Member Reviews

A coming-of-age novel set in Queens, Iphigenia Murphy, tells the tale of one young woman and the people who become important in her life. The story hits on many themes that may be challenging for the reader – sexual assault, transgender topics, sexuality, self-discovery, homelessness, drug abuse, loss of family – in a way that cuts to the heart.

Sara Hosey does a beautiful job of painting the settings for the readers and giving us a real look into the soul of a young woman who’s seen too much and known more than a girl should ever know. Being someone who’s experienced some trauma, it was a little hard to read at places, but ultimately, it was worth the journey.

I loved experiencing Forest Park with Iffy, getting to know the characters that I might not give a second look in real-life, and meeting Angel.

Relating to this girl, Iffy, who’s nothing like me in almost every way filled me with compassion for her and for the real-life people who have stories so similar that the heart breaks as you recognize them.

Despite being a rather heavy read, there are lots of lovely moments. You cheer Iffy on in her triumphs, relating to her strength and cowering with her weaknesses and fears. You love her mother and hate Marcos. You delight with her in Corrine, despite the messed up life the girl has led and how desperately you want her to be well. You adore Angel and thank God for Ann.

I wouldn’t recommend this book for everyone. If you’ve got some nasty baggage and haven’t fully dealt with it, this book might be too much for you. If you’re on the journey, it could well be a healing moment in the process, though.

Far from a light read, Iphigenia Murphy is a moving novel that deserves a film starring some young, spunky young lady with bright eyes and the stoic-emotional movement of Anya Taylor-Joy.

Was this review helpful?

Book Review-

If you are looking forward to read something light, this one is for you. This book revolves around Iphigenia and how she escapes her father’s house to find her mother. She never knew this decision will change her life. In midst of everything, she gets to know more about herself.

You will get to know what it feels to be living alone. Finding someone you can lean on and trust them. There are some obstacles in her way, there is always light at the end of dark tunnel right?

This book was very fun for me to read. The Narration is Lucid. I consider myself that I got a chance to read this book. This book does not have any twists or any big plot. This book focuses more on character growth which makes this book more special for me.

I will totally recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very hard-hitting book that managed to capture the essence of such dark themes whilst also managing to create a sense of hope and growth. I think the main focus of this novel was moving forwards and growing as a person but only for yourself and not for other people. It was a gripping and very intense story but I just don't think there was enough time to fully focus on every aspect to the max.

Was this review helpful?

was gifted a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am mostly a fantasy reader since contemporaries usually don't entertain me as much. However, Iphigenia Murphy has surpassed my expectations. It is a story that brings up realistic life issues into the spotlight and how friendship is extremely important to keep us in check.

This book has definitely crushed my heart, I could not go through one fifth of the hardships that Iphigenia encounters. Running away from home is the hardest decision of all and Iphigenia was brave enough to do it when she saw she had no other chances, she chased her freedom.

The secondary characters bright light into the darkness that is Iphigenia's life. I love how diverse the characters are (TRANS, other races, even animal companions) and how well we get to know them throughout the story. Angel is definitely my favorite character.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my heart. Iphigenia Murphy is a heart-breaking tale about abandonment, abuse, homelessness and survival. I was not prepared for this emotionally raw journey, but I am glad I did get to experience Iphigenia Murphy because it’s such a great read. It made me tear up and feel anger (so much anger), but also so much love and fierce protectiveness over the characters. ♥

Iphigenia Murphy is the book’s title AND the main character’s name, and it fits perfectly because this novel is truly character-centric. The characters ARE the highlight of this book. Starting off with Iphigenia, I must say that I truly loved and felt for her. She’s brave and courageous, but most of the times she’s scared and incredibly lonely, which made my heart weep even more. Reading about her struggles constantly made me want to jump inside the book to help her out. After being abandoned my her mother, ignored/blamed by her father and stepmother, not to mention abused by her stepbrother; she decides she can’t take it no longer and is better off finding shelter in the park while seeking out her mother. It’s then that she starts to meet other characters with their own abusive relationships or struggles and she forms precious new bonds that, while they don’t fix her problems, it sure helps her struggling lonely heart.

Here is where I must also mention my love for Corinne (a trans woman escaping her own abusive relationship) & Angel, the dog. The moment we meet Corinne and Angel my heart began to breathe a bit easier since Iffy is so lonely at first, navigating life at the park while looking for the whereabouts of her mom. Living in the outside world is dangerous, particularly for a young girl, and I just love how Iffy, Corinne, and Angel find companionship with each other. And eventually, Anthony who is a character that later comes into their lives and is also precious!

But as I mentioned before, this book is raw. It’s not a happy story and there are no easy answers. It portrays homelessness, abandonment, domestic violence and emotional abuse. Rape and abortion for rape survivors. It was heartbreaking to read about it, but also important. However, Iphigenia Murphy DOES highlight the kindness of people amidst the nastiness of others, and how important it is to believe and support victims of sexual abuse.

Make sure to add Iphigenia Murphy to your TBR!

Was this review helpful?

Oh my god....
This book, this book was freaking amazing !
I cried, I laughed , I got scared...
A mix of emotions all the time, it was a pleasure to read this book !
Iphigenia's story was so painful but very real to a some of us.
She was a warrior, Corinne was the best friend she deserved !
Angel was truly an angel and even Ann helped out.
I was so scared about Anthony, always expecting him to screw up ...
I just feel sad that we don't get a final closure, as her life in like 3 years later or something like that.
But anyway I loved this one, definitely one of my favourite books of 2020!
4.5⭐

Was this review helpful?

My, I cannot tell in words how much I loved this book. Ah. Just - amazing. Superb. This book is like a ray of sunshine in the dark days. To remind you of the goodness that still exists in the world.

Iffy is fifteen and lives alone in the park, looking for a mother that had abandoned her and hiding away from a family that's abusive. She's this adorable little girl that you'd want to protect at all costs. Her presence of mind, her will and desire, her courage - just lovely! She was written with so much emotions and so much development, wow. Just mesmerized me!

Then came along Angel and Corrine and Anthony and goodness, I've never loved so many characters from the same book.

The writing was stellar and poetic. The story was simply brilliant. I wept and sobbed and cried happy tears. Right from the start to the end, this book had me right with my emotions. That ending was just so sweet. And bitter. Just the right amounts, and simply well done.

I'd definitely recommend this to all. Thanks to the publishers for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Iphigenia Murphy won me from the get as she was getting gone. Her home life sucks in a really common way and her response is very typical, but rarely portrayed. SO many kids run away and most books are just scary propaganda. Not so here!! It’s about damn time honestly. I ran away from “home” that was a drug house and away from a violent first boyfriend and Iphigenia Murphy gets it right.

Trigger warnings for abuse, rape, neglect, racism, drug addiction and transphobia.

THE RUNDOWN:
-Distinct voice

-Corinne, trans*queen

-Sweet and understandable instalove. I feel like people are going to judge harshly, but as a kid in a similarly fucked up home life, it’s true. Imagine first love, being THAT vulnerable and desperate for connection, security and love.

-LOVE THE ABORTION REP!!!

-Handles abuse and rape VERY well

-Wish the ending was fuller, more detailed to explain her change of mind



Great Rating Graphic

four-stars

Loved it all except the time jump ending where it felt like I was missing a step and I wanted more. I wanted every single moment.

Was this review helpful?

This was an intense story.

Iphigenia runs away from her abusive home to live in a park where she thinks she can find her mother. She becomes friends with a transgender woman and a young man who has been kicked out of his home. She also takes care of a homeless dog. Her new friends help her wander through the park and try to find her mother.

There were some very difficult scenes in this book. Iphigenia was abused by her stepmother and stepbrother, and her father didn’t do anything to help. Her friend Corinne was abused by her boyfriend. There was also an upsetting scene where a woman claims to be the owner of Iphigenia’s dog. As a dog owner, it was difficult to read, because both girls felt like they had a claim to the dog but neither wanted to give her up.

I thought by the title of the book that there would be more of a Greek mythology storyline. I loved the play Iphigenia at Aulis when I read it in school. There were some similar themes to the play, and it followed the story in an abstract way, but I wish it had more Greek mythology references.

This was a good story, though it dealt with some upsetting issues.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Trigger Warnings : Abuse, Hopelessness, Trans phobia, Drugs.
This is a cruel bleak world and we barely choose to see that side of it. This book handled it conscientiously, making sure we enjoy reading it as well as take away something from it. It's a slow burning flame which ignites to become a volcano when you are done. Thank you so much @blackstonepublishing and @theffbc for giving me a chance to read this book

Characters :
This book had really interesting characters with depth and a history. Iphigenia, Connine, Anthony. Everyone made the story even more dynamic and thought provoking. They may have been abused, but they choose not to become a victim. They thrive for each other and make each other thrive for a better life. The way they processed their pain and emotions, make you challenge all your thoughts and want to make so much better.

The Story :
This story is gonna stay with me forever.

Was this review helpful?

The book starts with teenager Iphigenia  leaving her broken home and its daily schedule of terrible torment which left her mentally and physically exhausted.She had an important mission on her mind, finding her mentally ill, homeless biological mother.Piecing together the information she could gather till now, she started the hunt from Forest Park which is now her new home.During her journey she came across a host of persons who contributed in shaping the course of her life in their own little way.
:
The narration is engaging from the very start.The sensitive story grows thick on reader's attention and make one feel each moment. Characters are well developed and explored to the potential.The well detailed premise breathed life into the tale, reader could feel Iffy's vulnerability, Cornie's turmoil and Anthony's love.Angel, the stray mutt plays an important role in the plot.The story throws light on crucial issues like domestic violence, child abuse, adolescence, substance abuse, abortion, mental health and the state of homeless people.
:
Few lines from the book that made an impact on me
🌿
'There are some girls that nobody looks for. Turns out, I was one of them.'
🌿
Their little ant lives set to music changed everything: if it was the Ramones or the violet Femmes they seemed angry and frantic and if it was Morrissey it the Cure they seemed romantic and epic.'
🌿
I would recommend the book to only readers who have the capacity to handle sensitive issues or else it will leave you disturbed.
:

Was this review helpful?

Disclaimer: I received an e-arc and a finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Iphigenia Murphy

Author: Sara Hosey

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: March 10, 2020

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Pages: 272

Recommended Age: 17+ (abortion *nothing wrong with it, but it’s not some people’s cup of tea and I like to be upfront.*, Rape and attempted rape, sexual assault, language, some violence)

Synopsis: Running away from home hasn’t solved Iphigenia Murphy’s problems. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before they’ll catch up with her. Iffy is desperate to find her long-lost mother, and, so far, in spite of the need to forage for food and shelter and fend off an unending number of creeps, living in Queens’ Forest Park has felt safer than living at home. But as the summer days get shorter, it all threatens to fall apart.

A novel that explores the sustaining love of friendship, the kindness of strangers, and the indelible bond of family, Iphigenia Murphy captures the gritty side of 1992 Queens, the most diverse borough in New York City. Just like Iffy, the friends she makes in the park–Angel, a stray dog with the most ridiculous tail; Corinne, a young trans woman who is escaping her own abusive situation; and Anthony, a former foster kid from upstate whose parents are addicts–each seek a place where they feel at home. Whether fate or coincidence has brought them together, within this community of misfits Iffy can finally be herself, but she still has to face the effects of abandonment and abuse–and the possibility that she may be pregnant. During what turns out to be a remarkable journey to find her mother, will Iffy ultimately discover herself?
Review: I really loved the story overall. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was intriguing. I like the world building as well and it’s definitely a book that’ll make you cry!

However, the writing was a bit weird in my opinion. It just felt more documentary style that in the main characters head style.

Verdict: A well done contemporary!

Was this review helpful?

Iphigenia is running
Iphigenia is running - from her stepmother, her stepbrother, the cops, that creepy bald guy at Forest park, maybe even from herself. But she's also running towards something - her mother. When fifteen year old Iphigenia runs away from her home (if you could call such a place a home), she only wants to find her mother, but as she spends her days dodging the creeps and trading information for cigarettes, she finds more than what she was looking for. She finds love, friendship, kindness and companionship. But if she wants to have a future, she must face her past. She has always been brave, but is she brave enough?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In this book Sarah Hosey brings us the tale of this beautiful, broken girl the world has been cruel to, and we watch as other beautiful, broken people flock to her, and as they help each other heal and grow. I think there is definitely a lot of heart that went into writing this book, and I respect the sensitivity with which the themes were explored. The story was fairly well plotted and the pacing and writing were fine. There was a nice tone to the voice the author chose for Iffy and I enjoyed the dimension it gave to her character. All that being said, however, I felt like there was something....idk, 𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔. This book had all the elements that would normally turn me into a puddle of reader's tears, but it just didn't do it for me. I found myself oddly disconnected to the characters and the story of the novel, despite there being some scenes that should've been tension-infusing.
It just felt like the book was less than the some of its parts and I feel kind of bummed about it.

The book tackled the themes of grief, abuse and recovery. It dealt with them in a really compassionate manner, and that can't be said of a lot of books, so it was really precious!! There were some really interesting characters in the book, too- Corinne who was kind to everyone but herself; Anthony who seemed innocent and sweet, but had so much anger within; Ann, filled to the brim with compassion; and of course, Iphigenia, unaware of her own strength and her own kindness, oblivious to her impact on the world around her. These were characters that were MADE to get you all teary and sad, but there was something lacking. There was just one small thing - and idk what it was--that kept these characters from feeling real and important and heavy. I loved them, still, in a weird way, but I didn't really care, and that's a tragedy, really because this book really had all the potential. The short chapters helped keep me reading, but every time I stopped, I felt myself forgetting about the book. I don't know if it had something to do with the book itself or it was me being a depressed hoe, but whatever it might have been, it just felt lacking and I'm sad about it. I'd still recommend this book to you and would definitely urge you to give it a try because I think it tells an important story. But it just wasn't for me, I guess.

Was this review helpful?

This is a hard book for me to rate. While I was invested enough in Iffy's journey to finish the book, I didn't exactly enjoy reading it - but that is a very subjective view and might just be because of my preferences of what to read.
We follow Iphigenia, who decides to run away from the home where her stepbrother abuses her and her father doesn't bat an eye and her stepmother ignores or humiliates her. She runs away into a park where her mother, a drug addict, supposedly lives. We then follow Iphigenia as she settles into her new life, finds friends and allies but also has to contend with scary threats such as other homeless people and the abusive ex-boyfriend of Corinne.

Some of the scenes felt entirely too gratuitous and in my mind fed into the stereotypes the general public has about homeless people, especially in terms of intelligence or violence. Not to mention that the transgender aspect of Corinne could have been handled better - I can't speak for the representation, obviously, but I felt like it was just swept under the rug and pulled out at convenient times to create unnecessary conflict instead of support.
I also really, really disliked the insta-love between Anthony and Iffy. They say they love each other within a day and enter in a very dependent relationship that is super-dramatic and kind of contradicts everything Iffy has said about how she feels about boys and touching beforehand.
The ending was entirely too rushed, the entire book builds up to Iffy finding her mother and then her mother is more of a side note to the story and their meeting is rushed through only so that other subplots can take center stage.
While I feel that the concept of this novel was good, the execution just didn't do it for me. Moments of character growth and actual tension were rushed through while others dragged on unnecessarily or needed a huge suspension of disbelief to work.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the writing style overall and would consider reading another book by the author.

Was this review helpful?

Being 15 you don’t seem to have a lot of options. Yet the main character here, Iphigenia Murphy decides to change things. Her home life is full of abuse. If she isn’t ignored she’s being hurt in many different forms. Iphignia, or Iffy, has a plan and carries it out.

Iffy meets a few friends, who have problems as well. They have a fast bond and quickly trust each other. Perhaps this is what it’s like when you’re homeless, or seemingly without anyone else who cares about you.
Iphignia definitely had a hard life, but she changed it, actively figured out a way to change it, albeit in an unusual way. She is a strong young woman that grows stronger during the book.

The writing is decent. It felt like the book was stumbling a little in the beginning, but by the time Iffy was staying in the park for a while it picked up and the book read better.

This book feels like it may be for young adult, but it also is a troubling book. Then again sometimes teens are facing tough situations.

Was this review helpful?

I very quickly became emotionally involved in this book and found it hard to put down. I connected with Iffy from page one and needed to find out what was going to happen to her. Now that I have finished the book, I find myself thinking about it and the characters and wondering how they are doing. Even though I know they are a piece of fiction, I really came to care about them.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book spoke to my heart and spirit. I was once upon a time homeless for about 6 months growing up. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time in shelters that were were clean and having enough money to stay in hotels. But there were a few times that we were stuck in our truck to spend the night. It wasn't the worst time of my life. But it sure wasn't the best either and its not an experience that I would like to repeat. This story is so heartbreaking and real. I loved the parts where we got to learn more about Iphigenia's every day life. It was a real eye opener to this world of living on the street. This is one story for the world to read and I hope to get my own copy of it soon.


Go Into This One Knowing: Teen Homelessness

Was this review helpful?