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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A well read audio book but not overly exciting and with an end that felt very flat to me.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book left me with a huge smile on face, but it didn’t start that way as it’s quite dark and sad in places.
The story was told from Lucy’s point of view, as she comes to terms with life living with her elderly parents, following the sudden ending of her marriage. I loved Lucy, such a lovely warm person, who didn’t deserve what life had thrown at her. The plot took me through a myriad of emotions, learning about her life with her husband Michael and their two grown-up children Imo and Ned.
There were some very colourful characters in this book, particularly Lucy’s parents and their friends, aka drinking buddies. Her sister Helena and her twin girls, also made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions! 😀
I haven’t read a Catherine Alliot novel in years and this reminded me how much I enjoy her books and really must read more of her back catalogue.
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy family dramas that make you laugh, but also don’t shy away from the dark side of life.
The story was told from Lucy’s point of view, as she comes to terms with life living with her elderly parents, following the sudden ending of her marriage. I loved Lucy, such a lovely warm person, who didn’t deserve what life had thrown at her. The plot took me through a myriad of emotions, learning about her life with her husband Michael and their two grown-up children Imo and Ned.
There were some very colourful characters in this book, particularly Lucy’s parents and their friends, aka drinking buddies. Her sister Helena and her twin girls, also made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions! 😀
I haven’t read a Catherine Alliot novel in years and this reminded me how much I enjoy her books and really must read more of her back catalogue.
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy family dramas that make you laugh, but also don’t shy away from the dark side of life.
3 and 1/2. I love Catherine Alliott’s scatty, middle-aged heroines and generational comedies. Each book usually has a darker twist or devastating moment and sometimes it startles me out of the story. This time, that moment was right at the start and I had trouble getting a feel for the tone - my problem I think.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Lucy Palmer had it all. A successful career writing cosy mysteries, a theatre-critic husband, a large house in a desirable area of London and two well-adjusted children. But behind the facade lies something sinister, jealousy, controlling behaviour, multiple affairs, psychological abuse, threats and fear.
Lucy's 80+ parents are no longer coping alone, drinking too much and not looking after themselves properly, something needs to be done.
Then Lucy's husband Michael dies suddenly and everything changes.
I fear I have made this sound gloomy, and it really isn't. Sure, some glimpses into Lucy's life feel a little close to the bone, but despite everything Lucy has a loving sister, parents, children, and friends. Her husband and his snobby friends might have looked down on her novels but they paid the bills on the house Michael bought with an inheritance.
I really enjoyed this, I didn't realise I had read and enjoyed another of Catherine Alliott's books before, that book was very different, albeit those characters also seemed to live in lovely, lovely houses LOL.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I could have carried on reading for 100s of pages more.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Lucy's 80+ parents are no longer coping alone, drinking too much and not looking after themselves properly, something needs to be done.
Then Lucy's husband Michael dies suddenly and everything changes.
I fear I have made this sound gloomy, and it really isn't. Sure, some glimpses into Lucy's life feel a little close to the bone, but despite everything Lucy has a loving sister, parents, children, and friends. Her husband and his snobby friends might have looked down on her novels but they paid the bills on the house Michael bought with an inheritance.
I really enjoyed this, I didn't realise I had read and enjoyed another of Catherine Alliott's books before, that book was very different, albeit those characters also seemed to live in lovely, lovely houses LOL.
Thoroughly enjoyable and I could have carried on reading for 100s of pages more.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book was okay and I like writing style also I found the paced of plot to be well write. I dont like the flashbacks and it was dull. The cover of book was okay and the characters were okay but they nedded be flash out more.
I’d like to thank Sriya from Michael Joseph for contacting me to take part in this blog tour. I have never read anything by Catherine Alliot before so I was excited to discover a new author.
The story is told entirely from Lucy’s point of view as she comes to terms with the end of her marriage and deciding what she wants to do next. I hadn’t expected the story to start quite as dark as it did and I was shocked to of learnt that not only had Lucy endured so much mental abuse but she had put up with it for so long! Some would argue that she should of walked away years ago but as I learnt more about her marriage I could see why it wasn’t so easy for Lucy. Michael’s behaviour was disgusting and hard to read at times but it was his revenge that was the worst. He was manipulative and calculative in his actions and I can understand Lucy’s fear for what might happen if she tried to leave.
Lucy was a very warm and friendly main character. She clearly had a lot of love for her children and I loved the relationship she had with them. Imo and Ned were brilliant and had inherited their mothers compassion and kindness. They felt like a strong unit that had suffered for years but kept each other going, there was no resentment or hatred within their circle.
Whilst the start of the story dealt with some heavy topics, as the story progressed the clouds started to part and the sunshine shone through, in the form of Lucy’s parents! I found myself giggling at their funny ways, raucous parties and candid nature. Their neighbours were very funny and they just reminded me of a group of teenagers! I also appreciated the quieter moments where Lucy’s parents showed their appreciation for her help. It must of been hard for them to lose some of that independence and accept that whilst they were capable of looking after themselves they did need someone to give them a helping hand.
As the story progresses we see Lucy faced with further troubles from her past and this gave the story another layer that I hadn’t expected. I actually didn’t need the romance with Dan or Josh, it felt a little much for me. I was more interested in Lucy’s life as a free woman, away from the troubles of her marriage and finally enjoying her life.
This book explores that dark side of marriage and the ripple effect it has on the whole family. It shows how a poison can seep into the cracks without you realising but also how through solidarity and strength you can find a light at the end.
The story is told entirely from Lucy’s point of view as she comes to terms with the end of her marriage and deciding what she wants to do next. I hadn’t expected the story to start quite as dark as it did and I was shocked to of learnt that not only had Lucy endured so much mental abuse but she had put up with it for so long! Some would argue that she should of walked away years ago but as I learnt more about her marriage I could see why it wasn’t so easy for Lucy. Michael’s behaviour was disgusting and hard to read at times but it was his revenge that was the worst. He was manipulative and calculative in his actions and I can understand Lucy’s fear for what might happen if she tried to leave.
Lucy was a very warm and friendly main character. She clearly had a lot of love for her children and I loved the relationship she had with them. Imo and Ned were brilliant and had inherited their mothers compassion and kindness. They felt like a strong unit that had suffered for years but kept each other going, there was no resentment or hatred within their circle.
Whilst the start of the story dealt with some heavy topics, as the story progressed the clouds started to part and the sunshine shone through, in the form of Lucy’s parents! I found myself giggling at their funny ways, raucous parties and candid nature. Their neighbours were very funny and they just reminded me of a group of teenagers! I also appreciated the quieter moments where Lucy’s parents showed their appreciation for her help. It must of been hard for them to lose some of that independence and accept that whilst they were capable of looking after themselves they did need someone to give them a helping hand.
As the story progresses we see Lucy faced with further troubles from her past and this gave the story another layer that I hadn’t expected. I actually didn’t need the romance with Dan or Josh, it felt a little much for me. I was more interested in Lucy’s life as a free woman, away from the troubles of her marriage and finally enjoying her life.
This book explores that dark side of marriage and the ripple effect it has on the whole family. It shows how a poison can seep into the cracks without you realising but also how through solidarity and strength you can find a light at the end.
Rounded up from 3.5 stars.
It really is true that you just don’t know what is going on ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and this book certainly explores this topic wonderfully well.
I wouldn’t say this is a fast paced read but it was definitely a pleasant read even despite some of the subjects such as domestic abuse. As we learn more about Lucy’s life and exactly what happened during her marriage to Michael it was heartbreaking to read yet I felt like the author handled it so well and really captured just what life was like for Lucy both during the marriage and afterwards with all the emotions and confusion she felt.
This story is about learning to move on with life after a very difficult situation and finding what makes you happy. We experience this all with Lucy as she questions what’s best for her when it comes to where she lives and who she wants to date.
With some heavy subjects addressed please do not think that it is all heartbreaking as what really made this book for me were Lucy’s parents. Lucy goes to live with her elderly parents to look after them and at times it was like she was living with teenagers…they were absolutely hilarious and I think the author did a wonderful job at bringing them to life and really conveying that feeling that many elderly people feel, refusing to give up and not asking for help. The scenes with them really made me chuckle!
Overall this was such a lovely read about how to find your way in life after hiding the real you for so long.
It really is true that you just don’t know what is going on ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and this book certainly explores this topic wonderfully well.
I wouldn’t say this is a fast paced read but it was definitely a pleasant read even despite some of the subjects such as domestic abuse. As we learn more about Lucy’s life and exactly what happened during her marriage to Michael it was heartbreaking to read yet I felt like the author handled it so well and really captured just what life was like for Lucy both during the marriage and afterwards with all the emotions and confusion she felt.
This story is about learning to move on with life after a very difficult situation and finding what makes you happy. We experience this all with Lucy as she questions what’s best for her when it comes to where she lives and who she wants to date.
With some heavy subjects addressed please do not think that it is all heartbreaking as what really made this book for me were Lucy’s parents. Lucy goes to live with her elderly parents to look after them and at times it was like she was living with teenagers…they were absolutely hilarious and I think the author did a wonderful job at bringing them to life and really conveying that feeling that many elderly people feel, refusing to give up and not asking for help. The scenes with them really made me chuckle!
Overall this was such a lovely read about how to find your way in life after hiding the real you for so long.