Closed Doors

Children are better listeners than we like to think, and 11-year-old Michael Murray is no exception. Despite how hard his family tries to keep secrets from him, he’s learned to listen at doors and keep secrets. One secret he’s heard may explain his mother’s injuries. The whispers around his home of Rothesay – a place too small for any real secrets – become too much, so he sets out to find the truth.

Written through the perspective of a child, readers are allowed to view the horrific events with a sort of naivety and innocence. In the midst of darkness, Michael’s perspective provides a sense of comic relief as well as well as a simplicity that some readers may enjoy, while others may find dull.

The book was enjoyable and a quick read due to the simplistic writing. However, I was a little disappointed with the ending, which seemed to lack a true resolution. I was also a bit bored with the simple writing style, partially because much of the narrative was in Micahel’s head. His thoughts were relatively plain, though observant, and lacked vivid imagery and distinct voice. I would recommend Closed Doors to those looking for a quick vacation read.