Saving Kenny

Saving Kenny by Corrine Gail immerses readers into the poignant journey of three siblings grappling with the burdens of an emotionally and physically abusive mother. Their collective resilience forms a compelling narrative thread as they navigate life's tumultuous terrain, relying on one another for solace and protection. While Gail masterfully captures the essence of perseverance and courage, the backdrop against which this tale unfolds, set in the 1960s, feels somewhat muted. Despite occasional nods to the era's societal upheavals such as the Vietnam War and the Black Panther Party movement, these significant historical contexts often take a backseat to the siblings' individual passions, particularly Kenny and Gwen's fervor for the arts. This oversight detracts from the narrative's potential to delve deeper into the socio-political context of the time, leaving readers yearning for a more immersive exploration of the era's transformative events. Moreover, the narrative occasionally falters under the weight of excessive description, straining the flow of the storytelling and hindering its natural progression. Nevertheless, Saving Kenny remains a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit, underscored by Gail's poignant portrayal of familial bonds amidst adversity. Despite its shortcomings, the novel resonates with an authenticity that speaks to the enduring power of love and solidarity in the face of life's greatest trials.

Kenny, his sister, and brother are dealing with a physically abusive mother, but all three have dreams that they hope will help them end up leaving the house. Kenny wants to be a costume designer although his older brother is discouraging until he realizes Kenny is good. Kenny’s sister, Gwen, wants to go to Juilliard. The older brother, Vaughn, was going to let Kenny live with him safe from mom when he graduated, but when he receives a letter from the draft Vaughn leaves for Canada. When Gwen and Kenny apply to Juilliard and a private school, the mom finds out and is mad. Kenny wakes up in an ambulance. What happens then?