Cid Wymann, a scrappy kid fighting to survive a harsh upbringing in Queens, NY, is a almost a prisoner in his own home. His only escape is sneaking to Times Square to see Errol Flynn movies full of swordplay and duels. He s determined to become a great fencer, but after his family disintegrates, Cid spends five years at an orphanage until his injured war-veteran cousin Lefty arrives from England to claim him. Lefty teaches Cid about acting and stage combat, especially fencing, and introduces him to Nikolai Varvarinski, a brilliant drunken Russian fencing master who trains Cid. By 16, Cid learns to channel his aggression through the harsh discipline of the blade, eventually taking on enemies old and new as he perfects his skills. Evocative of The Book Thief with a dash of Gangs of New York, Open Wounds is the page-turning story of a lost boy s quest to become a man.
My Review: First off, I'd like to apologize for the inactivity on the site lately. Secondly, I'd like to apologize to those who requested we review this book. Now, for the actual review.
This book, can be summed up in about three words: dark, artistic, and hopeful. This book was one of the most amazing debut books I have ever read. Normally, I don't care much for historical fiction, but this book was well worth my time. The characters were real, and the main character, Cid, was deep and wonderfully developed.
To explain the three words I noted above, we will begin with dark. This story is not a happy one, Cid has an abusive father, powerful enemies, and a life full of sorrow. Be warned, while this book is amazingly written, the essence of sorrow is captured in this book. If you can stand the sorrow, then this book will forevermore be adored.
Next, artistic, as noted several times before, this book is very well written, quite the work. Finally, Hopeful. A beautiful ending, and a wonderful message. This book is incredible. If it isn't on your list of books to read, it should be.
My rating:
Note: it's been a while since I read this book, so don't take these ratings too seriously.
5 stars
Profanity: Mild
Sexuality: None
Violence: Moderate
Drugs and alcohol: Mild
5 stars
Profanity: Mild
Sexuality: None
Violence: Moderate
Drugs and alcohol: Mild
