The Ties that Bind

The lies That Bind by Electa Rome Parks New American Library, October 2004 $12.95, ISBN: 0-451-21321-1

Under the rubric of being "straight-up" and "realistic" about relationships, Parks presents us with a sordid novel about a "love" triangle.

After a whirlwind courtship Brice and Mia marry and return to North Carolina where Brice, a military man, is stationed. Mia attempts to make new friends and complete her education, but Brice lashes out against these efforts. Mia's only respite is when Brice travels for work. Enter Christian, Brice's trusted friend, to keep Mia company in his absence. Somewhere in The Ties That Bind is a story about a woman maturing and escaping an abusive relationship. The point, however, is lost in the gratuitous descriptions of sex acts and acquaintance rapes.

Donia Elizabeth Allen is a freelance writer in New York City.

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