Broken Flowers
Paperback, 100 pages
Published September 21st 2015 by Howard A. Finkelstein
A dramatic psychological suspense/thriller about the devastating consequences of drug addiction, Broken Flowers is a powerful story about brokenness, healing, and hope.
Dr. Mary Crawford is a fifty-year-old psychotherapist operating a successful practice in Los Angeles. Noted for her addiction assistance and suicide prevention techniques, she leads group therapy sessions with addicts in the throes of recovery.
During one particular session, she is called upon for a case involving an extremely depressed fifteen-year-old girl who was the victim of a violent rape and has survived a suicide attempt. The daughter of a noted brain surgeon, the troubled teen becomes the doctor’s private patient.
But on a day when the young girl spirals into a suicidal depression, she is unable to reach the doctor and successfully ends her own life. When the girl’s father discovers the circumstances of his daughter’s suicide—as well as the real truth behind the doctor’s mysterious absence—he vows to destroy the doctor at all costs. Now Dr. Crawford’s life hangs in the balance, and her only hope for survival is the broken people around her.
Highlights
The story line is really strong. The grave issue of drug addiction is clearly sketched with utmost prowess. Dr. Crawford is the nucleus of the story. The lives of broken people in Dr. Crawford’s clinic revolves around the hospital and Duke’s restaurant. Peggy , Jeffrey,Valarie, Peter,David, Andrew and Karl are all Dr. Crawford’s patients. Everyone has their share of issues like addiction,dejection,depression and failure. Karl’s girlfriend Terri, who is not a patients joins the group in Duke’s restaurant wherein they hangout. There is a strong bond of friendship between them. The story is really beautiful and touching.
Drawbacks
There has been very little effort in augmenting the aura of each circumstances in the story especially in the climax. Menial elaborations like color of the table, dressing style etc are given but the required enhancement of the emotions are very less. There are a few typos.
One Liner: This book is a beautiful story which could have been even more gorgeous if embellished with ornate literature.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy from the Author in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
About the author
Howard Finkelstein is 77 years old, who lives with his wife and dog in South Pasadena. He is a master dog trainer, and ASCAP lyrist. He is a former drug addict who has not used drugs in 27 years. Broken Flowers is his first novel.
