OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Splintered Heart" by Linda Dowling.]

Splintered Heart by Linda Dowling gives readers a glimpse into the life of Australians in the mid- to late-1900s, specifically the life of Lisa O’Connor. The book starts with Lisa’s rough childhood, centered mainly around the abusive relationship between her and her parents. By age thirteen, Lisa was regularly their victim but things were only to get worse for her. Lisa was subjected to the unwanted attentions of Lenny, her step-sister’s fiancé.

Years of this pass with Lisa enduring routine tortures in and out of the house. When she finally reveals the horrors she’s encountered, she is sent to a girls' home. Unfortunately, this isn’t the break she needs and she encounters similar problems. Thankfully, Lisa’s Aunt Zena helps when she learns of Lisa’s predicament. Zena takes her to the bush, what they call Woori, and Lisa begins to heal. Will she learn that not everyone is mean? Will she find someone to put her heart back together?

I was very excited about this book. It had other good reviews online and I’m a sucker for a good love story. However, in all honesty, I didn’t quite enjoy the book at the beginning. It started slowly, was stilted at times, and I found myself bored. The beginning was comprised of a lot of background information and probably what I disliked about the book the most. While I certainly appreciate background information, it was not really worked into the story well in my opinion. It made it difficult to continue reading.

On the other hand, once I pushed through the first few chapters, I found so much more. It was interesting to learn about Australia as someone who lives in the United States. Towards the second half of the book, the story addresses some of the racism that is present in Australia and it really hit home how it is everywhere.

The book also did a good job of making me feel, which I appreciated. At times, I was filled with a gauntlet of emotions because of all the experiences Lisa went through. It was heartbreaking, painful, and nauseating. At the same time, I needed to see if she made it out alright.

Overall, I have to give this book 3 out of 4 stars based on the above reasons and grammatical issues. I would recommend this to others who enjoy romance. That said, I have to provide some trigger warnings. There is a lot of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in this book. It was very difficult to read at times. In addition, there are racial issues that are addressed that may bother some readers.

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Splintered Heart
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It sounds like Lisa endured a lot of abuse and, understandably, expected everyone to treat her with the same disrespect. I hope she learns that not everyone is against her. Thanks for the great review.

It would be nice to read this book. I'd love to skip all the background information though. I know it's important, but it's sometimes just plain boring to get through those parts of a book. Great review!

I like this kind of story. I already read a lot of this kind of plot like step sister, abusing, hatred and brocken hearted but the good thing about this book are there is horror so that makes me thrill.

It sounds like a good love story. I wish that the book would have been more engaging at the start, but I think this is a book Id still want to read. Thanks so much for your review!

I was looking for a good love story in the lockdown. Now here I got it. The book covers already show the abuse and broken heart. The book will definitely be on my kindle. Great review

This one seems 50 50. I'm not sure if there are many people who wouldn't enjoy some good romance. That said, good job on the review.

I hate that Lisa suffered so much abuse. It's difficult to see how someone could come out of that and eventually be whole. I'm glad that the book provides rays of hope toward this. I'm not sure I understand how the romance comes in, but I hope that works out as well. Thanks for including trigger warnings. I know now to say away from this one.

From the very beginning of your review, I was outraged about what Lisa was being put through! Which is what I want from a good book. As you said, the fact alone that a book makes a reader 'feel', is a major factor to me too. Regardless of the shortfalls, I am adding this to my shelf.

Thank you for such a heartfelt and informative review!

I enjoy historic fiction, romance, and books that have to do with psychology. It's too bad this book is so depictive. I guess I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the review!

Elvis Best wrote: ↑18 Jun 2020, 18:21 It would be nice to read this book. I'd love to skip all the background information though. I know it's important, but it's sometimes just plain boring to get through those parts of a book. Great review!

I agree! I'm aware that's my reading style though. I want to read something that grabs me and makes me want to read. I know background is necessary though. I just wish it was worked in more.

nouiemitch wrote: ↑18 Jun 2020, 18:56 I like this kind of story. I already read a lot of this kind of plot like step sister, abusing, hatred and brocken hearted but the good thing about this book are there is horror so that makes me thrill.

I'm not sure I exactly agree that it involve horror. There are certainly sad parts but the book is more focused on an abused girl who learns there is love and kindness in the world.

Moh2 wrote: ↑19 Jun 2020, 02:46 This one seems 50 50. I'm not sure if there are many people who wouldn't enjoy some good romance. That said, good job on the review.

I was a little like you when I started this book. But I soon found myself reading more and more to see what would happen next. That said, the romance wasn't at the forefront of the story at first but I understood what the author was trying to do.

Kelyn wrote: ↑19 Jun 2020, 13:29 I hate that Lisa suffered so much abuse. It's difficult to see how someone could come out of that and eventually be whole. I'm glad that the book provides rays of hope toward this. I'm not sure I understand how the romance comes in, but I hope that works out as well. Thanks for including trigger warnings. I know now to say away from this one.

Unfortunately, the romance is towards the end of the book and didn't really permeate the pages. After moving, she meets someone on her aunt and uncle's farm. Romance blooms but trouble follows as he is an aboriginal and not seen to be in the same league as her. I got hope that there was going to be more romance in the second book (as it appears there is going to be a second). This book I think is really just setting the stage for a second book.

LinaJan wrote: ↑20 Jun 2020, 14:19 From the very beginning of your review, I was outraged about what Lisa was being put through! Which is what I want from a good book. As you said, the fact alone that a book makes a reader 'feel', is a major factor to me too. Regardless of the shortfalls, I am adding this to my shelf.

Thank you for such a heartfelt and informative review!

It was truly heartbreaking to read. Definitely something you might have to pause, put down, and go watch a cartoon for a bit to feel happy again. There is certainly hope and I think I like where the author is going with this series.