A Voice for Independent Authors
― E.A. Bucchianeri
REVIEWING TODAY: IRIS BY TONI OWEN-BLUE AND ILLUSTRATED BY ANJA UHREN
I cannot be objective in reviewing Iris by Toni Owen-Blue and illustrated by Anja Uhren. Not because I ever shared the narrator’s overwhelmingly tragic situation, but because the pitch-perfect authenticity of her voice is totally convincing, and once you believe in this irresistible voice, the emotional impact from this book is stunning. Iris is a young girl, perhaps an early teen or not quite. Outwardly, she displays the proclivities and concerns of anyone so young. Inwardly, she shares only the confusion. But she is as observant and astute as the wisest of old souls, and her words will tear your heart in two. The questions that she asks in innocent contemplation are what reveal a hard reality: Iris is physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by a mother she cannot characterize honestly, because she accepts the self-portrayal thus provided.
Although it is so labelled, Iris is not a children’s book, nor does Toni Owen-Blue offer any childish escape from the reality of this young girl’s plight. Hidden in the words she speaks confessionally to you as a valued co-occupant of her mind is nothing less than a moral indictment of those who would participate in, ignore, and allow such an abuse of guiltless children. What incredible power lies buried in the simplicity of her words. What a blatant disregard is revealed by the subtlety of her unanswered pleas. What a suffering of guilt the reader feels for remaining helpless to intervene.
And one must not overlook the perfect complement of tone provided by the artistry of Anja Uhren, whose exquisitely masterful illustrations augment every word spoken by the young Iris.
No, there is no objectivity remaining here. To read this book is to face one’s absolute responsibility for any child’s protection. Fortunately, Ms. Owen-Blue provides the reader with such an opportunity at the end. Devastatingly for the reader, it comes too late for Iris.
Joel R. Dennstedt – Reviewer
Author-Journalist-World Traveler
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In concert with the sentiment above, I share my professional reviews of books by Indie Authors. I am an official top reviewer for Readers’ Favorite, a highly-regarded and award-winning online review site. Adhering to their standards of professionalism, ethics, and formatting, I offer my life-affirming voice to a greatly deserving field: Indie Authors.