Review of Beyond Despair

[Peggs5]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Beyond Despair" by Shirley Hoisington.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Beyond Despair by Shirley Hoisington follows the lives of Miranda and her twin sister Cindy. Losing their parents at a young age, the girls took the tragedy and handled life in opposite ways as they grew up. Miranda took on the role as caregiver while Cindy coward in her depression and meekness. She gave up on a lot so her sister could find even the slightest bit of happiness and peace. Yet, when life took a turn in Miranda’s favor, her sister was once again the center of attention and stole her hope for a bright future.

Hoisington teaches her readers that love is never easy. Love is always viewed as something that we must give our all into without expecting anything in return, because “love does not boast or want”. Miranda spent the remainder of her childhood and most of her adult life looking after her twin knowing she wouldn’t be taken care of herself. When Roger came along her sense of being had a whole new outlook and she wanted to live for him. Unfortunately, love has a mind of its own and it once it finds it path there’s no stopping it.

A positive aspect about this book is the attention to real life emotions. Life is a struggle all its own, but when love is thrown in the mix it tends to become utter chaos. The book reflects turmoil between what the heart wants and compromise. Miranda’s love for her sister and the new love she found for Roger causes her to have inner conflict. Choosing to be selfless, while a noble act, can at times be a hard decision to make.

I did not find anything negative about this novel. The author grasps at the heart strings from beginning to end. First with the loss of the girls’ parents, then with the protectiveness Miranda has over Cindy, and then again when lovers come into the picture. The choices Miranda makes are constantly for her sister, which makes her a strong character and you can’t help but root for her to finally have happiness.

I rate this novel a 4 out of 4 stars. It is both captivating and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great love story that captures your heart and emotions. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is still in high school as it has some sexual content that may be too graphic for them.

******
Beyond Despair
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon