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In an Instant

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you enjoy emotional page-turners that dig deep into human nature when tested by tragedy, 'In an Instant' is for you. Think a more gut-wrenching 'If I Stay,' but with an added twist of suspense and survival. The story stands out because it’s narrated from the afterlife, allowing intimate glimpses into every character’s struggle, secrets, and resilience. It's perfect for fans of psychological family dramas, survival stories, and anyone who appreciates raw, immersive storytelling that makes you question what you’d do in a crisis.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you're not a fan of tearjerkers or find stories centered on tragedy and loss too heavy, this one may not be for you. Some readers felt the pace started off slow, and a few were put off by the number of characters and the sometimes "YA-ish" perspective. There are also moments that feel melodramatic or implausible to more skeptical readers, plus a paranormal element that might not suit everyone’s tastes.

A moving, suspenseful survival drama with a unique perspective on grief and family that will stay with you long after you finish. Bring tissues and be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

About:

In "In an Instant," author Suzanne Redfearn crafts a gripping narrative centered around a tragic and deadly accident during a weekend ski trip. The story unfolds through the unique perspective of 16-year-old Finn, who narrates from the afterlife. Readers are drawn into the aftermath of the accident, where a group of individuals grapple with their actions and decisions made in the face of tragedy. The writing style evokes raw human emotion, offering a compelling exploration of grief, survival, and the complexities of human nature.

Characters:

The characters are multidimensional and emotionally nuanced, each revealing different aspects of grief and decision-making in the face of tragedy.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style employs a third-person perspective that intricately weaves the experiences and emotions of various characters, reflecting on their complex human nature.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a suspenseful survival scenario, depicting the aftermath of a tragic accident and the trust issues that arise within and between families.

Setting:

The story is set in a cold, snowy mountain environment that intensifies the dangers faced by the characters and underscores the themes of survival.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly to set up the narrative but quickly escalates to gripping suspense, keeping readers engaged throughout.
A tooth extraction would be less painful. For five months I’ve endured this torture. Since the announcement of my sister’s engagement, the minutiae of her nuptials have been dissected and regurgitated...

Notes:

The story explores themes of trust and human nature in the wake of a disaster.
It uses an all-seeing third-person narrative to weave the stories of two families.
The book begins slowly to establish the characters' backgrounds before the tragedy.
The main character, Finn, narrates from the afterlife, providing a unique perspective on the events.
The novel showcases the emotional and physical struggles characters face after a tragic accident.
It depicts how people process grief and guilt after a traumatic event.
The author drew inspiration from a real-life event in Upstate New York.
The book features a mix of well-developed characters with complex emotions.
Readers praised the gripping and suspenseful writing style that keeps them engaged.
The author includes insights and notes at the end, revealing real-life tragedies that inspired the story.
Some readers found the emotional depth of the story made it a tearjerker.
The book's premise involves a disastrous camper accident during a snowy trip.
The characters deal with themes of survival, regret, and the impact of choices made in crisis.
The audiobook version received praise for its emotional narration.
Many readers reported being unable to put the book down and reading it in one sitting.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include grief over a child's death, traumatic loss, depictions of an accident, and emotional distress related to tragedy and survival.

From The Publisher:

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

A deeply moving story of carrying on even when it seems impossible.

Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive.

Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces?

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on...even when it seems impossible.

Ratings (12)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (21):

Read It (12)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
5 months

Glad I didnt read the about section

I chose this book as one of my kindle free monthly books; and in all honestly picked it in error. I was reading all of the descriptions and somehow skipped this one, and when I went back to pick another book, I picked this one in error. I was reading and thought oh this is way different but I like it. I think NOT knowing what the book was going to be about made it better.

I was crying for large sections of this book, and was feeling all kinds of emotions. I am not sure if I would say this book is amazing, however, the author created a space for me to feel just about every emotion. I rolled my eyes a few times and thought of course that was going to happen, but that was mostly towards the end of the book. The first half, maybe more, was truly gripping. I couldnt rip myself away. Finn's perspective was perfect to tell this story.

 
 
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