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Phoebe Thompson #1
Ripple: Young Adult Version
Amazon #1 Bestseller in Family Life Fiction
When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her husband has abused their fifteen-year-old daughter and plans to use her in a sex ring, she takes a golf club to his head.
And she doesn't stop there. With the last of the perpetrators still at large, Helen escapes with Phoebe to a safe house, where a team of lawyers and therapists help them begin the painful journey to healing. But even surrounded by safe walls and good people, Helen's desperate efforts to save her daughter may not be enough.
A dark, gripping, but uplifting read, Ripple handles sensitive material with compassion and conviction, ultimately weaving a tapestry of healing that celebrates the human spirit.
When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her husband has abused their fifteen-year-old daughter and plans to use her in a sex ring, she takes a golf club to his head.
And she doesn't stop there. With the last of the perpetrators still at large, Helen escapes with Phoebe to a safe house, where a team of lawyers and therapists help them begin the painful journey to healing. But even surrounded by safe walls and good people, Helen's desperate efforts to save her daughter may not be enough.
A dark, gripping, but uplifting read, Ripple handles sensitive material with compassion and conviction, ultimately weaving a tapestry of healing that celebrates the human spirit.
- GenresFictionWomens Fiction
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2013
7 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Farris
3 books59 followersEx-lawyer E.L. Farris is a born-again, marathon-running married mother of three who resides in Northern Virginia.
She is known on Facebook as Running from Hell with El, and can be found at http://runningfromhellwithel.com.
Implicit in the concept of Running from Hell is that she's searching for its antithesis. And in a very real sense, she's lived through Hell here on earth.
She explores the themes of thriving in the face of adversity, redemption, the pursuit of excellence and the ripple effect of helping others both in her fiction and in her upcoming novel, I Run: Running from Hell.
She is known on Facebook as Running from Hell with El, and can be found at http://runningfromhellwithel.com.
Implicit in the concept of Running from Hell is that she's searching for its antithesis. And in a very real sense, she's lived through Hell here on earth.
She explores the themes of thriving in the face of adversity, redemption, the pursuit of excellence and the ripple effect of helping others both in her fiction and in her upcoming novel, I Run: Running from Hell.
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April 12, 2013I wrote it, and I thought about how many stars to give it. All I know is that I gave this first novel everything I had. I lived it. I lived with these characters. I had breakfast, lunch and dinner with them. I knew what they wore for pajamas; what music they liked; how they talked; and what it took to make them click. For me, this is the best book I'm capable of writing. It's my five star effort. And I submit it with humility and gratitude to God, to all my friends who helped me . . . and to anyone kind enough to read it. I can't judge it really, other than to say that it's my best effort now, but the best, my best, is yet to come.
August 24, 2013
Upon opening the pages of this book I was immediately taken to that place, that place where I felt as if I was in someone else’s home. Among their personal things. You know that feeling, right? Guilty because they could come in and find you reading their thoughts meant for them alone, but you are compelled to keep reading. You read because you’re curious, but you know you might not like what you find in those pages. You get so engrossed, you won’t be able to stop reading until you are satisfied and you know everything. That’s how I felt from beginning to end.
I love to read, but I usually steer clear of anything too, too heavy. I don’t watch the news because I find it hard not to lose sleep if I hear the sometimes gruesome details of the day’s top stories, this book still caught my eye and held onto my heart. I could not stop reading. The subject matter of sexual abuse is more than disturbing. I would love nothing more than to keep my head buried in the comfort of naiveté and ignorance, but every once in a while I have to remind myself that evil does exist. People are capable of inflicting profound harm and abuse on one another for reasons beyond my understanding, but this book is a true testament to the amazing strength and resilience that I have witnessed among many women. Women like the characters in this story that one would think could hardly go on after some of the hell that plagues their hearts and plays within their troubled minds. Women that prove that they have the capacity to learn from, lean on, and support one another through the unthinkable, and not only survive, but to thrive and help others, even when they struggle with self-doubt.
I was compelled, disgusted, engrossed, and often I found myself not only sympathetic to these courageous women, but charmed by them as well. They had me in their corner from the get go. I’m recommending this book to any one that can carve out some time to indulge in a story that captivates the heart and imagination, while at the same time providing the environment for some very real healing to begin.
I was given this book from the author for an honest review, and am ever so thankful that she did.
I love to read, but I usually steer clear of anything too, too heavy. I don’t watch the news because I find it hard not to lose sleep if I hear the sometimes gruesome details of the day’s top stories, this book still caught my eye and held onto my heart. I could not stop reading. The subject matter of sexual abuse is more than disturbing. I would love nothing more than to keep my head buried in the comfort of naiveté and ignorance, but every once in a while I have to remind myself that evil does exist. People are capable of inflicting profound harm and abuse on one another for reasons beyond my understanding, but this book is a true testament to the amazing strength and resilience that I have witnessed among many women. Women like the characters in this story that one would think could hardly go on after some of the hell that plagues their hearts and plays within their troubled minds. Women that prove that they have the capacity to learn from, lean on, and support one another through the unthinkable, and not only survive, but to thrive and help others, even when they struggle with self-doubt.
I was compelled, disgusted, engrossed, and often I found myself not only sympathetic to these courageous women, but charmed by them as well. They had me in their corner from the get go. I’m recommending this book to any one that can carve out some time to indulge in a story that captivates the heart and imagination, while at the same time providing the environment for some very real healing to begin.
I was given this book from the author for an honest review, and am ever so thankful that she did.
January 24, 2013
I absolutely loved this book, despite its sometimes difficult subject matter there is a delicacy and spareness to the writing. This book holds nothing back, drawing you in from the first page. Each character is perfectly drawn, human and fallible or terrible in the evil they commit.
Ms. Farris draws on her legal background to provide a great foundation for what is necessary to make the book realistic. As a reader I was never bogged down in minutia, but I also felt informed and drawn into the process.
The story is finely woven between the elements of horrible abuse, legal drama and healing. There are no punches pulled and the reader must be prepared to face the monsters among us, while at the same time the great compassion that ultimately saves us.
I highly recommend this book. From the very first page I was enthralled. Teary eyed in places, nonetheless I could not put it down until the end.
Ms. Farris draws on her legal background to provide a great foundation for what is necessary to make the book realistic. As a reader I was never bogged down in minutia, but I also felt informed and drawn into the process.
The story is finely woven between the elements of horrible abuse, legal drama and healing. There are no punches pulled and the reader must be prepared to face the monsters among us, while at the same time the great compassion that ultimately saves us.
I highly recommend this book. From the very first page I was enthralled. Teary eyed in places, nonetheless I could not put it down until the end.
April 1, 2013
As an avid reader (I read 8 to 10 novels per month) and a writer, I have deftly trained myself to see many facets within a single work of literature, where many people may only see one or two. This, for me, is the beauty of a good story, well written, and we have this in E.L. Farris' "Ripple."
This is more than a story of a young girl who is raped and molested by her own father, a high powered and well respected judge who is secretly involved in an equally high powered pedophile sex ring. It's more than a look into how the girl and her mother cope in the aftermath. It's also a look into how the system works, a system, as the author points out through the voice of one of the story's characters, "is not a justice system, but a legal system," and as any American over the voting age knows, the two are as far apart as day and night.
While Phoebe and her up until now very absentee mother, Helen, a high priced, high powered lawyer, escape to a safe house for their own protection, we see the case unfurl- not just the rape case, but the case for Helen's freedom, as she takes drastic measures to protect her daughter from her husband (and I'll not add any spoilers), and we see that the mother protecting her daughter is the one who the "system" wants to eye as the criminal.
Farris draws from her former legal career and her former life within the legal profession to craft characters that fit perfectly into the story. They are real. They play their parts well. We see people who are more concerned with their careers; a district attorney who always stops to consider just how close the next election is before deciding what the `right thing to do' is- managing partners at law firms whose employees are involved in the "scandal" as they call it- heaven forbid they call it a child being raped- who make decisions to terminate people from employment to distance themselves from any negative attention, all in order to protect their large, multi-million dollar books of business, and a detective on the case with ulterior motives for his own demented reasons. And folks- this is what makes this read so real. It shows one of the ugly sides of the American power class, where professions have become more important than people, and often, even when they are genuine victims, child victims at that, of situations that are completely out of their control.
As a man, I like how Farris does not demonize every living sapian with a penis. This is often the unattractive case with books in this genre, and Farris' writing leaves no doubt that the savage beasts in this tale are evil because they possess evil in their hearts, not because they possess Y chromosomes. Also, as one of the facets of the work highlights, there is quite a bit of evil in the way the situation is handled by the "system." That is where I found most of my feelings of frustration coming from while reading this- the workings of the system and the mindset of the people within that system who have become slaves of that system. There were many times that I wanted to crawl into the story and jerk Helen's eyes off of her checkbook and power skirt and direct them toward her daughter.
The ending climaxes quickly and is packed with action, and the story does end with a hint toward a sequel. If a sequel does indeed follow this work, I'll be one of the first to read it. I congratulate the author on her freshman attempt with the novel, and I will say that it was a job well done.
Kevin E Lake
Author of "Off Switch"
&
"From the Graves of Babes," Amazon's former #1 rated ghost novel in customer satisfaction
This is more than a story of a young girl who is raped and molested by her own father, a high powered and well respected judge who is secretly involved in an equally high powered pedophile sex ring. It's more than a look into how the girl and her mother cope in the aftermath. It's also a look into how the system works, a system, as the author points out through the voice of one of the story's characters, "is not a justice system, but a legal system," and as any American over the voting age knows, the two are as far apart as day and night.
While Phoebe and her up until now very absentee mother, Helen, a high priced, high powered lawyer, escape to a safe house for their own protection, we see the case unfurl- not just the rape case, but the case for Helen's freedom, as she takes drastic measures to protect her daughter from her husband (and I'll not add any spoilers), and we see that the mother protecting her daughter is the one who the "system" wants to eye as the criminal.
Farris draws from her former legal career and her former life within the legal profession to craft characters that fit perfectly into the story. They are real. They play their parts well. We see people who are more concerned with their careers; a district attorney who always stops to consider just how close the next election is before deciding what the `right thing to do' is- managing partners at law firms whose employees are involved in the "scandal" as they call it- heaven forbid they call it a child being raped- who make decisions to terminate people from employment to distance themselves from any negative attention, all in order to protect their large, multi-million dollar books of business, and a detective on the case with ulterior motives for his own demented reasons. And folks- this is what makes this read so real. It shows one of the ugly sides of the American power class, where professions have become more important than people, and often, even when they are genuine victims, child victims at that, of situations that are completely out of their control.
As a man, I like how Farris does not demonize every living sapian with a penis. This is often the unattractive case with books in this genre, and Farris' writing leaves no doubt that the savage beasts in this tale are evil because they possess evil in their hearts, not because they possess Y chromosomes. Also, as one of the facets of the work highlights, there is quite a bit of evil in the way the situation is handled by the "system." That is where I found most of my feelings of frustration coming from while reading this- the workings of the system and the mindset of the people within that system who have become slaves of that system. There were many times that I wanted to crawl into the story and jerk Helen's eyes off of her checkbook and power skirt and direct them toward her daughter.
The ending climaxes quickly and is packed with action, and the story does end with a hint toward a sequel. If a sequel does indeed follow this work, I'll be one of the first to read it. I congratulate the author on her freshman attempt with the novel, and I will say that it was a job well done.
Kevin E Lake
Author of "Off Switch"
&
"From the Graves of Babes," Amazon's former #1 rated ghost novel in customer satisfaction
September 19, 2013
Title: Ripple: A Tale of Hope and Redemption
Author: E.L. Farris
Format: E-Book (Kindle)
Date Read: August 7-18, 2013
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Summary: When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her fifteen-year old daughter has been sexually assaulted, she takes drastic measures. Finding herself in trouble, Helen must relinquish control and put her faith in a process she knows to be flawed.
As a team of lawyers, therapists and women from a safe house help Helen and Phoebe find hope and healing, a sociopath lurks, waiting for his moment to strike. (Taken from Goodreads page)
Review: I was given this book for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book. I am usually not a fan of women's lit, however, this book captivated me from start to finish. The heartache, the struggle, the suffering of these characters is something that will haunt me. The glimpses inside Phoebe's head after she'd been sexually assaulted by someone she trusted, cared for is haunting and moving. The guilt that Helen experiences is mesmerizing in its reality.
Reading stories that deal with this delicate subject are difficult and can often go horribly, horribly wrong. However, this is not the case with this story. Kudos for E.L. Farris' handling this subject fantastically. The fact that it is such a familiar case for Cassandra, and it begins to dredge up her own memories, and not the happy kind either makes it all the more a thrilling story. The ending of this tale of survival was not what I initially expected, and my initial reaction was...WHY IS THERE NO VERDICT?! And the reason it didn't happen was....Nope, gotta read it to find out why because this reviewer is so not telling. Sorry kiddies.
The blurb, the summary does not give this story justice, it cannot do so without giving away important information that decidedly can be classified as spoilers! I would like to thank E.L. Farris for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book. Definitely check this out, you will not regret it.
Author: E.L. Farris
Format: E-Book (Kindle)
Date Read: August 7-18, 2013
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Summary: When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her fifteen-year old daughter has been sexually assaulted, she takes drastic measures. Finding herself in trouble, Helen must relinquish control and put her faith in a process she knows to be flawed.
As a team of lawyers, therapists and women from a safe house help Helen and Phoebe find hope and healing, a sociopath lurks, waiting for his moment to strike. (Taken from Goodreads page)
Review: I was given this book for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book. I am usually not a fan of women's lit, however, this book captivated me from start to finish. The heartache, the struggle, the suffering of these characters is something that will haunt me. The glimpses inside Phoebe's head after she'd been sexually assaulted by someone she trusted, cared for is haunting and moving. The guilt that Helen experiences is mesmerizing in its reality.
Reading stories that deal with this delicate subject are difficult and can often go horribly, horribly wrong. However, this is not the case with this story. Kudos for E.L. Farris' handling this subject fantastically. The fact that it is such a familiar case for Cassandra, and it begins to dredge up her own memories, and not the happy kind either makes it all the more a thrilling story. The ending of this tale of survival was not what I initially expected, and my initial reaction was...WHY IS THERE NO VERDICT?! And the reason it didn't happen was....Nope, gotta read it to find out why because this reviewer is so not telling. Sorry kiddies.
The blurb, the summary does not give this story justice, it cannot do so without giving away important information that decidedly can be classified as spoilers! I would like to thank E.L. Farris for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book. Definitely check this out, you will not regret it.
June 30, 2013
This book grabbed me from the first page. It is a definite page turner and hard to put down.The story deals with the darkness of rape, domestic violence and addiction and its effects on all involved. Being a survivor myself , this book really touched my heart in a very special way.
The characters were so well developed, to the extent that I could feel their pain, their fear , but also their hopes and dreams for a better future.This is a difficult subject to write about, but the author did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the struggles faced within yourself when going through something like this.
Hope and healing starts with just one ripple: one hand to hold yours, one ear to listen, one voice heard, one person that cares enough to help you to forgive yourself and those that wronged you ,so you can keep looking forward and heal.
This book should be read by all, those who have or are going through it and those who are lucky enough not to. It will help you to understand and to be compassionate to those less fortunate.
While this book is fiction, I am sure there are many who will be able to relate this to fact.
A well written, much needed book on such difficult subject matter.
The characters were so well developed, to the extent that I could feel their pain, their fear , but also their hopes and dreams for a better future.This is a difficult subject to write about, but the author did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the struggles faced within yourself when going through something like this.
Hope and healing starts with just one ripple: one hand to hold yours, one ear to listen, one voice heard, one person that cares enough to help you to forgive yourself and those that wronged you ,so you can keep looking forward and heal.
This book should be read by all, those who have or are going through it and those who are lucky enough not to. It will help you to understand and to be compassionate to those less fortunate.
While this book is fiction, I am sure there are many who will be able to relate this to fact.
A well written, much needed book on such difficult subject matter.
January 14, 2013
Well written and fast paced, Ripple pulls the reader in quickly and keeps her guessing. Helen isn't a particularly sympathetic character; however, one cannot help but feel the emotions leaping from the pages of this book. Helen Thompson has always been a woman in control, and one known for her cool, calm 'dragon-lady' demeanor. She now finds herself grappling with everything: her own feelings, those of her traumatized daughter, and the events that are rapidly spinning out of control around her as she comes to realize that she is in control of nothing.
I found myself worrying about the characters in this book every single time I had to put it aside to do anything but read. Truly a page-turner, I highly recommend that you pre-order Ripple, which will be released on January 21, 2013. The author succinctly states that Ripple is a tale of hope and redemption. And it is; it really is.
I found myself worrying about the characters in this book every single time I had to put it aside to do anything but read. Truly a page-turner, I highly recommend that you pre-order Ripple, which will be released on January 21, 2013. The author succinctly states that Ripple is a tale of hope and redemption. And it is; it really is.
February 3, 2013
I loved this book. From e minute I started to read, I couldn't put it down. Haunting, tragic and inspiring, this book takes us into an evil world of human degradation and abuse of trust. Our characters are real and made me laugh and cry throughout this exploration into regaining trust, hope and happiness again. I would recommend this book to people who like a book that is smart, emotional and very well written.
February 21, 2013
It can be a nervewracking thing to read a friend’s book. I was excited to read Ripple, but anxious as well; although Farris’s blogs are compelling, I wasn’t sure how well that would translate over to novel writing.
I needn’t have worried. Ripple is part thriller, part reflection on the United States (in)justice system, and part hope for healing from abuse, but in largest part, it’s about a mother’s fearsome love for and fierce actions to protect her daughter.
Sounds like a lot of parts, doesn’t it? It doesn’t read that way. Farris masterfully weaves all of these elements together into a story equally full of head and heart, and 100% riveting.
Ripple’s protagonists spoke to me, each and every one. They are complex, complicated women (and occasionally men) full of love and hope despite the hardships they’ve endured. I am especially fond of Helen Thompson, who might seem unsympathetic at first glance but whose love for her daughter shines through Ripple’s pages. In real life cases of sexual abuse, many adults find it hard to believe someone they know could have committed such atrocious acts, opting instead to perpetrate against victims the further “assault of convenient disbelief.” Helen wastes no time skipping past convenient disbelief and taking drastic measures to ensure her daughter is safe from further harm.
I have spoken to so many women who’ve told me they were called liars and ridiculed when they tried reporting sexual abuse. My heart has broken every time as I wonder how much more readily they might have healed if supported instead of shamed. A little of that heartbreak eased reading about Helen, and knowing that she is not only an aspect of her author but a part of many other women and men in our shared world.
I am hopeful that Helen’s active advocacy for her daughter will be a light to others who are struggling right now. Perhaps they didn’t have a Helen looking out for them; many do not. But I think that in reading Helen, and in imagining her, there is hope for more people understanding that there are people who would not only believe but support them.
This book is an eloquent, thrilling, heart-breaking, hopeful homage to the three most powerful languages in the English language:
“I believe you.”
Please read it.
I needn’t have worried. Ripple is part thriller, part reflection on the United States (in)justice system, and part hope for healing from abuse, but in largest part, it’s about a mother’s fearsome love for and fierce actions to protect her daughter.
Sounds like a lot of parts, doesn’t it? It doesn’t read that way. Farris masterfully weaves all of these elements together into a story equally full of head and heart, and 100% riveting.
Ripple’s protagonists spoke to me, each and every one. They are complex, complicated women (and occasionally men) full of love and hope despite the hardships they’ve endured. I am especially fond of Helen Thompson, who might seem unsympathetic at first glance but whose love for her daughter shines through Ripple’s pages. In real life cases of sexual abuse, many adults find it hard to believe someone they know could have committed such atrocious acts, opting instead to perpetrate against victims the further “assault of convenient disbelief.” Helen wastes no time skipping past convenient disbelief and taking drastic measures to ensure her daughter is safe from further harm.
I have spoken to so many women who’ve told me they were called liars and ridiculed when they tried reporting sexual abuse. My heart has broken every time as I wonder how much more readily they might have healed if supported instead of shamed. A little of that heartbreak eased reading about Helen, and knowing that she is not only an aspect of her author but a part of many other women and men in our shared world.
I am hopeful that Helen’s active advocacy for her daughter will be a light to others who are struggling right now. Perhaps they didn’t have a Helen looking out for them; many do not. But I think that in reading Helen, and in imagining her, there is hope for more people understanding that there are people who would not only believe but support them.
This book is an eloquent, thrilling, heart-breaking, hopeful homage to the three most powerful languages in the English language:
“I believe you.”
Please read it.
February 6, 2013
The first few pages of “Ripples” may seem to be a lot of detail about the characters – but don't back away. These details are important to know, and will help you to understand why Helen chose her law career over home-life. A life-choice that led to the terrible events that followed. El's book will leave you hanging on, hoping for Helen and her daughter Phoebe to be able to go on with their lives after the trauma Phoebe lived through; after the action Helen had to take to free her daughter from that situation. In the meantime you will learn how prevalent rape is in our society. How abuse permeates so many levels of society. You will learn to care about Helen's attorney, Cassandra, another abuse survivor; as well as Helen and Phoebe. When stiff, seemingly emotionless Helen finally breaks down, your own heart will break and you will cry for her. You will begin to realize who the man is that wants to hurt Phoebe and be sickened by how close he is to her, by his attitude, by him. As the book reaches it's climax, you will be on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next line; reading each more quickly so that Phoebe's nightmare will finally end.
March 11, 2013
I knew a lot about Ripple before I ever received my copy, and to be honest, I was worried about reading it. Ms. Farris is a person that I trust, and so when she told me to trust her, I did. Ripple is not an easy read, nor is it bright and full of sunshine. It is, however, full of truth, hope, and healing.
While I had a difficult time "bonding" with many of the female characters, I came to understand them and truly respect them. As odd as it may sound, while I could not personally relate to many of the characters, the book was almost impossible to put down.
Certain parts were so raw that I cringed. Others were so beyond what I know of DV shelters that my literal mind had to be reminded that this book is an adult fairy tale. I can only pray that at some time in the not to distance future, women will have places to go where they are safe, well cared for, and given the help to heal, like The Bryson House.
This is an exceptionally good novel, and well worth reading, not just by women, but by everyone.
While I had a difficult time "bonding" with many of the female characters, I came to understand them and truly respect them. As odd as it may sound, while I could not personally relate to many of the characters, the book was almost impossible to put down.
Certain parts were so raw that I cringed. Others were so beyond what I know of DV shelters that my literal mind had to be reminded that this book is an adult fairy tale. I can only pray that at some time in the not to distance future, women will have places to go where they are safe, well cared for, and given the help to heal, like The Bryson House.
This is an exceptionally good novel, and well worth reading, not just by women, but by everyone.
February 9, 2013
El Farris has done an amazing job weaving together the lives of the many complicated female characters she created. Readers are compelled to read faster and faster as we are given snippets from the creepy psychopath who is stalking Phoebe Thompson, the teenaged daughter of power attorney Helen Thompson, who recently discovered that her own husband has drugged and raped their daughter.
While Farris had a tough time cutting out some of the fat from this 400 page book, her lovely, lyrical descriptions make us forgive her and allow her a little indulgence.
Scenes with 'Zander offer necessary levity to some otherwise very dark, serious scenes.
And we can forgive Farris some of her stilted dialogue because what she has created is a very beautiful tale of women helping women -- which is precisely what she set out to do. The story is truly a page turner and, in the end, the message is what this book is all.
While Farris had a tough time cutting out some of the fat from this 400 page book, her lovely, lyrical descriptions make us forgive her and allow her a little indulgence.
Scenes with 'Zander offer necessary levity to some otherwise very dark, serious scenes.
And we can forgive Farris some of her stilted dialogue because what she has created is a very beautiful tale of women helping women -- which is precisely what she set out to do. The story is truly a page turner and, in the end, the message is what this book is all.
September 20, 2013
I must say that I love novels that feature strong, take charge women, but that also show their heart and fears. Ripple, by E.L. Farris, does a great job at featuring strong, but fragile women. It was such a difficult book to read because of the subject matter, and as a playwright who has presented child molestation on the stage, I know how challenging it must have been for Farris to present such a painful topic. But what I appreciate more than ever is how she handled the essence of the characters affected by one person's selfish and dark decision. Although I would have liked to have seen more insight into Helen's discussion with her daughter about the death of father, this tightly gathered story did what it was supposed to do: open our eyes to the fact that our children need us dearly.
August 10, 2013
This taut novel looks at a dark and disturbing subject—sexual and domestic abuse—but also shines a light on hope and survivors helping one another to heal. There’s nothing subtle about Ripple. Its in-your-face, truth-disguised-as-fiction, no-looking-away examination of abuse and the effects it can have is as brave as it is harrowing. As a woman, as a mother, this was a tough book to read, but Farris treats her characters with such dignity that I turned the pages riveted to the story, rooting for Phoebe, Helen, Cassie, all of the complex, believable characters, needing to know what happens to them. Highly recommended.
August 30, 2013
WOW this book got me hooked from the first page and what a shock for helen to find out what happened to her daughter and to even think her husband had done that to their daughter well no wonder she did what she had to with the golf club. What a shocker her husband got other perps in on it even a detective who would have thought you can trust, just goes to show you cant trust no-one in life. Hope this comes out as film as i will definetely watch it.
This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review
This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review
February 7, 2013
This was a tough topic and a bit disturbing. Ok, a lot disturbing. But, it was honest, raw, and real. If you've ever experienced abuse, addiction, power-working, balancing work and parenting, you'll undoubtedly find moments of looking at yourself in the mirror, nodding, and saying, "yah, that's exactly how it was/is." Although tough to read at points, this truly is a story of hope and redemption.
October 11, 2013
This is an amazing piece of work.... It's outstanding!
This story was so believable. The author grabbed my attention from page 1 & I was gripped until the end of the story. I have no nails anymore... I've bitten them all while reading this story. To say this was a nail-biting story is an understatement.
If I could give this story more than five stars I would. While reading this I could picture it in my head as a film.
THIS IS A MUST READ.
Received from author in return for honest review.
This story was so believable. The author grabbed my attention from page 1 & I was gripped until the end of the story. I have no nails anymore... I've bitten them all while reading this story. To say this was a nail-biting story is an understatement.
If I could give this story more than five stars I would. While reading this I could picture it in my head as a film.
THIS IS A MUST READ.
Received from author in return for honest review.
June 2, 2013
I can't remember reading a book as riveting or as intense as this book. "Ripple" will remain in my head for a long time. The subject matter was difficult to read and think about, but the plot was suspenseful and the characters lived and breathed for me. Each character's role was well defined and essential to the storyline. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2013
Ripple: a heart-breaking and hopeful tale
I received Ripple for free in return for an honest review…and found it to be pretty incredible. Because of this, I’m going to spend a long time explaining exactly why Ripple gets four (and a half) stars instead of five.
Ripple is a multi-dimensional look at the lives of the survivors of rape: the women, their children, the husbands they later have, their work lives, all of it. The author paints a really heart-breaking picture of several lives that have been directly and indirectly affected by this, and mechanisms they use to cope. Ultimately, Ripple ends up being a tale of growth and overcoming the demons that haunt women unfortunate enough to be preyed upon by men.
I don’t generally read books like this: I’m a strict believer that tales ought to take me away from the world, and that I can orbit the planet, slip back in time, ride mythical beasts, or shoot salsa from my fingertips at will. So Ripple is a massive departure, slamming me in the emotions with plenty of reality.
Some features of the book that were really staggering in their excellence: the author does an amazing job of coming across as a legal expert, horse rider/enthusiast, long-distance runner and (definitely far from least) a survivor. It’s these details, along with her well-crafted, realistic dialogue, that kept me with the book even though it was far outside my genre preference. The author also maintains a number of strong voices (and by strong I mean consistent): the gutsy female attorney who keeps her emotions largely in check versus the emotionally ravaged teenager. Writing in consistent voice is tough, and the author pulls this off well.
Stylistically, I wasn’t put off at all by the large amount of italicized stream-of-consciousness episodes that appeared in the book. They were a great gateway into the characters’ minds. The pacing built up very well, until about sixty percent of the way through…as events began to really heat up, I was slowed down and a bit bored by very detailed explanations and analyses of cross-country running. Still the book picked back up again, and finished off with my only large gripe.
As a pure Smashwords, indie-written and produced book, I would give this seven stars out of five. However, I’ve chosen to review this book more like a piece of literature. I believe it’s that sort of quality, and deserves to be on bookshelves with ‘Bestseller!’ stickers with yellow explosions meant to draw the eye. Overall I really enjoyed being submerged in this dark other genre and coming out of it with a light heart.
So it’s with a bit of a heavy heart that I conclude with my only con about the book, which happened to be too big to ignore.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON:
The bad guy didn’t convince me. From the first of the first-person point of view chapters, I didn’t really buy it. I guess there was a bit of guilt on my part, being a guy and reading about men who victimize women, and possibly ever being seen in this sort of light. I thought about this guy a lot, about how he’s not like any of the guys I know, but yeah, there are definitely men out there who think about nothing other than football and whose pants they can get into. Okay, that I can buy.
My problem with the bad guy was that he was too flat. First, it seemed strange that the rest of the book, pertaining to the actual survival and coping process, should be in third person, while this jerkbag should get to narrate directly to me. Second, it didn’t seem like he wanted to succeed. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not want rapists to succeed. But they do all the time in real life, and it didn’t seem to me that this guy, quoted as being ‘the best at what he does’ (paraphrased actually), should be so monumentally stupid about finding and raping the girl he’s obsessed with.
He’s painted with a brush that makes him look stupid and slovenly, yet he’s ‘the best’. We can’t really have both. If he’s smart (and we don’t get enough about how he’s smart) he would be doing more to cover his tracks, like planting kiddie porn on his neighbor’s computer and then having his neighbor steal his wi-fi connection, for instance. If he’s desperately suicidal and this is his last big fun hurrah before he offs himself, we don’t get that from the book either.
Instead we get a two-dimensional monster that’s so bent on finding and raping a little girl that he doesn’t care about committing multiple murders (or being killed himself) just to get in one girl’s pants. I suppose that, for a fictional story, this is okay. I suppose that many of the people reading this will also need solace in trying to cope with their own trauma, and this guy getting his comeuppance will make them feel better. The problem is that all the other characters (especially Gary, who ends up being in less than five pages of the whole book!) seem so real. I was sort of incredulous at the beginning of the bad guy’s parts, and kept hoping it wasn’t going to turn out like I expected…and then his subplot went the way I hoped it wouldn’t.
I received Ripple for free in return for an honest review…and found it to be pretty incredible. Because of this, I’m going to spend a long time explaining exactly why Ripple gets four (and a half) stars instead of five.
Ripple is a multi-dimensional look at the lives of the survivors of rape: the women, their children, the husbands they later have, their work lives, all of it. The author paints a really heart-breaking picture of several lives that have been directly and indirectly affected by this, and mechanisms they use to cope. Ultimately, Ripple ends up being a tale of growth and overcoming the demons that haunt women unfortunate enough to be preyed upon by men.
I don’t generally read books like this: I’m a strict believer that tales ought to take me away from the world, and that I can orbit the planet, slip back in time, ride mythical beasts, or shoot salsa from my fingertips at will. So Ripple is a massive departure, slamming me in the emotions with plenty of reality.
Some features of the book that were really staggering in their excellence: the author does an amazing job of coming across as a legal expert, horse rider/enthusiast, long-distance runner and (definitely far from least) a survivor. It’s these details, along with her well-crafted, realistic dialogue, that kept me with the book even though it was far outside my genre preference. The author also maintains a number of strong voices (and by strong I mean consistent): the gutsy female attorney who keeps her emotions largely in check versus the emotionally ravaged teenager. Writing in consistent voice is tough, and the author pulls this off well.
Stylistically, I wasn’t put off at all by the large amount of italicized stream-of-consciousness episodes that appeared in the book. They were a great gateway into the characters’ minds. The pacing built up very well, until about sixty percent of the way through…as events began to really heat up, I was slowed down and a bit bored by very detailed explanations and analyses of cross-country running. Still the book picked back up again, and finished off with my only large gripe.
As a pure Smashwords, indie-written and produced book, I would give this seven stars out of five. However, I’ve chosen to review this book more like a piece of literature. I believe it’s that sort of quality, and deserves to be on bookshelves with ‘Bestseller!’ stickers with yellow explosions meant to draw the eye. Overall I really enjoyed being submerged in this dark other genre and coming out of it with a light heart.
So it’s with a bit of a heavy heart that I conclude with my only con about the book, which happened to be too big to ignore.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON:
The bad guy didn’t convince me. From the first of the first-person point of view chapters, I didn’t really buy it. I guess there was a bit of guilt on my part, being a guy and reading about men who victimize women, and possibly ever being seen in this sort of light. I thought about this guy a lot, about how he’s not like any of the guys I know, but yeah, there are definitely men out there who think about nothing other than football and whose pants they can get into. Okay, that I can buy.
My problem with the bad guy was that he was too flat. First, it seemed strange that the rest of the book, pertaining to the actual survival and coping process, should be in third person, while this jerkbag should get to narrate directly to me. Second, it didn’t seem like he wanted to succeed. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not want rapists to succeed. But they do all the time in real life, and it didn’t seem to me that this guy, quoted as being ‘the best at what he does’ (paraphrased actually), should be so monumentally stupid about finding and raping the girl he’s obsessed with.
He’s painted with a brush that makes him look stupid and slovenly, yet he’s ‘the best’. We can’t really have both. If he’s smart (and we don’t get enough about how he’s smart) he would be doing more to cover his tracks, like planting kiddie porn on his neighbor’s computer and then having his neighbor steal his wi-fi connection, for instance. If he’s desperately suicidal and this is his last big fun hurrah before he offs himself, we don’t get that from the book either.
Instead we get a two-dimensional monster that’s so bent on finding and raping a little girl that he doesn’t care about committing multiple murders (or being killed himself) just to get in one girl’s pants. I suppose that, for a fictional story, this is okay. I suppose that many of the people reading this will also need solace in trying to cope with their own trauma, and this guy getting his comeuppance will make them feel better. The problem is that all the other characters (especially Gary, who ends up being in less than five pages of the whole book!) seem so real. I was sort of incredulous at the beginning of the bad guy’s parts, and kept hoping it wasn’t going to turn out like I expected…and then his subplot went the way I hoped it wouldn’t.
September 2, 2013
This is an excellent work of literary fiction, well written, moving and thought provoking, in fact, at times, downright disturbing. Truly, if we didn't find it disturbing, there'd be something wrong with us. In just a few scenes we are shown that, despite our laws, there is still precious little justice for rape victims today. Are they really going to ask that fifteen year old to stand up in public and identify her father as her rapist? Yes, they are, and there is nothing the women can do to stop it.
Farris has taken the heart-wrenching topic of incestuous sexual abuse and approached it bravely. She has delved into the guilt, the shame and the horror felt by the victim, a fifteen year old girl raped many times by her father, and the girl's mother, a high powered lawyer who spent more time at work than she did with her daughter. This absence from the daughter's life in pursuit of a career is a topic that many women and, I hope, men will relate to. Phoebe couldn't have become her father's play thing if her mother had been around all those nights. So, of course, Helen, the mother, feels enormously guilty. The revelation also shocks her to near breaking point.
Her relationship with her husband wasn't great, but she never thought that he would be in an pedophile group or that he would spike his daughter's drink with a date rape drug and video his sick games so he could show his online friends. Helen finds the video and, traumatised by the sight of her husband raping her daughter, whacks him with a golf club when he returns home. He falls, hits his head and dies in hospital.
And that's just the beginning. Will Helen be tried for murder? And what about the rest of the pedophile ring that the father had invited over to fuck his daughter the next night? The author relates just enough of their online conversation for us to know that these men are truly dangerous.
Yes, it's heavy stuff, but at least Helen knows to take Phoebe to a safe house, and at least Helen has money and friends. I couldn't help wondering about women and girls in this kind of situation who don't have those kinds of resources. It would be an even bigger hell.
If it's sounding too miserable for you, don't be put off because the story actually has a lot of heart and it comes from the women who support and care for each other. Helen and Phoebe end up in a safe house in the country and Helen gets excellent councillors and a smart sassy lawyer who has her own background of abuse. The inner turmoil and conflicting emotions of the characters come out slowly and in ever deepening layers, like peeling an onion. The revelations to their therapists, and Phoebe eventually confronting her mother are expertly plotted and paced for maximum affect. We discover the depth of the betrayal, the things her father told her to keep her compliant and the effect it's had on Phoebe. It's all too believable and terribly sad. We are left in no doubt as to the long term effects of such abuse.
The story is held together with a very strong sense of danger from the remaining men. The police are supposed to find them, they find two, but the third remains at large, and they don't know who he is. By the time they find out, it is almost too late.
We hear the voice of this man in small snippets throughout the book. He's there in the back ground like our worst nightmare. He's the evil in the shadows, the monster beneath the bed. He represents unbridled lust without conscience. The women's characters are all expertly drawn. I cared deeply for them. They were real people to me.
In contrast, the man is a cardboard cut out, but he should be. More rounded characterisation would give him too much power. It would detract from the women, and this is the women's story. We only need to know the man in his role as abuser, the rest is irrelevant here. Also, he is much more fearsome as a shadow. Once a fear becomes known, it is no longer so scary.
If I was to be picky, I might say that it was too easy to pick who the third man was, and that certain things in the story were a little too convenient, like the Olympic horse rider and Carl's boyfriend being a therapist, but they really didn't matter. It was a great story and ultimately one of hope, for it showed that with the right kind of support, victims of abuse can heal, start over and make a good life for themselves.
I highly recommend this book, especially to men.
Farris has taken the heart-wrenching topic of incestuous sexual abuse and approached it bravely. She has delved into the guilt, the shame and the horror felt by the victim, a fifteen year old girl raped many times by her father, and the girl's mother, a high powered lawyer who spent more time at work than she did with her daughter. This absence from the daughter's life in pursuit of a career is a topic that many women and, I hope, men will relate to. Phoebe couldn't have become her father's play thing if her mother had been around all those nights. So, of course, Helen, the mother, feels enormously guilty. The revelation also shocks her to near breaking point.
Her relationship with her husband wasn't great, but she never thought that he would be in an pedophile group or that he would spike his daughter's drink with a date rape drug and video his sick games so he could show his online friends. Helen finds the video and, traumatised by the sight of her husband raping her daughter, whacks him with a golf club when he returns home. He falls, hits his head and dies in hospital.
And that's just the beginning. Will Helen be tried for murder? And what about the rest of the pedophile ring that the father had invited over to fuck his daughter the next night? The author relates just enough of their online conversation for us to know that these men are truly dangerous.
Yes, it's heavy stuff, but at least Helen knows to take Phoebe to a safe house, and at least Helen has money and friends. I couldn't help wondering about women and girls in this kind of situation who don't have those kinds of resources. It would be an even bigger hell.
If it's sounding too miserable for you, don't be put off because the story actually has a lot of heart and it comes from the women who support and care for each other. Helen and Phoebe end up in a safe house in the country and Helen gets excellent councillors and a smart sassy lawyer who has her own background of abuse. The inner turmoil and conflicting emotions of the characters come out slowly and in ever deepening layers, like peeling an onion. The revelations to their therapists, and Phoebe eventually confronting her mother are expertly plotted and paced for maximum affect. We discover the depth of the betrayal, the things her father told her to keep her compliant and the effect it's had on Phoebe. It's all too believable and terribly sad. We are left in no doubt as to the long term effects of such abuse.
The story is held together with a very strong sense of danger from the remaining men. The police are supposed to find them, they find two, but the third remains at large, and they don't know who he is. By the time they find out, it is almost too late.
We hear the voice of this man in small snippets throughout the book. He's there in the back ground like our worst nightmare. He's the evil in the shadows, the monster beneath the bed. He represents unbridled lust without conscience. The women's characters are all expertly drawn. I cared deeply for them. They were real people to me.
In contrast, the man is a cardboard cut out, but he should be. More rounded characterisation would give him too much power. It would detract from the women, and this is the women's story. We only need to know the man in his role as abuser, the rest is irrelevant here. Also, he is much more fearsome as a shadow. Once a fear becomes known, it is no longer so scary.
If I was to be picky, I might say that it was too easy to pick who the third man was, and that certain things in the story were a little too convenient, like the Olympic horse rider and Carl's boyfriend being a therapist, but they really didn't matter. It was a great story and ultimately one of hope, for it showed that with the right kind of support, victims of abuse can heal, start over and make a good life for themselves.
I highly recommend this book, especially to men.
July 14, 2013
"Drop a pebble in the water
In a flash the pebble's gone
But a hundred thousand ripples
Keep moving on and on"
These words from a verse I heard years ago echoed through my mind as I read RIPPLE by El Farris. Indeed, what begins with the single evil act of father-daughter incest causes not just ripples but unstoppable waves of heartache, anger, shame, self-blame, further depravity and justifiable murder in the lives of all affected by that single act. And if the readers of this book are, or have been themselves, victims of incest, they will identify with and relate to the emotional upheaval Ripple depicts.
Though fiction, one of the strengths of this book is that its roots are planted in fact, making the characters that much more real and believable. The author has publicly spoken in her blog of her own battle with alcoholism as the result of childhood incest. Her blog garnered her a loyal and long list of subscribers before RIPPLE was ever published. As I read about young Phoebe and what she endures at the hands of her disgusting father, I wondered how much of the author was in Phoebe? Or was the author possibly Cassandra, the ex- alcoholic lawyer who takes on the defence of Phoebe's mother, Helen, herself a successful lawyer. Helen kills her husband in righteous anger when she discovers what he did to their daughter. Or are several of these characters all a part of El Farris? Of course they are, and yet, as El has created them, they each have a life of their own distinct from hers.
The cast of characters in RIPPLE could well have been written into the script for a movie. RIPPLE has all the elements today's audiences pay to see: illicit sex, violence and murder; high- powered lawyers and evil people in lofty, trusted positions of power and control. And it ends the way every satisfying story should with good conquering evil. But what is far more important than its Hollywood appeal is what RIPPLE does: through fiction, it exposes the awful truth about what is really happening in too many homes, where even family members wouldn't believe it could happen, or in too many cases, deny the reality even when it's staring them in the face. It also reminds us of the price both parents and children pay when career demands take the parent away from children: so many parents today do not know what is going in their children's lives and are too busy to find out. And it captures so well the agony and anguish that victims of sexual abuse endure and from which there is never full recovery.
When Phoebe asks her mother, Helen, at the end of RIPPLE, whether they are safe now and Helen gives the usual comforting answer one would expect from a mother to her child, it is Anne who brings the story to a realistic close:
"With all due respect, Helen, there are no guarantees of anything in life - least of all, safety. There will be hard days and there will be easier days. We will move on, like ripples follow a stone thrown in still water."
RIPPLE ... A riveting book whose message is more unforgettable than its story-line. It's a message that sends ripples through the reader. Buy it!
In a flash the pebble's gone
But a hundred thousand ripples
Keep moving on and on"
These words from a verse I heard years ago echoed through my mind as I read RIPPLE by El Farris. Indeed, what begins with the single evil act of father-daughter incest causes not just ripples but unstoppable waves of heartache, anger, shame, self-blame, further depravity and justifiable murder in the lives of all affected by that single act. And if the readers of this book are, or have been themselves, victims of incest, they will identify with and relate to the emotional upheaval Ripple depicts.
Though fiction, one of the strengths of this book is that its roots are planted in fact, making the characters that much more real and believable. The author has publicly spoken in her blog of her own battle with alcoholism as the result of childhood incest. Her blog garnered her a loyal and long list of subscribers before RIPPLE was ever published. As I read about young Phoebe and what she endures at the hands of her disgusting father, I wondered how much of the author was in Phoebe? Or was the author possibly Cassandra, the ex- alcoholic lawyer who takes on the defence of Phoebe's mother, Helen, herself a successful lawyer. Helen kills her husband in righteous anger when she discovers what he did to their daughter. Or are several of these characters all a part of El Farris? Of course they are, and yet, as El has created them, they each have a life of their own distinct from hers.
The cast of characters in RIPPLE could well have been written into the script for a movie. RIPPLE has all the elements today's audiences pay to see: illicit sex, violence and murder; high- powered lawyers and evil people in lofty, trusted positions of power and control. And it ends the way every satisfying story should with good conquering evil. But what is far more important than its Hollywood appeal is what RIPPLE does: through fiction, it exposes the awful truth about what is really happening in too many homes, where even family members wouldn't believe it could happen, or in too many cases, deny the reality even when it's staring them in the face. It also reminds us of the price both parents and children pay when career demands take the parent away from children: so many parents today do not know what is going in their children's lives and are too busy to find out. And it captures so well the agony and anguish that victims of sexual abuse endure and from which there is never full recovery.
When Phoebe asks her mother, Helen, at the end of RIPPLE, whether they are safe now and Helen gives the usual comforting answer one would expect from a mother to her child, it is Anne who brings the story to a realistic close:
"With all due respect, Helen, there are no guarantees of anything in life - least of all, safety. There will be hard days and there will be easier days. We will move on, like ripples follow a stone thrown in still water."
RIPPLE ... A riveting book whose message is more unforgettable than its story-line. It's a message that sends ripples through the reader. Buy it!
November 19, 2013
(I purchased this book on Amazon)
5 out of 5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK:
"When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her fifteen-year old daughter has been sexually assaulted, she takes drastic measures. Finding herself in trouble, Helen must relinquish control and put her faith in a process she knows to be flawed.
As a team of lawyers, therapists and women from a safe house help Helen and Phoebe find hope and healing, a sociopath lurks, waiting for his moment to strike.
A lyrical, dark fairytale that will resonate with fans of women’s literature and psychological thrillers, Ripple delves into the nature of evil, without seeking to provide final answers to the issue of what makes a human commit evil acts. And while the author takes readers to scary places, she ultimately shines a light on the human condition and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit in the face of great tribulation."
MY THOUGHTS:
The story opens powerfully, sucking you right in, and it keeps a tight hold of you all the way through. This is a difficult book to read in some ways, given that it deals with abuse, rape, and the deep emotions surrounding this. But, and this is a big but, this book also gives you hope, and shows the kind and compassionate side of human nature. It goes a lot deeper than simply exploring these difficult issues, it shows up the American Legal system for what it is - to quote: "it's not a justice system, it's a legal system"; I feel this is true of any legal system today. The author writes with authority, clarity, and knowledge. Quite simply, Ripple is a many faceted jewel.
THE STRUCTURE:
The book is approximately 370 pages in length, so is not a quick read, but is a gripping read none the less, and I found myself zooming through it, literally devouring one page after another. The characterisation is so real and effective that I found myself tearing up on at least a couple of occasions. It is a long time since a book has affected me so deeply. The proofing and editing has been done to an excellent standard, and the POV shifts are easy to follow. The ending ties the many different threads together nicely, and the reader is left feeling that this part of story at least has been resolved, whilst also recognising that this is a story that will continue on.
SUMMARY:
A work of literary fiction, this book will be attractive to a many and varied readership, and invites male and female readers equally. I love that E.L. Farris has managed to write about such a difficult subject, whilst avoiding any of the usual stereotypes or demonising every man on the planet. As well as being relevant to those who have suffered some form of abuse in their lives, this book would also be a useful read for those responsible for policy making in their legal systems. This is a powerfully written narrative, and you will find it disturbing, you will also find it heartening. This story highlights and brings fresh air to a subject that is all too often brushed under the carpet, or left in dark corners where it can continue to fester. I offer this book a resounding 5 out of 5 stars.
5 out of 5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK:
"When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her fifteen-year old daughter has been sexually assaulted, she takes drastic measures. Finding herself in trouble, Helen must relinquish control and put her faith in a process she knows to be flawed.
As a team of lawyers, therapists and women from a safe house help Helen and Phoebe find hope and healing, a sociopath lurks, waiting for his moment to strike.
A lyrical, dark fairytale that will resonate with fans of women’s literature and psychological thrillers, Ripple delves into the nature of evil, without seeking to provide final answers to the issue of what makes a human commit evil acts. And while the author takes readers to scary places, she ultimately shines a light on the human condition and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit in the face of great tribulation."
MY THOUGHTS:
The story opens powerfully, sucking you right in, and it keeps a tight hold of you all the way through. This is a difficult book to read in some ways, given that it deals with abuse, rape, and the deep emotions surrounding this. But, and this is a big but, this book also gives you hope, and shows the kind and compassionate side of human nature. It goes a lot deeper than simply exploring these difficult issues, it shows up the American Legal system for what it is - to quote: "it's not a justice system, it's a legal system"; I feel this is true of any legal system today. The author writes with authority, clarity, and knowledge. Quite simply, Ripple is a many faceted jewel.
THE STRUCTURE:
The book is approximately 370 pages in length, so is not a quick read, but is a gripping read none the less, and I found myself zooming through it, literally devouring one page after another. The characterisation is so real and effective that I found myself tearing up on at least a couple of occasions. It is a long time since a book has affected me so deeply. The proofing and editing has been done to an excellent standard, and the POV shifts are easy to follow. The ending ties the many different threads together nicely, and the reader is left feeling that this part of story at least has been resolved, whilst also recognising that this is a story that will continue on.
SUMMARY:
A work of literary fiction, this book will be attractive to a many and varied readership, and invites male and female readers equally. I love that E.L. Farris has managed to write about such a difficult subject, whilst avoiding any of the usual stereotypes or demonising every man on the planet. As well as being relevant to those who have suffered some form of abuse in their lives, this book would also be a useful read for those responsible for policy making in their legal systems. This is a powerfully written narrative, and you will find it disturbing, you will also find it heartening. This story highlights and brings fresh air to a subject that is all too often brushed under the carpet, or left in dark corners where it can continue to fester. I offer this book a resounding 5 out of 5 stars.
May 8, 2013
Ripple is the story of Helen and Phoebe Thompson, a mother and daughter whose lives are turned upside down after Helen learns Phoebe’s father has been molesting her. Worse, this man has promised some of his cronies the privilege of raping his daughter.
Helen and Phoebe go into hiding at a safe house for abused women while police search for members of Phoebe’s father’s sex ring. It becomes clear one of these predators knows exactly where Phoebe and Helen are and still has plans to hurt Phoebe. This creates an element of danger and suspense in Ripple.
I’m going to be very honest right now. At times, this is a very hard book to read. It’s about a horrifying topic. But the themes of hope and redemption make this novel something worth reading.
Helen Thompson is a wife and mother who is really married to her demanding, competitive career as an attorney. When she realizes her focus on her career blinded her to her husband’s abuse of their daughter, she is overwrought with guilt. To atone, Helen must change everything about her life and accept that things will never be the same again.
Phoebe Thompson is a child of fifteen lost in a sea of madness where the grownups don’t do what they’re supposed to do. Her father–a judge who is respected and revered in their social circle–has broken the worst of taboos. Her mother–successful, intelligent, tough–never saw what was really going on. Her journey in this book is about her accepting that she is okay and worthwhile and can go on to enjoy life.
Both Phoebe and Helen’s struggles are heartbreaking at times, but seeing them change is life affirming.
The secondary characters in Ripple are well-drawn, each having a complicated backstory that I wanted to know more about. My heart broke for some of these characters, and I was outraged at how others were treated.
Skillfully woven into this novel is a discourse on healing. Some people run to heal. Some people ride horses to heal. Some people help others heal, and, in doing so, heal themselves. That was what made me so glad I read this book. It had a strong message encouraging readers to do whatever it takes to make things right. And that’s important.
Helen and Phoebe go into hiding at a safe house for abused women while police search for members of Phoebe’s father’s sex ring. It becomes clear one of these predators knows exactly where Phoebe and Helen are and still has plans to hurt Phoebe. This creates an element of danger and suspense in Ripple.
I’m going to be very honest right now. At times, this is a very hard book to read. It’s about a horrifying topic. But the themes of hope and redemption make this novel something worth reading.
Helen Thompson is a wife and mother who is really married to her demanding, competitive career as an attorney. When she realizes her focus on her career blinded her to her husband’s abuse of their daughter, she is overwrought with guilt. To atone, Helen must change everything about her life and accept that things will never be the same again.
Phoebe Thompson is a child of fifteen lost in a sea of madness where the grownups don’t do what they’re supposed to do. Her father–a judge who is respected and revered in their social circle–has broken the worst of taboos. Her mother–successful, intelligent, tough–never saw what was really going on. Her journey in this book is about her accepting that she is okay and worthwhile and can go on to enjoy life.
Both Phoebe and Helen’s struggles are heartbreaking at times, but seeing them change is life affirming.
The secondary characters in Ripple are well-drawn, each having a complicated backstory that I wanted to know more about. My heart broke for some of these characters, and I was outraged at how others were treated.
Skillfully woven into this novel is a discourse on healing. Some people run to heal. Some people ride horses to heal. Some people help others heal, and, in doing so, heal themselves. That was what made me so glad I read this book. It had a strong message encouraging readers to do whatever it takes to make things right. And that’s important.
September 12, 2014
I am so glad we got to open a group on Facebook for authors or I wouldn't have come across this lovely book, or this lovely author. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I give nothing else, but, honestly.
When I read inside about the storyline, it intrigued me right away, the cover is lovely too and good on the eye, to me, that's important. Not as important as the inside reading material though.
Its not nice to read about the abuse of a young girl at the hands of these awful men, but as the story unfolds, its not all about Phoebe, its then about the Mother. Then when an incident occurs and and another person get's involved in the equation with her children, its all about them, or is it?
I was so enthralled throughout this book I messaged the author to tell her how much I loved it, truly loved it. I was raving on our authors promote group on Facebook. Urging people to get this and read it. The write up doesn't do it justice, however, if more was said, it would give away plots, and that wouldn't be good.
E L Farris handles a delicate subject very well. Angles from not only Pheobe the child but the Mother and her guilt, her work, her ethics. Cassandra who you will later meet in the story also has had problems in the past which make this 'case' for her more recent and brings back all kinds of memories, bad memories.
The ending was not as I expected at all. I was waiting for a verdict, but it didn't happen because of........[not telling *wink*] and although I gathered who they were looking for in the later pages, it REALLY wasn't until almost at the end it became apparent if I was right or not.
I cannot enthuse about this book enough. This is my full and honest review.
I can't wait to read more of her books, she truly has a great talent in story telling and making characters become part of you daily life, hourly life even, whilst you are reading it. I found myself questioning so many things, or events, how would I handle this, what would I have done.
Superb job! Well written, well laid out, format perfect on Kindle. Loved it.
When I read inside about the storyline, it intrigued me right away, the cover is lovely too and good on the eye, to me, that's important. Not as important as the inside reading material though.
Its not nice to read about the abuse of a young girl at the hands of these awful men, but as the story unfolds, its not all about Phoebe, its then about the Mother. Then when an incident occurs and and another person get's involved in the equation with her children, its all about them, or is it?
I was so enthralled throughout this book I messaged the author to tell her how much I loved it, truly loved it. I was raving on our authors promote group on Facebook. Urging people to get this and read it. The write up doesn't do it justice, however, if more was said, it would give away plots, and that wouldn't be good.
E L Farris handles a delicate subject very well. Angles from not only Pheobe the child but the Mother and her guilt, her work, her ethics. Cassandra who you will later meet in the story also has had problems in the past which make this 'case' for her more recent and brings back all kinds of memories, bad memories.
The ending was not as I expected at all. I was waiting for a verdict, but it didn't happen because of........[not telling *wink*] and although I gathered who they were looking for in the later pages, it REALLY wasn't until almost at the end it became apparent if I was right or not.
I cannot enthuse about this book enough. This is my full and honest review.
I can't wait to read more of her books, she truly has a great talent in story telling and making characters become part of you daily life, hourly life even, whilst you are reading it. I found myself questioning so many things, or events, how would I handle this, what would I have done.
Superb job! Well written, well laid out, format perfect on Kindle. Loved it.
June 12, 2013
Ripple deals with some really tough issues. Even after reading the description of this book I was shocked by what had happened to Helen's daughter, Phoebe. I hurt for both Helen and for Phoebe. E.L Farris wrote characters that I could care about, and I had to find out what would happen to them in the end.
Helen was a very no-nonsense woman. Her career was a huge priority for her. When she learns what happened to Phoebe she starts to go through a major transformation. I liked her as a no-nonsense woman, so I am happy that she stayed that way, but the change in her priorities made her a better mother and I can imagine a better person. By the end of the book I had a lot of hope for her future.
I found Phoebe to be a strong character. Considering everything she was going through, she was still very strong. She had passion, could have an attitude in a snap, and she was rebellious. She showed a lot of growth through the book, thanks to all the amazing women that she was surrounded with, and thanks to finding her inner strength in a time of need.
I loved the other characters in the book. The women from the safe house were so great. I loved their banter and the love they had for the women they were helping. The other lawyers and the therapists were amazing, too. All of these people cared so much for Helen and Phoebe. The little back stories that filled the book helped to add so many dimensions to the book. The sociopath that lurks was terrifying. I was so afraid through the book that he would not be found or stopped. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
Farris wrote such a heartbreaking beginning and then took readers through a wild recovery process. There was so much suspense as the danger drew closer. I would suggest this book to any one who enjoys a good thriller and isn't afraid of tough issues. Ripple is well worth the read.
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Helen was a very no-nonsense woman. Her career was a huge priority for her. When she learns what happened to Phoebe she starts to go through a major transformation. I liked her as a no-nonsense woman, so I am happy that she stayed that way, but the change in her priorities made her a better mother and I can imagine a better person. By the end of the book I had a lot of hope for her future.
I found Phoebe to be a strong character. Considering everything she was going through, she was still very strong. She had passion, could have an attitude in a snap, and she was rebellious. She showed a lot of growth through the book, thanks to all the amazing women that she was surrounded with, and thanks to finding her inner strength in a time of need.
I loved the other characters in the book. The women from the safe house were so great. I loved their banter and the love they had for the women they were helping. The other lawyers and the therapists were amazing, too. All of these people cared so much for Helen and Phoebe. The little back stories that filled the book helped to add so many dimensions to the book. The sociopath that lurks was terrifying. I was so afraid through the book that he would not be found or stopped. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
Farris wrote such a heartbreaking beginning and then took readers through a wild recovery process. There was so much suspense as the danger drew closer. I would suggest this book to any one who enjoys a good thriller and isn't afraid of tough issues. Ripple is well worth the read.
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
September 17, 2013
The story moves quickly. There is a sense of urgency to not only try to get justice but to help Phoebe. Child sexual abuse has to be a tough topic to write and it certainly is a tough topic to read but if belabored it can overwhelm an audience. In Ripple A Tale of Hope and Redemption Farris takes care to give the reader hope (as stated in the title) that there is a potential end date to the suffering and that the narrative will constantly move toward that end date. There are points in which the hope is perhaps applied with a very heavy hand but with such a challenging topic one has to be careful not to embrace that idea that things will be too shiny and happy too quickly. Farris does seem to sense those moments and pull back in the story.
If you're looking for a book with a good baddie, this is not the one for you. There are times you can tell when an author isn't comfortable with a subject. Alex Kava, in her series, clearly isn't comfortable writing romantic relationships so why do it, you ask? Because it makes the book more marketable. In theory the book is more marketable, in fact the misguided dynamic distracts from a solid story. This is the case with Farris' baddie. He's an extreme contradiction. On the one hand he's a frat boy stereotype who is not the least bit clever and secretive yet the audience is supposed to believe that he poses a serious threat to the characters. It is essential in fiction to suspend disbelief but believing that the bad guy can pull off what he plans whether he does or not in the story may be asking too much.
Overall Ripple A Tale of Hope and Redemption was a solid read. The story is well written and constructed and perfect for fans of stories in which characters overcome great odds.
If you're looking for a book with a good baddie, this is not the one for you. There are times you can tell when an author isn't comfortable with a subject. Alex Kava, in her series, clearly isn't comfortable writing romantic relationships so why do it, you ask? Because it makes the book more marketable. In theory the book is more marketable, in fact the misguided dynamic distracts from a solid story. This is the case with Farris' baddie. He's an extreme contradiction. On the one hand he's a frat boy stereotype who is not the least bit clever and secretive yet the audience is supposed to believe that he poses a serious threat to the characters. It is essential in fiction to suspend disbelief but believing that the bad guy can pull off what he plans whether he does or not in the story may be asking too much.
Overall Ripple A Tale of Hope and Redemption was a solid read. The story is well written and constructed and perfect for fans of stories in which characters overcome great odds.
May 5, 2013
Helen Thompson is a high powered attorney who discovers her 15 year old daughter has been sexually abused by her husband. After a daring act on Helen's part, she and her daughter Phoebe take refuge at a safe house for abused women. Helen has to step back and put her future in the hands of other lawyers and therapists as she tries to find hope and healing for herself and her daughter. A sociopath is still lurking though, waiting for his moment to strike.
This was a hard book for me to read, due to the nature of the abuse and the excessive use (IMO) of the "f" word. It made me uncomfortable reading about this type of abuse inflicted on a daughter by her father. I also had a hard time keeping characters straight at first. It seemed like a lot of characters were introduced at the beginning without the reader really knowing how they were going to fit into the story. I felt the story went on for too long and parts could have been left out without affecting the storyline. The ending seemed rushed and abrupt. I had a hard time believing the part about the sociopath near the end. I can't believe someone in that position would One last thing--the summary calls this a lyrical dark fairy tale. I don't get that. This is not a fairy tale story. There is hope for healing but I would never call a story like this a fairy tale.
I do appreciate the author's effort to tell a difficult story and maybe others will appreciate this story more than I did.
This was a hard book for me to read, due to the nature of the abuse and the excessive use (IMO) of the "f" word. It made me uncomfortable reading about this type of abuse inflicted on a daughter by her father. I also had a hard time keeping characters straight at first. It seemed like a lot of characters were introduced at the beginning without the reader really knowing how they were going to fit into the story. I felt the story went on for too long and parts could have been left out without affecting the storyline. The ending seemed rushed and abrupt. I had a hard time believing the part about the sociopath near the end. I can't believe someone in that position would One last thing--the summary calls this a lyrical dark fairy tale. I don't get that. This is not a fairy tale story. There is hope for healing but I would never call a story like this a fairy tale.
I do appreciate the author's effort to tell a difficult story and maybe others will appreciate this story more than I did.
October 5, 2013
I usually tend to avoid books that deal with any kind of sexual crime, often finding them distasteful or uncomfortable but felt compelled to read this one. Whilst disconcertingly graphic and explicit in places, it displayed a realism that made it hard to put the book down. I felt driven to read it and became part of the nightmare of these strong female characters. The book is stunningly accurate - with an almost auto-biographical feel in places which gives it a chilling edge. The author really does understand the essence of the sexual abuse nightmare. It is very professionally produced and the story is well told. I loved the way that the storyline was worked from a legal standpoint in a way that I could understand and there was also a sense that, even the most powerful and frontline people can be living a private hell without anyone knowing. I think that is a huge lesson in the book, that things are not always as they seem, as well as the message of hope, for people who have been through such experiences. If you don't like strong language, it is hard sometimes to cope with the continued use of the 'f' word but then again, the subject is shocking and so it is part of the fabric of what helps with the realism. The book made me think, it made me cringe and at times feel more uncomfortable than a book has ever managed to make me. It was thought provoking and I couldn't stop reading it.
November 24, 2013
A powerful and frightening story of abuse, so overwhelming that one would wish such things couldn't happen, even knowing that they do. The author fills the story with compelling characters, beginning with teenaged Phoebe, secretly abused by her father, a judge, no less. Combine this with an almost absentee, workaholic lawyer mother, and the story is likely replayed all too frequently.
The author takes us deep into the abuse scenario. Not only has daddy abused his daughter repeatedly, he has shared his exploits on line, and now has invited a small group over to share his daughter's charms.
When mom, Helen, discovers the DVD of father and daughter, she bashes him with one of his own golf clubs and flees to a shelter for abused women.
The healing process, always incomplete, a work in progress, is handled with great care and skill. The title, hope and redemption is appropriate, for Phoebe must cope, not only with her pain and anger, but the fact that, at some somatic level, she responded to her father's advances.
The male characters don't stand up well to scrutiny. Cassandra's (Helen's attorney) husband Frank is worthy enough, but flat, as is Gary, another attorney. The monster who appears late in the story is almost too bad to be real, but more about him would reveal too much of the surprise ending.
Not an easy read, but worthwhile. I commend the author for meeting a wrenching issue head-on, without flinching.
The author takes us deep into the abuse scenario. Not only has daddy abused his daughter repeatedly, he has shared his exploits on line, and now has invited a small group over to share his daughter's charms.
When mom, Helen, discovers the DVD of father and daughter, she bashes him with one of his own golf clubs and flees to a shelter for abused women.
The healing process, always incomplete, a work in progress, is handled with great care and skill. The title, hope and redemption is appropriate, for Phoebe must cope, not only with her pain and anger, but the fact that, at some somatic level, she responded to her father's advances.
The male characters don't stand up well to scrutiny. Cassandra's (Helen's attorney) husband Frank is worthy enough, but flat, as is Gary, another attorney. The monster who appears late in the story is almost too bad to be real, but more about him would reveal too much of the surprise ending.
Not an easy read, but worthwhile. I commend the author for meeting a wrenching issue head-on, without flinching.
December 6, 2013
I was given this book for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book. I am usually not a fan of women's lit, however, this book captivated me from start to finish. The heartache, the struggle, the suffering of these characters is something that will haunt me. The glimpses inside Phoebe's head after she'd been sexually assaulted by someone she trusted, cared for is haunting and moving. The guilt that Helen experiences is mesmerizing in its reality.
Reading stories that deal with this delicate subject are difficult and can often go horribly, horribly wrong. However, this is not the case with this story. Kudos for E.L. Farris' handling this subject fantastically. The fact that it is such a familiar case for Cassandra, and it begins to dredge up her own memories, and not the happy kind either makes it all the more a thrilling story. The ending of this tale of survival was not what I initially expected, and my initial reaction was...WHY IS THERE NO VERDICT?! And the reason it didn't happen was....Nope, gotta read it to find out why because this reviewer is so not telling. Sorry kiddies.
The blurb, the summary does not give this story justice, it cannot do so without giving away important information that decidedly can be classified as spoilers! I would like to thank E.L. Farris for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book. Definitely check this out, you will not regret it.
I adored this book. I am usually not a fan of women's lit, however, this book captivated me from start to finish. The heartache, the struggle, the suffering of these characters is something that will haunt me. The glimpses inside Phoebe's head after she'd been sexually assaulted by someone she trusted, cared for is haunting and moving. The guilt that Helen experiences is mesmerizing in its reality.
Reading stories that deal with this delicate subject are difficult and can often go horribly, horribly wrong. However, this is not the case with this story. Kudos for E.L. Farris' handling this subject fantastically. The fact that it is such a familiar case for Cassandra, and it begins to dredge up her own memories, and not the happy kind either makes it all the more a thrilling story. The ending of this tale of survival was not what I initially expected, and my initial reaction was...WHY IS THERE NO VERDICT?! And the reason it didn't happen was....Nope, gotta read it to find out why because this reviewer is so not telling. Sorry kiddies.
The blurb, the summary does not give this story justice, it cannot do so without giving away important information that decidedly can be classified as spoilers! I would like to thank E.L. Farris for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book. Definitely check this out, you will not regret it.
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