This is an amazing book. It was difficult at times for me. There were places in it that I related to...too well. I took awhile to write the review because it took a toll on me. That said, I do recommend reading it. It was written well in my opinion. The author takes inside domestic violence and just how messy it can be. There are many reasons why leaving is so hard. This book lets you in on one woman's thinking and actions.
This deals with adult situations. This is one time, though, that I would say let your older teen read it and then talk with them about it. Unfortunately domestic violence is a reality. So is teen dating violence. One of the ways to change that is through knowledge and discussion. ( )

A very easy but at times disturbing read
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Mazie Baby by Julie Frayn

Mazie Reynolds is in an abusive marriage. One day she fears her husband Cullen will kill her or harm their daughter Ariel. She doesn't want to live this way anymore, and her mission is to save herself and her daughter.

A well written powerful, emotional story. We see how Mazie is treated, how she feels physically an emotionally. Sadly and devastatingly we see the physical and psychological damage that is done to Mazie, and how it affects young Ariel.

I really liked Mazie, her courage and strength, and determination to overcome a tragic life. Ariel is likable as well, and her love for her Mother is a bond no one can break. I liked the message that is told.

I strongly recommend Mazie Baby to all. A memorable, emotional read that will last for a long time. ( )

This book is not for everyone. It's a tough subject - abuse. A story similar to Sleeping with the Enemy. I didn't give it 5 stars because I felt like the author tried too hard in the first 1/2 of the book; the 2nd half was much better.

It even made me teary and blurry at the end and any book that can make me show emotion is doing something right. ( )

Sometimes the things from which we'd like not to see are the first things we should notice.

The author, Julie Frayn, gave me a copy of this novel as an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my review. Content may have changed between the copy I received and the version published.

“Mazie Baby” was an incredibly hard book to read but upon closing the cover you know you’ve read brilliance on paper. Frayn has a gift of words and the ability to write incredibly vivid prose. While usually able to separate myself in a work from the violence and abuse, I spent most of “Maize Baby” shaking and crying. Frayn’s starts the novel with the smug neighbor speaking with Maize at her mailbox noting that she is covered head to toe. There’s a moment when the police are an option. Mazie knows the anger she’ll face but knows the police can’t protect them so declines charges. The idea that this abused woman is incredibly alone resonates with the reader and when the abuser grabs their daughter and basically declares her old enough to abuse, the sense of urgency is complete. This is a woman who realizes that this is no way to live and knows there’s a better way out than death if only she can find an escape.

When they make their escape, the get away feels less like vengeance and more as a new bruise on Maize’s soul. She knows that she has to do what she must to escape and keep her daughter, Ariel, safe. Ariel has a bit of a soliloquy at the end of the novel speaking to the plight of victims of abuse who do what they must and become victims of the system. Mazie and Ariel do try to move on but the message is clear, they never will.

The authentic feeling of “Mazie Baby” cannot be faulted. Readers closing the novel will have the sense of having read something truly real and important for those of us lucky enough to have not been in this situation to hear.

"Maize Baby" is an important and brave story and Julie Frayn is an exceptionally talented writer. ( )