Sheila Rawlings's Blog, page 5
October 4, 2021
A web of secrecy and lies
Following a traumatic experience, Nell Ballard and Joe Peach have escaped the clutches of their tyrannical foster mother, Meaghan, and are now living rough on the streets of London. Unfortunately, Joe is not as strong as Nell, and finds life on the streets hard – especially as he is a drug addict and needs to feed his addiction.
Nell is totally in love with Joe and would do anything to protect him. So, when he abandons her in a night club and leaves with a mysterious older woman, she immediately follows them to a house in West London.
Fearing for his safety, she ensconces herself in a nearby café, from where she can watch the house. Sadly, despite her long vigil, the only person to emerge from the building is a young woman, who then walks into the café. Nell is desperate to get inside the house to find Joe, so when she overhears the woman discussing a job interview for a PA at the house, she decides to blag her way into the job.
However, nothing is as it seems at Starling Villas. Having convinced the owner, Dr Robin Wilder, to employ her as a housekeeper, as well as a PA, it soon becomes clear to Nell that she is not the only one keeping secrets. Between the unexplained disappearance of the last housekeeper and the strange behaviour of her new employer – not to mention the fact Joe is nowhere to be seen – Nell begins to realise she may have made a big mistake by accepting the job.
Set in Wales and London, ‘Fragile’ is an intriguing novel which starts in the middle of the story, then gradually fills in the earlier part by means of memories and flashbacks. Although shifting timelines can often be confusing, in this instance it works perfectly, while still maintaining the suspense of the present as it builds towards an emotional ending.
Each character is struggling with his or her own demons, especially Nell whose life has not been easy. Rejected by her birth mother and mistreated by her foster mother, it is only by sheer resilience and strength of character she has managed to survive her past. However, life can be cruel and when her past starts to catch up with her, Nell finds that strength put to the test as she tries to establish who is telling the truth.
Full of mystery and plot twists, ‘Fragile’ is a brilliantly written thriller that pulls you in right from the start. As all the secrets are gradually revealed, each chapter will make the reader eager for the next. The ending, however, is heart-breaking.
Nell is totally in love with Joe and would do anything to protect him. So, when he abandons her in a night club and leaves with a mysterious older woman, she immediately follows them to a house in West London.
Fearing for his safety, she ensconces herself in a nearby café, from where she can watch the house. Sadly, despite her long vigil, the only person to emerge from the building is a young woman, who then walks into the café. Nell is desperate to get inside the house to find Joe, so when she overhears the woman discussing a job interview for a PA at the house, she decides to blag her way into the job.
However, nothing is as it seems at Starling Villas. Having convinced the owner, Dr Robin Wilder, to employ her as a housekeeper, as well as a PA, it soon becomes clear to Nell that she is not the only one keeping secrets. Between the unexplained disappearance of the last housekeeper and the strange behaviour of her new employer – not to mention the fact Joe is nowhere to be seen – Nell begins to realise she may have made a big mistake by accepting the job.
Set in Wales and London, ‘Fragile’ is an intriguing novel which starts in the middle of the story, then gradually fills in the earlier part by means of memories and flashbacks. Although shifting timelines can often be confusing, in this instance it works perfectly, while still maintaining the suspense of the present as it builds towards an emotional ending.
Each character is struggling with his or her own demons, especially Nell whose life has not been easy. Rejected by her birth mother and mistreated by her foster mother, it is only by sheer resilience and strength of character she has managed to survive her past. However, life can be cruel and when her past starts to catch up with her, Nell finds that strength put to the test as she tries to establish who is telling the truth.
Full of mystery and plot twists, ‘Fragile’ is a brilliantly written thriller that pulls you in right from the start. As all the secrets are gradually revealed, each chapter will make the reader eager for the next. The ending, however, is heart-breaking.
September 2, 2021
When the past comes back to bite you
Stephanie and Patrick Kilgour are happily married with twin baby girls, both of whom they adore. However, nobody warned them how difficult it would be looking after two babies at the same time. Nor did they anticipate both the twins suffering with colic after a difficult birth, leaving both parents exhausted through lack of sleep.
Patrick does his fair share of caring for his daughters when he is at home, but sleep deprivation has meant his performance at work is less than a hundred per cent – a fact his business partner Niall Foote feels obliged to point out. If this is not bad enough, when a familiar young woman turns up at their office, ostensibly to apply for a job, Patrick soon realises sleep deprivation is the least of his problems.
Recognising her as Erica Voss – the woman with whom he had an affair nine years ago, while still married to his first wife, Lindsey – Patrick begins to panic. Not having seen her since Lindsey’s funeral, he initially thinks she has come back to try and reignite their relationship. So, when she asks to have coffee with him for old times’ sake, he decides the best thing to do is meet her, stress how happy he is with his new family, then make it clear he has no intention of cheating on Stephanie.
Unfortunately, Erica is not there to rekindle their old relationship. She has something much more lucrative in mind. If he does not pay her $200,000, she will tell the police Lindsey’s death was not an accident. Horrified by her threats, Patrick’s world instantly begins to fall apart.
‘The End of Her’ is a fast-paced thriller, and the accomplished storytelling ensures the tension and intrigue are maintained throughout. As new information is introduced with each chapter, the reader is tempted into speculation as to who is telling the truth, often to be confounded by subsequent developments. This is particularly true when Erica decides to set her sights on other potential victims, apart from Patrick. As her ruthless drive for money increases, so does the number of people who would be glad to see her disappear. With a plot served by a cast of well-drawn characters, the singular and violent ending will leave you with plenty to think about.
All in all, this is a gripping read with a well-constructed plotline, and one I am pleased to recommend.
Patrick does his fair share of caring for his daughters when he is at home, but sleep deprivation has meant his performance at work is less than a hundred per cent – a fact his business partner Niall Foote feels obliged to point out. If this is not bad enough, when a familiar young woman turns up at their office, ostensibly to apply for a job, Patrick soon realises sleep deprivation is the least of his problems.
Recognising her as Erica Voss – the woman with whom he had an affair nine years ago, while still married to his first wife, Lindsey – Patrick begins to panic. Not having seen her since Lindsey’s funeral, he initially thinks she has come back to try and reignite their relationship. So, when she asks to have coffee with him for old times’ sake, he decides the best thing to do is meet her, stress how happy he is with his new family, then make it clear he has no intention of cheating on Stephanie.
Unfortunately, Erica is not there to rekindle their old relationship. She has something much more lucrative in mind. If he does not pay her $200,000, she will tell the police Lindsey’s death was not an accident. Horrified by her threats, Patrick’s world instantly begins to fall apart.
‘The End of Her’ is a fast-paced thriller, and the accomplished storytelling ensures the tension and intrigue are maintained throughout. As new information is introduced with each chapter, the reader is tempted into speculation as to who is telling the truth, often to be confounded by subsequent developments. This is particularly true when Erica decides to set her sights on other potential victims, apart from Patrick. As her ruthless drive for money increases, so does the number of people who would be glad to see her disappear. With a plot served by a cast of well-drawn characters, the singular and violent ending will leave you with plenty to think about.
All in all, this is a gripping read with a well-constructed plotline, and one I am pleased to recommend.
August 2, 2021
Unconditional love
Veronica Murphy’s son, Sebastian, is autistic. Since he was a child, Veronica has done everything she can to protect and support him against the general lack of understanding of others – in particular the savage cruelty of bullies. However, Sebastian is now a twenty-year-old man who has developed an obsessive desire to have sex, which presents Veronica with an even greater problem.
Whereas this would be a normal rite of passage for a male of his age, Sebastian’s autism makes it difficult for him to understand the boundaries between what is considered appropriate behaviour and what is not. This leads to an embarrassing incident with a neighbour’s daughter.
Although she has tried her best to explain things to Sebastian, Veronica knows it would have been far easier to deal with Sebastian’s desires if his father was still there to share the burden. After all, Pete had always been so much better at controlling Sebastian’s tantrums. Sadly, Pete died of a heart attack when Sebastian was only seven, leaving Veronica to cope alone.
With limited options available to her, Veronica decides to try the medical route first. However, it soon becomes apparent that, apart from drugging Sebastian with medication – a method strongly opposed by Veronica – the therapist has no idea how to deal with an autistic person … let alone an oversexed one. So, although it goes against all her principals, Veronica reluctantly reconciles herself to her last option. Opening her laptop, she searches online for a high-class escort.
Initially, Veronica is repelled by most of the websites she sees, which only serves to increase her reservations about the appropriateness of such a service for her vulnerable child. On the verge of giving up, she then comes across a site, which seems a cut above the others – Angels Escort Services. Still unconvinced about the wisdom of this plan, Veronica is about to close her computer when she recognises one of the escorts – a trainee nurse from the therapy clinic, who had treated Sebastian with kindness and understanding. Although surprised to see her listed on the site, Veronica decides she would be the ideal person for the job. Her decision to contact the agency, however, sets in motion a scenario which is destined to change the lives of all three of them forever.
As always, Louise Beech has taken a difficult subject matter and delved below its surface to shine a light on the qualities and warmth that most people often fail to see. In this case, the confusing world of autism, where everything is black and white with no room for grey areas.
With each of the three main characters struggling to cope with a personal situation, the author’s skilful and sympathetic writing soon elicits our empathy and understanding for their plight – especially Sebastian, who manages to surprise everyone … including his own mother. It also encourages us to question and challenge our preconceptions and notions of humanity; to realise that it is often to be found where we least expect.
‘This is How We are Human’ is a study in unconditional love and the sacrifices we are willing to make for those closest to us. Although harrowing at times, it is a heart-warming story which never strays into oversentimentality. The ending is both satisfying and surprising.
Whereas this would be a normal rite of passage for a male of his age, Sebastian’s autism makes it difficult for him to understand the boundaries between what is considered appropriate behaviour and what is not. This leads to an embarrassing incident with a neighbour’s daughter.
Although she has tried her best to explain things to Sebastian, Veronica knows it would have been far easier to deal with Sebastian’s desires if his father was still there to share the burden. After all, Pete had always been so much better at controlling Sebastian’s tantrums. Sadly, Pete died of a heart attack when Sebastian was only seven, leaving Veronica to cope alone.
With limited options available to her, Veronica decides to try the medical route first. However, it soon becomes apparent that, apart from drugging Sebastian with medication – a method strongly opposed by Veronica – the therapist has no idea how to deal with an autistic person … let alone an oversexed one. So, although it goes against all her principals, Veronica reluctantly reconciles herself to her last option. Opening her laptop, she searches online for a high-class escort.
Initially, Veronica is repelled by most of the websites she sees, which only serves to increase her reservations about the appropriateness of such a service for her vulnerable child. On the verge of giving up, she then comes across a site, which seems a cut above the others – Angels Escort Services. Still unconvinced about the wisdom of this plan, Veronica is about to close her computer when she recognises one of the escorts – a trainee nurse from the therapy clinic, who had treated Sebastian with kindness and understanding. Although surprised to see her listed on the site, Veronica decides she would be the ideal person for the job. Her decision to contact the agency, however, sets in motion a scenario which is destined to change the lives of all three of them forever.
As always, Louise Beech has taken a difficult subject matter and delved below its surface to shine a light on the qualities and warmth that most people often fail to see. In this case, the confusing world of autism, where everything is black and white with no room for grey areas.
With each of the three main characters struggling to cope with a personal situation, the author’s skilful and sympathetic writing soon elicits our empathy and understanding for their plight – especially Sebastian, who manages to surprise everyone … including his own mother. It also encourages us to question and challenge our preconceptions and notions of humanity; to realise that it is often to be found where we least expect.
‘This is How We are Human’ is a study in unconditional love and the sacrifices we are willing to make for those closest to us. Although harrowing at times, it is a heart-warming story which never strays into oversentimentality. The ending is both satisfying and surprising.
July 3, 2021
The price of redemption
Thirty years ago, at the age of fifteen, Vincent King killed a seven-year-old girl. Now, just released from prison, he is back in his hometown of Cape Haven, California. Unsurprisingly, not everyone is pleased about his return – especially Star Radley, his ex-girlfriend and sister of the girl he killed. Never truly recovering from her sister’s death, Star has since taken to drowning her sorrows in booze and pills, much to the distress of her children.
The only person who is pleased to see Vincent is his childhood friend Walk, now Cape Haven’s chief of police. Although Walk tries to help Vincent reclaim his life, his friend is unable to forgive himself, let alone accept forgiveness from others. So, when Star is found dead and he is accused of her murder, he offers no defence against the charge. Walk, however, is convinced his friend is not guilty and sets about trying to prove his innocence.
With her mother often in no state to take care of them, Duchess Radley – Star's thirteen-year-old daughter – had become part-carer, part-protector to both Star and her younger brother, Robin. However, in trying to protect her vulnerable mother from undesirable male attention, Duchess inadvertently sets off a chain of events that will have tragic consequences not only for her family, but also the whole town.
‘We Begin at the End’ is a touching novel about a young girl’s struggle to cope with a situation far beyond that which should ever be expected from someone of her age. As a result, her desperate attempts to protect her five-year-old brother from the harsh realities of their lives cause her to erect a hostile barrier between herself and those who try to help her. It is only when she begins to understand more about life that she allows herself to let people in.
Chris Whitaker’s punchy style of writing, using short sentences with brief yet informative descriptions, helps add a sense of urgency and tension to a gripping story that pulls you in from the very beginning. Nothing about this novel is cut and dried. With several suspects to choose from, the suspense is relentlessly maintained, leading to an ending which is both moving and surprising.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and have no hesitation in recommending it.
The only person who is pleased to see Vincent is his childhood friend Walk, now Cape Haven’s chief of police. Although Walk tries to help Vincent reclaim his life, his friend is unable to forgive himself, let alone accept forgiveness from others. So, when Star is found dead and he is accused of her murder, he offers no defence against the charge. Walk, however, is convinced his friend is not guilty and sets about trying to prove his innocence.
With her mother often in no state to take care of them, Duchess Radley – Star's thirteen-year-old daughter – had become part-carer, part-protector to both Star and her younger brother, Robin. However, in trying to protect her vulnerable mother from undesirable male attention, Duchess inadvertently sets off a chain of events that will have tragic consequences not only for her family, but also the whole town.
‘We Begin at the End’ is a touching novel about a young girl’s struggle to cope with a situation far beyond that which should ever be expected from someone of her age. As a result, her desperate attempts to protect her five-year-old brother from the harsh realities of their lives cause her to erect a hostile barrier between herself and those who try to help her. It is only when she begins to understand more about life that she allows herself to let people in.
Chris Whitaker’s punchy style of writing, using short sentences with brief yet informative descriptions, helps add a sense of urgency and tension to a gripping story that pulls you in from the very beginning. Nothing about this novel is cut and dried. With several suspects to choose from, the suspense is relentlessly maintained, leading to an ending which is both moving and surprising.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and have no hesitation in recommending it.
June 4, 2021
A traumatic discovery
Documentary film-maker Alex is looking for a unique angle on which to base her latest project. Although her debut film won an award, her agent Dan was not enamoured by her last offering and is now pushing her to come up with something more original for her next film. So, when Dan receives an anonymous postcard suggesting they try the Yorkshire coastal village of Blackwood Bay as a location, he is keen for Alex to check it out – especially when he learns that a young local girl had committed suicide and two other girls had disappeared. A mystery he finds too good to ignore.
Already familiar with the place, Alex is not keen to return and tries to dissuade Dan from choosing it. Although she spent some of her childhood in Blackwood Bay, her memories of it are a blank. All she knows is something bad happened to her there, forcing her to run away and change her name; something which her mind still refuses to acknowledge. Unfortunately, Channel Four – the network financing her documentary – wants the film to be shot in the north. She cannot afford to lose the commission, and so eventually agrees to go. Besides, not only would it be an opportunity to find out what happened to the girls, but it might also help to rekindle her own memories.
However, Alex’s return to Blackwood Bay does not start well. Being mid-winter, the Yorkshire weather is atrocious. With snow covering the road, Alex’s car journey soon becomes hazardous until, as she crests a hill, she is confronted with a dead sheep in the road. Breaking hard to avoid it, the car then skids on the icy ground and ends up in a ditch, leaving her stranded miles from her destination. Fortunately, she is rescued by one of the villagers, who is on his way back to Blackwood Bay and also happens to be living in a cottage close to Alex’s rented one.
Not wanting to upset the villagers by focussing on the dead and missing girls, Alex convinces people she is making a documentary about life in the village by setting up a website on which they can post everyday videos of themselves. However, although most people embrace the idea, some are suspicious of her motives. Ignoring their attempts to dissuade her from staying, Alex remains determined to uncover her past. However, when she starts to ask questions around the village, she soon realises whatever happened to her as a child may still be happening to other girls.
As the memories of her own ordeal gradually come into focus, so does the web of secrets and horrific practices that drove Alex away in the first place. Eventually she finds herself fully confronted by her traumatic past.
‘Final Cut’ is a cleverly written and thoroughly engrossing thriller, which is both chilling and complex. Right from the start, the reader is drawn into a mystery which has haunted the novel’s protagonist, Alex, since she was a young teenager. With each character apparently harbouring secrets, everyone is a possible suspect. However, just when it seems the mystery is about to be solved, a sudden twist in the story sends everything spiralling off in another direction.
With some of the chapters alternating between the past and the present, Alex’s backstory is gradually and tantalisingly unveiled. With the tension sustained until the very end, it is only then the full extent of her childhood trauma is finally revealed. The ending when it comes is both shocking and original.
Already familiar with the place, Alex is not keen to return and tries to dissuade Dan from choosing it. Although she spent some of her childhood in Blackwood Bay, her memories of it are a blank. All she knows is something bad happened to her there, forcing her to run away and change her name; something which her mind still refuses to acknowledge. Unfortunately, Channel Four – the network financing her documentary – wants the film to be shot in the north. She cannot afford to lose the commission, and so eventually agrees to go. Besides, not only would it be an opportunity to find out what happened to the girls, but it might also help to rekindle her own memories.
However, Alex’s return to Blackwood Bay does not start well. Being mid-winter, the Yorkshire weather is atrocious. With snow covering the road, Alex’s car journey soon becomes hazardous until, as she crests a hill, she is confronted with a dead sheep in the road. Breaking hard to avoid it, the car then skids on the icy ground and ends up in a ditch, leaving her stranded miles from her destination. Fortunately, she is rescued by one of the villagers, who is on his way back to Blackwood Bay and also happens to be living in a cottage close to Alex’s rented one.
Not wanting to upset the villagers by focussing on the dead and missing girls, Alex convinces people she is making a documentary about life in the village by setting up a website on which they can post everyday videos of themselves. However, although most people embrace the idea, some are suspicious of her motives. Ignoring their attempts to dissuade her from staying, Alex remains determined to uncover her past. However, when she starts to ask questions around the village, she soon realises whatever happened to her as a child may still be happening to other girls.
As the memories of her own ordeal gradually come into focus, so does the web of secrets and horrific practices that drove Alex away in the first place. Eventually she finds herself fully confronted by her traumatic past.
‘Final Cut’ is a cleverly written and thoroughly engrossing thriller, which is both chilling and complex. Right from the start, the reader is drawn into a mystery which has haunted the novel’s protagonist, Alex, since she was a young teenager. With each character apparently harbouring secrets, everyone is a possible suspect. However, just when it seems the mystery is about to be solved, a sudden twist in the story sends everything spiralling off in another direction.
With some of the chapters alternating between the past and the present, Alex’s backstory is gradually and tantalisingly unveiled. With the tension sustained until the very end, it is only then the full extent of her childhood trauma is finally revealed. The ending when it comes is both shocking and original.
May 3, 2021
A toxic relationship
Amy Holt’s relationship with her boyfriend Zane is anything but perfect. Apart from his total disregard for Amy’s feelings, he is also manipulative and dismissive, preferring to hang around with his obnoxious friend, Spider instead of her. Although Amy is aware their relationship is toxic, she is so in love with Zane she finds it impossible to leave, hoping he will one day change.
When Zane suddenly announces they should leave the city and move to a rented house in the small village of Bunbury, Amy is initially reluctant to leave her family. However, desperate to please Zane, she eventually agrees to his demands. Unfortunately, she soon realises she has made a big mistake, as not only does she find herself having to support Zane while he continually disappears for hours on end, but Spider now seems to have permanent access to their home.
Increasingly distressed by the situation, Amy’s only respite is the friendship she has with her two elderly neighbours, Frank and Greta Foxhall, whose relationship is the polar opposite to hers. They too see Amy as a gift, as with Greta gradually succumbing to Alzheimer’s, Amy’s visits are a great comfort to them both. However, Frank and Greta share a guilty secret, one which they have successfully guarded for the past fifteen years. Unaware of her friends’ subterfuge, when Amy finds a bag containing several thousand dollars under the couple’s bed, her disclosure to Zane inadvertently sets in motion a devastating string of events that will ultimately change all their lives.
‘Dear Neighbour’ is a well-written and compelling thriller about manipulation, betrayal and deceit, highlighting the danger of unconditional love for the wrong person. Contrasted with the Foxall’s total dedication and love for one another, the scene is then set for a gripping and tense story with surprises at every turn.
At first it is difficult to comprehend why Amy stays with Zane, after all he is a thoroughly unpleasant character and there is nothing about their relationship to indicate he returns her love. However, love is a powerful and addictive emotion, and as Amy’s insecurity and lack of self-confidence become obvious, that conundrum turns to understanding. Nevertheless, I still found myself internally screaming at Amy to wake up and smell the coffee … then get the hell out of there.
Written in the third person point of view, the story is fast-paced and engrossing, with just enough information revealed about the characters to draw the reader in and keep them guessing as to the outcome. The end when it arrives is both satisfying and explosive.
When Zane suddenly announces they should leave the city and move to a rented house in the small village of Bunbury, Amy is initially reluctant to leave her family. However, desperate to please Zane, she eventually agrees to his demands. Unfortunately, she soon realises she has made a big mistake, as not only does she find herself having to support Zane while he continually disappears for hours on end, but Spider now seems to have permanent access to their home.
Increasingly distressed by the situation, Amy’s only respite is the friendship she has with her two elderly neighbours, Frank and Greta Foxhall, whose relationship is the polar opposite to hers. They too see Amy as a gift, as with Greta gradually succumbing to Alzheimer’s, Amy’s visits are a great comfort to them both. However, Frank and Greta share a guilty secret, one which they have successfully guarded for the past fifteen years. Unaware of her friends’ subterfuge, when Amy finds a bag containing several thousand dollars under the couple’s bed, her disclosure to Zane inadvertently sets in motion a devastating string of events that will ultimately change all their lives.
‘Dear Neighbour’ is a well-written and compelling thriller about manipulation, betrayal and deceit, highlighting the danger of unconditional love for the wrong person. Contrasted with the Foxall’s total dedication and love for one another, the scene is then set for a gripping and tense story with surprises at every turn.
At first it is difficult to comprehend why Amy stays with Zane, after all he is a thoroughly unpleasant character and there is nothing about their relationship to indicate he returns her love. However, love is a powerful and addictive emotion, and as Amy’s insecurity and lack of self-confidence become obvious, that conundrum turns to understanding. Nevertheless, I still found myself internally screaming at Amy to wake up and smell the coffee … then get the hell out of there.
Written in the third person point of view, the story is fast-paced and engrossing, with just enough information revealed about the characters to draw the reader in and keep them guessing as to the outcome. The end when it arrives is both satisfying and explosive.
April 3, 2021
Testimony of bravery and heroism
Vianne Mauriac lives in the quiet village of Carriveau, with her husband Antoine and daughter Sophie. Although not wealthy, they are a happy family … that is until war with Germany threatens to tear them apart. Then everything changes.
When her husband is called away to join the French army, Vianne tries to protect her daughter from the burden of war by carrying on as normal. Fortunately, her old friend Rachel de Champlain, and her baby son Ariel, live next door. The two women offer true friendship and support to each other as they deal with the heartbreak and fear of being separated from their husbands.
Unfortunately, when France falls to the Germans, the Nazis waste no time in marching into Paris. With the country now occupied and both husbands in a POW camp, Vianne and Rachel’s peaceful life comes to an abrupt end.
To make things worse, Vianne’s sister, Isabelle – who has been living with their father in Paris – is sent to live with Vianne in Carriveau, where he believes she will be safe. Unlike Vianne, Isabelle is eager to fight the Germans in any way she can. So, when Vianne is forced to have a German officer billeted in her home, tensions inevitably mount between the sisters. Unable to live under the same roof as a German, Isabelle slips away to join the Resistance, where she eventually operates under the code name ‘The Nightingale’.
Whereas most war novels focus on the bravery of men, who risk their lives to fight for their country, ‘The Nightingale’ highlights the bravery and sacrifices of the women left at home. In this case, the French women who struggled to survive the brutal German occupation of their country, while trying to protect their families. Whether mothers trying to feed their families, or active members of the Resistance willing to risk their lives to repatriate allied airmen shot down by the Germans, all played their part, often displaying exceptional fortitude and courage in this epic struggle for survival.
Centred around the Mauriac/Rossignol family, Kristin Hannah’s beautifully written story of love, loyalty and sacrifice during wartime, describes in shocking detail all the horrors of occupied France. How, as the Nazi regime consolidates its grip on the country, families are torn apart by starvation, brutal interrogations, executions, casual shootings, potential betrayal by neighbours, and the grotesque humanitarian crime of deportation of Jews to concentration camps.
In the face of these circumstances, and driven by sheer necessity and desperation, many women performed acts of exceptional bravery to save their own children and the children of others, often taking extraordinary risks in the process. The result is a gripping and terrifying story of humanity pushed to the limits. The final twist will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.
When her husband is called away to join the French army, Vianne tries to protect her daughter from the burden of war by carrying on as normal. Fortunately, her old friend Rachel de Champlain, and her baby son Ariel, live next door. The two women offer true friendship and support to each other as they deal with the heartbreak and fear of being separated from their husbands.
Unfortunately, when France falls to the Germans, the Nazis waste no time in marching into Paris. With the country now occupied and both husbands in a POW camp, Vianne and Rachel’s peaceful life comes to an abrupt end.
To make things worse, Vianne’s sister, Isabelle – who has been living with their father in Paris – is sent to live with Vianne in Carriveau, where he believes she will be safe. Unlike Vianne, Isabelle is eager to fight the Germans in any way she can. So, when Vianne is forced to have a German officer billeted in her home, tensions inevitably mount between the sisters. Unable to live under the same roof as a German, Isabelle slips away to join the Resistance, where she eventually operates under the code name ‘The Nightingale’.
Whereas most war novels focus on the bravery of men, who risk their lives to fight for their country, ‘The Nightingale’ highlights the bravery and sacrifices of the women left at home. In this case, the French women who struggled to survive the brutal German occupation of their country, while trying to protect their families. Whether mothers trying to feed their families, or active members of the Resistance willing to risk their lives to repatriate allied airmen shot down by the Germans, all played their part, often displaying exceptional fortitude and courage in this epic struggle for survival.
Centred around the Mauriac/Rossignol family, Kristin Hannah’s beautifully written story of love, loyalty and sacrifice during wartime, describes in shocking detail all the horrors of occupied France. How, as the Nazi regime consolidates its grip on the country, families are torn apart by starvation, brutal interrogations, executions, casual shootings, potential betrayal by neighbours, and the grotesque humanitarian crime of deportation of Jews to concentration camps.
In the face of these circumstances, and driven by sheer necessity and desperation, many women performed acts of exceptional bravery to save their own children and the children of others, often taking extraordinary risks in the process. The result is a gripping and terrifying story of humanity pushed to the limits. The final twist will stay with you long after you’ve read the last page.
March 1, 2021
Harrowing but compelling
Told from the viewpoint of Alexandra Gracie (Girl A) – the only one who managed to eventually escape and raise the alarm – ‘Girl A’ is the story of seven siblings, and the horrifying treatment they receive at the hands of their fanatically religious father and compliant mother. Make no mistake, this is not an easy read, but it is nevertheless a compelling and absorbing one.
There is, however, an uplifting aspect to the novel as, later in life, Alexandra determines to salvage something good from the tragedy of their childhood. This plan means contacting her now geographically scattered siblings.
Divided into seven chapters, the story switches between the present and the past as each chapter explores the experience of one of the children, and the particular cruelties and humiliations inflicted on them. This is a well-written account, highlighting the unimaginable horrors of child abuse, which is all too often hidden behind closed doors.
Although traumatised, each child manages to develop his or her own particular survival mechanism – sometimes to the detriment of other siblings. As can sometimes happen in life-threatening situations, self-preservation eventually dictates that two of the children cultivate an ‘it’s you or me’ attitude.
The graphic descriptions of their ordeals are deeply upsetting and heart-rending. However, despite this, I found the book impossible to put down. As each chapter vividly reveals new levels of cruelty, I soon wanted to call the police myself.
Unlike some thrillers, ‘Girl A’ is a slow burn story, echoing the years of incarceration suffered by the children. The stories of the victims are revealed gradually, including one particularly shocking twist at the end.
I really enjoyed this book, despite the subject matter. The only problem I had was the switching between past and present within the same chapter, which I sometimes found confusing. However, it was certainly not enough to spoil the flow, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to others.
There is, however, an uplifting aspect to the novel as, later in life, Alexandra determines to salvage something good from the tragedy of their childhood. This plan means contacting her now geographically scattered siblings.
Divided into seven chapters, the story switches between the present and the past as each chapter explores the experience of one of the children, and the particular cruelties and humiliations inflicted on them. This is a well-written account, highlighting the unimaginable horrors of child abuse, which is all too often hidden behind closed doors.
Although traumatised, each child manages to develop his or her own particular survival mechanism – sometimes to the detriment of other siblings. As can sometimes happen in life-threatening situations, self-preservation eventually dictates that two of the children cultivate an ‘it’s you or me’ attitude.
The graphic descriptions of their ordeals are deeply upsetting and heart-rending. However, despite this, I found the book impossible to put down. As each chapter vividly reveals new levels of cruelty, I soon wanted to call the police myself.
Unlike some thrillers, ‘Girl A’ is a slow burn story, echoing the years of incarceration suffered by the children. The stories of the victims are revealed gradually, including one particularly shocking twist at the end.
I really enjoyed this book, despite the subject matter. The only problem I had was the switching between past and present within the same chapter, which I sometimes found confusing. However, it was certainly not enough to spoil the flow, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to others.
February 1, 2021
Behind enemy lines
Being a lover of crime and psychological thrillers, I rarely read spy novels. So, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading ‘The German Messenger’ by David Malcolm.
The story revolves around Major Harry Draffen, a war-weary Military Intelligence officer whose missions behind enemy lines have exposed him to more than his fair share of danger and violence. What is more, he has the scars to prove it. Now, as he reflects on his past experiences after returning home from a mission, it is evident his work has begun to take its toll.
Harry is a good agent, and together with his two comrades, Andrzej Czapski and Corporal Alan McLeish – two men he trusts implicitly – he has managed to survive many a dangerous situation and produce results. Therefore, when his superior at the War Office, Sir Walter Bullivant, receives information concerning secret enemy meetings, pointing to the possibility of infiltration by German spies via the Scottish coast, he immediately sends for Harry to brief him on his next mission. Find out what the Germans are up to and stop them … at all costs.
‘The German Messenger’ is a dark and exciting story, depicting the equally perilous covert side of warfare. Although the plot starts out as a seemingly simple one, as the true meaning of the intelligence is gradually revealed – together with the highly sensitive political implications – the resulting intrigue, betrayal and conflicting loyalties ramp up the tension to another level.
Its protagonist, Harry Draffen – a man who likes to do things his own way – is a complex character whose often reckless actions and misplaced judgement of people eventually prove to be a dangerous flaw. Add to this a cast of unpredictable and intriguing characters and the result is a gripping and often brutal thriller.
Definitely worth the read.
The story revolves around Major Harry Draffen, a war-weary Military Intelligence officer whose missions behind enemy lines have exposed him to more than his fair share of danger and violence. What is more, he has the scars to prove it. Now, as he reflects on his past experiences after returning home from a mission, it is evident his work has begun to take its toll.
Harry is a good agent, and together with his two comrades, Andrzej Czapski and Corporal Alan McLeish – two men he trusts implicitly – he has managed to survive many a dangerous situation and produce results. Therefore, when his superior at the War Office, Sir Walter Bullivant, receives information concerning secret enemy meetings, pointing to the possibility of infiltration by German spies via the Scottish coast, he immediately sends for Harry to brief him on his next mission. Find out what the Germans are up to and stop them … at all costs.
‘The German Messenger’ is a dark and exciting story, depicting the equally perilous covert side of warfare. Although the plot starts out as a seemingly simple one, as the true meaning of the intelligence is gradually revealed – together with the highly sensitive political implications – the resulting intrigue, betrayal and conflicting loyalties ramp up the tension to another level.
Its protagonist, Harry Draffen – a man who likes to do things his own way – is a complex character whose often reckless actions and misplaced judgement of people eventually prove to be a dangerous flaw. Add to this a cast of unpredictable and intriguing characters and the result is a gripping and often brutal thriller.
Definitely worth the read.
January 25, 2021
Blog tour for ‘Beneath the Fear’
I’m about to have my very first blog tour in two weeks time and it’s both exciting and nerve-racking in equal measures.
The tour starts on February 8th and lasts for a week. Hopefully the 21 reviewers will like ‘Beneath the Fear’ – my second novel – but there are no guarantees. That’s what makes their opinions all the more valuable. Either way, I’m looking forward to hearing what they have to say.
The tour starts on February 8th and lasts for a week. Hopefully the 21 reviewers will like ‘Beneath the Fear’ – my second novel – but there are no guarantees. That’s what makes their opinions all the more valuable. Either way, I’m looking forward to hearing what they have to say.
