The Family We Choose

Being married to an abusive man for fifteen years has left thirty-something Nadine with no job, no friends and no confidence. Unfortunately a violent upbringing hasn't exactly taught her defiance. Besides, her husband Gareth says he will kill her and their daughters if she ever tells the police. Fourteen-year-old Chara is pushing boundaries, leaving Nadine barely able to cope. Ten-year-old Blythe has a big heart and feels her mother's pain. After Nadine defends her eldest daughter's right to grow up, Gareth exacts revenge. Nadine knows she must leave, but how? And is there anywhere they can go that Gareth won't find them and make good his promise to kill them all? "Harrowing, riveting, inspiring, gratifying... one woman's story of survival and hope." Longlisted for the Mslexia Women's Fiction Award 2017