Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Review: Mr. Splitfoot

Ruth and Nat are the closest of friends. They have spent their teen years as foster children under the dubious care of Father Arthur, along with other unwanted kids. But now emancipation is just around the bend. As awful as foster care has been, the unknown future seems scarier. Nat has a gift for speaking to the dead and what started out as a way to comfort kids who miss their parents soon becomes a thriving business led by the mysterious Mr. Bell. Many years later, Ruth visits her pregnant niece Cora. Ruth refuses to speak, but she does take Cora along with her on a journey. Where has Ruth been all of these years and where is she leading Cora?

I have to confess that I read the first several chapters of this book with an intense feeling of discomfort. As a mom, my heart broke for these kids who were abandoned and abused and so desperate. I felt actual fear as grown-up Ruth led Cora on a journey of unknown length with an unknown destination. The book progressed and I found my fear changing into fascination as I followed Ruth and Nat and then Ruth and Cora.

This is a gothic novel with magic and mystery and wonderfully delicious "oh, now that makes sense" moments. Each storyline is fascinating in itself and they converge in the most unexpected ways. Mr. Splitfoot is unlike anything I have ever read, and I am so happy that I picked it up. It left me believing in both the creepy feeling when you are alone at night and the possibility of true magic.


Mr. Splitfoot
By Samantha Hunt
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt January 2016
336 pages
From the library

18 comments:

  1. I saw the hype on this one on Twitter but still wasn't convinced I should pick it up. I think I'm going to give it a go based on your reaction! Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Hooray! I love posts that are the tipping point to make me pick up a book.

      Make sure to let me know what you think!

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  2. I've been hearing so much about this one. I passed on it initially and I regret that. I need to get my hands on this one as soon as possible!

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    1. It's one I resisted for a while too. Sometimes it's tough to tell which books really deserve all the hype!

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  3. I like novels with a gothic feel, especially when they combine mystery with a little magic. I'm adding this one to my "What I want to read this summer" list. :) Great review!

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    1. It would be great for a summer read, especially with the long trip that Ruth and Cora take!

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  4. Like Michelle I passed on this one initially, but now I can't wait to read it. Thanks for your review!

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    1. Isn't it funny how you can read a few reviews and think "hmm...maybe" and then somehow one review just decides for you?

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  5. I am so glad you loved this book! I adored it and still can't exactly say why. Maybe it's just because I loved the characters fiercely, especially Ruth.

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    1. Yes, I really was rooting for the characters and I think I loved that is was different from any book I've read before. Just when I thought I knew what kind of book it was, it turned into something else!

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  6. Wow. You have completely piqued my curiosity! :-)

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  7. I'm not at all sure what to make of this book from the many reviews I've read. It certainly seems strange!

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    1. It is very strange and I think it's one of those books that is hard to define. I tend to like books like that, though!

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  8. I am so thrilled that you loved this one, because I did too! That last scene at the lake gave me chills.

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    1. Yes! I am still thinking about the book! I think it's going to need a re-read before too long.

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  9. So happy you liked it!! Such an amazing book.

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    1. It was a wonderful read. It seemed a little out of my comfort zone, but I'm so glad I gave it a try.

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