Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard – Review by Angela Hayes

Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I have a story to tell. It is unbelievable, yet true. A story that can make people rethink their belief system. It is a story that needs to be told—a tragic, yet redeeming story. I’ll start my book tomorrow. It comes to me that my beginning started like this storm. Even from conception, it wasn’t planned—one of those decisions or choices that shapes lives. It happened somewhere, sometime in February 1950.”

Broken Pieces is the debut novel by Judith B. Pinkard. It is a somewhat harrowing biography- and was thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and entirely memorable. There were parts that were quite emotional- my heart broke for her. The authors account covers her life’s journey- from her miraculous beginnings, through her unsettled childhood, dysfunctional family environment, abandonment, insecurities, turmoil, pain, mental illness, hope, faith, second chances, choices, and much more.

“Choices. Life is all about choices. Some are other people’s, and some yours, but a choice is always involved. The wrong choice can change the course of your life forever. Like tornadoes, the wrong choice may occur unexpectedly and be devastating.”

I wasn’t sure if I would ‘like’ this book when I picked it up, I thought it would be far too sad and depressing- and don’t get me wrong, there are parts of the story that ARE very sad, and quite depressing- but it was the thread of faith and hope that really ‘lifts’ this story- giving it a redeeming and inspirational quality.

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”—Haruki Murakami

The quotes at the beginning of each chapter helped to set the tone for the chapter, and added to the overall storyline. There were gory details, heart-stopping and quite shocking moments- but these moments helped to set the scene and the ‘miracle’ that happened amongst the devastation. The photos at the end certainly cemented the whole story.

“Sometimes the brightest people fight with the ugliest demons.”

I appreciate the author’s candour and applaud her bravery in sharing her journey.

Thank you, Ms. Pinkard!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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