Behind Closed Doors

Grabbed my interest from page one. Loved the style of writing. Although on reflection, a little implausible, I couldn't put it down. Passed it on to friends after I read it in TWO days. Still thinking about it!

I love all of Susan Sloan's books, and this was no exception. I was surprised at the mixed reviews, but do agree with another reviewers opinion that perhaps the subject matter made it seem depressing to some readers. Once again the characters came alive off the page and I was totally absorbed in their drama, this one keeps the reader glued to the pages so don't pick it up if you've got things that need getting done! Valerie is a character I'll think about for some time to come, and I have to say that the ending pleased me very much, bravo Susan Sloan, another great read, looking forward to the next one!

This was my first book of Susan's that I have read. I loved it! I was not bored at all. I did not think it was over long either. It was sad because Valerie didn't (Spoiler!!)...but in life that happens. I will now read the other books written by Susan. Also, being familiar with Rutland and the Seattle area was nice. Who has ever heard of Rutland, VT? Me. Hope Susan's previous books are as good as this one.

My only problem with Susan Sloan's books is that there is too much time between them. But maybe that's what makes them so good -- she takes the time to do it right. Behind Closed Doors is no exception. Gripping from page one to page 467, it's the story of three generations of an American family caught in a cycle they don't know how to break. As with all Sloan's books, the characters get right up off the pages and into your head. You know them. They're real. They could be living right next door to you. Domestic abuse isn't a subject that people are very comfortable with, but Sloan brings it right in your front door. I have so much admiration for her, as an author, that she is willing to take on the issues that aren't very comfortable for so many of us. This book should ring bells in a lot of households around the country. And maybe, in some of them, it might even make a difference. I hope so. Congratulations, Susan, on another winner. And thank you!

In 1955, while visiting her sister in Boston, Valerie O'Connor met and fell in love with Jack Marsh, the friend of her brother in law's brother. They saw each other every day until she returned home to her parents in Portland; Jack followed. Shortly there after he asked her parents for their permission to marry Valerie and although they had some doubts about the man's character, they gave their blessing. Their wedding night was a disaster as Jack was only interested in satisfying his needs and as a result, Valerie had a lifelong revulsion to sex. She did her duty and was thrilled when she birthed five children before she was told she could not have anymore due to health reasons. As the years passed, Jack became increasingly abusive, hitting not only her but also their children. When they were of age, their kids left. One became a nun; another turned to prostitution; two went to jail; and the last a raged Jack threw off the roof when he was in an uncontrollable rage. The anger that Valerie tried to keep in check for years finally explodes and results in a tragedy that could cost her freedom. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS is a mesmerizing work of psychological suspense that examines in depth the impact of a violent drunken abuser and a woman who accepts what her husband dished out. The story line shows the co-dependency between the abuser and abused so that Valerie does not garner much sympathy especially when she is incapable of protecting their children. Susan R. Sloan has written a memorable book that is not pretty or nice but accurately represents one of society's worst social problems. Harriet Klausner

Another Winner The problem with Susan Sloan is that too much time lapses between novels and that they can be read too swiftly. Sloan generally does not write page turners, but her characters continue to grow as the pages turn. Each of Sloan's novels takes as her subject a real circumstances which has appeared on the front pages and explores it in the context of the broad issues it raises for society. Her characters are three dimensional and reflective of people her readers know and can identify with, even if they don't always know what goes on behind their neighbor's closed doors or in the recess of their minds. I would not rate "Behind Closed Doors" as powerful as her first novel, "Guilt By Association," but than I do not know of any novel which is as powerful or as good as "Guilt." But with the exception of "Guilt by Association," it is as good as any novel I've read.