Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers'
Favorite. Past Imperfect by GD Harrison is an intriguing drama about a social worker coming to grips with the truth about his life. Colin Smith is a middle-aged professional who lives quietly in a small town with his mother.
He likes his job as an anticipatory grief counsellor, working with clients who don't have long to live, and counselling their families as well.
All is fairly well until he encounters one patient that makes him rethink everything.
His mother's disclosure about his life sets him on the path toward his own self-discovery, altering this even-keeled man so much that he is the one now needing help.
As more stages of the secret are revealed, he finds himself pushed to the limits of his easy-going character.
I love how Harrison begins his book in 12-year-old Samuel's POV. It immediately pulls you into the story of someone else's life. And then you learn that Samuel isn't exactly 12, but the plot and characters gradually begin to unfold and reveal what's going on.
The author does a lovely job of creating a world we can believe in, and characters we care about.
This slice-of-life piece is a character study too and gets even more interesting as the story moves forward. I enjoy how Harrison handles the emotions of his characters--realistic and empathetic.
The secret revealed to Colin is a real shocker, and you will want to keep reading to see how it plays out. You'll find yourself standing in the shoes of the characters and maybe you'll wonder how you would fare in such a situation.
Past Imperfect by GD Harrison is the perfect book to read if you like family dramas and self-discoveries.