BOOK REVIEW - The Breaks (a Novel) by Ellen Barker
Book Title: The Breaks (a Novel) by Ellen Barker
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 310 pages
Genre: Literary Novel
Publisher: She Writes Press
Release date: February 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 +M: I'm not sure if this book should be PG-13 or PG-13+M. The book contains little profanity, no sex or violence, and no abortion, suicide, adultery, sexual or physical abuse. It does deal with wrongful conviction and women leaving prison, which may be unsuitable for under 13.
Ellen Barker’s The Breaks is a touching and uplifting
novel about resilience, unexpected friendships, and the strength found in
life’s most unanticipated moments. What unfolds is a compelling narrative filled
with an eclectic cast of well-developed characters. Barker takes readers on an
emotional journey that highlights the power of human connection.
The story follows Marianne, whose seemingly ordinary life
takes a sudden turn when a bad date lands her in the emergency room with a
broken arm. This accident sets off a chain of events that led her to an unusual
favor—picking up Stephanie, an ex-convict, from a women’s prison at the request
of a nun. Though the two women come from vastly different backgrounds, their
meeting sparks an unlikely yet deeply transformative friendship.
Barker excels in crafting a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal
of two women navigating personal struggles while discovering strength in one
another. Marianne and Stephanie’s relationship is layered and authentic, built
on trust, vulnerability, and shared experiences. The novel beautifully explores
themes of redemption, second chances, and the importance of community support.
The author’s prose is engaging, with vivid descriptions and emotional depth
that draw readers in from the very first page.
While the pacing is steady rather than fast-paced, the depth
of character development and poignant moments make The Breaks a
rewarding read. It’s a novel that reminds us that sometimes, the biggest
personal breakthroughs come from life’s unexpected breaks.
Perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with
strong female leads and themes of hope and resilience, The Breaks is an
inspiring and heartfelt novel that lingers long after the final page. I look forward
to reading more from this author!
Waking up in the emergency room with a broken arm was not one of the ways Marianne imagined her first date with Carl, if it is a date, ending up. Nor was driving up to the entrance of a women’s prison a few weeks later anywhere on her radar. But here she is. At least I’m on this side of the gate. She picks up newly released Stephanie, as a favor to a nun she barely knows, returns to her East of Troost home, and finds herself immersed in a whole new drama.
East of Troost is Marianne’s childhood neighborhood, downtrodden by decades of redlining and a wide swath of destruction to make way for an expressway. Marianne moved back there after a reversal of fortune limited her options. She’s had to repair the house and deal with a couple of “incidents” – hence her acquaintance with Officer Carl.
Meanwhile, Sister Colette has bought the house behind her and is taking in women who, in her words, need to learn to “just live.” As Stephanie helps Marianne cope with her broken arm, she gradually comes out of her shell and teaches Marianne a thing or two about "just living."
Ellen Barker grew up in Kansas City during a period of demographic upheaval, and she returns there in her novels. She has a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Washington University in Saint Louis, where she developed a passion for how cities work, and don’t. She began her career as an urban planner, then spent many years working for large consulting firms, first as a writer-editor and later managing large data systems. Her volunteer work involves years of pet-assisted therapy with children in “the system,” both foster care and prison. She is the author of East of Troost, which introduced readers to the neighborhood where The Breaks takes place, and Still Needs Work, which takes place in the same area. She now lives in Los Altos, California, with her husband and their German shepherd, Boris, who is the inspiration for the dog in this novel.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreads
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