Another five star review on Amazon!

5.0 out of 5 stars Once removed,

By 

A. Calder "Helmeboy" (Yorkshire England) 

KB Walker draws us into the dark heart of the sensitive subject of self-harming, an all too common perplexing aspect of human behaviour. She explores the subject through the eyes of an apparently naïve trainee teacher and one of her history pupils. We watch in horror as the teacher goes way out on a limb beyond the sensible modern limits for teacher/pupil relationships to try to get to the root cause of the pupil's problem. The inevitable happens and the teacher ends up as the accused for a period before the police identify the problem within the family. It is very much a story of family relationships and the undermining effect on individuals when these are destructive. Gradually, we become aware of the reason for the teachers motivation to help and the cathartic effect that the experience has on her. The writing shows considerable insight and sensitivity in handling a difficult topic. I found the book very absorbing and read it in a day. It is strongly recommended for specialist and general readers.

Five star review on Goodreads!

This is the first review from a total stranger!

Angela's review

May 10, 12

bookshelves: kindle, modern, abusive-relationships

Read from May 07 to 10, 2012

K.B. Walker is a very good storyteller and Once Removed is, I felt, a story close to her heart. When I read the author’s notes after I’d finished the book, I understood why.
The two main characters, Abriella and Beth, have very low self esteem and they have developed similar ways to cope with their self-loathing. However, Abriella Garside is ten years older than Beth, and recognises the emotional pain and signs of self abuse that she sees in the girl. Abriella is desperate to help Beth, but finds that, as her teacher, her efforts are often misconstrued.
I was totally absorbed. This is not the sort of novel that I would normally read, but I was quickly drawn in by the characters and the plot. Having worked in schools for many years until retirement, the setting and dialogue had a real authenticity for me. It was not only a book about abuse, self abuse and how to deal with these terrible problems, but also about making judgements on people without knowing the whole story. We are all guilty of this at some time or other and it does no harm to be reminded of this.
Once Removed is a well-constructed, absorbing novel, which I recommend to anyone who likes real life, gritty stories.