Victor Lodato

This book made my heart hurt - and not necessarily in the good way that gives you a sense of understanding and hope through the pain. It was just a whole lot of pain.

But don't let me make you think that it wasn't a good book, because it was. It was dark, terrifying, filled with horror, heartache, pain and hurt - everything a coming-of-age story seems to need to reflect the current time. It dealt with heavy issues such as terrorism, suicide, alcoholism, neglect and sexuality, all through the show more perspective of a young girl who is dealing with the loss of an older sister.

Mathilda Savitch is a short book, but don't let its length fool you. It was like chewing a meaty novel, it took time and I had to take several breaks before moving forward again with the story just so I could absorb what was happening. And my heart broke over and over again for Mathilda.

This is definitely an adult novel, and not one easily recommended. The subject matter is just so heavy, I hesitate to encourage anyone to just run out and read it. So instead, what I'll say is - if you want to read a novel that will make you think, make you consider how your own actions can affect those closest to you, then take the time out to read this book. show less

I picked up this book this morning and I couldn't put it down until I finished it, right before midnight.

It's the most lovely book, but also a very sad book. It reminds me of the grandmas and grandpas and my mama and dad, who are long gone, and encourages me that, if I need them and talk to them, they will somehow hear me. It makes me think of beloved pets, too, living and dead, so innocent and loving and living in the moment, as I should always do, and try hard to.

It's a lovely, lovely book show more and I thank Lodato for writing it. show less

I actually had to take a break from this one when I began to fear greatly for Mathilda's sanity. She is such an unreliable narrator that the reader really can't know what actually happened or continues to happen. I believe Mathilda has some sort of rather serious breakdown after her sister's death, and that her mental state continues to be very precarious, although I am not sure her parents are aware of this. Her father is greatly concerned about her mother, but doesn't seem to notice his show more remaining daughter is not coping well at all. I wanted this book to be like The Lovely Bones, but it's more like an episode of Intervention, if you gave the addict the camera. show less

Mathilda Savitch is the story of a young girl coming to grips with the suicide of her older sister and the subsequent depression of her mother. Mathilda tries every awful trick she can think of to draw her mother's attention to her and acceptance of the family's loss. Along the way, Mathilda comes to accept the real circumstances of her sister's death and a new understanding of the daughter she wants to be. The writing is fresh and intelligent--author Victor Lodato gives his heroine a show more wonderfully individual voice. I gained a few new insights about the human race while enjoying this emotional drama. show less