The education of Dixie Dupree by Donna Everhart
Title: The education of Dixie Dupree
Author: Donna Everhart
Publication: October 25th, 2016
Publisher: Kensington
Read: October 18th, 2016
Summary:
In 1969, Dixie Dupree is eleven years old and already an expert liar. Sometimes the lies are for her mama, Evie’s sake—to explain away a bruise brought on by her quick-as-lightning temper. And sometimes the lies are to spite Evie, who longs to leave her unhappy marriage in Perry County, Alabama, and return to her beloved New Hampshire. But for Dixie and her brother, Alabama is home, a place of pine-scented breezes and hot, languid afternoons. Though Dixie is learning that the family she once believed was happy has deep fractures, even her vivid imagination couldn’t concoct the events about to unfold. Dixie records everything in her diary—her parents’ fights, her father’s drinking and his unexplained departure, and the arrival of Uncle Ray. Only when Dixie desperately needs help and is met with disbelief does she realize how much damage her past lies have done. But she has courage and a spirit that may yet prevail, forcing secrets into the open and allowing her to forgive and become whole again. Narrated by her young heroine in a voice as sure and resonant as The Secret Life of Bees’ Lily or Bastard Out of Carolina’s Bone, Donna Everhart’s remarkable debut is a story about mothers and daughters, the guilt and pain that pass between generations, and the truths that are impossible to hide, especially from ourselves.
My Review:
Lou's mind stars: ✭✭✭✭✭
This story is told in Dixie's voice, an eleven year old girl. She went through a lot, and at times I wanted to reach inside the book and give her a big hug. Despite everything, she stays strong and narrated her story with the way only a child can: with innocence and wonder. Honestly, this story was really painful to read but it was also a real page-turner.
Reading this story, I felt like being in a movie like Forrest Gump. Don't get me wrong. The education of Dixie Dupree ahas nothing to do with this movie but the atmosphere is quite similar. I couldn't get over this feeling.
I needed a break from all the Christmas books I'm reading nowadays and it was just the right book for that. If child abuse is something you can't read about, this book is not for you. But I would say, give it a chance because it sure deserves it.
This is the first book of this author, but I will make sure to check her next book in the future.
*book received from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review*
