Searching for Vivian
by Babette Hughes
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Pub Date Jan 21 2016 | Archive Date May 23 2016
Description
In 1966, seventeen year old Vivian Russell disappeared like smoke. The seemingly senseless murder of her parents in their home in Cleveland, Ohio was as unexplainable as her vanishing act in its aftermath. Her younger sister, Emma-traumatized by the horrific event- grows into a capable and relentless investigator who decides to do whatever it takes to find her. Her search takes her through the turbulent sixties- Viet Nam, The Black Panthers, dead ends, and bank jobs. Along the way, she finds herself and, whether she is prepared for it or not, the truth.
A Note From the Publisher
Writing has allowed her to draw from her unusual life experiences to create her characters and tell their stories (and sometimes cautionary tales) in vivid detail.
Now 93, she still writes every day with a fluidity and grace of a woman half her age. “The truth is liberating, but sometimes elusive.” She explains. “I’m always looking for it and how to best write about it, and I probably always will.”
Average rating from 22 members
Featured Reviews
Elaine T, Reviewer
I would like to thank Netgalley and Lamplight Press for an advance copy of Searching For Vivian which is about Emma Russell's search in 1986 for her sister Vivian 20 years after she disappeared during their parents' murder. This is not my usual fare which is modern police procedurals but I was intrigued by the premise and decided to give it a go.
I would say that this is a simple novel. It is divided into two parts with the first covering Emma's search and the reasons for it and the second covering Vivian's life after the murder. Emma's story has a down to earth, matter of fact, almost distant tone which is surprisingly intimate as she wakes up to life after years of suppressing it and discovers many unpalatable facts about her family. Vivian's story is a bit of a let down. It is full of adventure at a historically important time but there is no depth to it and seems more like a straight recitation of facts. This is a shame as it could have been so much more.
I enjoyed Searching For Vivian and found it to be an easy, untaxing read
Jenn S, Reviewer
This is a murder mystery about a young woman trying to find out exactly what happened to her family 20 years ago. It is worth reading.
Mags K, Reviewer
Enjoyable book about Emma's search for her sister Vivien 20 years after she disappeared following the murder of her parents in 1966. Emma is taken in by her aunt and uncle, but it is not until after the death of her aunt and when she begins to be interested in finding her sister that she is able to break away from her uncle's staid and boring life and begin to live her own. Finding her sister comes as a bolt out of the blue, and the story is complete.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shannon B, Reviewer
Searching for Vivian was intriguing, I enjoyed how the end came together. It kept you wondering what happened to Vivian.
Liz D, Reviewer
This was a fantastic read! I love the way the author spoke so plainly & honestly- her characters were straightforward & the story flowed so smoothly. I also liked how the book was broken up into 2 sections, one telling the story of Emma & her search & the other telling Vivian's story..
I stayed up way to late reading this book!
Advanced Reader Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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