The Lucky Piece: An Autobiographical Novel

by Francelia Butler

Raised by a cruel and hypocritical mother and a violent father, Susan grows up receptive to the idea of murder.

Genres: Horror

259 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Circa Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I have come across a book where it is a damn shame it is out of print. The Lucky Piece so bluntly portrays the complexities and nuances of physical and psychological child abuse, while keeping enough depiction distance to avoid unreadable distaste, that it seems to me it should be required reading for psychology or childhood development majors. To put it plainly, this is not a happy novel but it is a thought provoking, eye opening one, especially considering that it implies that child abuse and family dysfunction can be hiding behind respectable and popular members of society. Also, considering that this was initially written by the author in the late thirties or early forties, it is even more daring that Ms. Butler chose to depict an attractive, classically feminine young woman as the origin of the dark abuse and neglect.

[Storyteller Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. A chilling, thought-provoking depiction of child abuse and the complexities of human nature, experienced through the perspective of a little girl. An unforgettable story.

[Steph (loves water) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisted!