When I’d heard people were rooting for an incestuous couple, I was intrigued so I had to read Forbidden. I’ve read books about incest before, but those books are more like watching a really cheesy soap opera that you just can’t turn away from. Never before has a book made me question my own morals and thoughts on a subject like this one has. Like Jenn of Bawdy Books and I discussed a few weeks ago, I could tell Forbidden would haunt me for a long time to come when I was only half through the book.
Before the love develops, the story focuses on their mother being MIA while Lochan and Maya take care of their three siblings. I felt for them, they were obviously best friends and would do anything for their brothers and sister. Kit is the typical sullen unappreciative teen, who seems to have a love of planting seeds of family drama and then sitting back watching it unfold. The two younger siblings, Willa and Tiff are absolutely adorable, you can’t help but love them. You can tell this is a family who has suffered, but seemingly is making it work.
The love aspect has a slow build-up, despite knowing it’s coming, it doesn’t feel rushed or fake. I could honestly see their love developing. Not only could I see it, I didn’t blame them for their feelings. That thought alone caused a bit of confusion…I mean, I know it’s wrong, so why did I want them to succeed and be happy?
The ending, while I saw it coming, shook me to my core. I really don’t see myself forgetting this book very soon, if ever. If you can handle the subject matter Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma is definitely one of this year’s must reads.
Caution: In case you can’t tell by the subject matter, this book is definitely not for all ages. There are some very heated moments in Forbidden.
Forbidden hits shelves June 28th. I received an egalley for review from Simon & Schuster’s Galley Grab program.