Nevertheless, we're surprised to find ourselves recommending the new novel One Foot Wrong by Sofie Laguna, an Australian actress and children's book author who has written a powerful first literary novel for adults tackling this very subject.
This is the story of Hester Wakefield, a child imprisoned in her home by her hellbent religious parents. Her extreme isolation has prevented her from having friends or enjoying nature. She comprehends daily situations based on the information she has received from her sole possession, an illustrated children's bible. Her day is occupied with daily chores and talking to her friends Cat, Door, Handle, Broom and Tree.
Hester is reminded regularly by her mother that she was a mistake and that she has caused her great suffering. This suffering never seems to stop her from inventing excruciating new forms of punishment for Hester when she has committed such sins as not being able to answer a question. Hester's father secretly gives her paper and a pencil to draw with, although his veil of kindness merely covers unspeakable sins.
Liberation comes to Hester in the form of a yellow chariot full of children, which leads her to a new salvation called "school." School for Hester is a series of adventures which forever change the way she understands her life. It is also where she meets her first real friend.
Like a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Cormac McCarthy's Child of God, this dark novel is gut-wrenching, tragic, and at times emotionally hard to read, yet Laguna finds beauty hidden in the torment and is incredibly adept at showing misfortune as a path toward enlightenment and transformation. This is not a book for every reader, but anyone who enjoys the challenge of confrontational literature will discover a haunting voice and a unique story that won't soon be forgotten.
