Her own psychological ills from the abuse and anger are barely touched upon, and her understandable yet somehow not, instant connection to Jermaine seem to contradict her own trust issues with people, men most specifically. However, there isn’t a ton of introspection or development from Edie: she’s most obviously holding issues of anger from both the abuse and the fact she is thrust into new situations constantly. Gripping and completely engaging, Payne has latched onto the emotional angles that will grab a reader and keep them moving forward. But, when she doesn’t return home from her overnight job, Edie is convinced her father has returned – and this sends her into a series of choices made in desperation…. In London, Sydney believes that Edie can have that fresh start, and life will start to look more positive.
They’ve been running for years – yet her father keeps finding them and the abuse starts again. The underlying reasons for Edie’s story are all too familiar if one reads the headlines, and running away from a bad situation does often seem the only choice for child or parent desperate to keep them safe.Įdie and her mother have fled Canada for London: Edie’s father is horridly abusive, and Sydney is desperate to keep her daughter safe and allow her other options away from the abuse. Mary Jennifer Payne writes beautifully: her descriptions and emotional impact is clear to see, and the character of Edie is instantly sympathetic whether an adult or teen is reading. I’ve been back and forth while writing this review, wondering just what was prodding me to be uneasy with the story. Determined to find her mother but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn’t come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them.Īlone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she’ll be sent back to her abusive father.
Sydney promises her that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school - she’s in a different country. Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. CCBC’s Best Books for Kids & Teens (Fall 2015) - Commendedįifteen-year-old Edie Fraser searches for her mother, who has gone missing shortly after the two moved to London, England, to escape Edie’s abusive father.
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