How to Save a Life, the latest from Sara Zarr, is an emotionally honest, engrossing, and raw journey from loss and heartbreak to trust and hope. Two young women, both broken and running away from wrenching pain, take turns telling their stories in well developed, distinct, truthful voices.
High school senior Jill’s dad was killed in a car accident ten months ago and his sudden death has all but destroyed Jill’s world. Her raging anger has alienated everyone who tried to support her, has left her feeling lost and isolated, and is keeping her from seeing any hope or possibility of happiness in her future. 18 year old high school drop out Mandy is pregnant and alone. Her mother is emotionally abusive and could care less what happens to Mandy, and her mother’s boyfriend takes a little too much of an interest in her. Knowing that she can’t raise her unborn child in the same poverty stricken, emotionally barren life she’s had, Mandy seeks out a chance for a better life for her child in an adoption chat room.
When Jill’s mom agrees to an open adoption of Mandy’s baby, the girls are brought together into an uncomfortable living situation while they await the birth. Jill doesn’t trust Mandy’s story or her real motivation, and she’s deeply resentful that her mom seems to be trying to replace her (or her dad) with this new baby. As the birth approaches, Mandy’s doubts about giving up her baby and about losing the only good thing that’s ever happened to her drive her to making a potentially irreversible choice.
These two young women are exquisitely crafted; their emotions, pain, and longing leap from the page directly into the reader’s heart. Zarr’s portrayal is so psychologically astute and full of complexity it rivals many adult novels in its visceral humanity. How to Save a Life may end after 341 pages, but its emotional impact will resonate well beyond the last printed word.
- Posted by Cori