When Dad Killed Mom

Julius Lester’s When Dad Killed Mom (2001) tells, through two-first person narrative voices, the story of siblings, Jeremy age 12 and Jenna age 14, coping with the traumatic events of their mother’s murder at the alleged hands of their college psychologist father. In alternating chapters, the story unfolds, revealing that each sibling has insight into the possible motivation for the act. As the narrative unfolds, the siblings struggle to maintain order amidst their new lives. Grappling with the emotional, physical, sexual and social paradigms that resulted from their mother’s death and father’s imprisonment, Lester weaves a narrative that provides insight into the children’s new lived reality.

When Dad Killed Mom

Julius Lester’s When Dad Killed Mom (2001) tells, through two-first person narrative voices, the story of siblings, Jeremy age 12 and Jenna age 14, coping with the traumatic events of their mother’s murder at the alleged hands of their college psychologist father. In alternating chapters, the story unfolds, revealing that each sibling has insight into the possible motivation for the act. As the narrative unfolds, the siblings struggle to maintain order amidst their new lives. Grappling with the emotional, physical, sexual and social paradigms that resulted from their mother’s death and father’s imprisonment, Lester weaves a narrative that provides insight into the children’s new lived reality.