One Sentence Summary:
Tawni O’Dell’s ‘Back Roads’ is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of family secrets and the effects of trauma on a young man’s life.
Book Genre:
Fiction, Psychological Thriller
Main Topic of the Book:
‘Back Roads’ tells the story of 19-year-old Harley Altmyer and his struggle to raise his three younger sisters after his mother is sent to prison for killing his abusive father.
Key Ideas:
- Family dynamics and the impact of domestic violence
- The long-lasting effects of childhood trauma
- The search for identity and belonging
- The power and danger of secrets
- The complexities of love and relationships
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
Part 1: Hiding
- Introduces Harley Altmyer and his family living in a small town in Pennsylvania
- Harley’s mother is in prison for the murder of his father, and he is struggling to make ends meet while taking care of his younger sisters
- Harley’s complicated relationships with his sisters and their struggles with their own trauma and secrets are revealed
Part 2: Finding
- Harley starts to dig deeper into his family’s past and secrets, uncovering shocking truths
- He also begins a relationship with his new therapist, Rebecca, who helps him confront his suppressed emotions
- Harley starts to question everything he thought he knew about his family and himself
Part 3: Forgiving
- As the truth comes to light, Harley must confront his own feelings of guilt and anger towards his family
- Old wounds are reopened as Harley’s family and community react to the revelations
- Harley must come to terms with his past and find a way to move forward and forgive those who have hurt him
Key Takeaways:
- The effect of trauma on a family and its members
- The importance of honesty and communication in relationships
- The dangers of keeping secrets and the power of forgiveness
- The strength and resilience of individuals in the face of adversity
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Tawni O’Dell is an American author born in 1965 in Pennsylvania. She has a degree in journalism and worked as a full-time reporter and columnist before pursuing a career in writing. O’Dell’s own experiences growing up in a small Pennsylvania town serve as inspiration for her writing, and she often tackles themes such as family, secrets, and identity in her works. ‘Back Roads’ was her debut novel and was selected as an Oprah’s Book Club pick in 2000.
Target Audience:
‘Back Roads’ is targeted towards readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and stories that delve into complex family dynamics and relationships. It may also appeal to those interested in the effects of trauma and the search for identity.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Publisher: Viking Penguin
First Publication Date: April 17, 1999