A Song for Issy Bradley

I almost felt like a voyeur reading this book. It did such an amazing job of capturing this family that I had to keep reminding myself that they were fictional characters and I wasn't peering through a window into someone's life. Carys Bray does an amazing job of bringing to life this dysfunctional Mormon family that has to deal with an unthinkable loss.

Viewed through the eyes of every family member, this story of love, loss, and religion tells a powerful tale. Issy, a four year old girl falls ill and suddenly dies leaving her family to cope with her loss. Her father, Bishop Ian, decides to use this time of mourning as an example for his congregation on how to rise above and trust in Jesus. Issy's mom, on the other hand, finds that she is unable to cope and can hardly get out of bed. Zipporah and Alma take out their anger and sorrow at Issy's sudden death by acting out and pushing the limits of their Mormon faith. Jacob, the closest in age to Issy, harbors a hope that Issy will return from the dead if he only has enough faith. Laugh out loud funny, heart wrenching, and real, this intimate family story will have readers clamoring for more. A wonderful debut and insightful look at the Mormon faith.

I received this book for free from Librarything in return for my honest, unbiased review.