Book Review: Never Ending by Martyn Bedford

Summary:

When a family holiday ends in tragedy, the grieving parents’ marriage is left in ruins and, Shiv, their 15-year-old daughter, is tormented by what happened … and her part in it. Off the rails and unable to live with her guilt, Shiv is sent away to an exclusive clinic that claims to “cure” people like her.

But this is no ordinary psychiatric institution and Shiv discovers that her release – from her demons, and from the clinic itself – will come, if it comes at all, at a bizarre and terrible price

Release Date: January 16, 2014

Age Group: YA
Source: Review copy from publisher
Reviewed by: Madi B

Review:

This is not a light read. In fact it’s a flippin' heavy one. But it’s beautifully written and I think this book impacts a person. I personally couldn’t relate to it much, but even so, I couldn’t put it down. Even though the plot itself isn’t the least bit funny, I would still burst out laughing because of the dialogue sometimes. (In the middle of a quiet class. Yeah, not so funny.)

 

The writing style is beautiful, alternating between flashbacks and present day creating this balance between light and heavy. There’s some MAJOR character development in this and it was a new experience for me to read from Shiv’s perspective. Never Ending has this continuing mystery: “What did she do to her brother?” And I found myself continuing to read even though there wasn’t any paranormal love triangle or lighthearted romance.

 

It brings a lot of things into perspective and I think this book could really help some people. I loved watching Shiv at the clinic and I really felt for her. I really don’t have much else to say besides the fact the this is a really good book. The beginning is a touch slow (not that much but still a touch) but you need some background for the story. Everyone should read this book. Even if it’s just to understand some people, it’s worth it.