Review: "Faithful" by Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors. After I read The Dovekeepers, I was hooked and this novel does not disappoint. As with all her novels, it is beautifully written and inspiring. It is the poignant story of Shelby, an 18 year old girl. One icy winter night of her senior year of high school, her and her friend, Helen, set off for the mall. There is a tragic accident in which Helen is left with a severe head injury and in a coma. Shelby is also severely injured and while she is lying on the ground, thinking death is near, a stranger comes and covers her with his jacket and comforts her until right before her mother arrives. Was he an angel or her imagination? Shelby isn’t sure. All she does know is that she was driving and she blames herself for her friend’s condition. Her life, once very orderly and happy, turns dark as she punishes herself. She becomes a social outcast, unable to look anyone in the eye. She holds onto postcards that she receives sporadically in the mail. Whoever is sending them, knows Shelby and touches her with the pictures and short messages that help her go on.

Shelby’ story is told in chronological order from the time immediately after the fateful car accident until she is approximately 25. This allows you to follow her life as she slowly emerges from the shell of the girl that she was to a young woman finding her way. This allows you to become part of her growth, feeling her pain as she copes with her guilt over surviving the accident and her awareness as she discovers who she really is.

This book can be read and enjoyed by teen to adult readers. Once again, Ms. Hoffman has written a touching and inspiring story that you won’t want to put down.

I requested and received this book for review from NetGalley.