Just Benny is a story of reconciliation, and how the power of love can break in to repair brokenness, especially in relationships. Initially the characters discover love in their own strength, then later on the main character finds a deeper reconciliation driven by relationship with Jesus.
The story is of a boy called Benny, who suffers from epilepsy. He is endlessly protected by his mother, who stifles him with love. His father is disappointed by him, unable to bring himself to accept him or his illness. His sister is the glue who seems to hold them together, despite the impact he has had on her own childhood. And then at school he is an easy target for the bullies, especially when his seizures offer them so much easy ammunition.
Benny has zero self-esteem, immense insecurities and he and all those around him define him by his illness. He sees himself as being wholly unlovable.
But Benny finds strength to persist, perhaps reflecting the in-built urge to find love that is in us all. He finds a way to repair the relationship with his father who ultimately also digs deep to come to terms with the situation. Benny also finds strength and becomes the catalyst in repairing the relationships between his friends and their families, especially through his friendship with an older teenage girl who despises her own difficult circumstances. His developing love for her and her baby daughter is heart-warming to see, and brings healing to her.
It is also a story of innocent romance, with these two seemingly mis-matched characters becoming close, initially due to them both being rejected by their own families. They find that care for each other is so valuable and it grows into a genuine love.
In the end, Benny discovers the joy of faith through relationship and genuine care from a Christian friend. In a Christian community he finds a level of kindness that he has not found elsewhere. Ultimately the love of God becomes a fulfilling reality.
It is a charming read, drawing the reader in to the characters, exposing their flaws which will be relatable to many, and showing how there is always hope.
Just Benny, by Alex Banwell, is available here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was under no pressure to provide a favourable review.
