Identity Unknown - Review

Although I primarily focus on cozy mysteries in my blog, I read and review many genres and often promote non-cozies as well. The book which I am reviewing is NOT a cozy mystery. It contains graphic violence and several triggers. If you missed it, here's a link to my interview with the author.

Review

IDENTITY UNKNOWN by Karolina Wójciak 

Krystian was part of a loving family until his mother died. His father then became an abusive alcoholic and Krystian found himself homeless at sixteen. Looking to survive, he joined a gang only to become trapped in a world of violence; committing heinous crimes while turning a blind eye to the atrocities around him. Meanwhile, Lena is a spoiled rich girl forced to come home for the summer break by her overprotective father. Keeping Lena dependent on him, he doesn't even allow her to work. Lena is determined to spread her wings and make new friends, whatever the cost. Will these two young people discover their true selves or will their lives implode?

IDENTITY UNKNOWN is a unique novel. It's two coming of age stories told from two different perspectives and starting with two different time frames. At first I found the different times confusing. I'd be with Krystian in 2006 and then with Lena in 2015. Eventually I realized why the author did this, as the time frames and the characters intersected.

Ultimately I found this book to be about self discovery. Circumstances may force you to make changes to the way you thought things would be, even changing how you behave and who you really are. How much can you tolerate before you say no, this isn't right, and make a change? It also raises a few questions: if you fall so far from grace, should you get a second chance? Will you ever be free from your past? The choices you make determine your fate, but what happens if you want to go back? Will you be able to create a new future for yourself?

IDENTITY UNKNOWN contains graphic violence and multiple trigger situations, including rape and the killing of an animal. The characters are challenging, not always likeable. Yet their stories are compelling. You want to know what happens, and what happens is a huge shock.