Examining the inner struggle of identity
“Pretending to be Erica”
by Michelle Painchaud
Plot: Ever since Violet was adopted by Sal at the early age of 5, she has been raised to one day become Erica Silverman, a child that went missing and would be around the same age as Violet. After 12 years of living and breathing, Erica Silverman and after a forged DNA test and numerous plastic surgeries, Sal deems Violet ready to become Erica at the age of 17.
Erica, a perfect heiress, disappeared at the age of 4, and the Silverman family has been searching for their missing daughter ever since. The community is eerily captivated with the Silverman’s story and remains hopeful and fascinated in the missing girl’s case.
Erica’s disappearance caused Mr. Silverman to be placed in a mental hospital, and Mrs. Silverman stays home in hopes of keeping a similar routine in case Erica returns. It has not helped the family that two other fake Ericas have shown up over the years, but Violet has been groomed for this role and trained by a con artist “father” since she was adopted several years ago.
If Violet and Sal can get their hands on a coveted painting in the Silverman’s home – a valuable historical masterpiece that is locked in a hidden safe inside the home – Violet and Sal will be set for life with over $60 million dollars. They can retire from petty crimes and live a life of luxury.
Why would you recommend this book: Yes, I absolutely loved the idea of the dual protagonist. Violet and Erica are two very separate characters yet one in the same. Violet is bold, perceptive, sassy and a con-artist. Erica is the sweet, intelligent girl who aims to please everyone. I love the inner dialogue between the two, Violet and Erica. I couldn’t put this book down because I couldn’t wait to read what
Violet wanted to say and do versus what Erica was actually able to say or do. Violet narrates the story and frequently refers to herself in the third person, sometimes depicting the two personas as struggling for control of her body.
It’s such a fascinating dynamic of the novel.
Violet’s inner struggle with right vs. wrong was something that my heart longed for her to figure out. Knowing that she was adopted by a conman for this very purpose broke my heart. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live your whole life preparing to be someone else. All Violet wanted was to be loved and a part of a family, and even though it was through a very cruel con, she does become a part of something greater even if it is a lie.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys suspense and enjoys a novel that defies all predictable clichés.
That moment you were on the edge of your seat: This entire book had me on the edge of my seat, and I admit that it was a quick read that I don’t remember putting down until it was over. I simply could not look away. While I don’t want to give the ending away, it certainly was not what I saw coming. The good/bad protagonist is so twisted yet beautiful, and I couldn’t help love but hate Violet.
Lasting impressions: Just whoa! I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to see more from this author. This book had me thinking about how much we are a product of our environment and how much we are a product of our heritage. I was captivated by this book and am eagerly awaiting this author’s next book.
What are you reading next?
“The Six” by Mark Alpert
Brittney Trahan is a teacher at Caddo Middle Magnet.
