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A review by tessa_talks_books
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
4.5
My Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth is a fast-paced domestic thriller that shines the spotlight on foster care worldwide. Even though the story is set in Melbourne, Australia, and a small village a few hours away, the issues illuminated in this story impact children everywhere, including the United States. As someone who has been involved in foster care advocacy in my role as a mental health counselor, I find this book resonated deeply with me.
When bones are discovered under the house where Jessica, Alicia, and Norah grew up while being fostered, everyone who has ever lived in the home is brought together and questioned. As the timeline switches back and forth, the case is concluded; I was left with such a significant chill down my spine that I had trouble sleeping.
Usually, I have a hard time with a story focused on the mistreatment of children, but the way this story is written - starting in the present and revealing the past in small, tantalizing glimpses - and the nature of the mistreatment (more emotional and not physical) - I was not only able to read the story but I was instantly drawn in and fully invested in it before I knew it. The narrative structure, with its alternating timelines, added to the suspense and kept me turning the pages. It was only towards the end that I started getting fatigued by the amount of abuse, but by then, it was almost over.
One of the most compelling aspects of My Darling Girls was the resilient journey of the foster sisters. Despite their diverse paths and ongoing struggles, their unbreakable bond as sisters shines through. This exploration of their family dynamics, even after they've aged out of the system and become independent adults, kept me deeply engrossed in their stories, evoking both admiration and empathy.
The conclusion of My Darling Girls was brilliant. To say that it sent chills down my spine would be an understatement-it was a fully immersive and satisfyingly creepy experience. The perfect ending to a thrilling journey that will leave readers eager for more.
When bones are discovered under the house where Jessica, Alicia, and Norah grew up while being fostered, everyone who has ever lived in the home is brought together and questioned. As the timeline switches back and forth, the case is concluded; I was left with such a significant chill down my spine that I had trouble sleeping.
Usually, I have a hard time with a story focused on the mistreatment of children, but the way this story is written - starting in the present and revealing the past in small, tantalizing glimpses - and the nature of the mistreatment (more emotional and not physical) - I was not only able to read the story but I was instantly drawn in and fully invested in it before I knew it. The narrative structure, with its alternating timelines, added to the suspense and kept me turning the pages. It was only towards the end that I started getting fatigued by the amount of abuse, but by then, it was almost over.
One of the most compelling aspects of My Darling Girls was the resilient journey of the foster sisters. Despite their diverse paths and ongoing struggles, their unbreakable bond as sisters shines through. This exploration of their family dynamics, even after they've aged out of the system and become independent adults, kept me deeply engrossed in their stories, evoking both admiration and empathy.
The conclusion of My Darling Girls was brilliant. To say that it sent chills down my spine would be an understatement-it was a fully immersive and satisfyingly creepy experience. The perfect ending to a thrilling journey that will leave readers eager for more.