Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 / 5

The story of a woman's escape from domestic abuse after years of violence. When she finally realizes that one day she may not survive the beatings anymore, and what seeing her that way is doing to her child, she takes her son and runs, all the while knowing her husband will never stop hunting for them.

This book was recommended to me because I enjoyed the 80's movie, "Sleeping with the Enemy" with Julia Roberts. I thought it was a good story, enjoyed the breakdown of Fran's relationship with her son and the explanation of what she was forced to endure both past and present. I wasn't a fan of the ending but I also understand why the author might've chose to go that way with it. All in all, I'd say it was good but not great. If you're like me, looking for a book similar to "Sleeping with the Enemy," you might give this one a go. It is similar in some ways but not quite what I was expecting.

Here's the blurb:

For eighteen years, Fran Benedetto kept her secret. And hid her bruises. And stayed with Bobby because she wanted her son to have a father. And because, in spite of everything, she loved him. Then one night, when she saw the look on her ten-year-old son's face, Fran finally made a choice--and ran for both their lives.

Now she is starting over in a city far from home, far from Bobby. And in this place she uses a name that isn't hers, and cradles her son in her arms, and tries to forget. For the woman who now calls herself Beth, every day is a chance to heal, to put together the pieces of her shattered self. And every day she waits for Bobby to catch up to her. Because Bobby always said he would never let her go. And despite the flawlessness of her escape, Fran Benedetto is certain of one thing: It is only a matter of time...