My Name is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde

This was a sad and then became a joyous story of a young boy facing tremendous odds. He lost his brother and his hand in an accident, and the worst part of it all was that he had no emotional support or affection shown by his parents. His emotional support came from a grandmother and grand uncle who were wonderful to him and helped him all along the way. Whilst being kept alone over Christmas, he observed through his telescope a scene of violent abuse in an apartment complex opposite his own. A chance encounter with the woman involved at a cafe in the neighbourhood, set off a series of events which led step by step to his own future. It was an emotional story at every stage, it also showed how randomness affects our lives - in a way our karma or destiny seems foretold and decided by some force which is totally out of our control. In Anton's case this was very much so His life was detailed in the story, ups and downs but mainly joyous once he was able to shake off his parents negative influence and ill will. Anton was vulnerable and innocent but he had a strong sense of right and wrong and this with the support of his grand mother and great uncle saw him through. This was a very emotional read throughout. Sent by Lake Union Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.