The Murderer's Daughters

Ever have that book that stands out on the bookstore shelf at you time and time again and you just can't decide if you should spend the money? The Murderer's Daughters has been that book.  Ever since it came out it has taunted me.  I knew I'd eventually read it because it is right up my alley.  However, I couldn't justify a hardcover price, my library didn't have it and then finally I suggested it for a Books & Bars pick.  So, I went to my trusty friend amazon and finally spent the money.  It was worth it.

Description: Lulu and Merry’s childhood was never ideal, but on the day before Lulu’s tenth birthday their father drives them into a nightmare. He’s always hungered for the love of the girl’s self-obsessed mother; after she throws him out, their troubles turn deadly.

Lulu’s mother warned her to never let him in, but when he shows up, he’s impossible to ignore. He bullies his way past ten-year-old Lulu, who obeys her father’s instructions to open the door, then listens in horror as her parents struggle. She runs for help and discovers upon her return that he’s murdered her mother, stabbed her sister, and tried to kill himself.

For thirty years, the sisters try to make sense of what happened. Their imprisoned father is a specter in both their lives, shadowing every choice they make. Though one spends her life pretending he’s dead, while the other feels compelled to help him, both fear that someday their imprisoned father’s attempts to win parole may meet success.

This isn't a book that wraps things up neat as can be at the end.  But, is there a happy ending after your father kills your mother and tries to kill himself and one of his daughters? This book focuses on the emotions and the havoc that is caused in Lulu's and Merry's life after their mother is killed by their father.  When you are essentially orphaned and your families hate each other and your grandmother's are old, whom do you turn to? Who will rise up and save you? This book focuses on the helpers and those hurt hindered Lulu and Merry after their childhoods were ruined.

It's sad and honest.  It's heartbreaking and beautifully written.  A simple question asked by one of the girls to their father at the end had instant tears in my eyes as I thought of my OWN baby girl growing up without me and wondering a simple fact about her mother that tore her up because she had no one to ask her family history. 

Ugh, gut wrenching, but I do recommend it!

Did you ever wonder if you were adopted when you were growing up? Did you ever imagine what life would be like if your parents passed away? Do you get along with your siblings?