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A review by birchcanread
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
4.0
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pick this up if you like: Suspenseful dramas, tales of sisterhood, and psychological thrillers.
**Title:** Darling Girls
**Author:** Sally Hepworth
**Review:**
For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. Rescued from family tragedies and raised by a seemingly loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate, they were given a second chance at a happy family life. But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thought it was. Miss Fairchild had rules, could be unpredictable, and was never to be crossed. In desperation, the sisters broke away from Miss Fairchild, but even though they never saw her again, she remained a shadow in their minds.
Decades later, when a body is discovered under their childhood home, the foster sisters are thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses—or are they prime suspects?
The story unfolds through now-and-then chapters, providing perspectives from each of the three women. The "then" chapters, where we delve into their younger years, are particularly engaging, offering deep insights into their characters. The present-day narrative, interspersed with a mysterious POV discussing a creepy psychologist named Dr. Warren, keeps the suspense alive.
Hepworth masterfully balances the dark themes of abuse and trauma with the protagonists' strength, intelligence, resourcefulness, kindness, humor, and loyalty. Norah’s fiery temperament adds humor and lightness, especially for dog lovers who will enjoy the quirky names of her pets.
The pacing is slower, but the ending twists are worth the wait. The bond between the sisters is beautifully portrayed, showcasing female friendship in a positive and supportive light. The author's notes on her research add an extra layer of depth to the reading experience.
While the book's repetition of days under Miss Fairchild's care slows the narrative, the compelling characters and intricate plot make it captivating. "Darling Girls" is a thought-provoking tale of sisterhood, resilience, and the shadows of the past.
Pick this up if you like: Suspenseful dramas, tales of sisterhood, and psychological thrillers.
**Title:** Darling Girls
**Author:** Sally Hepworth
**Review:**
For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. Rescued from family tragedies and raised by a seemingly loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate, they were given a second chance at a happy family life. But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thought it was. Miss Fairchild had rules, could be unpredictable, and was never to be crossed. In desperation, the sisters broke away from Miss Fairchild, but even though they never saw her again, she remained a shadow in their minds.
Decades later, when a body is discovered under their childhood home, the foster sisters are thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses—or are they prime suspects?
The story unfolds through now-and-then chapters, providing perspectives from each of the three women. The "then" chapters, where we delve into their younger years, are particularly engaging, offering deep insights into their characters. The present-day narrative, interspersed with a mysterious POV discussing a creepy psychologist named Dr. Warren, keeps the suspense alive.
Hepworth masterfully balances the dark themes of abuse and trauma with the protagonists' strength, intelligence, resourcefulness, kindness, humor, and loyalty. Norah’s fiery temperament adds humor and lightness, especially for dog lovers who will enjoy the quirky names of her pets.
The pacing is slower, but the ending twists are worth the wait. The bond between the sisters is beautifully portrayed, showcasing female friendship in a positive and supportive light. The author's notes on her research add an extra layer of depth to the reading experience.
While the book's repetition of days under Miss Fairchild's care slows the narrative, the compelling characters and intricate plot make it captivating. "Darling Girls" is a thought-provoking tale of sisterhood, resilience, and the shadows of the past.