Waiting for a Fourth

It is the 1970’s.  Unwanted by her mother, Irma adores her African-American stepfather Bobby. But when he leaves and her abusive real father comes back, Irma must contend with terrifying childhood circumstances. Her young psyche shatters and reassembles as three distinct personalities: her true self; an imaginary friend; and a child who only comes when called.  With the help of her inner companions, Irma learns to survive.

However, when Irma turns thirteen, there is new rupture in her reality.  To her horror, a violent fourth personality emerges and takes control of the body, wreaking havoc in the world. Trapped inside, Irma must take a journey through a dark inner universe in search of a way to vanquish the demon of her own rage.

A book of both shimmering light and fathomless darkness, Jacqueline Nugent’s novel is a fascinating and unsettling psychological thriller.