Maggie Lynch’s The Power of S.A.D. is a deeply moving story about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The novel follows Akna, an eleven-year-old girl who takes on the role of caretaker for her younger sisters when their mother, struggling with addiction and mental illness, disappears for days or weeks at a time. Set against a backdrop of hardship, Akna’s journey is one of finding strength in pain, guided by the wisdom of her late grandfather, Tata. Through her eyes, we witness the power of stories, identity, and the will to endure even the darkest moments.

Lynch’s writing is gripping, pulling you into Akna’s world from the very first page. The novel opens with a gut punch, with Akna lying to nosy neighbors about her mother’s absence, who are already accustomed to covering for her. It’s a heartbreaking introduction and the way Lynch paints the scene feels raw and immediate. One of the most powerful aspects of this book is how it refuses to sugarcoat reality. Akna’s struggles feel painfully real, especially in the way she juggles fear, responsibility, and the aching need for stability. The scene where she fakes Christmas for her sisters, placing an orange in each stocking, is particularly gut-wrenching. Lynch doesn’t just tell us Akna is strong she shows us, over and over again, in moments both big and small.

One of the novel’s most compelling elements is its use of cultural heritage. Tata’s lessons about their K’iche’ ancestry and the significance of the Tzuultaqʼa’ gods add a layer of richness to Akna’s journey. These teachings become her guiding force, helping her navigate an unpredictable world. Her conversations with Tata, even after his death, offer some of the book’s most emotional moments. The flashback where he teaches her about the power of S.A.D. (Strength And Determination) is unforgettable. His belief in the unseen whether it be gods, ancestors, or the deep strength within oneself contrasts sharply with her mother’s painful rejection of their heritage. It’s a battle between remembering and erasing, and Akna is caught in the middle.

If there’s one thing that makes this book so devastatingly effective, it’s the emotional weight of Akna’s sacrifices. The moment her mother tells her she’s going to rehab and that Akna and her sisters will be placed in foster care feels like the final blow. It’s not just that she’s being taken away from everything familiar it’s the way she has to stay strong for her sisters while her own heart is breaking. Her silent goodbyes, her final desperate attempt to find a way to keep them together, her struggle to believe that things will be okay. Lynch captures the quiet devastation of being a child forced to grow up too fast with an honesty that lingers long after the final page.

The Power of S.A.D. is a book that will stay with you. It’s not just a story about hardship, it’s a story about resilience, about finding strength even when the world seems determined to break you. I would highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate emotionally intense, character-driven narratives. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to be moved, to feel something real, and to be reminded of the quiet power of survival.

Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0CZJN7HYM