A Beautiful Family by [a:Marilyn Cohen de Villiers|8295216|Marilyn Cohen de Villiers|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1404458541p2/8295216.jpg] tells the story of the Silverman family and spans over forty years. The story begins with the death of Brenda Silverman and the speculation from journalist Tracy Jacobs that it wasn't a suicide. Told from multiple points of view, the story tells the romance of Alan and Brenda and how sometimes love takes a dark turn. FYI: This story is not for the faint of heart as it deals with domestic violence and sexual abuse.

The characters in this book are so well written that they come to life on the pages. Alan Silverman is the patriarch of the Silverman family, has an impeccable reputation as a Jewish businessman in Johannesburg, and is a former exile for his refusal to fight for his country during the anti-Apartheid movement, but that is his public persona. Brenda Silverman is the perfect example of an orthodox Jewish wife, a former dancer she meets Alan while he is in exile in Israel and it is love at first sight. Annette Davies is a former college friend of Alan's and she helps the couple get refugee status in London, however for her it is because she loves Alan. I kind of feel sorry for Annette but at the same time I don't. She's a hateful character, wanting a man she cannot have and feigning love for a man she can have. No sympathy for her from me! Ben Shapiro is a business owner in London who meets Alan and Brenda and basically adopts them as his children. I love this character! He's like a grandpa, loving and protective of his family. Other POVs that you get in the book come from Tracy Jacobs, the journalist covering the death of Brenda Silverman and the inquest that follows, Yair and Aviva Silverman, the twins and firstborn of the Silverman family.

This story revolves around the lives of Alan and Brenda and what leads to her death in the story. The plot jumps from present to past and back as the story unfolds during the inquest of Brenda's death. Just when you think you have the story figured out, the author throws a surprise twist in that changes your thoughts and proves them wrong! Though parts were predictable, many aspects were not. Alan's treatment of his family and the man that he transforms into as you read the story is shocking and heart-breaking. I wept for Brenda as she realizes that the man she loves is not who she thinks he is, especially as the author reveals his past. I can't say more without spoiling the story for you, so just go read it for yourself ;)

Overall, the story is suspenseful, fast-paced, and truly will tear at your emotions. As already mentioned, it is not for anyone that is sensitive to domestic violence or sexual abuse and I highly recommend that it be read by mature audiences only due to its sexual content and strong language. If you enjoy realistics stories that deal with social issues, than I highly recommend this debut novel. The author has woven together a truly rich story full of characters that could be real and experiences that people can relate to.

I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book was reviewed for the blog www.momwithareadingproblem.com and includes an interview with the author.