 

I found Edyth simply charming! She’s kind to everyone, generous to a fault, and has a buried brokenness that pulls at ones heartstrings. Naivety is her downfall, and she isn't aware of her guardian’s betrayal until she’s locked away in the lunatic asylum on Blackwell Island ... and no one will believe she’s sane. 

The events throughout this book are vivid, brutal, heartfelt, and touching. Yes, a true rollercoaster of emotions. This story held me in an atmosphere of dampened spirit, and darkness throughout Edyth’s plight once she was committed. Her belief in redemption, faith, friendship with other sane women in the asylum helps her to hold on to sanity. That, and her undying love for Bane. 

The emotional journey I experienced while reading this book will stay with me for a long time. Read The Gray Chamber, and delve into the world that really existed. It’s the best book I’ve read in a long time.

5 glorious stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. All opinions are my own.