You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Life is full of challenges. Families are complicated. Some of us cling onto the past, believing it to hold the secrets to our future, to happiness and to success. But how much of what we remember is actually the truth?
As children, we see the world differently. Yet children often understand more than adults give them credit for. In The Garnett Girls, three sisters are navigating adult life, each affected differently by a less than perfect childhood.
Moore has perfectly captured the sibling dynamic; no matter how close you are when you’re young, there will always be a sense of competition. Yet when it matters, this is replaced by fierce loyalty. The sisters are very interesting characters: Rachel the smart, sensible eldest who tries to please everyone; Imogen the middle child, who is torn between doing what she wants and what she knows her mother wants; and Sasha, the youngest, who refuses to face up to reality and cannot really remember the time when Margo was in bed.
Their similarities and differences cause clashes whenever they meet and yet the bond between them is a joy to read about. As the eldest of three siblings, the parallels between the Garnetts and my own family are strong, making Moore’s story extremely relatable.
Each character has their own personal struggle, but although many sensitive subjects are tackled, none feels glorified or overdone. As the story progresses and we understand more about why the girls’ parents’ relationship broke down, we see multiple domestic tragedies unfold. Rather than focus on the events themselves, Moore considers the emotions and effects of gaslighting, adultery, depression and others, but all are handled well and readers will no doubt relate to one character in particular. Whilst I could see myself in Rachel, there were elements of Imogen that also resonated and I found her story the most interesting.
Margo on the other hand is a law unto herself. She is perhaps who many of us long to be when we ‘grow up’ – carefree, fun and a renowned social butterfly. Yet, as we get to know the family, we see how Richard’s departure changed her as a person. The ending may not provide complete resolution, but what we do have is hope and self-acceptance.
The setting of the Isle of Wight is less prominent than I expected, but does increase the sense of isolation felt by some of the characters. Not quite a character in itself, its people and community really add to the vibrancy of the family’s past and the stifling atmosphere of the present.
Overall this is a well-written, well-observed novel with heart, looking at the ups and downs of family, belonging and the nostalgia. A beautiful debut that will not be easily forgotten.
As children, we see the world differently. Yet children often understand more than adults give them credit for. In The Garnett Girls, three sisters are navigating adult life, each affected differently by a less than perfect childhood.
Moore has perfectly captured the sibling dynamic; no matter how close you are when you’re young, there will always be a sense of competition. Yet when it matters, this is replaced by fierce loyalty. The sisters are very interesting characters: Rachel the smart, sensible eldest who tries to please everyone; Imogen the middle child, who is torn between doing what she wants and what she knows her mother wants; and Sasha, the youngest, who refuses to face up to reality and cannot really remember the time when Margo was in bed.
Their similarities and differences cause clashes whenever they meet and yet the bond between them is a joy to read about. As the eldest of three siblings, the parallels between the Garnetts and my own family are strong, making Moore’s story extremely relatable.
Each character has their own personal struggle, but although many sensitive subjects are tackled, none feels glorified or overdone. As the story progresses and we understand more about why the girls’ parents’ relationship broke down, we see multiple domestic tragedies unfold. Rather than focus on the events themselves, Moore considers the emotions and effects of gaslighting, adultery, depression and others, but all are handled well and readers will no doubt relate to one character in particular. Whilst I could see myself in Rachel, there were elements of Imogen that also resonated and I found her story the most interesting.
Margo on the other hand is a law unto herself. She is perhaps who many of us long to be when we ‘grow up’ – carefree, fun and a renowned social butterfly. Yet, as we get to know the family, we see how Richard’s departure changed her as a person. The ending may not provide complete resolution, but what we do have is hope and self-acceptance.
The setting of the Isle of Wight is less prominent than I expected, but does increase the sense of isolation felt by some of the characters. Not quite a character in itself, its people and community really add to the vibrancy of the family’s past and the stifling atmosphere of the present.
Overall this is a well-written, well-observed novel with heart, looking at the ups and downs of family, belonging and the nostalgia. A beautiful debut that will not be easily forgotten.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a fantastic debut novel. An enthralling family drama full of love, lies, secrets and scandal. The writing was wonderful, very smart and classy and so engaging I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the sense of place, the beautiful descriptions of life at Sandcove house and the beaches of the Isle of Wight. The parties, the food, the cocktails! I spend a lot of time by the sea so I found it really atmospheric and evocative.
I loved the Garnett women, the different generations, the surprising characters and the bond between them; I read this a month ago and I’m still thinking about them.
If you enjoyed the paper palace you’ll love this. It’s the perfect beach read!
P.S. I definitely want an invite to one of their parties!
I loved the sense of place, the beautiful descriptions of life at Sandcove house and the beaches of the Isle of Wight. The parties, the food, the cocktails! I spend a lot of time by the sea so I found it really atmospheric and evocative.
I loved the Garnett women, the different generations, the surprising characters and the bond between them; I read this a month ago and I’m still thinking about them.
If you enjoyed the paper palace you’ll love this. It’s the perfect beach read!
P.S. I definitely want an invite to one of their parties!
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse