Thursday 4 April 2013

Book ~ "Tainted Love" (2012) Erin Cawood

From Goodreads ~ For anyone in a relationship, the words "we need to talk" can only mean one thing. In the last twenty-two years, the McKenzies have been through it, survived it, learned by it and grown stronger from it because life didn't stop for a breath when they needed it. Among the tears and the tragedies, the hopes and happiness, they've built something amazing: a happy family, a luxury lifestyle and a booming empire. Don't they deserve to have it all? 

But for the perfect wife, those four sinister words mean something entirely different. They're a summons into a private world where what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. 

Faith has no doubt in Calvin's undying love for her. It's what kept her sane in the darkest hours. If only she could figure out what it is she does wrong ... because it’s rapidly becoming apparent their tainted love is running out of time.

When Faith starts dating Calvin, he is a widower recovering from the recent death of his wife and infant son.  Things escalate when Faith gets pregnant which prompts them to get married.  Over the years, Calvin displays bouts of rage which progress from yelling and demeaning Faith to beating her up and raping her.  He is always instantly sorry and showers her with gifts ... she feels he loves her and one of these days he'll confront his demons and stop the abuse.  She starts thinking that maybe she's to blame for his outbursts and makes excuses for her injuries.

Though this is a rather intense story, I enjoyed it.  I liked the writing style and think the author did a good job of portraying a woman who is being abused by her husband, wants to protect her children and not let them know what a monster their father is, and is hopeful that Cal will change.  It eventually comes to a point where she can't take it anymore.

The format of the book is interesting ... it's made up of letters and emails Faith writes to her younger brother, Darryl.  This is how she tells her story.

I can't imagine what it's like to be physically abused.  If I was in that situation, I would leave right away ... buh bye!  I felt like reaching into the book and pulling Faith out of that situation and giving her a shake.

I'd recommend this book.  As a head's up, the subject matter and language is mature at times.

2 comments:

Erin Cawood said...

Thank you for the lovely review :)

Masshole Mommy said...

Another good read!