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Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Facts serve as the inspiration for Rowena Kinread's The Matchstick Boy. Jakob began working in a matchstick factory at a very young age. Ramun, the manufacturing director's ten-year-old son, was always getting into trouble. Whenever Jakob saw Ramun, a negative event would occur. Before Josef arrived, Jakob led his goats into a side valley to check for stonefalls. Just before the rock avalanche that killed Josef, Jakob was positive he saw someone up the ridge. Jakob thought he saw Ramun and believed that Ramun killed Josef. Thirty years later, Jakob's deaf daughter becomes pregnant when Ramun rapes her. Jakob insists that his daughter be given justice and that Ramun take responsibility for his wrongdoings. While searching for witnesses against Ramun, Jakob uncovers a multitude of well-kept secrets among the close-knit community.
The Matchstick Boy had me hooked from the start until the end. Rowena Kinread examines several aspects of human interactions and behaviors in nineteenth-century Swiss families, workplaces, local communities, and larger society. It was an easy read, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The chapters flowed into each other, and I could not put it down; I was too afraid I would miss something. The characters were relatable and authentic. The main character, Jakob, brings complexity to the story with his unwavering pursuit of justice. I was introduced to him when he was very young and experienced his range of emotions alongside him. Both the writing and research for the story are excellent. Sensitivity was shown when examining the themes of justice, treachery, and long-kept secrets.
