My goodness -- this story had more twists and turns than the switchbacks on a Colorado mountain road! Although I guessed the truth very early on, it was a fun ride to the conclusion. Definitely a domestic drama that was also quite sad considering how things turned out.
Martha, age 24, lives with her mother, Fran, in "the forgotten corner of Cornwall." They had moved to this isolated spot when Martha's dad, Greg, left her and Fran when Martha was just 9 years old. Martha was working as a vet assistant and dreamt of going to school and Fran was a freelance illustrator who often collaborated with Anna, their occasional neighbor and landlord, on children's books. As time goes by, Martha and Fran aren't getting along so well as diabetic Fran has also turned to alcohol and is not taking care of her health. Martha wants to leave and be on her own and feels tied to home. Things come to a head when Fran is hospitalized and Martha finds that her new role might end up being as permanent caregiver. Fortunately, Martha has a good friend, Izzy, who offers to help. Things might have gone well for them all except for one thing -- Martha finds out that her entire life has been a lie. Can someone just tell her the truth? NO SPOILERS.
This was quite the story and is told in alternate points of view and shifts in time. As you read the different perspectives, it is a bit difficult at first to get the necessary information to guess who is telling the truth. There's a lot of angst, bitterness, regret, and emotion as well. I struggled to find empathy for the characters as each seemed very selfish while complaining about how they had given up everything for the other. This was a quick book that was easy to read in a single sitting. Definitely off the charts in straining credulity but certainly entertaining with all the convolutions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre - domestic drama, secrets and lies, mothers and daughters
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