We Begin at the End

This was my first time reading a Chris Whitaker book and it wont be my last. It took me a few chapters to settle into his writing style, but once it clicked, I couldn’t get enough. I finished this book in 2 days. The characters are beautifully written, especially Duchess — the 13-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Beneath her toughness is a child carrying far more responsibility and heartbreak than anyone her age should. She manages to make you laugh multiple times throughout the book. This story is filled with deeply flawed, deeply human characters who deserved gentler lives than the ones they were given. Loss touches every page. Mistakes ripple through generations, yet love exists even in the middle of neglect and pain. Without spoiling the ending, it’s the kind of book that leaves you emotionally wrung out but hopeful in quiet ways. A heartbreaking story about survival, loyalty, and the fierce lengths people go to for the ones they love.

thenextgoodbook.com
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
367 pages

What’s it about?
Duchess is a 13 year-old girl just trying to keep her mom (Star) and her brother (Robin) safe. Her only ally is a local sheriff named Walk. Walk grew up with Star and does his best to keep her sober and watch out for her two kids. When Star and Walk’s old friend Vincent is released from prison after 30 years everyone is put on edge. This whole story hinges on one question- is Vincent a good man?

What did it make me think about?
Justice.

Should I read it?
This was a plot driven thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Set in both California and Montana this story has a western feel to it. Occasionally some of the sentences seemed a little stilted, but can you argue with being too poetic? Part hard luck story, part who-dun-it, but always full of heart. I highly recommend this book. One of my favorites this summer.

Quote-
“You’re like a kid. Better and worse. Bad and good. None of us are only one thing. We’re just a collection of the best and worst things we’ve done.”

If you liked this try-
Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson
Idaho by Emily Ruskovich
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

This is a beautifully written, character driven novel. Very thought provoking.

Keara

There were almost too many twists and turns in this story. I found myself losing focus and then struggling to figure out what the heck had just happened. Ultimately I think it all came together but the windy road to get there was too long and depressing.