The New Kid’s Revelation: A Domestic Fable – Book Review
I was very grateful to receive a review copy of this great new release YA novel. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Before we dive in, check your content warnings on this one. It does have mature subject matter on topics of parental physical and emotional abuse that can be difficult to read. The abuses Brennan experiences are never made overly explicit, graphic, or sensational – often “cutting away” from the violence itself and focusing more on Brennan’s internal experience – but it still may be triggering for some readers, especially if you have experienced these types of abuses yourself.
That said, I feel it’s a book that needed to be written and it wouldn’t have the same impact if it wasn’t honest and raw in the storytelling. There is a great need for a book that places children in the forefront, regarding children as whole people with complex emotional lives the same as adults, although without the same years of life experiences. Wilder has done that in this novel. So, let’s dive in!
Marck Thomas Wilder offers a deep, impactful examination of childhood trauma and resiliency in The New Kid’s Revelation. Brennan, a boy battling his own need for acceptance and self-worth while navigating the rigid, punishment-driven demands of his parents, is the protagonist of this novel, which is currently the #1 New Release in Teen & Young Adult Fiction on Physical & Emotional Abuse.
Brennan’s battle to “be a good boy” and live up to his parents’ high expectations resonates in a common and frequently tragic way. Despite his greatest attempts, he consistently receives punishment and condemnation instead of support and understanding. Just this interaction creates a moving story about how strongly children are influenced by the emotional situations they grow up in. Young people are emotionally vulnerable, and Wilder’s depiction of Brennan’s internal conflict, worry, and desire to please his parents serves as a reminder of the long-lasting effects of our words and deeds.
When Brennan meets a new boy at school, whose laid-back home life and encouraging family values stand in sharp contrast to his own reality, the plot takes an unexpected turn. This crucial interaction causes Brennan to start doubting the standards he has previously taken for granted, which leads to a wave of uncertainty and self-doubt. Wilder skillfully depicts this time of cognitive dissonance, demonstrating how Brennan’s interest in his friend’s family and his subsequent altercation on the playground serve as triggers for more in-depth introspection.
The way that Wilder uses Brennan’s story to explore the unwritten “rules” that many kids must abide by – the unwritten agreements between parents and kids that are founded on fear and control rather than love and understanding – may be his most remarkable literary device. The New Kid’s Revelation is a difficult but worthwhile book for both teenagers and adults since Wilder doesn’t back down from difficult subjects and his Kafkaesque writing style effectively conveys the oppressive power dynamics in Brennan’s household.
The novella’s potent themes will undoubtedly strike a chord with many people. Younger readers may find Brennan’s story to be a comforting reflection of their own experiences dealing with comparable familial demands. It serves as a stark reminder to adults of the impressions we make on kids’ minds that last a lifetime. This novella is unforgettable because of Wilder’s willingness to explore such dark and sometimes concealed facets of family life, revealing layers of what it’s like to grow up with such high expectations.
The New Kid’s Revelation is a book that feels essential, yet it is not for the weak of heart. Wilder’s debut serves as a call to empathy, compassion, and a reconsideration of how we mold and impact the youngest members of our society. This novella is a real standout in young adult fiction because of its depth and emotional heaviness.
5 stars from me – I highly recommend!