Sarah Damoff’s sophomore novel does not disappoint. Last summer, I recommended her debut novel, The Bright Years, about how addiction and tragedy shape a family. The Burning Side is another family drama that grapples with secrets and forgiveness.
The story is told through three alternating perspectives. Even though the author never uses the words “postpartum depression,” April is suffering under the weight of being a stay-at-home mother to young children. Her husband, Leo, lives his life expecting rejection because of his own childhood. And then there is Deb, my favorite character and April’s mother, who is navigating parenting three adult children and her husband’s recent diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s.
The same night Leo tells April he wants a divorce their home burns from a kitchen fire. April, Leo and their two children move in with April’s parents who have no idea their daughter’s marriage is falling apart. Leo blames April for the demise of their marriage. However, the reader knows the marriage is not failing due to one incident.
Deb is keeping her own secrets. The biggest one is her husband’s diagnosis but there are others. The family will not be able to keep these secrets for long when they live under the same roof.
Keep those tissues handy because Damoff delivers another heartbreaking story.
Look for books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to inspire you to become one, too. For more recommendations or to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
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