A review by ajnel
Tell Me What I Am by Una Mannion

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ruby’s mother, Deena  disappeared when Ruby was only four years old and while Deena and Lucas were fighting an ugly custody battle. Now living with her controlling father, Lucas, and his enabling mother, Ruby remembers almost nothing about her mother and is not permitted to ask any questions about her.  Nessa is however as from the outset convinced that Lucas was responsible for her sister's disappearance. The novel utilises the dual timelines (some 10 years removed) exceptionally and the first person accounts of Ruby and Nessa are richly written and seamlessly integrated.