Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

Violet is Blue by Anne Shaw Heinrich revolves around the people living in Poulson: rich and poor, givers and takers, parents and children, the dignified and the greedy. Like any other town or city, Poulson has a good side and a bad side. The Sellers family lived on the pretty, respectable side of it, while the Marks family lived on its stinky, ill-reputed side called Shakey's Half. Violet Sellers had always been a quiet, soft-spoken, and well-mannered child; however, she transformed almost overnight into an irritable teenager. Her mother, Gloria, tried to manage her behavior with love and mild scoldings. However, when Gloria and her husband, Skip, discovered Violet’s brand-new tattoo, all hell broke loose. Skip vowed to find the person who had inked his daughter and make him pay for this crime. Her parents’ outburst only motivated Violet further. She knew her mother would be furious if she associated with anyone from Shakey’s Half—which was exactly why she befriended Jules Marks. Little did she know this friendship would become her salvation.

This book has so many layers that summarizing the plot is difficult. The characters are well-written, brimming with relatable flaws, strengths, and self-doubts. Each one narrates their side of the story in the first person, making them feel as complex and contradictory as real people. Gloria’s present generosity clashes with her past cruelty toward her sister. Similarly, Skip’s admiration for Gloria’s giving nature conflicts with his desire to protect his hard-earned money. Then there’s Lee—a character who seems wild and ungrateful to her core. The author has the remarkable ability to bring words to life. Her vivid descriptions make every odor, speck of dirt, pang of pain, wave of grief, and flicker of a smile almost palpable. The story is deeply engaging and profoundly inspiring. I highly recommend Violet is Blue by Anne Shaw Heinrich.