Book Review: Hold Your Breath by BP Walter

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I had been hearing the name of this particular author here, there and everywhere- BP Walter and always good things about his books, so when I was given the opportunity to read his latest offering I grabbed it.
And I am happy to report that the book didn't disappoint.

Hold Your Breath is the story of Katherine Marchland, told from her perspective, as a 10 year old in a recently released book. The incidents relate to. a particularly difficult time that the Marchland family is going through owing to her mother's illness of a peculiar nature.

Walter writes a gripping tale of what goes on in the life of the 10 year old whose childhood and life  are taken over by her family's circumstances. She sees and hears things which no little one should and that leaves a permanent scar on her psyche. The narration is solid and alternates between the year of the happenings that is 1987 and the current time where Kitty has been called in by the police regarding a death that took place at the same time, keeping you hooked all the time.

I think the subject of the book really sets it apart from anything that I have read ever. Kitty's mothers sensitive persona and the changes it undergoes having witnessed one of the terrifying act of terrorism in recent times, gives a message of how varied the repercussions can be of an event, from person to person. It helps in showcasing something beyond the obvious scare of such an act. The book also manages to show us how an entire family is affected  when any member of a household suffers . 

Most of all I liked the writing style of the author. Walter writes with a great deal of sensitivity towards a child of 10 who is at a point in time where she begins to understand things yet does not grasp them fully. She struggles with what she sees and what she understands and there is hardly anyone she can turn. to or who can help her make sense of things. The other characters are also written well and I could hear them in my head or see their mannerism, thanks to the depiction in the book.

I enjoyed Hold Your Breath and look forward to reading more from the author.

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