"Take My Hand" By: Nicola Haken
Rating:☆☆☆☆☆
Nicola Haken has once again produced a story of the highest quality. What I like about her stories is that she takes some really tough subjects and produces work that doesn't shock but that actually helps the reader better understand those issues. "Take My Hand" is no exception with issues such as drug and alcohol addiction and domestic violence at the heart of the story and instrumental in the shaping of Dexter's character.
Emily has arrived in London with her best friend, Rachel to go to University and to escape from the oppressive nature of her parents. Emily is painfully shy and if she had her way, she would eat, sleep and study. Thankfully her best friend is outgoing and pushes her outside her comfort zone to meet new people. It is through this pushing that they meet Dexter at a local bar where Dexter is working. He is not very forthcoming about himself but for different reasons to Emily. Dexter doesn't believe himself worthy of love or a relationship so he keeps himself to himself and focuses on meaningless encounters. He does find himself drawn to Emily but fights it. He has secrets that he thinks that once Emily finds out them, she will run in the opposite direction as quickly as she can.
Emily is a keeper though and when Dexter reveals his battle against drug and alcohol addiction, she doesn't run and she doesn't judge. She offers her support and love; something which is alien to Dexter. It is not smooth running for the couple as Dexter keeps trying to push Emily away and his destructive behaviour rears its ugly head. They both also have more secrets that could potentially drive them apart forever.
Emily and Dexter are characters that you will fall in love with and their journey of self-discovery. There are moments of immense sadness but also moments of immense happiness, as they both battle the demons of the past. The beauty of this story is that it is understated and the subjects dealt with sensitively. It doesn't glamourise any of the issues but instead looks at their impact on the characters' lives. Their journey does not conclude in this book and I am looking forward to seeing what is next for the couple.
Get your copy here:
No comments:
Post a Comment