Between Two Brothers

Author Crystal Allen’s heart-rending novel about a family that faces a catastrophic event that forever changes their life is based on her own family’s emotional experiences. In an author note, Allen explains that eight years ago when her son was 8 years old, he was irrevocably altered mentally and physically after a tragic event, and that she, her husband, and other son were also changed, though not in outwardly visible ways, but internally.

Allen goes on to explain, “So, in an effort to protect myself and my family from reliving those horrific events, I chose to make the plot, characters, dialogue, and most of the names in the story fictitious. ... However, the heartaches, the anger, the hopes, and triumphs experienced by the characters are real, and that is the content I have chosen to share with you.”

Knowing that Allen’s personal experiences and Christian faith dramatically influenced her novel gives authenticity and depth to her fictional narrative.

Thirteen-year-old Isaiah Abernathy—called Ice by family and friends—holds in high esteem his 17-year-old brother Seth, a renowned cross-country runner with an upcoming scholarship at a prestigious university, pointing to a promising future. For Ice and Seth, it’s always been about the relationship “between brothers,” a friendship bond that each considers inseverable. In fact, Ice can’t picture daily life without Seth.

But Ice discovers that “between brothers” is a connection that can become frayed, even broken, when deceit, pride, and anger surface. After Ice lashes out at Seth in a fit of rage, he’s filled with guilt and shame. But though he plans to ask Seth for forgiveness the following day, the opportunity doesn’t materialize. An accident incapacitates Seth, and sends Ice and his family into a tailspin, emotionally, financially, and spiritually, as their Christian faith is tried like never before.

When the doctors give Seth a prognosis for his future that Ice can’t accept, he decides to prove the doctors wrong and enlists the help of his new friend Zurie and the occupational and physiotherapists who work with Seth.

Between Two Brothers explores themes such as bullying among adolescents and between corporations, the transformative power of friendship, the role of the Christian faith and prayer when dealing with tragedy, and the need to “always leave space for grace.”

Though recommended for children ages 8-12, the book is better suited for ages 11 and older due to its highly emotionally charged topic. (Balzer + Bray)