2 out of 4 stars
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“Curiosity killed the cat” – those were exactly my thoughts when I delved into this book. Lucia Mann’s book, Addicted to Hate, is a fictional story about a young woman called Maddie. Having escaped from a convent as a young girl, she is forced to face the risk of surviving on her own. With a colored skin, and no legitimate documentation in any country, Maddie is deported from South Africa. Her lack of documentation and known family history makes her bait that keeps on attracting various kinds of people who play various kinds of roles in her life. Another plot in the story is that of Lela and Hassam El Din. These two plots bring the story to a concluding climax.
I liked the way Maddie defied medical predictions concerning her. For example, when she got up from the wheelchair and walked when she had been medically confined to a wheelchair for life. Her 3 miracle babies were also another medical wonder. She kept proving them wrong. This was what I enjoyed most in the story. This is because her story inspired me to believe in the impossible.
I didn’t like the irresponsible behavior of 2 of her children (Mary-Jean, and Mara). She seemed not to have enough courage to say ‘no’ to them. This displeased me immensely. My reason is that she had it in her power to do something about their behavior, but refused to do anything about it. It made her look weak.
This book would appeal most to orphans, victims of domestic abuse, homeless children, mothers, and children across all age grades. On the other hand, people who do not believe in reincarnation may not find this book appealing. Feminists’ may not appreciate this book.
The plot was intriguing. The characterization was real enough to attract an attentive audience. The theme of hatred, victimization, and abuse were exhaustively emphasized in the story, leaving the reader with no doubt about their harmful effects. The major character was excellently portrayed as a survivor, though she still had issues that needed to be dealt with. The author’s language was coherent and forceful enough to evoke the right emotions while reading about Maddie. A more comprehensive narration on Maddie’s stay at the convent would have made a better beginning for the book. Generally, it was a wonderful read, but also had its own share of faults.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I didn’t give it a 4 because it had more than 10 errors. For example, “I hope you a good time, and thanks for bringing my daughter home.” (Page 284). I took out another star because of the absence of a comprehensive narration on Maddie’s stay at the convent at the beginning. I settled for a 2 because it had an intriguing plot
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Addicted to Hate
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