Book Review: Split by Swati Avasthi

Split by Swati Avasthi
Published by: Knopf Books
Publication date: March, 2010
Source: Borrowed


Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  It's weird when someone gets you understands what you would never say not even to yourself.

WOW! Split was such a hard read but I mean that in a good way. It broke my heart and made me cry (big fat tears) within the first 15 pages but I absolutely loved it!


Avasthi has written a remarkable and powerful story.  This book definitely took me on an  emotional rollcoaster ride.  One minute I am crying, then I am grinning, then I am getting angry.   I was completely and utterly invested in this story and the characters within the first chapter.  And that because Avasthi is a talented writer.


It would have to be the most realistic book that I have read about abuse and more so what happens after.   I could really could with connect with Jace and what happened too him as I had a similar experience when growing up.    Avasthi really explore this dark area with sensitivity and honesty.    I am still amazed at how true to life this book is especially when it came to the questions Jace asked.

I try to think of something to say.  Over the years I've collected questions after question, but I can't seem to find them now.  We're not ready for them, anyway, so I go for the easy ones. 

The characters just blew me away.   Jace is everything I look for in a character multi-layered and believable.   He is an intense, flawed yet charming soul that really captured my heart.   And then there is his brother Christian my heart went out too him too.  His story and struggles were just a strong as Jace's journey.


And despite the hard subject of the story it isn't all sadness and tears.  It still has moments that make you grin especially when it come to the new friendship Jace was forming with Mirriam, Christian girlfriend and Dakota, his co-worker.


Overall Split is INCREDIBLE.  It really is a standout read.  It is story that is  going to linger in my thoughts for a long time and will happily find a home on my favourite's shelf.


Overall Rating: 5/5  
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5 (there is a little bit in there under it all but not a major part)
Cover: 4/5 - Love how the cover matches the story.


For more info:  Visit Swati Avasthi's website.


For more reviews:  holes In My Brain and Inkcrush


Shout-out:  A big thanks to Nomes for another awesome rec!