A Journey Of Discovery
Red Cabbage Blue by Annie Try is a powerful contemporary tale about discovery – just exactly what makes us who we are. It is part of the Dr Mike Lewis series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The novel is told from two points of view – psychologist Dr Mike Lewis and his patient Adelle. The reader becomes intimately acquainted with both. Interestingly they are both dealing with similar issues but in very different ways.
Our pasts shape us whether we consciously realise it or not. Some things in our past are buried so deeply that we do not even realise they are there. We do not realise the significance of why we do what we do.
The novel follows Adelle who has many issues including anorexia, self-harm and OCD. She is a complex character and a product of her past. Annie Try has sensitively portrayed her and shown the importance of receiving professional help, care and empathy. It is important to withhold any form of judgement.
Loss hurts. It can cut us to the core and consume us. We need to learn how to deal and cope with the loss in our lives.
The novel is serenely beautiful. I found it easy to empathise with Adelle. It was wonderful to accompany her on her journey of discovery.
As a crazy cat lady, I loved the inclusion of two kittens and the journey to buy them.
Red Cabbage Blue is a powerful exploration of a character suffering from mental illness who needs love and understanding. Annie Try has captured Adelle perfectly and woven her into the fabric of my heart.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON