Beater

by Brian W. Smith

Reviewed by: Delonya Conyers
May 2010

Todd and Kim are half-siblings whose tragic upbringing spawned deep rooted resentment that drove a wedge between the two that continues to foster well into adulthood. Each sibling blamed the other for the tragedy that claimed the life of their mother, Linda. Kim’s anger is directed at Todd for it was his father, Kennedy who was responsible for their mother’s death. Todd is upset that on the night the tragedy occurred Kim stood frozen in fear unable to come to his mother’s aid or even call for help. Losing their mother to domestic violence should have brought the two closer together but it forces a separation where they don’t see each other for ten years.

Coincidence places them both at a Subway’s restaurant and provides a chance for Kim and Todd to reconnect. However the issues that caused Kim to run out of the therapy session ten years prior still exist for her. Todd would like to move forward but Kim isn’t as willing. Kim’s unwillingness only increases once Todd begins dating her boss, Rachel. Already feeling pressured by Todd to mend their relationship Kim doesn’t want the added strain of Todd’s relationship with Rachel jeopardizing her career. But unbeknownst to either sibling Rachel is the catalyst that will help them mend their relationship.

Rachel’s aggressive personality has worked well for her in the corporate world. But her aggression isn’t just limited to the boardroom as Todd will shortly discover. When Rachel’s violent tendencies are displayed against Todd will a promise he made to his dying mother prevent him from defending himself? Or will he silently suffer the same type of abuse his mother did at the hands of his father? With Beater author Brian W. Smith does an excellent job exposing the flip side of domestic violence where women are the perpetrators.

What did you like best about the book?
It was refreshing to see domestic violence through a different perspective showcasing victims that are usually overlooked.

What did you dislike about the book?
The book started off well but experienced a lag when the siblings met up again as adults. Todd’s friends were very cliché and one dimensional. Unfortunately Kim became one dimensional as well when she reached her adult years, losing the spunk she had when readers were first introduced to her.

How could the author improve this book?
The story needs to flow throughout the entire novel not just the beginning and ending. Correcting this problem would provide readers with a more intense read.

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