Author : Erika Liodice
Publication date : November 12th 2011 by Dreamspire Press
Well, a story about a mother's struggle always catches my attention. This book is also one of them. Maybe it is because I am a mother myself so I wonder if I could relate to the characters? Without further delay, let's talk about this book!
Set in 1970s, Cathalyn White was one of those poor young mothers who were trapped in forced adoption. Her mother, who supposed to be her supporter, now had became the antagonist. She convinced Cathy that it was the right thing to do and she'd forget then moved on with her life. It turned out that her mother was wrong. All her actions made their mother-daugther relationship rocky, and there was no single day for Cathy without thinking about her daughter. She never forgot, she couldn't move on.
Call me a cry baby, but Empty Arms really made me cry. It is one of the hardest book to put down and I finished it within only 24 hours. I was completely hooked as if my hands are glued to the book. For the record, this is Liodice's debut novel and it's a very impressive work. The narration flows so naturally, it's poetic, it plays with your emotion and the whole storyline is so believable.
I wouldn't say the characters are extremely strong, but they do have their own notable personalities. Cathy's mother, for example is a very stubborn woman. At first glance, you'd think that she's a know it all, but as the story develops, you'll discover that's she's way more than just a stubborn woman. Cathy, in the other hand is depressed and tend to self hurt, while her husband, Paul is a very confused man.
Empty Arms is a beautiful story about a mother who misses her child so bad it hurts while her whole life was build on lies. Gosh, I cry as I am typing this! It also teaches one important thing that it is not wise to judge a mother who has a child out of wedlock because you don't know what they have been through. As for the ending, oh, it's one of the most beautiful closings I've read. After the unpredictable twist and turns, it ends the book properly with no rush whatsoever.
Now, here's my favorite quote from Empty Arms:
This is exactly why I am better off dealing with the newborns and never meeting their parents. It hurts too much to realize that not all mothers love their babies.
5 rating for Empty Arms. I strongly recommend this book if you are looking for a book that will give you food for thought. I really wish every debut author would be as good as Liodice and since it has been a while after the publication, I so wonder if the author will release another novel soon. Your turn! What's the last book that made you cry?
