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thegeekybibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
Books with child abuse as the foundation of the story are difficult to read; paradoxically, they are also the books that are tough to stop reading, because you feel compelled to keep going “just a little longer” before calling it a night. (In the wee hours of the morning, of course!) Such was my dilemma as I read Dear Mother.
It was painful to read about the suffering of the sisters when they were children, and to see the consequences the abuse had on their lives as adults. Fictional characters or not, it was an emotional wallop each time one of the sisters had a memory of their mother’s cruelty. On the flip-side, whenever something good happened for one of the characters, I felt ridiculously happy for them.
I’ve read many novels where the character(s) struggled to deal with the effects of an abusive childhood, and in my opinion, Marsons’ Dear Mother is one of the best I’ve read. Her writing is excellent throughout; the ebb and flow of the story’s intensity is wonderfully done in such a way that the reader is kept enthralled and reluctant to set the book aside for any reason. Your heart will break, but there are also moments when it will sing.
This is the first book I’ve read by Angela Marsons, but I’m planning on reading more of her work in the future. The next read may very well put me through the emotional wringer as this one did… but I’m pretty sure it will be worth it!
Books with child abuse as the foundation of the story are difficult to read; paradoxically, they are also the books that are tough to stop reading, because you feel compelled to keep going “just a little longer” before calling it a night. (In the wee hours of the morning, of course!) Such was my dilemma as I read Dear Mother.
It was painful to read about the suffering of the sisters when they were children, and to see the consequences the abuse had on their lives as adults. Fictional characters or not, it was an emotional wallop each time one of the sisters had a memory of their mother’s cruelty. On the flip-side, whenever something good happened for one of the characters, I felt ridiculously happy for them.
I’ve read many novels where the character(s) struggled to deal with the effects of an abusive childhood, and in my opinion, Marsons’ Dear Mother is one of the best I’ve read. Her writing is excellent throughout; the ebb and flow of the story’s intensity is wonderfully done in such a way that the reader is kept enthralled and reluctant to set the book aside for any reason. Your heart will break, but there are also moments when it will sing.
This is the first book I’ve read by Angela Marsons, but I’m planning on reading more of her work in the future. The next read may very well put me through the emotional wringer as this one did… but I’m pretty sure it will be worth it!
busyreading's review against another edition
4.0
Sisters, Beth, Catherine and Alex hadn't spoken to one another in years, but they all carried the mental scars from their childhood. The one person who should've cared and loved them when they were kids was their mother, but she was nothing more than a horrible, mean and cruel woman.
Beth had to contact Catherine and Alex to let them know that their mother had passed away. How would Catherine and Alex react to the news of their mother's passing? Will this be a time for the sisters to reunite and come to terms with their past or are the scars too deep to be able to move forward from their past?
What a brilliantly written book this was. Sad, heart wrenching story about child abuse that will pull at your heartstrings without a doubt. Highly recommended.
Beth had to contact Catherine and Alex to let them know that their mother had passed away. How would Catherine and Alex react to the news of their mother's passing? Will this be a time for the sisters to reunite and come to terms with their past or are the scars too deep to be able to move forward from their past?
What a brilliantly written book this was. Sad, heart wrenching story about child abuse that will pull at your heartstrings without a doubt. Highly recommended.
marceelf's review against another edition
4.0
http://www.anurseandabook.com/2016/09/dear-mother-by-angela-marsons.html?m=1
What I Say....So, so good. So, so raw. Three sisters, fully grown now and not close anymore after a horribly dysfunctional childhood. The abuse that they suffered at the hands of their mother has affected each of them in very different ways.
Catherine has married and had two children that she is terrified of becoming close to, unconsciously repeating some of her mothers behaviors without any conscious knowledge of her part. Successful in career, failing at her family.
Alex is an alcoholic, she's lost her partner because of her drinking and promiscuity. And Beth has blocked everything out, having stayed and cared for their mother until her death.
As they slowly try to reconnect with each other and make their peace with the death of their tormentor, they realize exactly how damaged they all are, and they have to decide whether they want to do the hard work of getting better.
My one complaint - why is the long suffering, perfect sister always called Beth. It's so Little Women.
This wasn't an easy book to read, but it was a riveting book to read.
Current Goodreads Rating 4.41
What I Say....So, so good. So, so raw. Three sisters, fully grown now and not close anymore after a horribly dysfunctional childhood. The abuse that they suffered at the hands of their mother has affected each of them in very different ways.
Catherine has married and had two children that she is terrified of becoming close to, unconsciously repeating some of her mothers behaviors without any conscious knowledge of her part. Successful in career, failing at her family.
Alex is an alcoholic, she's lost her partner because of her drinking and promiscuity. And Beth has blocked everything out, having stayed and cared for their mother until her death.
As they slowly try to reconnect with each other and make their peace with the death of their tormentor, they realize exactly how damaged they all are, and they have to decide whether they want to do the hard work of getting better.
My one complaint - why is the long suffering, perfect sister always called Beth. It's so Little Women.
This wasn't an easy book to read, but it was a riveting book to read.
Current Goodreads Rating 4.41
elvang's review against another edition
4.0
Dear Mother is a rerelease of a novel formerly published as The Middle Sister. It deals with child abuse and the lingering effects this cruelty has on the adult lives of the abused. Marsons does not hold back on graphic details so a trigger warning should be included if you are unable to deal with a story of this nature. That said this is a well done and important read which emphasizes the need for education so those who suffer at the hands of a violent parent are not left to fend for themselves.
Catherine has achieved all of her childhood dreams. She has a beautiful home, a loving husband, a great job and two beautiful twin six year old daughters. She is juggling career and home life the best way she knows how but it isn't enough. Underlying anxiety clouds her decisions. She has trouble holding her temper with her rambunctious daughter Jess and work pressure is eating into her family time with Tim and the girls.
Alex's life revolves around her shifts at the bar and the one night stands she brings home to her flat. She clings to her one remaining friend and co-worker Jay and tries not to think about her broken relationship with the love of her life, Nikki. She is unapologetic and fearless. She also has a drinking problem. When she receives a call from her sister Beth that her mother has died her response is a curt “Thank God the bitch is dead.”
Marsons brings readers to the Black Country and the aching poverty found in this once industrial region of England. This setting adds to the sense of hopeless resignation seen in the memories of these three sisters as they gather at the home of their youth following the death of their mother. Beth has remained in the family home caring for their mother and has blocked most of the childhood abuse endured by the sisters.
I was impressed with how effective this story deals with issues surrounding child abuse and its effect on the human psyche. There are dark moments portrayed but there is also an underlying sense of hope. Find the proper therapist, recognize that your behaviour and choices made as an adult have roots in your past and learn to love and accept the person you have become.
I wasn't a big fan of the ending but I still thoroughly enjoyed this read.
ARC received with thanks from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.
Catherine has achieved all of her childhood dreams. She has a beautiful home, a loving husband, a great job and two beautiful twin six year old daughters. She is juggling career and home life the best way she knows how but it isn't enough. Underlying anxiety clouds her decisions. She has trouble holding her temper with her rambunctious daughter Jess and work pressure is eating into her family time with Tim and the girls.
Alex's life revolves around her shifts at the bar and the one night stands she brings home to her flat. She clings to her one remaining friend and co-worker Jay and tries not to think about her broken relationship with the love of her life, Nikki. She is unapologetic and fearless. She also has a drinking problem. When she receives a call from her sister Beth that her mother has died her response is a curt “Thank God the bitch is dead.”
Marsons brings readers to the Black Country and the aching poverty found in this once industrial region of England. This setting adds to the sense of hopeless resignation seen in the memories of these three sisters as they gather at the home of their youth following the death of their mother. Beth has remained in the family home caring for their mother and has blocked most of the childhood abuse endured by the sisters.
I was impressed with how effective this story deals with issues surrounding child abuse and its effect on the human psyche. There are dark moments portrayed but there is also an underlying sense of hope. Find the proper therapist, recognize that your behaviour and choices made as an adult have roots in your past and learn to love and accept the person you have become.
I wasn't a big fan of the ending but I still thoroughly enjoyed this read.
ARC received with thanks from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.
bryonyreadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Such a heartwarming book. It made me so emotional throughout and I absolutely loved the characters, their different personalities and their developments. I would definitely recommend it.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
nevergiveyoupeaceswift's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this novel. There were some parts that was difficult to read. But I loved everything about it. The characters were well written.
leona_omahony's review against another edition
4.0
This has been on my kindle a few years and I must confess to have completely forgotten about it. I’m a massive fan of the DI Kim Stone series also by Ms.Marsons. This book however was a total different genre. It tells the story of 3 sisters who were both physically and mentally abused by their mother as they were growing up. After the mother dies they try to bond again and we learn how they have each been affected by their childhood. A sad book but very well written with good solid characters.
kunger129's review against another edition
3.0
This story is by no means "enjoyable," but it was an interesting read. Three adult sisters are estranged after their horrific childhood until the death of their abusive mother brings them back together. Each sister is dealing with the childhood terrors in her own way. Catherine has everything she ever wanted: a great job, a wonderful husband, a beautiful house, and twin daughters, but she still isn't happy. She's very distant from her children, and she can't figure out why. Alex has pushed away the only woman she ever loved, she's alone except for her best friend, Jay, and she's drinking all the time to avoid feeling anything. Beth is living in denial, acting if their mother was a wonderful woman, and she's cut herself off from the world.
While rather slow moving, this book chronicles the events that lead Catherine, the oldest, and Alex, the youngest, to finally seek help. It's an interesting character-driven novel, and the psychology made it an intriguing read for me. While it's wasn't entirely believable, the journeys these women took and the ways they helped each other out made for a compelling read.
The story takes place in England, and it's written in 3rd person with chapters alternating between Catherine's and Alex's points of view. One chapter in particular includes a fairly graphic scene.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/08/book-review-dear-mother.html
While rather slow moving, this book chronicles the events that lead Catherine, the oldest, and Alex, the youngest, to finally seek help. It's an interesting character-driven novel, and the psychology made it an intriguing read for me. While it's wasn't entirely believable, the journeys these women took and the ways they helped each other out made for a compelling read.
The story takes place in England, and it's written in 3rd person with chapters alternating between Catherine's and Alex's points of view. One chapter in particular includes a fairly graphic scene.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/08/book-review-dear-mother.html
bryonyf96's review against another edition
5.0
Such a heartwarming book. It made me so emotional throughout and I absolutely loved the characters, their different personalities and their developments. I would definitely recommend it.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
fictionophile's review against another edition
4.0
I've been hearing about Angela Marsons frequently via reviews written by my fellow bookbloggers so I thought it was high time I gave her novels a try. The author is renown for her psychological crime thrillers and I assumed this was one of those when I requested the novel from NetGalley - solely on the basis of her reputation. Low and behold this is NOT a thriller, but I thoroughly enjoyed it just the same. Perhaps I shouldn't say enjoyed. The subject matter was so dire and disturbing that to say I enjoyed it would make me sound rather sadistic.
This is a well rendered, acutely observed portrayal of the lingering consequences on three sisters of a childhood filled with both physical and emotional abuse. The book begins when the perpetrator of the abuse dies, bringing the three estranged sisters together after many years of little or no contact.
Catherine, the eldest sister, is married to a man she dearly loves and is the mother to twin daughters. She has a time-consuming, high-pressure career. The abuse she and her sisters experienced growing up has marred her psyche indelibly. She never really bonded with her little daughters and is afraid that she doesn't know how to love them. She is riddled with guilt for abandoning her sisters when she left home. Her childhood memories impact every aspect of her life. When her life implodes, she seeks psychiatric therapy.
Alex, the youngest daughter is an alcoholic whose life is spiraling out of control. Her first thought when she heard of her mother's death?
"Thank God the bitch is dead"
Alex believes herself to be unworthy of affection so she sabotaged her relationship with the love of her life. Now she lives alone. She hits 'rock bottom' when her drinking results in the loss of her job and all of her friends. She alienates those she loves with her brazen bitterness.
Beth, the middle daughter, has stayed in the home with the mother right up until the mother's death. Beth never married, or, it would seem, even had any relationships. Her memories are completely repressed. She seems completely in denial as to the trauma inflicted upon her in her childhood. She was the most physically damaged as a result of the abuse, yet she stayed to nurse her mother after her mother's stroke.
The 'mother' in this novel is incredibly evil. One wonders what HER childhood was like. The three sisters are reunited after their mother's death. The reunion sparks change in all of their lives. The book explores the far-reaching damage that can be inflicted by parents upon their children. It is very difficult to read at times, but the realistic ending will leave the reader feeling satisfied.
I guess I'd categorize this book as women's fiction, but it somehow seems more... yet it is not of literary fiction caliber.
I'd like to give the author's crime thrillers a try as well because I enjoyed her writing style.
This is a well rendered, acutely observed portrayal of the lingering consequences on three sisters of a childhood filled with both physical and emotional abuse. The book begins when the perpetrator of the abuse dies, bringing the three estranged sisters together after many years of little or no contact.
Catherine, the eldest sister, is married to a man she dearly loves and is the mother to twin daughters. She has a time-consuming, high-pressure career. The abuse she and her sisters experienced growing up has marred her psyche indelibly. She never really bonded with her little daughters and is afraid that she doesn't know how to love them. She is riddled with guilt for abandoning her sisters when she left home. Her childhood memories impact every aspect of her life. When her life implodes, she seeks psychiatric therapy.
Alex, the youngest daughter is an alcoholic whose life is spiraling out of control. Her first thought when she heard of her mother's death?
"Thank God the bitch is dead"
Alex believes herself to be unworthy of affection so she sabotaged her relationship with the love of her life. Now she lives alone. She hits 'rock bottom' when her drinking results in the loss of her job and all of her friends. She alienates those she loves with her brazen bitterness.
Beth, the middle daughter, has stayed in the home with the mother right up until the mother's death. Beth never married, or, it would seem, even had any relationships. Her memories are completely repressed. She seems completely in denial as to the trauma inflicted upon her in her childhood. She was the most physically damaged as a result of the abuse, yet she stayed to nurse her mother after her mother's stroke.
The 'mother' in this novel is incredibly evil. One wonders what HER childhood was like. The three sisters are reunited after their mother's death. The reunion sparks change in all of their lives. The book explores the far-reaching damage that can be inflicted by parents upon their children. It is very difficult to read at times, but the realistic ending will leave the reader feeling satisfied.
I guess I'd categorize this book as women's fiction, but it somehow seems more... yet it is not of literary fiction caliber.
I'd like to give the author's crime thrillers a try as well because I enjoyed her writing style.
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