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portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
Kate and Georgie's mother Jan is growing increasingly more confused and it is clear that she has some form of early onset dementia. Jan was an incredibly protective mother who rarely let her daughters go anywhere without her other than school. Her husband died when before Georgie was born. Georgie feels sad that her mother did not seem to have opportunities in life and is determined that she will. She has never travelled abroad and realises that she doesn't have her birth certificate which she will need to apply for a passport. It is when she goes searching in her mother's attic that she discovers something which will turn her world upside down.
This was a book which I read with my sympathies ever changing. At first, I was of course completely understanding of how Georgie was feeling particularly when what she discovered became even more shocking. But then I often felt irritated with her too because of they way she then treated her family, especially her sister Kate. Her part of the story was particularly compelling and the focus is most certainly on her throughout. Similarly, I felt sorry for Jan to begin with then felt angry when it becomes clear what she has been hiding. Further revelations provoked more sympathy but only to a certain degree.
The parts of the book where we go back and learn about what was happening with Jan in the 1970s when she met and married Ray were also intriguing. The reader may well guess partly what has happened but it does not diminish the enjoyment of the story. The author captured the atmosphere of the 1970s really well I felt, particularly with all the musical references. It was a bit of a trip down memory lane! Going back to find out Jan's story really fleshed out the story and with the addition of another character's account, the reader has a clearer idea of what led up to the events hidden for so long. I won't mention who the other character is as that might give too much away, but I half-expected something different to have happened to them.
A poignant story where there was much sadness, loss and grief, I felt there was also some hope at the end of the book. The Mother's Secret is a very readable story of secrets and lies, the way the effects rippled through the years and affected so many people.
This was a book which I read with my sympathies ever changing. At first, I was of course completely understanding of how Georgie was feeling particularly when what she discovered became even more shocking. But then I often felt irritated with her too because of they way she then treated her family, especially her sister Kate. Her part of the story was particularly compelling and the focus is most certainly on her throughout. Similarly, I felt sorry for Jan to begin with then felt angry when it becomes clear what she has been hiding. Further revelations provoked more sympathy but only to a certain degree.
The parts of the book where we go back and learn about what was happening with Jan in the 1970s when she met and married Ray were also intriguing. The reader may well guess partly what has happened but it does not diminish the enjoyment of the story. The author captured the atmosphere of the 1970s really well I felt, particularly with all the musical references. It was a bit of a trip down memory lane! Going back to find out Jan's story really fleshed out the story and with the addition of another character's account, the reader has a clearer idea of what led up to the events hidden for so long. I won't mention who the other character is as that might give too much away, but I half-expected something different to have happened to them.
A poignant story where there was much sadness, loss and grief, I felt there was also some hope at the end of the book. The Mother's Secret is a very readable story of secrets and lies, the way the effects rippled through the years and affected so many people.
lovelydovely's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book was very repetitive and annoying at times but i actually didn't see the plottwist coming so about 3-4 Stars
xanabertolo's review against another edition
3.0
Apesar de ter gostado do livro, a expectativa que tinha nele não abonou a favor.
Uma história simples, que me manteve sempre interessada, pecou por não me conseguir fazer afeiçoar à personagem.
Uma história simples, que me manteve sempre interessada, pecou por não me conseguir fazer afeiçoar à personagem.
janpd24's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. An intriguing premise, but quite disappointing in the end. Hunting for her birth certificate, Georgies stumbles upon a family secret that threatens to rip her family apart, especially her relationship with a sister she is very close to. Meanwhile, their mother's failing health and her creeping dementia adds and extra layer of complexity.
I felt that this could have been a tight and suspenseful story had it been structured differently. As it stands, the "mystery" is solved very early on and the narration is rather flat. The same incidents being repeated from different people's perspectives doesn't add to reading enjoyment either.
(Review copy received from NetGalley.)
I felt that this could have been a tight and suspenseful story had it been structured differently. As it stands, the "mystery" is solved very early on and the narration is rather flat. The same incidents being repeated from different people's perspectives doesn't add to reading enjoyment either.
(Review copy received from NetGalley.)
booklady72's review
3.0
This is the second book I have read by this Author. The story started well, Georgie looks for her birth certificate and while looking in her mothers loft she stumbles across some information which changes everything about her life. From here on the story seems rushed. I felt the parts of the story could have been extended a bit more along with some other characters that were in the book.
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