The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold ***

A novel that begins with the primary character intentionally extinguishing the life of her mother who is rampantly dementiated is a tough way to start. It is almost too overwhelming to continue. Alice Sebold, the author of "These Lovely Bones", does create a magnetic curiosity by weaving the historical development of the circumstances that ultimately resulted in the murderous act of daughter on mother. Other family relationships are revealed as the daughter tragically struggles to deal with the deathly impulsivity of her act. A collage of characters including her ex-husband, her children, her deceased father, the neighbors of her parents, her best friend, and a totally abandoned sexual encouter with her best friend's son has enough attraction to maintain the curiosity and interest of the reader. However, it is not a cheerful read.