FORBIDDEN

by Tabitha Suzuma

mature young adult / dark

 

 

 

"At what point does a fly give up trying to escape through a closed window-- do its survival instincts keep it going until it is physically capable of no more, or does it eventually learn after one crash too many that there is no way out?  At what point do you decide that enough is enough?"

 

 

Forbidden is a gritty story about two teenage siblings who fall in hopeless, tragic love with each other.  It is deeply disturbing and beautifully written with strong, stand-out characters and exceptional mastery handling the shocking subject matter.  I was fascinated to find out how the author could possibly pull something like this off.  And she did, boldly refusing to shy away from any sticky aspects that needed to be told.

 

Lochan and Maya don't live like ordinary siblings.  They've been forced by their deadbeat, absentee parents to live like husband and wife.  They run an entire household and raise three young children with no assistance aside from a small bit of money they squeeze from their mother.  They are extremely mature for their young ages-- not yet eighteen-- but the maturity is accompanied by some extreme problems, mainly Lochan's paralyzing social anxiety and emotional struggle.

 

The unparalleled maturity and selflessness of these characters is so touching, and absolutely heartbreaking when compounded by their inner turmoil.  They take care of everyone around them without obtaining an ounce of happiness for themselves.  They struggle knowing that they are sick and fundamentally wrong in some way for having romantic feelings for each other.  They struggle knowing that they can never be together, but never be with anyone else either.  It was crushing.

 

These characters will be with me forever.  I was so deeply struck by them, Lochan especially, in a way I rarely am.  I've never felt more devastated by a situation, never wanted something for a character so desperately.

Lochan is an exceptional character.  Knowing the extent of the emotional battle he's fighting, it is even more extraordinary how he steps up to protect and provide for his family.  He is completely falling apart, but stays so strong for the people who need him.  He puts his family's needs first, no matter the cost to him, without dwelling on it or feeling sorry for himself.  He simply pushes through his crippling anxiety whenever necessary.  He spends his school nights cooking family dinners, helping his baby sister learn to read, waiting up for the rebellious thirteen-year-old to come home by curfew.  He's the most benevolent character I've ever read.  Maya is a lovely character as well, but Lochan is something special.

 

I know there are readers who will dismiss this book out of hand based on subject alone, but they're doing themselves a great disservice.  Obviously this book is not for everyone.  It's a tough and tragic story of two disturbed young people, however, if you're a fan of beautifully written, deeply emotional, masterful and moving stories, then this book is for you.