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A review by anya_lasagna
The Confession by Jessie Burton
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This has to be one of my favourite books of all time! It was the first book by Jessie Burton that I read, initially drawn in by the beautiful cover art (not to mention the promise of a wlw relationship) and after my most recent reread, I am taking to goodreads to rant and rave a little bit, because in my opinion, this book doesn’t get nearly enough credit as it deserves (compared to The Miniaturist, at least).
Burton (once again) showcases her talent for writing beautiful prose – although it is not as ornate or as obvious in this novel – as well as her ability to handle complex themes proficiently and sensitively. However, the plot is still present, and kept my eyes glued to the page from start to finish, even without as much conventional mystery as it pertains to the plot. Instead, the reader (and the other characters!) are enthralled by the character of Elise Morceau, and the protagonist’s journey to find out about her mother (Elise). I think the way Burton writes Elise is somewhat genius, in that we are privy to her thoughts and feelings – which are expressed in a rather matter-of-fact way – but the mystery of the character remains intact.
All in all, this book is a treasure! Read if you want: intergenerational female friendships, a wlw relationship which is not treated differently just because of the wlw aspect, poignant discussion of motherhood, reflection on mental illness
Burton (once again) showcases her talent for writing beautiful prose – although it is not as ornate or as obvious in this novel – as well as her ability to handle complex themes proficiently and sensitively. However, the plot is still present, and kept my eyes glued to the page from start to finish, even without as much conventional mystery as it pertains to the plot. Instead, the reader (and the other characters!) are enthralled by the character of Elise Morceau, and the protagonist’s journey to find out about her mother (Elise). I think the way Burton writes Elise is somewhat genius, in that we are privy to her thoughts and feelings – which are expressed in a rather matter-of-fact way – but the mystery of the character remains intact.
All in all, this book is a treasure! Read if you want: intergenerational female friendships, a wlw relationship which is not treated differently just because of the wlw aspect, poignant discussion of motherhood, reflection on mental illness
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent