The Kingdom of Childhood by Rebecca Coleman

Dear Rebecca,

A copy of your debut novel The Kingdom of Childhood came to me via your publicist and I wanted to drop you a line to let you know my thoughts.

I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and apparently the Library Journal recommend your novel for fans of Jodi’s ethics-driven novels, you do both have the ethical debates in common, but I have to say that I have never felt uncomfortable reading one of Jodi’s books. I found your descriptions of the intimate relationship between student and teacher to be, well, too intimate. If this were a movie I could have closed my eyes to shut out these scenes, but alas this is a novel and your talented writing made it all too easy for my mind’s eye to see things I never wanted to witness. I suppose thats sort of a backhanded compliment really, loved your writing but feel like you crossed a line that shouldn’t have been crossed!

I suppose if your intention was to shock and prompt discussion about a potentially taboo subject then you have certainly achieved that goal, this would certainly make an excellent book for a Reading Group.

Your characters are full of life and believable, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt such a hatred for a character as I did for Judy, she is a truly poisonous lady with deep seated mental issues and I hope that I never have the misfortune to meet someone like her in real life!

I did appreciate your insights into the Waldorf school and general way of life, I actually took the time to research it some more after I finished reading your book.

Well I think I’ve said enough now Rebecca, you have a true talent for writing gripping novels that get under the skin of taboo subjects, I only hope that your next one isn’t quite so graphic in the taboo bits!

Yours sincerely,

A creeped out but generally satisfied reader