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booksof_fern's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nerdontheloose's review against another edition
5.0
Alternating between past and present, this story is about an elderly woman who is unable to communicate following an accident and seek help from the dangers that might be following her from her past.
Utterly gripping and filled with wit, melancholy, and a deep look at domestic abuse, had me hooked and gasping for air. The domestic abuse is described in such a real and chilling way, it had me shaking in empathy and anger.
The ending is sooo good and utterly gratifying, I cannot describe in words just how much I enjoyed it. Loved the way the stories of both past and present came to an end.
I'll be on the lookout for other books by this author.
Utterly gripping and filled with wit, melancholy, and a deep look at domestic abuse, had me hooked and gasping for air. The domestic abuse is described in such a real and chilling way, it had me shaking in empathy and anger.
The ending is sooo good and utterly gratifying, I cannot describe in words just how much I enjoyed it. Loved the way the stories of both past and present came to an end.
I'll be on the lookout for other books by this author.
snorkmidden's review against another edition
4.0
Spoiler
I borrowed the audiobook from my library, so hadn't read anything about this book beforehand and really impressed!May has suffered a stroke and struggles to speak, however she's wary of a new resident in the care home - they remind her of someone from the past, but her memory isn't what it was. As May regains her strength, we find out about her past and understand why she's so worried.
This book tackles a lot of heavy subjects really well, making sure May's dry humour and wit shine through regularly.
cheryl59's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book although some of it was upsetting due to the nature of the story. I wasn't able to put it down once I started it and I certainly wasn't expecting the ending. I shall be recommending this book.
lucy3mma's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bibliotreasures's review
Thank you to HQ, NetGalley and Rosalind Stopps for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This book was not what I expected, but in a good way. Told in dual timelines, present-day May is sharp, witty, scathing and frustrated at the loss of her ability to speak and control her body after a stroke. Back in the late 70s young May is a woman living in fear who feels trapped in her life and too terrified to change it.
This is a book that is enjoyable but also hard to read as it tackles domestic and elder abuse in a raw and honest way. The isolation and hopelessness young May feels at a time when domestic abuse was even more hidden than today, and there was less help available, was distressing and made me thankful women in that position today have more options, even though that fear of leaving, self blame and hope things will improve is the same no matter what era you live in. Alain was a chilling character who was the perfect example of an abuser- controlling, nasty and vicious one moment and then apologetic, kind and loving the next. They put you in a tailspin and are so good at making you think you’re the one at fault or going crazy and the author did a fantastic job of showing this just how it is.
While we have all seen and heard of the appalling way some carers treat those in their charge it made it no less harrowing to read in this book. The lack of empathy and patience for such a vulnerable patient, the way they taunted her and dismissed her was sickening. Poor May would just be trying to point to something or communicate but they bully and belittle her saying she’s cantankerous and stuck up, and have no time to try and understand what she’s trying to convey. When May meets Bill her terror is palpable. You’re as sure as she is that there’s something menacing about him and all his actions seem to have an undercurrent of it. I kept willing her to find her voice again so she could unmask Bill and finally be treated as a real person by the staff.
I devoured this book in less than twenty-four hours. The tension is kept at a high throughout and the author communicates May’s feelings so vividly that you just want to reach into the book and embrace her while telling her she’s safe now. I was not prepared for that jaw-dropping conclusion. It shook me to the core and will stay with me for a long time. A gripping and touching read.
This book was not what I expected, but in a good way. Told in dual timelines, present-day May is sharp, witty, scathing and frustrated at the loss of her ability to speak and control her body after a stroke. Back in the late 70s young May is a woman living in fear who feels trapped in her life and too terrified to change it.
This is a book that is enjoyable but also hard to read as it tackles domestic and elder abuse in a raw and honest way. The isolation and hopelessness young May feels at a time when domestic abuse was even more hidden than today, and there was less help available, was distressing and made me thankful women in that position today have more options, even though that fear of leaving, self blame and hope things will improve is the same no matter what era you live in. Alain was a chilling character who was the perfect example of an abuser- controlling, nasty and vicious one moment and then apologetic, kind and loving the next. They put you in a tailspin and are so good at making you think you’re the one at fault or going crazy and the author did a fantastic job of showing this just how it is.
While we have all seen and heard of the appalling way some carers treat those in their charge it made it no less harrowing to read in this book. The lack of empathy and patience for such a vulnerable patient, the way they taunted her and dismissed her was sickening. Poor May would just be trying to point to something or communicate but they bully and belittle her saying she’s cantankerous and stuck up, and have no time to try and understand what she’s trying to convey. When May meets Bill her terror is palpable. You’re as sure as she is that there’s something menacing about him and all his actions seem to have an undercurrent of it. I kept willing her to find her voice again so she could unmask Bill and finally be treated as a real person by the staff.
I devoured this book in less than twenty-four hours. The tension is kept at a high throughout and the author communicates May’s feelings so vividly that you just want to reach into the book and embrace her while telling her she’s safe now. I was not prepared for that jaw-dropping conclusion. It shook me to the core and will stay with me for a long time. A gripping and touching read.
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