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~ Review 79 - Brothers by sunflowerbeauties ~

Book Information

Title: Brothers
Author: sunflowerbeauties
Genre:
Chapters: 18 (ongoing)

Reviewed by Sharon_nthelse

Plot Development:
The novel immediately immersed the reader in a deeply unsettling domestic scene. It portrays the harrowing experience of a six-year-old boy, Min Yoongi, who has grown accustomed to the constant, escalating conflicts between his parents. The narrative skillfully builds tension as the abuse intensifies, culminating in a brutal confrontation where the mother is severely assaulted and ultimately retaliated in a desperate act of self-preservation for herself and her son. The father's background as a former police officer, his descent into alcoholism, and his rage stemming from his job loss and perceived betrayal provide a compelling, albeit tragic, foundation for the escalating conflict.

Character Depth:
• Min Yoongi: He is depicted as a quiet and deeply terrified child, profoundly affected by the pervasive violence in his home. His desperate attempts to intervene and shield his mother, despite his overwhelming fear, underscore his innocence and profound love for her.
• The Mother: Initially portrayed as a victim enduring horrific abuse, she reveals remarkable resilience and fierce maternal instinct. Her desperate act of self-defense, culminating in a violent retaliation, highlights her determination to survive and protect her child.
• The Father: His character is complex, presented as a man who was once loving but transformed into a monstrous figure due to unemployment and alcoholism. His paranoia and fury, fueled by a belief in his wife's betrayal and his own professional humiliation, drive the central conflict.

Writing Style:
The writing style is impactful and direct, effectively immersing the reader into the traumatic events through vivid descriptions of the characters' emotional states and the depicted violence. The author employs strong imagery to create a harrowing and distressing atmosphere.

Originality:
While the overarching theme of domestic abuse and a child's experience within it is a recurring motif in literature, the specific details of the father's past as a disgraced police officer and his particular brand of paranoia introduce unique elements to the narrative.

Grammar:
The story demonstrates a compelling narrative voice, but attention to grammatical precision could further enhance the reader experience. For instance:

• Instead of "her mother's scream got louder" (referring to Yoongi's mother), a correction could be "his mother's scream grew louder."
• "He's glory and pride got humiliated" would be more grammatically sound as "His glory and pride were humiliated."
• "She was defenseless, weak, tired. She just wanted that to end." could be rephrased for smoother flow, such as "Defenseless, weak, and tired, she yearned for it to end."
• "He screamed in pain and couldn't hold her anymore. Seeing the opportunity, she took the bat lying on the messy floor and hit it directly in his head." could be improved by clarifying the subject of the second sentence, e.g., "He screamed in pain and couldn't hold her any longer. Seizing the opportunity, she grabbed the bat lying on the messy floor and struck him directly on the head."

Addressing such instances would refine the novel and strengthen the impact of the narrative.

Emotional Impact:
The novel possesses a profoundly strong emotional impact. The raw and unflinching portrayal of violence, coupled with the palpable fear and desperation experienced by Yoongi and his mother, evokes intense feelings of fear, distress, and sympathy from the reader. The mother's desperate fight for survival and her ultimate, brutal act of self-preservation are particularly gripping and disturbing.

Overall Coherence:
The novel forms a cohesive and disturbing narrative segment. It effectively establishes the setting, introduces the core characters, and immediately sets a dark and intense tone.