Only Child by Rhiannon Navin (Published 2018)
"I know my brother is dead, but sometimes I forget and think he's just hiding."
Six-year-old Zach Taylor is in his school bathroom when he hears the shots. He hides there while his teacher, his classmates, and his older brother Andy are gunned down just outside the door. Told from Zach's perspective, this devastating novel explores how a family and community struggle to heal in the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy.
Through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of a child, we witness the ripple effects of violence on a family torn apart by grief. Zach's parents are consumed by their loss and their marriage begins to fracture. His mother Claire becomes obsessed with the idea that the school was negligent, while his father Jim tries to move forward and heal. Caught between them, Zach tries to make sense of a world that no longer feels safe.
Navin handles this difficult subject matter with extraordinary sensitivity and insight, showing how trauma affects not just the immediate victims but entire communities. The novel explores themes of grief, survival, family dynamics, and the resilience of children in the face of incomprehensible loss.
This powerful debut novel offers a unique perspective on a tragically familiar scenario, examining how we process trauma and find ways to continue living after the unthinkable happens.
Published: 2018
Condition: Very Good - minor shelf wear, pages clean and intact, binding tight
Format: Trade Paperback
Perfect for readers of literary fiction and emotionally powerful storytelling!
