In Earl Sewell's Taken For Granted, Nina Epps and Richard Vincent find themselves trapped in unhappy marriages, burdened by manipulative family members and self-destructive choices. Nina, stifled by a controlling husband and mirroring her daughter's poor relationship choices, finally finds the courage to fight for her own happiness. Richard, perpetually placating his demanding in-laws, faces a devastating betrayal that shatters his world. Their paths unexpectedly collide, offering a lifeline of hope and the possibility of a second chance. This poignant novel explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love as they navigate unexpected challenges and discover a future neither could have imagined.
Review Taken For Granted
Wow, "Taken for Granted" by Earl Sewell really left an impression on me! It's one of those books that completely grabs you and doesn't let go. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intertwined stories of Nina and Richard, two people seemingly trapped in unhappy marriages, each burdened by different, yet equally compelling, circumstances. Nina's quiet desperation, her years spent with a husband who takes her for granted and actively sabotages her potential, resonated deeply. It felt so real, so raw; the kind of situation you could easily imagine playing out in real life. I found myself genuinely rooting for her to break free and find her own happiness, even when her own daughter seemed destined to repeat the same mistakes.
Then there's Richard, the successful doctor weighed down by a manipulative wife and her equally demanding family. He's a man struggling to maintain a semblance of peace in a chaotic household, silently sacrificing his own well-being for the sake of his son. His story perfectly counterpoints Nina's, showing how different circumstances can lead to similar feelings of helplessness and entrapment. Sewell masterfully portrays the emotional toll of these situations, building tension and creating characters you genuinely care about.
The plot itself is a rollercoaster. It's not just about the unhappy marriages; there are secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists that kept me constantly guessing. I found myself racing through the pages, eager to discover what happened next. At times, the plot thickened to the point where my heart was pounding, similar to the thrill of watching a suspenseful movie. The author's skill in building suspense is remarkable; he keeps you on the edge of your seat, anticipating the next revelation.
What really stood out, though, was the way Sewell portrays the realities of both upper and lower-class life in Chicago. He doesn't shy away from the complexities of relationships and the challenges faced by people from different walks of life. This added a layer of depth that elevated the story beyond a simple romance. It felt authentic and relatable, making the characters even more compelling. The contrast between Richard's comfortable, yet strained, life and Nina's more challenging circumstances offered a fascinating insight into different experiences of marital unhappiness.
While some reviewers felt the pacing could have been tighter, I personally appreciated the depth of character development. The slower moments allowed me to connect with Nina and Richard on a deeper level, to understand their motivations and the weight of their past experiences. It made the eventual turning points in their lives all the more satisfying. It's a story about resilience, hope, and second chances – a testament to the enduring power of love and the courage it takes to rebuild your life when everything seems lost. "Taken for Granted" is a truly unforgettable read, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written, emotionally resonant story with a captivating plot. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Earl Sewell's work!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.69 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 302
- Publication date: 2024
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