Miracle Creek is so raw and visceral in its tackling of people, their emotions, and all their flaws. It was hard to look away from this story, but at times, even harder to continue.
A small group of people are seeking an experimental treatment when the unthinkable happens—an explosion kills two and injures several. The mother of one of the dead is accused of killing her autistic son and is charged with murder. What follows is the four-day trial through the eyes of each person involved.
Right from the start, this story grabbed me. There is something in here for everyone. If you're an immigrant, you will understand the Yoos' relentless drive to create a better life for their daughter in America. If you are or have ever been a teenager, you will see yourself in Mary's urge to gain independence and become her own person. And if you're a parent, you will sympathize with all the agonizing decisions parents have to make for their children.
To me, one of the most interesting and well-done parts of this book is its exploration of morality. Given hard choices, what would you do? Do you step up and do the right thing, or do you hang back and take the easy road? What about when those choices affect the people you love the most?
To be honest, this book is so blunt and brutal in its portrayal of people that it was hard for me to keep reading at times. The characters felt so real, too real for just a book, and their problems hit close to home. Some of them are seriously flawed, and to read about the lies and deceit they carried out, which then led to even more lies, was really difficult. I had to take several breaks throughout because it felt so intensely uncomfortable.
This book encompasses so much in so little space. On the surface, it's a murder trial to find out if the defendant is innocent or guilty and what really happened the night of the explosion. But underneath, it's an unflinching look at human nature, with all of its ugliness and cowardliness, but there is also bravery and hope. It's a book guaranteed to leave you with more to think about than when you went in.
Readaroo Rating: 4 stars
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