Title: As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back

Author: Alle C. Hall

Genre: Literary fiction

 

In As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back, Alle C. Hall tells the story of Jen Brewer, who goes by Carlie after she runs away from her abusive family and starts over in Asia. She unravels at first, drawn into a lifestyle of sex, drugs, and alcohol. When a lesbian couple, Ava and Cho, take her in, Carlie’s life starts to change for the better, and she finds her way forward through tai chi and a developing faith in God.

Hall’s breakthrough novel is no doubt a challenge to read, at times, and that is said with utmost respect. The author doesn’t hold back from introducing the reader to tough themes, such as incest and rape. The first-person point-of-view draws the reader in from page one, and we feel like we are riding on Carlie’s shoulder as her father does the unthinkable to her. Upfront, this is a warning to potential readers, who may be triggered.

Readers should proceed with caution, but Hall’s use of vivid description and not being afraid to tackle such a topic is commendable and is treated with authenticity. The opening scene in which Carlie is seemingly looking down upon herself as she is violated is a believable approach to how a person might feel during such an event.

When Carlie escapes at seventeen to Asia with money she craftily stole from her parents, we root for her because she needs to get away from her childhood trauma, but she soon enough finds out that wherever she goes, she takes herself. She cannot easily depart from years of abuse. The effects are damaging, culminating in her searching for happiness in all the wrong places.

The truth is that she is hollow and so depressed that she only fools herself that she is happy for short bursts of time. In the morning, she is hungover and alone. How many of us can understand the need to fill an emptiness inside and then proceed to look in all the wrong places? This is part of the human condition: our brokenness.

That Hall doesn’t shy away from going deep into the raw, ugly, and difficult side of humanity should be applauded. After a while, the reader may grow angry or weary of Carlie’s poor choices, often how we may feel toward a friend or family member who is engaging in destructive behaviors.

However, just when Carlie is at rock bottom, she meets Ava and Cho, and under their care, she begins to grow and heal. Seeing her transformation and the beauty of practicing tai chi and the metaphor it means for her life alters the narrative into one of hope. This is an inspiring tale for readers who aren’t afraid of digging deep and trudging through the messy path of human suffering. Carlie’s journey is all the more beautiful because of all she has been through.

For lovers of deeply moving stories about personal transformation, As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back is a stellar choice. Hall’s relatable, realistic exploration of the human condition through a coming-of-age story will resonate with readers. This novel is hopefully just the beginning of a successful career for author Alle C. Hall in the exploration of what it means to be human.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.