Tenderness

Tenderness is a gripping psychological fiction novel by Robert Cormier that dives into the dark and disturbing corners of human nature. The story follows Eric Poole, an eighteen‑year‑old recently released from juvenile detention after killing his parents, and Lori Cranston, a troubled fifteen‑year‑old girl searching for connection and affection. As their lives intersect, both characters pursue their own twisted versions of “tenderness” — for Eric this becomes a chilling blend of affection and violence, and for Lori it becomes a dangerous fixation on Eric himself. Told from alternating perspectives, the narrative examines obsession, manipulation, identity, and the search for love amid fear and trauma. Cormier’s intense and haunting storytelling keeps readers engaged with psychological suspense and moral ambiguity, exploring how vulnerable hearts can be drawn toward danger and how desperate longing can lead to tragic consequences.

Pages: 596 pages
Dimensions: 10.43 x 2.05 x 10.63 inches