This Never Happened: A Novel

By Elly Summers

Book Overview

A violent crime propels a man to explore shocking truths, in this compulsively readable novel of psychological suspense. When Richard gets a late-night call informing him that his sister has murdered... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067945148X
• ISBN13: 9780679451488
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Random House
• Length: 273 Pages
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Cruising Down Denial

I didn't know when I read this book that it was based on a true story, and that the "Hayes" family really exists. What a shame. I can't imagine having to live with a family like this. But as far as a novel goes, E.W. Summers has constructed a strong narrative, told from the viewpoint of Richard Corey Hayes. He's the brother to a woman who murders her abusive husband. Claire is her name, and due to this murder, Richard spins a story of a family that would make anyone's skin crawl. Not only is one of the parents extremely abusive and sexually perverted, the other parent takes delight in watching the perversion go on. There's also a gay brother, Max, and a runaway sister, Elizabeth, and a deceased sister, Tina, who committed suicide as her means of escape. Ms. Summers moves between the present narrative into flashback episodes very smoothly, and the book has a haunting quality. I find it hard to really like any of the characters, although I wouldn't be human, if I didn't admit I felt pity for them. Even though the happy ending seems a bit contrived, and the just desserts are not meted out, at least it keeps the novel from being a real, real downer. Ms. Summers first novel demonstrates a great talent; let's hope her next novel is NOT based on any dysfunctional families. It's comparison to "Prince of Tides" is irrelevant when one considers the story is based on true facts. Michael Butts

a powerful story based on real events.

I was very moved by this novel, especially since it is based on actual true events. Richard was a close friend of mine growing up! E. W. has left many clues to those who knew the family. The parents were as strict as in the story, but their true evil was hidden from everyone. There is much talk around Waterton about this dark past. The Dr. did have a history of malpractice. I was very shocked to discover what really happened at the farm. I was at the farm on one ocassion and 37 Brookfield often. My hat goes off to E. W. for the courage to tell it!

creditable mix of action and emotion

"dysfunctional" is becoming highly overused, but the hayes family puts the "dys" in dysfunctional! held my attention from first to last line despite the lack of truly sympathetic characters. looking for her next novel.

Moving, insightful first novel

E.W. Summers' "This Never Happened" held my attention from the first page. It's another dysfunctional family tale, true. But what makes it less predictable than most is that what at first seems to be the sister's story is actually the brother's story -- a past explored and relived under difficult, time-pressured circumstances. The pain is palpable.

fast moving and most compelling

i felt the story was well written and a page turner. every family is a bit disfunctional but the hayes family story allows us the privacy of our own reading room to look deep within our own secrets and perhaps come to terms with them. hats off to ew summers. i hope more books will follow.