Title: As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. And a new chapter of her own life must begin. She has spent four years as her son’s only support, desperately trying to understand the actions that landed him on death row and to change his fate. Now Amanda faces an even more difficult task—finding a way, and a reason, to move forward with her own life.
Before the tragedy that unfolded in a South Dakota mall, Robbie was just like other people’s sons or daughters. Sometimes troubled, but sweet and full of goodness too. That’s the little boy Amanda remembers as she packs up his childhood treasures and progress reports, and discovers a class ring she’s never seen before. Who does it belong to and why did Robbie have it in his possession? So begins a journey that will remind her not only of who Robbie used to be, but of a time when she wasn’t afraid—to talk to strangers, to help those in need, to reach out. Robbie’s choices can never be unmade, but there may still be time for forgiveness and trust to grow again. For a future as wide as the sky.
Review:
As Wide as the Sky by Jessica Pack is an emotionally compelling journey of healing and new beginnings.
Amanda Mallorie is grieving the loss of her son, Robbie, whose time on death row has finally come to an end. After her son decides not to file any more appeals for his conviction, Robbie’s sentence has been fast-tracked and his sentence has been carried out. Now it is time for Amanda try to repair her tattered relationship with her daughter, Melissa. Finally going through Robbie’s possessions as she prepares to move, Amanda’s discovery of someone else’s class ring piques her curiosity and her resulting search for the ring’s owner is life altering.
In the years since Robbie’s inexplicable act of violence and incarceration, Amanda has become increasingly isolated as she continues to support her son. Understanding why he committed such a horrific act of violence is impossible, but Amanda still loves Robbie very much. She is quite reflective as she tries to move forward and she finally allows herself to look back on happier times. Compelled to return the ring to its owner, Amanda is hoping the story of how the ring came into Robbie’s possession will provide her with another positive memory to hold close.
Although mainly narrated through Amanda’s point of view, there are numerous chapters written from other characters’ perspectives. These chapters provide an interesting peek into the lives of the people who have affected by Robbie’s crime and the continuing ripple effects his actions have on their lives. However patience is required since some of the connections do not become clear until closer to the novel’s conclusion.
As Wide as the Sky is a very touching, thought-provoking novel that is deeply moving. Jessica Pack presents a compassionate look into the struggles family members experience as they continue loving and supporting their loved ones in spite of their crimes. This beautifully rendered novel is poignant, heartfelt and brimming with strong emotions. A tear-inducing yet ultimately uplifting novel that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
