Published April 16, 2012
Jonas Pike is a twelve year old boy who was born with a facial disfigurement. He befriends an old, fallen-from-grace preacher, but their friendship is threatened when the boy's mother finds out he is the same preacher who swindled her parents out of their life savings. Matters are complicated even further when the boy's drunken step-father, suspects her of having an affair with the old man, and he vows revenge. A tragedy about forgiveness and faith, accusation and doubt, the mundane and the miraculous, Pain's Joke examines the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. (Goodreads)
Rating: 3 stars
The reader can not help but fall in love with Jonas. A product of a traumatic experience and raised by a mother that is only trying to do right, despite her drunk of a husband.
Rev. Chambers, the only known friend to Jonas was a character that I would like to have seen developed further. There is a secret of distrust that the reader is left wondering about.
I foresee a sequel to this novella, unfolding the secrets, deceptions and lies that are held by the Reverend and upheld by Jonas' mother.
I think Mr. Hunter did a great job introducing the characters. My only want was to see more of an unveiling in this edition. I was left wanting more...which does work to his advantage for a sequel.
Mr. Hunter...don't leave me waiting long. I can't wait to see what happens with Jonas, Delores and Paul, the drunk.
