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.