We Begin at the End
By Chris Whitaker
Henry Holt and Co.
This is one of those books that grabs you with the first few pages and doesn’t let go. Yes, there is a murder mystery, but this story is so much more than that.
Chief Walker, known as Walk, grew up in the coastal California town where he now runs the sleepy police department. He’s not married, doesn’t have kids, but he looks out for his old high school friend Star, the troubled mom of two kids, Duchess and Robin. Duchess, 13, has had to look after her mom for much of her life and is old beyond her years. She calls herself an outlaw. Robin, 5, is a sweet boy who her mom and sister call their “prince.”
Star’s little sister Sissy was killed 30 years earlier, setting off a chain of events that culminate in this story. Vincent King, Walk’s best childhood friend, had served 30 years for the crime and was now coming home. Star marks the occasion by overdosing on drugs, leaving Walk to find her, revive her and take her to the hospital, where she recovers, barely. Don’t worry, these aren’t spoilers, this all happens in the first 10 pages.
Themes of this story include family, honour, secrets, bravery, shame, love, loyalty, pride and how our early years can shape the rest of our lives. It’s beautifully written and every little detail is key to the story. Not only will you not be able to put this book down, you just might remember it forever.
I’m not sure where I learned about this book, but I’m so happy I did. I had never heard of British author Chris Whitaker, but when I was about half way into this story, I knew I had to read his other two novels – Tall Oaks and All the Wicked Girls. If they are anywhere near as good as We Begin at the End, I’m in for a treat.
Comentários