Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell delves into the dark and dysfunctional life of 19-year-old Harley, who is left to raise his three younger sisters after their mother is imprisoned for murdering their abusive father. The novel explores themes of abuse, mental illness, incest, and betrayal as Harley struggles to cope with his traumatic past and take care of his siblings amidst a backdrop of violence and dysfunction in a small Pennsylvania town. The writing style is described as powerful, intense, and haunting, with well-developed characters that evoke strong emotions and challenge traditional notions of family dynamics.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include high warnings for violence, child abuse, incest, neglect, and mental health crises.
Has Romance?
There is a medium presence of romantic elements, primarily through Harley's interactions with a married neighbor and the complexities of his feelings.
From The Publisher:
One day Harley Altmyer was 18 and thinking about making some kind of life. He had a family he loved and he figured it was time to get a job. Before he has the chance, his life is a minefield: his father is dead, his mother in prison for the murder, three younger sisters to care for, and there's not too much time left over for himself. Suddenly he has two crummy jobs, a fantasy sex life, big worries about the kids and a court-appointed therapist.
A intense physical relationship with a woman living down the road seems to offer a way out, the answer to his problems. But little can he realise that those problems are only just beginning...
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Back Roads?
About the Author:
Tawni O'Dell was born and raised in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania. She earned a degree in journalism from Northwestern University. A mother of two, she lives with her husband in Illinois. Back Roads is her first novel.
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