Author: Ellie Boatman

ISBN: 1598000586

It was Charles Dickens who stated in his famous novel Oliver Twist, “the law is an ass”, and perhaps in some cases we have to agree with him. What is even more alarming, however, is when judges are foolish when they exhibit judicial bias or abuse the broad discretionary powers granted to them within the family court system. They may even, in certain cases, look the other way when there is a question of lawyer ethics. All of this leads to a violation of the due process to which every citizen is entitled in our democratic legal system. Such a denial of justice was experienced by Ellie Boatman Conger, the main protagonist of Ellie Boatman’s first novel, Injustice Rampant.

Many authors have turned to fiction to provide a beacon of illumination in understanding the bitter struggles during dark times, and Boatman is no exception, using this genre very effectively to chronicle how the judicial system had wronged a Kentucky woman.

Set in the equestrian community of Lexington Kentucky, the novel tells the story of Ellie, who after a week-long vacation in Florida with close friends, arrives home at the airport only to receive a divorce petition from her husband Roy. This is quite surprising to a woman who believed that life could not be sweeter. After all, she had three wonderful children, a successful husband, a lovely home and farm that included several prized ponies, and the respect of the social community in her hometown.

However, all is not as it seems, and as Ellie says, “Sometimes our lives are like sleepwalking. When we finally wake up, we have no idea where we are, let alone how we got there.”

Shortly after receiving the divorce petition, Ellie finds herself embroiled in very unpleasant and expensive legal proceedings that could mean the loss of custody of her children for her husband. To further compound this dire situation, Ellie unfortunately hires a young and inexperienced lawyer, who was not too quick and consequently finds himself outmatched by the unethical tactics and devious behavior of his opponent, who uses all the tricks of the game. book to make life miserable. for Ellie. Adding a bit more drama to the narrative is the grotesque possibility of child sexual abuse being ignored by a judge, who has his own agenda, and a lazy social worker assigned to the case.

For a first-time author, Boatman shows great confidence in her storytelling abilities, though sometimes the pony show scenes wear down a bit, slowing the pace of the novel. However, this hard-hitting narrative is a turning of the page not only because of its plot, but also because of the strong message it conveys. Conger gets top marks for her clarity and richness of voice, all of which help put the reader at ease with Ellie’s anger and desperation as she battles the sometimes unfair justice system to gain custody of her children. In the end, does justice prevail?