Book Review: Split by Swati Avasthi

Monday, July 18, 2011

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!

25 comments:

Skye (In The Good Books) said...

Split is AMAZING! Great review! Man, I loved Jace. Just like you said: he was flawed yet charming.

Misha said...

Great review! Split seems like an emotional, intense read. Jace sounds like a great character.
I will definitely be adding this to my TBR.

It's a Book Thing said...

Great Review!
Hope you can stop by our blog blog!

Belle said...

Awesome review. Between yours and Audrey's, I can't wait to read this book!

Nomes said...

oh i insanely love jace (& christian)

love this review, nic. you did such a good job of talking about the book and your experience reading it :D

i can give you recs anytime ;)

Audrey (holes In My brain) said...

this is such a fantastic review Nic, I'm so glad you loved this book!!! Definitely an emotional rollercoaster and the characters... ahhh <3333 love love love Split :)

Emily said...

I NEED this book! I have been keeping an eye out for it but so far no luck... Awesome review Nic :)

Abbey said...

I've been curious about this book for a while but now after your review i am going to have to give it a go.
I've just been in a slump when it comes to heavy books lately, i don't get enough time to savour them, i still haven't finished the pipers song! which is a disgrace.
anyway enough rambling, great review, i'm looking for this one in the book stores.

mfay2 said...

I read Audrey's review of this book and now yours and I'm considering it more (buying the book). It's just that I like romance interest a lot, and yeah, you mentioned there's some in this one. I don't know! :)


Mary (mfay2) @ Anxirium

Jan von Harz said...

I have yet to read this one but have read so many amazing reviews including your review that it seems like I really have missed out on a great book.

Jenny said...

Wow, I haven't read much about this one but your review makes me want to go get it right this moment. I've only read one other book that made me cry inside of 15 pages and it's one of my favorites, so I consider that a mark of a phenomenal book!

Savannah said...

Thanks for this review! I have seen this book at the store and have put it back several times. Next time, I will grab for sure!

Missie, The Unread Reader said...

I have to admit, I'm kind of scared to read this one, only because how you mention it's the most realistic story of abuse you've read. I think that kind of honesty would be difficult to bear.

I know it isn't easy to admit a personal connect to a book, especially one that is about such a sensitive subject. I really appreciate your candor and am going to add this book to my TBR. Thanks Nic.

Rummanah Aasi said...

I've heard great things about "Split", but I have to be in a right mood for something this emotional and I hate to say it "dark". I do, however, have it in my tbr pile and hope to get to it soon. Great review!

Leanna Elle said...

What a great review - so touching, and honest! You totally made me want to read this book, and it wasn't really even on my radar before now!

By the way - I got a copy of Saving June. Yippee!! :)

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

This will be a freezer book. I just know it. Especially when having to deal with the parents. However, it sounds like a really good book for everyone. Those to connect and those to understand. Brilly review. And ((HUGS)). You are one brave chick! <3!

Anonymous said...

Im so glad you loved this. It was one of my favs from last year. That garage memory terrified me....and the whole Q-tips...yes I cried a few times reading this one...

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a hard but extraordinary read, I hadn't thought much about this title but it's definitely on my mind now :)

A Canadian Girl said...

I haven't read this one but it's on my wishlist. I love books that deal with serious issues realistically and that linger with you. Great review, Nic!

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

Wow. I have no idea what has stopped me from reading this book, but your review has convinced me. I am looking for hard-hitting books these days, and this seems like it fits the bill. Fab review, Nic! :)

Jenny N. said...

I love it when a book draws me in immediately and gets me wanting to read more of it. I can definitely crying buckets of tears while reading Split.

Small Review said...

This sounds like a fantastic book. Maybe a little darker than I'm in the mood for now, but I'll be keeping it in mind. Thanks :)

Alyssa Kirk said...

Wow, it sounds amazing!

Taylor Caspor said...

Great book and great book review! I have read this book but never wrote a review. If you want to stop by blog check out chilloutchick.wordpress.com instead of the blogstop one.
-Taylor

Taylor Caspor said...

oops! my* blog

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