A review by huldasif
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I don't really know how to classify this story. It isn't a thriller or a mystery. Suspense maybe? There's this lady, Hannah, who's husband takes off and disappears and leaves her with his daughter, a big scandal at his job and a whole bunch of secrets unfold and she starts to wonder if she ever knew who he truly was. However, the book spends equal amount of time building the relationship between her and her beloved stepdaughter (who hates her back). That part of the story I thought was done quite well, for the most part, although I can't say I really enjoyed it, because who really enjoys the angry outburts of teenagers. However, it needed to be there or that part of the story wouldn't have been believable. With Hannah going through a lot also, it would have made more sense for her to feel upset at least once when Bailey lashed out at her, even if she managed to keep it inside. She was always so unbelievably understanding and patient and perfect and all she ever did "wrong" was when the leads she was following with Bailey didn't come through and Bailey would get upset. Because Hannah was likeable, it didn't bother me while I was reading the book, but more afterwards, when I was thinking about it. The mystery part was fine and unraveled nicely. I won't say too much about it because I don't want to give it away.
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