Cruel, Beautiful World - Caroline Leavitt

Algonquin Books, October 4, 2016.

 

Four Stars

 

In 1969, a time of peace protests and free love, sixteen-year-old Lucy has run away from home with her older, charismatic highschool English teacher. William makes Lucy feel special in a way she hasn’t felt before, and when they move to a rural cottage to start a new life together, she thinks everything will be perfect – but William is not exactly what he seems. He keeps her hidden at home, trapped in their off-the-grid farmhouse while he starts his new job and meets new people. When Lucy decides to set out on her own, her dreams are destroyed in a shocking and dramatic fashion.

 

Meanwhile, Lucy’s sister Charlotte was left behind. As the slightly older sister, Charlotte was always the responsible child who took care of both herself and Lucy after the death of their parents. She reluctantly starts college shortly after Lucy disappears, even though she would rather be searching for her little sister. We get to see Charlotte develop into a shaky yet strong young adult as she faces serious challenges and copes with the aftermath of Lucy’s adventure.

 

The strongest and most fascinating character in the novel is Iris, especially after we learn the details of her intriguing backstory. Widowed in her sixties, Iris was about to start her life over again – taking classes and booking trans-Atlantic plane tickets – when she was suddenly tasked with taking care of young Charlotte and Lucy. There is a surprising reason that seemingly distant relative Iris is given guardianship of the girls, one which she does not explain until the end of the novel. Throughout the novel, it is enough to witness the great care that she gives to the young sisters, as she sacrifices her best years to make them feel happy and loved.

 

The novel is developed in the shadow of world events, including the Vietnam War and the Manson Family murders. Lucy is especially frightened by these issues, and they bring an ominous feeling of threat to her idyllic life in the country. There are big events here, but the focus is truly on the smaller moments, so we feel that we know each character intimately. It is an exploration of unconventional families that must overcome unusual obstacles – and yet, tragedy will still strike unexpectedly, tearing apart the family unit.

 

Leavitt writes with deceptively simple prose, yet it disguises a great depth of character, plot and emotion – the author has an easy talent that is as straightforward as it is unforgettable. Because of its simplicity, the story is haunting, with no clear line between good and evil. With a somewhat open ending, nothing is clearly resolved, and that’s what makes this novel so realistic. These three women – Lucy, Charlotte and Iris – jump off the page and really come to life, leaving a legacy of a true to life family in all its complexities and love.

 

I received this book from Algonquin Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.