In an Instant , a novel by Suzanne Redfearn, is a highly suspenseful story of survival, both physically and mentally, when faced with tragedy.
When the Miller family planned a skiing trip, they never dreamed it would end in tragedy. The family of six, plus friends and a young fellow who needed a ride, were involved in a devastating accident when their car skidded in the snow and plummeted down a mountainside. Sixteen-year-old Finn Miller died instantly, her father was severely injured, and others received cuts, bumps and bruises. But as time went on, freezing temperatures, and no adequate food or water were their real enemies.
The story is told by Finn Miller, deceased but suspended between worlds. Finn watches as her family struggles to survive. Decisions have to be made, action taken, but it seems there are no good answers for the survivors. Blame is cast, regret and guilt dominate, best friends become enemies. In an instant, their lives are altered forever.
In an Instant made me wonder what I would do if faced with such tragedy, when there were no good solutions. The story, written in first-person, is a realistic view of a family in crises. The relationships between siblings is compelling, as is the drama between the adults of the involved families. I was captivated by this heartrending story about the power of love, and recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good suspenseful story.