#ThrowbackThursday ~ Innocence by Dean Koontz #Audiobook #Fantasy #SciFi

Renee at It’s Book Talk began this meme as a way to share old favourites, as well as books that were published over a year ago. Not to mention those that are languishing on the to be read pile for whatever reason.

This was one of my very first reviews, an audiobook narrated by the fabulous MacLeod Andrews. It was released on Audible in December 2013 and was also my first Dean Koontz ‘read’. 

He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen.
 
She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found.
 
But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance—and nothing less than destiny—has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching.

My Review

Addison lives in complete seclusion under the city, only venturing above ground at night.  He is not like other people and has known nothing but hatred and disgust all his life. Even his mother cannot bear to look at him and, although she loves him, it doesn’t stop her from attempting infanticide several times.

Eventually she gives him a backpack with supplies and tells him to leave.  Addison is rescued by a man like himself and together they survive under the city streets until his ‘father’s’ death. 

One night as Addison visits the library he sees a young girl fleeing from a man. After she manages to give him the slip Addison finds her and they strike up a conversation. Gwyneth has a social phobia and does not want to be touched in any physical way. They make a bargain, Addison doesn’t touch and Gwyneth doesn’t look. And so begins a friendship of sorts which soon turns to love.

The story alternates between the present day and Addison’s life leading up to his meeting with Gwyneth.  This builds the tension nicely and also the compassion for a human being shunned and forced to live in such an unnatural way. Bit by bit the mysteries are revealed and it’s heartbreaking and shocking.

Just as you think the story has reached its tragic conclusion there is a glimmer of hope……

The pacing and articulation of the narration enhances the emotion and suspense of the story almost beyond bearing sometimes. Each character is portrayed to perfection.  And I loved the very descriptive writing, especially of the snowy city scenery which, coupled with the narration, was hauntingly beautiful.

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