A story about being lost in the past (The Sunflower Forest - Torey L. Hayden)

Member Name: licclevicki

Product:	The Sunflower Forest - Torey L. Hayden
Date:	09/02/09 (157 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great plot, well written, great author

Disadvantages: the ending didnt feel quite right

The sunflower forest - Torey Hayden


Having previously read many of Torey Hayden's non-fiction books, and having thoroughly enjoyed reading them all, l am always keen to read any book written by this author. So when someone offered to lend me this novel, l didn't really know what to expect. This is because it was fiction rather than her usual no-fiction, but l thought l would have a read anyway and if she matched her ability to write fiction with her ability to write non-fiction, l knew it would be a good read.

Many of the books ld previously read had related to Torey's personal experience as a special education teacher and an educational psychologist. Her books are gripping and easy to read, I have found them inspiring and interesting and l have nothing but great respect for this writer and the books l have read.
You may recognize some of Torey Haydens other books. Some popular titles are, One child, Tigers childs and somebody elses kids.


The Sunflower Forest
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This book was first published in 1984, but this particular edition of the book l have just read was published in 2008 by Harpercollins. The book itself is attractive in appearance, with a bluey green theme, and the images of two people, the girl is facing the floor with a face full of emotion, making the book appeal and intrigue the reader. On the front of the book it tells us that Torey Hayden is the Sunday Times Bestselling author.


The Plot
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This book follows a 17 year old girl, Lesley. Lesley lives with her family in Kansas and is portrayed as a typical teenage girl, learning about the world around her and arguing with her little sister Megan. She desperately yearns for freedom and to meet a boy and grow up! However It is found that all is not what it seems for Lesley.

Lesley's, Hungarian mother is traumatized by the events of the holocaust and as events unfold and Lesley discovers her mother's secret past and what really happened during the war, Lesleys life can never be the same again. Family life is turned up-side down and Lesleys chance of freedom is lost as she finds herself increasingly having to watch over her mother, whilst her mother experiences the depths of depression and turmoil.

As Lesley learns how her mother was taken as a teenager to camps during the war, the story unfolds into a very emotional tale, of love, survival, heartache and strength. The story explores relationships between the family, relationships that are tested at times. Whilst Lesley is a strong character, it is noticeable throughtout the book, especially with the relationship between her younger sister Megan, that Lesley is still a young girl, never quite sure of what to do and afraid of the future. This book allows you to appreciate Lesleys youth and vulnerability, and it is easy to identify with this character. Lesley is a likable character, who is probably a little bit harsh towards her younger sister at times, but l guess that's normal sibling rivalry. Megan is only 10, and whilst she is quite mature at times, she is the baby of the family. Lesleys dad is a loveable character too. What strikes me about this man is that he has so much love for his family, he would do absolutely anything for his family, and perhaps he is too nice at times? There are times when the niceness of Lesley's dad annoys and frustrates her. Lesley's mum, Mara, is the person that seems to inflict great pain upon her family. Mara is a character who is loveable, confusing and traumatized, lost in her thoughts and her world, which cause disasterous consequences. The characters all blend together well.

Without spoiling the story too much and telling you exactly what happens, l can tell you that this is a book that will probably make you cry and if not cry then it will most certainly hit an emotional cord, it is a sad story but it is a heartwarming story too.


My thoughts
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This book takes you on an emotional journey, it makes you think and it helps you to realize just how lucky you are. I like the style of writing throughout the book, l like the fact there are few characters to focus on and l like the way the writer has made a gripping read. I felt compelled to read this book and l could barely put it down.

There was something about the ending of this book that didn't feel quite right, but l think that was the way it was meant to end. I think the reason it felt wrong to me, is because as a reader l had many unanswered questions. I assume that this is because within this story there were many questions that never really had an answer, so in a way l wanted this book to go on. Having said that, the story was long enough, and l think that if it had been any longer it would have probably just ruined the book.

Over all l was captivated by this book, engrossed within the story and taken to a family who seemed very lost. I was shocked at points, and never expected the story to take the turns it did, but it all fitted together well and made a lot of sense. I could identify with the thoughts and feelings of Lesley and felt her pain. This is a book that expects an inquisitive mind, l think you are expected to question why things happened and why people reacted the way they did.

This is a book l thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to most readers.

RRP is £6.99 but l have seen that you can buy this on Amazon for £3.99, which isn't a bad price for a good read.

Summary: A good read!