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mariasmusings's review against another edition
3.0
A fairly predictable bit none the less enjoyable book by Cathy Kelly. The Family Gift is a story of family politics, relationships, self-doubt, trauma and life itself.
The protoganist is a chef called Freya who is facing a number of problems - her birth mother of her beloved adopted daughter has returned and is planning on rebuilding their relationship. Or at least that seems to be the case. Meanwhile, Freya is also dealing her trauma from a serious mugging some months earlier. Add to this the complications of her elderly relatives .... well, life has become complicated for Freya and she is struggling to manage her personal life, on top of her professional obligations.
The protoganist is a chef called Freya who is facing a number of problems - her birth mother of her beloved adopted daughter has returned and is planning on rebuilding their relationship. Or at least that seems to be the case. Meanwhile, Freya is also dealing her trauma from a serious mugging some months earlier. Add to this the complications of her elderly relatives .... well, life has become complicated for Freya and she is struggling to manage her personal life, on top of her professional obligations.
novellenovels's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
camilleb83's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
steesza's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Firstly I wanted to put this book down. I didn’t like the main character at all. But while I kept reading I saw that this wasn’t her true self. She was just in a bad place and over the expanse of the book you learn the real main character. She fights her way through depression and some signs of PTSD. The longer I read the more the characters started to grow on me. She is a mother and that is the main topic of the book.
moniquemct's review against another edition
4.0
Well wasn’t this delightful!
I’ll be honest, before I read The Year of Everything, I’m not sure Cathy Kelly would’ve peaked my interest but boy am I glad I did because Kelly is a wonderful writer than pens witty and complex female characters that I would go on any journey with.
Our lead Freya is trying her best to do it all - be a wife, a mother to 3 kids, a daughter, a TV Chef and if that’s not enough, she is struggling to live a full life because of an incident that has left her fearful and hiding an array of emotions she’s not ready to deal with. When family drama arises, the story kicks into overdrive and we are taken along on what becomes an entertaining and emotional ride.
With well-rounded characters you quickly develop a fondness for, The Family Gift is a truly spectacular read that will have you laughing and reaching for the tissues.
I’ll be honest, before I read The Year of Everything, I’m not sure Cathy Kelly would’ve peaked my interest but boy am I glad I did because Kelly is a wonderful writer than pens witty and complex female characters that I would go on any journey with.
Our lead Freya is trying her best to do it all - be a wife, a mother to 3 kids, a daughter, a TV Chef and if that’s not enough, she is struggling to live a full life because of an incident that has left her fearful and hiding an array of emotions she’s not ready to deal with. When family drama arises, the story kicks into overdrive and we are taken along on what becomes an entertaining and emotional ride.
With well-rounded characters you quickly develop a fondness for, The Family Gift is a truly spectacular read that will have you laughing and reaching for the tissues.
traceyanderson's review against another edition
4.0
My first book by Cathy Kelly and I read it because it was a book club pick, and aren't I glad about that? There was so much to love about this novel that I can't even tell you. After a traumatic incident Freya finds herself struggling to cope all the while hiding her true feelings. She can't share it with her family because they all have their own drama going on and she doesn't want to add to it, but she needs help. She also has a nagging inner voice she has named Mildred, (who doesn't have a Mildred?). Through heartbreak and hilarity Freya will learn that she can't keep her pain and insecurity bottled up, she needs help. This book is perfect for anyone struggling with self doubt and the constant feeling that you need to put others before your own needs.
leona_omahony's review against another edition
2.0
Very disappointed by this book. Sadly the last few books I've read by this author were not up to the usual standard of her books. I found this book quite tedious and I found the characters to be quite annoying.
bookietracey's review against another edition
3.0
I have been a fan of Cathy Kelly’s books for a long time and have read all of them. I was slightly disappointed with this book as it wasn’t as good as some of her previous books.
The first half of the book was a struggle and didn’t really like the main character. Things did improve in the latter chapters of the book and this book does teach you some life lessons.
This book wasn’t really for me.
The first half of the book was a struggle and didn’t really like the main character. Things did improve in the latter chapters of the book and this book does teach you some life lessons.
This book wasn’t really for me.