Sage describes the experience of waiting for Jayne’s ‘eyes to show recognition’ as the young woman lay in her hospital bed following the crash. Readers learn about Jayne’s time in rehabilitation and her burgeoning interest in writing. Sage describes the sacrifices she has made to care for her daughter, as well as the importance of supportive family members and medical personnel. The book concludes with an interview conducted with Jayne.

The author should be commended for writing about what must have been painful events with a disarming honesty. Sage never glosses over her family’s struggle. Yet, despite this, her tone is free of negativity. Sage emphasises the importance of ‘living in the present’. She remarks that ‘the future’ facing Jayne and herself may be cloaked in uncertainty, but nevertheless she is ‘unafraid’.

Given the book’s subject matter and Sage’s frankness, it may seem trivial (or perhaps unkind) to criticise lines such as the following: ‘Time shuts down and the world becomes unbearably still.’ These lines are few in number, and they are undeniably heartfelt, but they also veer close to cliché.

Affirm Press claims to publish ‘books that leave a positive impression’. A Flower Between the Cracks provides a positive and moving perspective on family bonds and personal strength.