This book was originally published under the title “Push”, but has been re-released under the title “Precious” so as not to be confused.
Grade: B-
I am constantly surprised by how many depressing, horrifying, stories are advertised as “uplifting” and “a human triumph”. This particular one was announced as “hope-filled” and “redemptive”, although it does throw in “horrific” and “brutal” which describes the story in a more honest way.
If I were to write a few word blurb for the cover of this book I think it would look something like this:
“A truly horrifying tale…of a girl who is fucked over by life.”
“Tragic…heartbreaking…proof that life sucks.”
Something along those lines.
“Push” is the novel that the film “Precious” is based upon. I have not seen the film, nor would I have chosen to read this book if it hadn’t been pushed into my hands by my step-mother.
For those of you who haven’t seen the movie, this is a story of a young black teenager living in Harlem. She has been repeatedly raped by her father since she can remember (there is a particularly graphic portion where her mother jokes about Precious’s father taking her Pampers off in order to rape the small child). She is made pregnant twice by her father, both times she keeps the babies.
Because of her parent’s abuse and neglect, Precious can’t read or write and must go to a special school. The novel follows her advancement through the school and how she fights back against her abusive parents.
The book is written in vernacular which takes some getting use to but not much. It’s an extremely tragic story of how Precious’ life is so irreparably damaged by her parents. Other girls’ stories are told as well, most just as horrifying.
This story is not based on any “real” people, although it could be argued that the incest, abuse, and poverty can be seen all across America.
However. I find this book to be filled with all the best examples of shock value. INCEST! RAPE! AIDS! GAY BASHING! Yup. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what attracted Hollywood to this novel.
It was a quick read, one that is difficult to put down due to the above reasons. It’s impossible to look away from a car crash this horrific. This book would be nothing without the horror- and it’s difficult for me to respect it for that reason.
Some good parts- it’s nice to read a book from the point of view of a new type of narrator. It’s not often you hear the story of an overweight, decidedly unattractive (she speaks heavily on this issue throughout the book) woman who has gone through so much trauma and speaks of it so honestly. She is crass and blunt, and it is refreshing.
Again, don’t read this book if you’re looking for warm fuzzy feelings and happy endings- you will be very disappointed.
Bent Shelf Book Reviews 