The Vulnerable

In The Vulnerable, Ed DeJesus crafts a suspense thriller that masterfully intertwines themes of domestic violence, societal scrutiny, and the acts of violence perpetrated by and against vulnerable individuals. The narrative centers around Dan DeCosta, whose seemingly ordinary life spirals into chaos when his estranged girlfriend, Robin O’Rourke, goes missing after a tumultuous night of events leading to a confrontation with police that lands him in the hospital with severe injuries. As Dan struggles with the fallout from his actions, including a viral social media incident portraying him as a violent individual, his family struggles to piece together the mystery of Robin's whereabouts while confronting their vulnerabilities against a backdrop of societal and personal conflicts. As law, family secrets, and a global crisis converge, Dan’s father, who is also an activist, Dick, races against time to save his son, while love and loyalty are tested in a gripping tale of survival.  

The character development is one of DeJesus's strongest skills. Dan emerges as a complex character caught between a misguided attempt to defend his home and the disastrous consequences of his actions. He is genuinely flawed, and his weakness is compounded by the forces shaping his life: his father's expectations, social pressures regarding masculinity and failure, and the isolation brought on by his predicament. His father, a climate-activist author, is a target of an extremist group, a plot point that is brilliantly explored. Robin, in her absence, represents the chaotic consequences of domestic violence and catalyzes the events that unfold. A woman stalked by her ex-boyfriend, whose mysterious disappearance creates the suspense that moves the story in unexpected directions. Each secondary character, from the police officers to family members, is well-imagined and cleverly written to augment the tension.  

Set against Lowell and Chelmsford, Massachusetts, DeJesus effectively uses these locales, hinting at the historical and social context that influences the characters' lives. The author’s vivid descriptions of the weather, particularly the hazardous winter storms, provide an apt metaphor for the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters, enhancing the tension of the unfolding drama. The central conflicts are layered and multifaceted; Dan's struggle escalates into a public spectacle, while Robin's fate remains uncertain. DeJesus effectively explores the dichotomy between perception and reality, especially in how social media distorts individuals’ narratives and the precarious nature of reputations in the public eye. The Vulnerable is compelling and incisive, deftly balancing elements of suspense with compelling social commentary. DeJesus highlights the fragility of life, the impact of violence, and the complexity of human relationships with a keen narrative voice. You won’t be able to put down this emotionally rich narrative!