I just finished reading “Picture Perfect” by Elaine Marie Alphin. I was so mesmerized, that I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. The author weaves suspense and mystery together in such a way that it becomes a mix of “whodunnit” and “we should’ve known.”
Eighth grader, Ian, is the main character. He struggles to live the life of a perfect son, or face the consequences of being punished by his abusive father. He learns how to survive his dad’s abuses like being locked in a closet, having his toys thrown away, being forced to break the things he loves, daily being told he’s no good, worthless and a disappointment, and more. His mom is no help, as she’s also cowed into silent obedience.
To survive, Ian develops multiple personalities, but this isn’t clear to the reader through half of the story. When his best friend Teddy disappears Luke, the stronger of his personalities, threatens to take over his life. Ian won’t let him, but the readers get jumbled flashbacks of sad and terrible images as seen through Luke’s, school Ian’s, home Ian’s and young Ian’s eyes.
The book has a surprising ending, and leaves the reader cheering, sad, happy yet wanting more.
