I have to say, this is a compelling read from start to finish.
The story starts with Dodie, a young unmarried mother with a clinically depressed mother and a history of post-natal depression herself. Her brother, who still lives with their mother, takes off to America to join what turns out to be a religious cult so Dodie leaves her partner and baby behind to bring him home. What she discovers when she gets there sets the tone for the rest of the novel.
I love it when a book evokes strong emotions inside me. Often, they are feelings of sadness or happiness. Occasionally, like this book, I get angry at the characters. “Why doesn’t she just leave?” I found myself screaming.” How can she be so stupid?”
What this means is that the author has created strong characters who I can identify with. I am now taking time to learn from these authors so I can employ their techniques myself when I write stories.
The story then switches to another point of view; that of Melanie, Dodie’s long-lost aunt. Her story collides with Dodie’s in such a way that neither of them will ever be quite the same again.
Highly recommended!
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