Krystal's Reviews > Foster

“It’s a hard feeling but as we walk along I begin to settle and let the difference between my life at home and the one I have here be.”

Proof that short stories are capable of packing solid emotional punches, Foster, is a five star read from its startling beginning to its thought provoking end. My heart was in my throat. I felt my eyes well with tears. What the story doesn’t say in its sparse prose is just as important as what it does. The imagery shines within the poignant story studded with hope.

The story is told from a child’s perspective. The voice rang true in its authenticity delivering a lasting impact. I simply cannot stop turning the events over in my mind days after finishing. That is the mark of a great read as far as I’m concerned. Finding an author capable of producing a short story this compelling and of writing a realistic child in dialogue and thoughts is a gold star ⭐️ find.

“This water is cool and clean as anything I ever tasted; it tastes of my father leaving, of him never having been there, of having nothing after he was gone.”

This is the story of a young girl being dropped off with distant relatives because her family is feeling the strain of expecting another baby to add to their ever expanding brood. She’s just another mouth to feed to her parents and so she is sent away with only the clothes on her back. The Kinsella’s who take her in build a synergistic relationship with the girl due to their own past experiences. The small comforts most take for granted such as warm baths, regular care, and no frills love cause this child to grow in mind and body.

“Maybe the way back will somehow make sense of the coming.”

The ending was brilliant and made me emotional.

For those struggling with their circumstances, a glimpse of life’s possibilities can be a double edged sword. Equal parts hope for the future and despair at sinking back into the muck again. The knowledge that we can choose a better path than the one we are born into is vital. The journey there often harrowing and lonely is one worth taking.

⭐️All the stars⭐️