Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Oftentimes, I purposely avoid reading novels that do not conform to what I've always believed in. Otherwise, it would mean plunging into murky waters, and reading as a cynical critic would have. 

It is not your average love story. Rarely do I encounter novels that boldly ventures in this issue. But "Forbidden" not only managed to do that but also moved me in ways I never imagined.

 A negligent and alcoholic mother, a father who left them out of the blue, a family on the brink of falling apart. They say the ones who are affected the most in a dysfunctional family are the children. Maya and Lochan are no different. They are siblings and have been each other's strength for years. Struggling to survive, to raise their younger brothers and sister despite the circumstances failing them. And they love each other...

Incest is a very sensitive issue. I've never read anything about this before. So knowing what goes into their minds is new as well. It was tragic. They were both prison of their own society. They know it's not the right thing. They know it's immoral, illegal, unethical, and impossible. But how could you blame them? Strangely, it was a eye-opening read.

I was reluctant to read this at first. I'm a firm believer of what I know is right. But reading this, I found myself sympathizing for them and wishing things turned out differently. There were so many scenes that are revolting. I cringed. Yes. You'd want to stop them. But in the end, there is pity and remorse. This book reminds us that no matter how much you love each other, no matter how hard you fight for it, if it's against the law, it's impossible. Harsh reality of a story like this.

It's a book that's impossible to finish without having tears in your eyes. This is beautiful as it is heartbreaking. You may have seen love in it's myriad forms. But this one is definitely unique..



I give this 4/5 stars!