Book Review No 22: Into My Arms by Kylie Ladd

When Sky and Ben meet purely by chance, there is an instant connection between them. Both are a little perplexed by the intensity of it but ultimately they have no choice but to give in to a force that is bigger than both of them. Although this means Skye needs to break off her previously happy relationship with Hamish, she knows that Ben represents the kind of love that only comes along once, if ever.

Although surprised by Skye’s decision, her family are supportive and welcome Ben into their circle. Skye, her twin brother Arran and mother Nell are close, even more so after recently losing Skye’s dad Charlie to the ravages of dementia. It is only after Nell notices a particular trait in Ben that she begins to wonder and worry. The idea seems too unreal to begin with, too fanciful to be possible. The odds of it being true are infinitesimally small – yet she knows she can’t remain silent. As much as she knows it will break her daughter’s heart Nell finally breaks her silence and then the fallout begins.

It is difficult to say too much about the subject matter of this book without giving a major part of the plot away. Suffice to say Kylie Ladd tackles a difficult and uncomfortable subject with wisdom and realism as well as compassion. It is a subject that will continue to haunt individuals, in fact much more so in our modern society. And as much as it does feel abhorrent, it is a reality – with much scientific evidence to back it up.

Confronting subject matter aside, this is a wonderfully written, well paced book. The earlier chapters, which covered Skye and Ben’s meeting are fast moving, mirroring the swiftness of their attraction – while other sections are slower, again moving in rhythm with the story. I wasn’t entirely sure of the significance of the subplot involving an Iranian refugee and his family – it just didn’t seem to have a great bearing on the overall plot. It was a touching story though, also handled with compassion and insight.

Into My Arms is a compelling and thought provoking book that raises many issues that are not as farfetched as they may seem. It certainly educated me on a subject I had only the scantest knowledge of.