About book Chłopiec, Którego Nikt Nie Kochał (2012)
The story of Justin is heartbreaking, and although there's a reasonably happy ending, it still left me feeling sad.The book itself I didn't enjoy. As one reviewer said, "It is a poorly written story thinly veiling the author's self-congratulatory style." I have to agree, just a little. I didn't like the author very much at all. Syrupy and almost too good to be true.Also, there were quite a few typos. Incorrect uses of me and I, me and him. Incorrect words, down instead of done, desks instead of decks. Often I don't take much notice of errors like these, but in this case they were frequent enough to be distracting.I found the story unbelievable in parts. The author's reaction to some of the terrible things Justin did were just bizarre. And no reprimands about his terrible language, or the way he spoke to women, F***ing whore, f***ing bitch, f***ing slag. It was eight months before they got him any counseling, during which time he threw a fellow student down some steps, threatened to pour acid over another students face, dripped hot melted wax on a friend during a sleepover and on two occasions hurt the family dog. And did I mention that he cut himself. His feet were a mess of cuts and blood. I mean really, weren't alarm bells ringing somewhere?Other things puzzled me and at times made me angry. I had difficulty with the fact that Justin's mother could pick and choose when she wanted to see her son. She makes a phone call and the visit is arranged, just like that, and with no supervision. The visits were never a success and end up with mother and son screaming abuse at each other. Then a few months later it happens again. I understand the need Justin has to see his mother but I would have thought supervised visits would have been more effective.Another thing that upset me was the attempt to find Justin's father. Again, I understand that Justin wanted to know who his father is, but the way it was handled was awful. There are two names Justin has heard from his mother and his nan. Social Services do some investigating and they track down both men. One is in jail but the other one they have an address for. A meeting is set up with the man and Justin at a pool hall!!??!! Justin tells Casey and Mike about the visit:‘Anyway,’ Justin went on. ‘He just goes, “Alright, lad? You want to play a game of snooker or something?” So we had a game, and, like, I let him win, because he’s my dad and that …’ ‘An’ he bought me a Coke – sorry, Casey, he didn’t know I’m not allowed it'‘Well we just sat for a bit …’ He grinned now, obviously remembering. ‘Like two old men sat in a pub we were, the pair of us. Then he goes to me, like, “It’s been good today, lad, and all that.” And then, “And to be honest, lad, I still don’t even know if I am your dad.”’‘An’ that was it, really. He said I needed to know that he’d got his own family now and that him and my mum were, like,years ago. He said he didn’t even really remember her. An’ then he said that that was, like, as far as it goes. And then he said sorry …’ This just about broke my heart. Justin's dealing with so many problems, not the least of which is the fact that his mother gave him into voluntary foster care because she didn't want him, but kept his two younger brothers. How heartbreaking to know that a man, who may be your father, doesn't want you either.The only reason I finished the book was to find out what happened to Justin.Awful! A heart breaking story that gave me a strong appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to becoming foster parents. It was easy to follow the struggles of Justin, and understand the difficulties he would have in everyday society. The worst part of this for me was that seemingly very little was done to protect Justin's brothers despite the knowledge of the situation. Justin had to commit a very drastic action in order to be saved -- is this true for all needy children?While I realize that this was Casey's story, it would have been nice to hear more about Mike's interactions with Justin -- I think they played a significant role in Justin's progress.
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How do you rate such a horrific story? So sad... What's wrong with people that could be so horrible?
—Alyse
Heartbreaking! Can't believe this is reality for some children.
—kloke
