Overview
Claudia Morgan is overwhelmed. She’s a single parent trying the best that she can, but her four-year-old son, Henry, is a handful – for her and for his preschool. When Claudia hears about a school with an atypical teaching style near her Chicagoland home, she has to visit.
The Hawthorne School is beautiful and has everything she dreams of for Henry: time to play outside, music, and art. The head of the school, Zelma, will even let Claudia volunteer to cover the cost of tuition. The school is good for Henry: His behavioral problems disappear, and he comes home subdued instead of rageful. But there’s something a bit off about the school, its cold halls, and its enigmatic headmistress.
When Henry brings home stories of ceremonies in the woods and odd rules, Claudia’s instincts tell her that something isn’t quite right, and she begins to realize she’s caught in a web of manipulations and power.
This exploration of what a mother will do for her child is guided by the author’s work with narcissistic manipulation and addictive power dynamics in her role as a psychotherapist.
Review
Claudia is a single parent with a child that is extremely “high strung”. She is constantly being called into the office of his school because of his behavior. She is at her wits end. But, when her friend suggests the Hawthorne School, she hopes she has found a solution.
The Hawthorne School has some unique techniques. Within the first couple of days, Claudia sees a new Henry. But, as time goes on, Claudia realizes there is more going on here than just a better behaved child.
Now…I hate to say this…and I did finish this book…but, I just didn’t like it. I don’t know if it is because it is a tad bit far fetched or if it just didn’t appeal to me. I also think Claudia is a bit gullible and that just didn’t sit well with me. I usually like “cult like” books. But, this one fell short
The narrator, Nan McNamara did a super job. Some narrators get on my nerves with the children’s voices. Nan did an excellent job with Henry.
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
Purchase Here
reecaspieces 