The Rundown
In Passing tells the unusual tale of a vulnerable young teenager called Lizzy, who is subjected to sexual abuse at the hands of her drunken mother’s boyfriend. The story starts in the first person, from Lizzy’s point of view, one which I found endearing and believable. The first few chapters are used to introduce her as the main character, but we also made aware of other teenage characters who have found themselves in dangerous predicaments. For instance, Ivy has runaway from home after an argument with her mother and has set off across the country in search of stardom, placing herself in danger as a result. And Eric, bullied and shunned at his new school, is toying with the idea of ending it all. These first few chapters really draw you in to the lives of these troubled teens, and I appreciated the gritty honesty of them. I did, however, find some of the dialogue a little hard to believe in.
Unable to escape the clutches of her abuser, Lizzy also chooses suicide as a way out. What happens next propels the story in a different direction, and I initially found myself wondering what had become of Ivy and Eric. Still narrating the story, Lizzy is suddenly travelling with a strange companion who calls himself Bart. Has her suicide attempt been successful? Is she now in the after life? Or is she in a coma and dreaming? The author keeps us guessing until the end.
Together, Bart and Lizzy appear before endangered children in various situations and try to help them. Adults are unable to see them, but the children can. For example, they are able to prevent a child abduction, a school shooting and a suicide attempt whilst travelling from one situation to the next.
The story diverts between the young Lizzy’s point of view, and a third person narration depicting Lizzy in the present day. Confusingly, to begin with, she now calls herself Mary. Mary has agreed to a day-long interview with a young Catholic priest named Alex, who is conducting research into the after life. Mary tells him what happened to her and the story jumps between the past events, and Mary retelling the events to Alex.
I have to say I had a preference for the young Lizzy narrating her adventure as it happened to her. This felt much more immediate and emotional, with the reader experiencing the same wonder, confusion and fear as the young, damaged, yet ultimately hopeful protagonist. In these parts, the writing is very vivid and engaging.
The characters are well drawn, although I did find the dialogue often seemed too grown up and almost old fashioned at times. I also disliked the repetition of certain words throughout the book, such as ‘smirked’ and ‘snickered.’ I didn’t warm to the characters as much as I would have hoped, but I did find myself rooting for the young Lizzy as she was going through the turmoil of appearing in the middle of some often very disturbing scenes. In general, I preferred the beginning of the story and struggled somewhat with the middle.
However, the author does well to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of Bart and Alex. Story lines introduced early on are not forgotten, and everything ties up in a dramatic and sinister fashion at the end. I enjoyed the hints of darkness and the descriptions of the shadow people and potential evil lurking made for edge of the seat reading at times. I also appreciated the way the serious social issues were tackled. From substance abuse, to abortion, to child abduction and abuse, and bullying, nothing is shied away from. Often the answers offered to society’s ills are simply a kind and listening ear and moral guidance.
An interesting and unusual read which tackles some timeless social issues.
The Recommendation
In Passing is a paranormal love story with hints of darkness. It explores the possibility of an after life and the existence of ‘angels’, or people who are able to stop others before they make dire mistakes. The book is not afraid to take on gritty social issues, such as child abuse, substance abuse and abortion, and does so in a positive manner. Well worth a read for those who enjoy paranormal romance and books with a religious theme.
The Rating
3.5 Stars (out of 5): Pretty good. For the right audience, this could be great. Sure, there were some issues, but it was still worth the read.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Emotional, Plot, Surprise EndingCons: Character Developement, Dialogue, Slow in Places
