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LETTING YOU GO PB
Letting You Go
- GenresContemporaryRomance
Paperback
First published September 10, 2015
2 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Anouska Knight
9 books64 followersThe official bit:
Since securing the top prize in widely-publicized UK writing contest Racy Reads on ITV’s Lorraine show, Anouska Knight has become an international sensation with her debut novel, Since You've Been Gone, hitting both The Bookseller and Heatseekers bestseller lists and securing praise from the likes of Jackie Collins and Jenny Colgan.
Her books have since gone on to be published in twenty countries worldwide.
A former bakery owner, she has gone on to wide acclaim in her native England and now writes full-time, currently on her next novel for Harper Collins under the pseudonym 'Erin Knight'.
The really real bit:
Frazzled mum to three smashing boys, Rad, Loch & Jesse.
Wife to childhood sweetheart, Knighty.
Big fan of peanut M&Ms. And typing 'The End'.
Since securing the top prize in widely-publicized UK writing contest Racy Reads on ITV’s Lorraine show, Anouska Knight has become an international sensation with her debut novel, Since You've Been Gone, hitting both The Bookseller and Heatseekers bestseller lists and securing praise from the likes of Jackie Collins and Jenny Colgan.
Her books have since gone on to be published in twenty countries worldwide.
A former bakery owner, she has gone on to wide acclaim in her native England and now writes full-time, currently on her next novel for Harper Collins under the pseudonym 'Erin Knight'.
The really real bit:
Frazzled mum to three smashing boys, Rad, Loch & Jesse.
Wife to childhood sweetheart, Knighty.
Big fan of peanut M&Ms. And typing 'The End'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 9, 2015
4.5
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
I’ve just spent the best weekend with Letting You Go, my very first Anouska Knight novel, and I’m not quite sure I’m okay with leaving it behind just yet! Even after the most moving, perfect of endings. I was taken in completely by the stunning story here. Letting You Go wastes no time in setting the scene as we’re taken back to 2004 and the events leading up to the death of Dillon – son to Ted and Blythe, little brother to Alex and Jem. September 12, 2004 was a tragic day that the Foster family have never allowed themselves to recover from. There’s all sorts of blame that has been thrown around, guilt that has been all-consuming and relationships shattered ever since that horrible moment which saw Dillon die. I have to point out that although Anouska introduces us instantly to the pivotal moment in the Foster family’s lives, Letting You Go still had that slowburning feel to it. It wasn’t a book I could connect with straight away and for a chapter or two, I wasn’t so sure this was going to be the book for me but then everything changed and there was no way I could be separated from it.
The moment this book changed for me was the moment that Alex gets the phone call from her sister to tell her that their mum has had a suspected stroke. Alex needs to go home. Alex knows it’s something she needs to do – she can’t neglect her mum when she needs her the most – but she’s anxious and worried about how things will work out. Her relationship with her dad has suffered ever since Dillon died – she doesn’t believe he has or ever will forgive her for the death of his son, and she doesn’t blame him. She blames herself too, blames herself for being too distracted by Finn, the guy from her past who she also knows she won’t be able to avoid once she goes back home. There’s so many questions and intrigue over Alex’s journey home and I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Alex and found myself hoping things wouldn’t be as painful as she expected.
I think my favourite part of this novel was all the different relationships between the characters. Anouska has done such a brilliant job at creating multi-layered, realistic characters who you can care about without necessarily having straight-forward opinions of them. No characters were perfect or without flaws – each one was very human and the depth to them made this story come to life which in turn had me connecting with this book on a more emotional level and at times the story moved me a lot. There was such a heart-breaking, touching exploration of a family built on love but love which has been disguised in the form of lies, secrets, grief and a real lack of communication. Alex is our main character here but I was pleasantly surprised that this book revolved around a lot more than just her feelings – I especially enjoyed that we got to really learn a lot about her sister too because she also wasn’t one without a secret or two.
Each relationship in this book was told beautifully. I can’t pick a favourite because I truly enjoyed them all. The relationship between Alex and her sister Jem is probably the most predominant one as they grow closer and support each other through the sadness of their broken family. They both also had a lot to learn about each other and the things they missed out on throughout the time they didn’t see each other. Although Jem’s secret was made easy for the reader to work out, I was interested to see whether anyone in the book would work it out or if Jem would come forward with it – and I really wasn’t sure how anybody would react. Another more difficult and emotional relationship was that of Alex and her father, Ted. It was saddening how fragile their relationship had become but they were both torn apart by pain so much on the inside, they didn’t know how to express themselves on the outside and I was really hoping they’d find a way to repair things a little because it felt like, to me, what they both needed more than anything was the bond between them to grow and make them both a little stronger. One of my favourite characters in this book was Finn, who came across as really open and genuine. He was kind-hearted but also not one to really mince his words – I liked how he spoke his mind. We learn a little about his feelings from the past for Alex, and how his life was affected once she left. Though I loved reading the romantic element to this book, I was glad that it was well balanced and didn’t overtake the main theme of the novel.
There’s real beauty to the story and the writing of Letting You Go as everything was told intricately and eloquently. The expression of emotion was impactful and I felt like I was on the same emotional rollercoaster as the characters in the book. Reading about mums battling ill health is something I struggle with these days but I felt like in this book, Blythe played such an understated but important role. She was the only person who could keep the family together and I found it so poignant that through her time in hospital, her main priority was always focusing on trying to get her family to pull together without needing her to communicate for them. Anouska appears to have put so much heart and soul into this story which made it an irresistible read for me. As the characters confronted their pasts, I was rooting for them and encouraging them along the way. This story is laced with secrets and twists – some expected and others not so much – but regardless, each one was delivered with style and substance. Letting You Go was a stunning and extremely fulfilling novel.
(review copy)
September 10, 2015
After a tragic accident Alex has left home as soon as she could. Her father couldn't forgive her for what happened and she had to go. She didn't only leave her loving mother and sister Jem behind, but also the love of her life, Finn. Because her father doesn't want them to be together Alex has been living a lonely half life ever since. She quit studying, doesn't accept any love, doesn't have much of a social life and she works in a caring job. She gives and never receives.
Alex has to return home to Eilidh Falls, because her mother is gravely ill. She's staying with her father and the same goes for Jem, but the atmosphere is depressing. Her father doesn't talk to her and avoids her as much as he can and Jem only stays in her room. Jem has a secret, something she never dared to tell her family. During her stay she discovers something she can't talk about. Both of these things are making her feel too tense to spend time with her sister.
After years of traveling Finn is back to stay and he and Alex keep running into each other. Alex still loves him, but she tries to hide her feelings because of her father. Secrets and tension are making life more and more difficult for everyone. Will the past keep influencing the present until the pressure becomes too much for everyone?
Letting You Go is an impressive family story. An unfortunate accident has devastating consequences. Alex has never allowed herself to live. She's still paying the price for what happened every single day. She never sees her family any more and when she returns she tries to do what she can to make peace, but her father and Jem don't let her in. It broke my heart to see how hard she tried and I wanted her to be happy after all the heartache. The same goes for Jem, who had such a tough time while Alex was already away. I wanted everyone to heal as much as they could.
Emotions are such a big part of this story. It's quite long, but that length is needed because of all the complex feelings. I couldn't stop reading. I mainly wanted to know how the situation would develop. The past plays such an important role in this book, it's sucking up all the joy of the present. That doesn't mean Letting You Go is a depressing book though, it's actually really hopeful. Sometimes I wanted to shake Jem and Alex to make them talk and I wanted to shout at their father to make him see sense. Everything that happens and happened made me feel such strong emotions. I loved this book and think Anouska Knight has written a fantastic, moving story with impressive main characters.
Alex has to return home to Eilidh Falls, because her mother is gravely ill. She's staying with her father and the same goes for Jem, but the atmosphere is depressing. Her father doesn't talk to her and avoids her as much as he can and Jem only stays in her room. Jem has a secret, something she never dared to tell her family. During her stay she discovers something she can't talk about. Both of these things are making her feel too tense to spend time with her sister.
After years of traveling Finn is back to stay and he and Alex keep running into each other. Alex still loves him, but she tries to hide her feelings because of her father. Secrets and tension are making life more and more difficult for everyone. Will the past keep influencing the present until the pressure becomes too much for everyone?
Letting You Go is an impressive family story. An unfortunate accident has devastating consequences. Alex has never allowed herself to live. She's still paying the price for what happened every single day. She never sees her family any more and when she returns she tries to do what she can to make peace, but her father and Jem don't let her in. It broke my heart to see how hard she tried and I wanted her to be happy after all the heartache. The same goes for Jem, who had such a tough time while Alex was already away. I wanted everyone to heal as much as they could.
Emotions are such a big part of this story. It's quite long, but that length is needed because of all the complex feelings. I couldn't stop reading. I mainly wanted to know how the situation would develop. The past plays such an important role in this book, it's sucking up all the joy of the present. That doesn't mean Letting You Go is a depressing book though, it's actually really hopeful. Sometimes I wanted to shake Jem and Alex to make them talk and I wanted to shout at their father to make him see sense. Everything that happens and happened made me feel such strong emotions. I loved this book and think Anouska Knight has written a fantastic, moving story with impressive main characters.
September 6, 2015
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I have all of Anouska’s books in my bookshelf, Letting You Go is the first one I’ve read now, finally!
Alex Foster finds herself back home after eight years. Memories of that tragic accident come back, when she lost her brother. Her dad is still angry with her and holds her responsible. Their relationship is tense and uncomfortable. With her mum being in the hospital, the situation doesn’t get better.
Then there is Finn, gorgeous Finn. Her dad is not a big fan of him and although their feelings for each other are pretty obvious Alex holds back. It’s about what happened eight years ago and her dad has a lot to do with it. I was just hoping for them, because I felt that he changed her in a positive way. He was actually my favourite thing about this book.
I found it difficult to relate to Alex at first and I also couldn’t get into the story. I’m happy I continued reading it, because it got better and better, deeper and really thoughtful. I really enjoyed reading it in the end.
The relationships between the characters and they way Anouska wrote about them really stood out for me.
This is a story full of secrets, lies and heart!
A story about a family, their past, their relationship and their love for each other, no matter what!
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the other Anouska Knight books, because I love her style of writing!
I have all of Anouska’s books in my bookshelf, Letting You Go is the first one I’ve read now, finally!
Alex Foster finds herself back home after eight years. Memories of that tragic accident come back, when she lost her brother. Her dad is still angry with her and holds her responsible. Their relationship is tense and uncomfortable. With her mum being in the hospital, the situation doesn’t get better.
Then there is Finn, gorgeous Finn. Her dad is not a big fan of him and although their feelings for each other are pretty obvious Alex holds back. It’s about what happened eight years ago and her dad has a lot to do with it. I was just hoping for them, because I felt that he changed her in a positive way. He was actually my favourite thing about this book.
I found it difficult to relate to Alex at first and I also couldn’t get into the story. I’m happy I continued reading it, because it got better and better, deeper and really thoughtful. I really enjoyed reading it in the end.
The relationships between the characters and they way Anouska wrote about them really stood out for me.
This is a story full of secrets, lies and heart!
A story about a family, their past, their relationship and their love for each other, no matter what!
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the other Anouska Knight books, because I love her style of writing!
August 19, 2015
www.snazzybooks.com
Letting You Go by Anoushka Knight is an enjoyable, easy read which starts off quite slow but gains a bit of momentum as the book continues.
The characters are quite well developed and interesting, though I struggled to emphasise with Alex- she got on my nerves quite a lot. I felt like she treated Finn pretty badly, and although she recognised this too she didn’t seem to change her behaviour until right at the end. Then again, she did have a lot to deal with. The topics covered in the novel are quite emotional at times; at one point towards the end I did tear up a bit and I warmed more to Alex as the story continued.
I found the writing a little cheesy at times, but quite enjoyed the turns and twists that the author threw in, some of which I saw coming a mile off and others that I definitely didn’t predict. I enjoy stories that keep you guessing and this one did, which added a bit more interest to the novel.
I haven't read anything by Anoushka Knight before but would give some of her other novels a go in the future, and feel they would be perfect for someone wanting a nice easy read - in my opinion nothing too ground breaking, but it does make you think.
** Many thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review **
Letting You Go by Anoushka Knight is an enjoyable, easy read which starts off quite slow but gains a bit of momentum as the book continues.
The characters are quite well developed and interesting, though I struggled to emphasise with Alex- she got on my nerves quite a lot. I felt like she treated Finn pretty badly, and although she recognised this too she didn’t seem to change her behaviour until right at the end. Then again, she did have a lot to deal with. The topics covered in the novel are quite emotional at times; at one point towards the end I did tear up a bit and I warmed more to Alex as the story continued.
I found the writing a little cheesy at times, but quite enjoyed the turns and twists that the author threw in, some of which I saw coming a mile off and others that I definitely didn’t predict. I enjoy stories that keep you guessing and this one did, which added a bit more interest to the novel.
I haven't read anything by Anoushka Knight before but would give some of her other novels a go in the future, and feel they would be perfect for someone wanting a nice easy read - in my opinion nothing too ground breaking, but it does make you think.
** Many thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review **
September 10, 2015
My thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I found this book a little difficult to get into at the beginning. There were a lot of characters and flashbacks. However, from the middle onwards I became engrossed in Alex’s life and the tragedy that has haunted her family. This is a book about love, grief, forgiveness and family. Set in a small town, I enjoyed the backdrop to the story and how the repercussions of the tragedy had a ripple effect. When Alex’s mother becomes ill, she is forced to return home and confront the past. Without giving away any spoilers, I particularly liked the way in which the characters develop, as not just Alex but both her mother and father have their own demons to confront. Brilliant ending!
September 2, 2015
This is the first book I have ready by Anouska Knight and Letting You Go was an easy well written novel. I liked how the plot which was not typically chick-lit but had a serious side too. The main and supporting characters were well developed, some likable and some less so.
This was an enjoyable read which was a little slow and predictable in places but did have a few twists to the story. For me it didn't quite have the wow factor, however I'm sure many will love this book. I certainly wouldn't hesitate in reading more of this author's books.
This was an enjoyable read which was a little slow and predictable in places but did have a few twists to the story. For me it didn't quite have the wow factor, however I'm sure many will love this book. I certainly wouldn't hesitate in reading more of this author's books.
June 9, 2020
I loved this book so much! I have had this on my netgalley for absolutely ages and I'm trying to get rid of the oldest from the list.. Thank god I did because this was so freaking good. I am not embarrassed to say I cried throughout this book and I do mean full on sobs. This book will make you feel things. Like, seriously.
I loved Alex and Finn's relationship. I just wanted to lock them in a room and shout sort your shit out and stop running!! This book also includes a female/female relationship that is honestly just so beautiful. I can't even.
This book is about a tragic accident and the repercussions of that. We get to see how this family deals with their grief and each other. I cannot gush about this book enough. I wish that I had read this when I first recieved the ARC from Netgalley.
I loved Alex and Finn's relationship. I just wanted to lock them in a room and shout sort your shit out and stop running!! This book also includes a female/female relationship that is honestly just so beautiful. I can't even.
This book is about a tragic accident and the repercussions of that. We get to see how this family deals with their grief and each other. I cannot gush about this book enough. I wish that I had read this when I first recieved the ARC from Netgalley.
October 22, 2015
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2015/1...
Letting You Go is the first novel I've read by Anouska Knight. I loved her writing style (I also fell in love with the characters too!).
I think one of the amazing things about reading is that I get to experience emotions that aren't mine and with a 3rd person narrative from Alex and sister Jem there are plenty of 'feels' - not just with the two sisters but dad Ted and of course male lead Finn.
I wanted to know how Alex was living her life with that shroud of guilt colouring all her actions. Was she chasing her dreams? Did she have hope? Eight years of hiding from her family, from where she belongs. Well, there are a few transformations during her two weeks back home in Eilidh Falls and not just for her either.
When Alex returns, she makes herself almost insignificant, not wanting to upset anyone and treading oh so carefully. When we feel at fault, we think everyone's mood is attributed to us, not being able to see that there are other influences affecting the way the person is behaving - we take sole responsibility for the mental and emotional well-being of the people around us. Anouska Knight portrays this perfectly with Alex's character!
All the characters hooked me in. Even if I didn't agree with Ted I could see why! Finn was perfect in his harshness to Alex:
" ... He thought you were awesome Alex. Eight year old lads, they're not supposed to look up to their sisters, it's not cool for boys to think that way. But he did. He wanted to run like you, Foster. Pitch balls like you. Skim rocks, just like you. Always you." Alex closed her eyes while a gaping hole yawned inside her. "But I don't think he'd have looked up to the person you are now." page 355
I loved the setting of Eilidh Falls. It's a small community with some families living there for generations so there's a lot of history. Finn's back after travelling and you just know Alex is going to bump into him. I loved the undercurrents of their first meeting (and subsequent meetings) but felt so hopeless, how could they ever be together with the history of Dill's accident right there between them? There are a couple of scenes at the Viking Festival that had me whooping - revenge is sweet :)
Clues are revealed that made me intrigued ... there are others hiding secrets and I have to say that although I worked them out, this in no way detracted from my being totally absorbed in the story (can you tell how much I loved Letting You Go?). Some things are not what they seem at all.
After I had finished reading I took some time reflecting on just how far the characters had come - so much healing takes place and so much hope to move forward with - despite a sad goodbye. I didn't want to let Eilidh Falls and its occupants go.
Anouska Knight deals with some sensitive issues in Letting You Go and she tackles them with empathy and heart.
I would like to thank Midas PR for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Letting You Go is the first novel I've read by Anouska Knight. I loved her writing style (I also fell in love with the characters too!).
I think one of the amazing things about reading is that I get to experience emotions that aren't mine and with a 3rd person narrative from Alex and sister Jem there are plenty of 'feels' - not just with the two sisters but dad Ted and of course male lead Finn.
I wanted to know how Alex was living her life with that shroud of guilt colouring all her actions. Was she chasing her dreams? Did she have hope? Eight years of hiding from her family, from where she belongs. Well, there are a few transformations during her two weeks back home in Eilidh Falls and not just for her either.
When Alex returns, she makes herself almost insignificant, not wanting to upset anyone and treading oh so carefully. When we feel at fault, we think everyone's mood is attributed to us, not being able to see that there are other influences affecting the way the person is behaving - we take sole responsibility for the mental and emotional well-being of the people around us. Anouska Knight portrays this perfectly with Alex's character!
All the characters hooked me in. Even if I didn't agree with Ted I could see why! Finn was perfect in his harshness to Alex:
" ... He thought you were awesome Alex. Eight year old lads, they're not supposed to look up to their sisters, it's not cool for boys to think that way. But he did. He wanted to run like you, Foster. Pitch balls like you. Skim rocks, just like you. Always you." Alex closed her eyes while a gaping hole yawned inside her. "But I don't think he'd have looked up to the person you are now." page 355
I loved the setting of Eilidh Falls. It's a small community with some families living there for generations so there's a lot of history. Finn's back after travelling and you just know Alex is going to bump into him. I loved the undercurrents of their first meeting (and subsequent meetings) but felt so hopeless, how could they ever be together with the history of Dill's accident right there between them? There are a couple of scenes at the Viking Festival that had me whooping - revenge is sweet :)
Clues are revealed that made me intrigued ... there are others hiding secrets and I have to say that although I worked them out, this in no way detracted from my being totally absorbed in the story (can you tell how much I loved Letting You Go?). Some things are not what they seem at all.
After I had finished reading I took some time reflecting on just how far the characters had come - so much healing takes place and so much hope to move forward with - despite a sad goodbye. I didn't want to let Eilidh Falls and its occupants go.
Anouska Knight deals with some sensitive issues in Letting You Go and she tackles them with empathy and heart.
I would like to thank Midas PR for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2015
Letting you go was my first Anouska Knight novel and I have to say I was pretty impressed, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was definitely intrigued by the reasons that Alex has not been back to Eilidh falls for nearly eight years.
I will admit that although I loved the characters in this novel that I did find it a bit of a struggle for the first couple of chapters, I just found myself not connecting with the story to begin with. Thankfully I stuck with it and as I read more I found that I couldn’t wait to find out more about how the lives of the characters intertwined with each other.
Eilidh falls is a small town which generally means that everyone knows everyone else’s business and it appears that for the most part this was true of Eilidh falls, but as we find out in this book there is a lot more that people worked very hard to keep hidden from those around them, even family.
The relationship between Alex and her father is at times a pretty hard read as I genuinely felt for her having lived her life with so much guilt over what happened to her brother, she also believed that her father held her personally responsible for his son’s death. Their relationship is a volatile one, and one where each is holding onto not just hurt but personal guilt which at times threatens to tear them apart. This relationship like other within this novel was very well written.
I think the strongest part of this novel is the relationships, whether it’s Alex and her father, Alex and the gorgeous Finn the boy who she keeps running from, or Alex’s mother Blythe and father Ted who’s relationship seems rock solid but also holds secrets that bind them together yet could break them apart. The love between the characters in this novel shows exactly what family is truly about, sticking together through the good times and bad, that regardless of what you’ve done or who you are that your family will always be there to love you, no matter what.
This was a novel full of heart, a village with it’s fair share of secrets and lies but most importantly it was a tale of the overwhelming power of family and the bonds that no matter how stretched still tie you together whether you want them to or not.
I will admit that although I loved the characters in this novel that I did find it a bit of a struggle for the first couple of chapters, I just found myself not connecting with the story to begin with. Thankfully I stuck with it and as I read more I found that I couldn’t wait to find out more about how the lives of the characters intertwined with each other.
Eilidh falls is a small town which generally means that everyone knows everyone else’s business and it appears that for the most part this was true of Eilidh falls, but as we find out in this book there is a lot more that people worked very hard to keep hidden from those around them, even family.
The relationship between Alex and her father is at times a pretty hard read as I genuinely felt for her having lived her life with so much guilt over what happened to her brother, she also believed that her father held her personally responsible for his son’s death. Their relationship is a volatile one, and one where each is holding onto not just hurt but personal guilt which at times threatens to tear them apart. This relationship like other within this novel was very well written.
I think the strongest part of this novel is the relationships, whether it’s Alex and her father, Alex and the gorgeous Finn the boy who she keeps running from, or Alex’s mother Blythe and father Ted who’s relationship seems rock solid but also holds secrets that bind them together yet could break them apart. The love between the characters in this novel shows exactly what family is truly about, sticking together through the good times and bad, that regardless of what you’ve done or who you are that your family will always be there to love you, no matter what.
This was a novel full of heart, a village with it’s fair share of secrets and lies but most importantly it was a tale of the overwhelming power of family and the bonds that no matter how stretched still tie you together whether you want them to or not.
August 6, 2015
4.5 Stars
Letting You Go is a moving and emotional tale of heartbreak, grief, forgiveness, with a good quantity of secrets thrown in too.
Alex Foster hasn't been back to Eilidh Falls in eight years, she has never forgiven herself for the death of her younger brother, and she believes her father has never forgiven her either. And then she gets a call from Jem, her younger sister, telling her their mother is ill and in hospital.
As scared as Alex is to return home, she loves mum Blythe more than anything and rushes to her bedside, and promises to stay until Blythe is able to return home. In returning to the small town, she stirs up a lot of memories for not just her family, but plenty of other families in town too.
This includes Finn, who was her boyfriend all those years ago, and who has always loved her, no matter what Alex has done.
Alex's father Ted struggles to show his feelings, but very slowly he starts to accept Alex being around a bit more, even if he isn't happy with who his daughters are hanging about with.
Is is soon apparent that Jem is hiding at least one secret if not more, and so are other members of the family. There is a twisted web of lies and half lies, until everything becomes apparent. Some of the secrets I guessed at, and others were a bit more shocking.
There are little light hearted moments dotted amongst the book, including things "dog" does, the little puppy the family have, but haven't named yet.
Alex is as obstinate as her father but is it too late to repair their very fractured relationship? Will Jem and Alex ever admit to being in love? And just what happened on the day that their brother died? Answers to this and to other questions the book brings up, will be answered just by reading.
I really enjoyed reading Letting You Go, its a more serious, heavier book than a lot of the books I do read, but it is a fabulous story, by an author that seems to be getting better and better with each book. I have a feeling this book will be staying with me for some time.
Thank you so much to Cara at MIRA for this ARC. This was my honest review and opinion.
Letting You Go is a moving and emotional tale of heartbreak, grief, forgiveness, with a good quantity of secrets thrown in too.
Alex Foster hasn't been back to Eilidh Falls in eight years, she has never forgiven herself for the death of her younger brother, and she believes her father has never forgiven her either. And then she gets a call from Jem, her younger sister, telling her their mother is ill and in hospital.
As scared as Alex is to return home, she loves mum Blythe more than anything and rushes to her bedside, and promises to stay until Blythe is able to return home. In returning to the small town, she stirs up a lot of memories for not just her family, but plenty of other families in town too.
This includes Finn, who was her boyfriend all those years ago, and who has always loved her, no matter what Alex has done.
Alex's father Ted struggles to show his feelings, but very slowly he starts to accept Alex being around a bit more, even if he isn't happy with who his daughters are hanging about with.
Is is soon apparent that Jem is hiding at least one secret if not more, and so are other members of the family. There is a twisted web of lies and half lies, until everything becomes apparent. Some of the secrets I guessed at, and others were a bit more shocking.
There are little light hearted moments dotted amongst the book, including things "dog" does, the little puppy the family have, but haven't named yet.
Alex is as obstinate as her father but is it too late to repair their very fractured relationship? Will Jem and Alex ever admit to being in love? And just what happened on the day that their brother died? Answers to this and to other questions the book brings up, will be answered just by reading.
I really enjoyed reading Letting You Go, its a more serious, heavier book than a lot of the books I do read, but it is a fabulous story, by an author that seems to be getting better and better with each book. I have a feeling this book will be staying with me for some time.
Thank you so much to Cara at MIRA for this ARC. This was my honest review and opinion.
May 22, 2016
http://confessionofalitchick.blogspot...
Arc copy via Netgalley - in exchange for an honest review.
Letting You Go, really was a gem of a novel. I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but that's what first drew me to this. The lady walking down a path, she is pretty much a walking metaphor of letting the past go, and physically moving forward. I loved it, very clever. This is also the first book I have read from this author and I wasn't disappointed!
The writing style was good, I also loved the multiple point of views and the none linear pattern where every now and again a snippet of the past would be revealed to reinforce what was happening in the present. There were a few spelling errors, but as this is an arc, I'm sure they will be fine tuned before its release - I mean, Jem was called "Jim", at one point.
The plot kept me guessing and the characters all had their own personalities, so it was easy to differentiate between them. I do wish Alex had stood up for herself earlier in the book, I hated how she let people continue to blame her. But, it made it even better to watch her, as a person, not a character since they all felt real, grow and change. In fact every character changed gradually, which for me, is a sign of a great writer.
It was sad and happy. It made you think of the importance of family, forgiveness and being true to yourself. A poignant novel.
Arc copy via Netgalley - in exchange for an honest review.
Letting You Go, really was a gem of a novel. I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but that's what first drew me to this. The lady walking down a path, she is pretty much a walking metaphor of letting the past go, and physically moving forward. I loved it, very clever. This is also the first book I have read from this author and I wasn't disappointed!
The writing style was good, I also loved the multiple point of views and the none linear pattern where every now and again a snippet of the past would be revealed to reinforce what was happening in the present. There were a few spelling errors, but as this is an arc, I'm sure they will be fine tuned before its release - I mean, Jem was called "Jim", at one point.
The plot kept me guessing and the characters all had their own personalities, so it was easy to differentiate between them. I do wish Alex had stood up for herself earlier in the book, I hated how she let people continue to blame her. But, it made it even better to watch her, as a person, not a character since they all felt real, grow and change. In fact every character changed gradually, which for me, is a sign of a great writer.
It was sad and happy. It made you think of the importance of family, forgiveness and being true to yourself. A poignant novel.
September 9, 2015
Whilst this is an easy read novel, it is also full of emotional turmoil and grief from the very first chapter! Everyone apparently has their own feelings of guilt following the tragic death of Dillon. As you read more of the story, secrets that had been hidden for years, start to be revealed explaining so much of why the family wouldn’t and couldn’t let go of the grief over his death.
Eilidh Falls is a small town where everyone assumes they know everyone else’s business but in this community there are so many secrets being hidden - even from close family members. It takes another tragic event, her Mum being hospital, to bring Alex back to the town where she believes her father has never forgiven her for her brother Dillon’s death whilst in her charge eight years ago. This has had a severe impact on her relationships with her family and friends from that era that are all brought back into focus by her return.
It is a great story demonstrating the importance and tenacity of family bonds, the power of forgiveness and shows that some secrets which tear families apart can bring them back together once revealed if everyone endeavours to be honest, especially to themselves. Poignant, it is often a sad story but it certainly has its happy moments and is a very entertaining family saga.
Thanks to the publishers for providing me with an ARC paperback of this book for me to read in exchange for this, an honest review.
Eilidh Falls is a small town where everyone assumes they know everyone else’s business but in this community there are so many secrets being hidden - even from close family members. It takes another tragic event, her Mum being hospital, to bring Alex back to the town where she believes her father has never forgiven her for her brother Dillon’s death whilst in her charge eight years ago. This has had a severe impact on her relationships with her family and friends from that era that are all brought back into focus by her return.
It is a great story demonstrating the importance and tenacity of family bonds, the power of forgiveness and shows that some secrets which tear families apart can bring them back together once revealed if everyone endeavours to be honest, especially to themselves. Poignant, it is often a sad story but it certainly has its happy moments and is a very entertaining family saga.
Thanks to the publishers for providing me with an ARC paperback of this book for me to read in exchange for this, an honest review.
August 31, 2015
Straight away we learn that Alex’s younger brother died in an unfortunate accident that Alex blames herself for as he was in her care at the time. Because of this, years later she keeps herself away from her family in the village Eilidh Falls with a series of excuses until she is forced to come home after a family emergency.
You can’t help but be very curious about the amount of secrets woven in this story, which is what propels you to keep reading and discover what is going on. It’s a great reminder that nearly everyone has secrets and a past that we can easily overlook. I enjoyed the character of Alex and I felt a great deal of sympathy with her. You also get a great idea of Eilidh Falls through the writing and the nature of living in a small place in which everyone knows everything.
The plot did keep me guessing though a lot I had figured out myself but it was a nice journey to go on. It did get frustrating at times as you long for the characters to be honest with each other and wanted to give them a bit of a shake but I think this is a good sign of great writing. The pace was slow at times but intrigue kept me reading.
Overall, this is a great read of family and forgiveness.
This review is based on a copy provided by Netgallery for the purpose of an honest review.
You can’t help but be very curious about the amount of secrets woven in this story, which is what propels you to keep reading and discover what is going on. It’s a great reminder that nearly everyone has secrets and a past that we can easily overlook. I enjoyed the character of Alex and I felt a great deal of sympathy with her. You also get a great idea of Eilidh Falls through the writing and the nature of living in a small place in which everyone knows everything.
The plot did keep me guessing though a lot I had figured out myself but it was a nice journey to go on. It did get frustrating at times as you long for the characters to be honest with each other and wanted to give them a bit of a shake but I think this is a good sign of great writing. The pace was slow at times but intrigue kept me reading.
Overall, this is a great read of family and forgiveness.
This review is based on a copy provided by Netgallery for the purpose of an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Received a copy of this via Netgalley in return for a fair and honest review.
Found the opening chapter gripping, and so dramatic reliving the past family tragedy that swallows up the family and refuses to let go over many years.
This book focuses on how grief, guilt and secrets can eat away at a family over time and only when another sad event hits the family and forces them all to relive the past that maybe they can start moving on and living again.
It seems that everyone ends up feeling guilty over Dillon and the more you read the more you understand that so many other secrets have been hidden over the years and although I felt the book was a little too long, maybe it was needed to explore the good and bad of all the characters!
Did find the chopping and changing from chapter to chapter early on of timelines and characters a little confusing at times but this did settle down as the book went on
Found the ending really pleasing as it did seem that many of the family finally being honest with each other paid off and it did keep your interest throughout as there was plenty going on
Found the opening chapter gripping, and so dramatic reliving the past family tragedy that swallows up the family and refuses to let go over many years.
This book focuses on how grief, guilt and secrets can eat away at a family over time and only when another sad event hits the family and forces them all to relive the past that maybe they can start moving on and living again.
It seems that everyone ends up feeling guilty over Dillon and the more you read the more you understand that so many other secrets have been hidden over the years and although I felt the book was a little too long, maybe it was needed to explore the good and bad of all the characters!
Did find the chopping and changing from chapter to chapter early on of timelines and characters a little confusing at times but this did settle down as the book went on
Found the ending really pleasing as it did seem that many of the family finally being honest with each other paid off and it did keep your interest throughout as there was plenty going on
September 3, 2015
Alex lost her brother in a tragedy that haunts her. She has avoided going home until her sister calls her to say she must come back because their mother is ill.
This was a really enjoyable read with a lot of substance and great characterisation.
Family secrets and the overwhelming grief fill the story. It has enough twists and turns to keep the interest and the pages turning wondering just what will be revealed and whether they will be able to start the healing process.
Eilidh Falls is depicted so well you can really visualise living there. I love books set in small towns and villages where you do really feel you get to know everyone.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
This was a really enjoyable read with a lot of substance and great characterisation.
Family secrets and the overwhelming grief fill the story. It has enough twists and turns to keep the interest and the pages turning wondering just what will be revealed and whether they will be able to start the healing process.
Eilidh Falls is depicted so well you can really visualise living there. I love books set in small towns and villages where you do really feel you get to know everyone.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
October 12, 2015
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review
I found this book very very slow to begin with (apart from the first chapter where it describes a tragic accident from Alex's Past) I really struggled to stay with this as I felt the story was not going anywhere. I think possibly the book could of been shorter. I was extremely disappointed by this.
However as the story went on the Characters and their stories began to develop so then it got more interesting and the story started taking a few twists and turns .
In the end I did enjoy this book and liked the journey it finally took me on through secrets and lies etc
I'm really looking forward to reading the other Anouska Knight books
I found this book very very slow to begin with (apart from the first chapter where it describes a tragic accident from Alex's Past) I really struggled to stay with this as I felt the story was not going anywhere. I think possibly the book could of been shorter. I was extremely disappointed by this.
However as the story went on the Characters and their stories began to develop so then it got more interesting and the story started taking a few twists and turns .
In the end I did enjoy this book and liked the journey it finally took me on through secrets and lies etc
I'm really looking forward to reading the other Anouska Knight books
September 3, 2015
Thanks NETGALLEY for the chance to read the first 3 chapters in this novel.
This novel begins with a tragic incident, the chapters after go into the family members after the incident, this book is about family, loss, and forgiveness. I really like the character Alex, I do think the story is going to pick up since Finn has returned.
Thanks again, NETGALLEY!
This novel begins with a tragic incident, the chapters after go into the family members after the incident, this book is about family, loss, and forgiveness. I really like the character Alex, I do think the story is going to pick up since Finn has returned.
Thanks again, NETGALLEY!
September 22, 2015
Thank you to Net Galley for a review copy of this book.
An enjoyable easy read, well written with some intriguing characters. Several twists and lots of secrets to be be revealed.
It lacked the wow factor for me but that is perhaps because I read it straight after the best book I have read all year. I certainly enjoyed it and will read more by Anouska Knight in the future.
An enjoyable easy read, well written with some intriguing characters. Several twists and lots of secrets to be be revealed.
It lacked the wow factor for me but that is perhaps because I read it straight after the best book I have read all year. I certainly enjoyed it and will read more by Anouska Knight in the future.
September 15, 2015
Anouska Knight is the author that books I was desperate to read, for a long time already, but probably the circumstances and time were not right. But finally! Finally! I got a copy of "Letting You Know" in my greedy mittens and couldn't be more happy to eventually dive into this story. The book wonderfully shows how people deal (or don't deal at all) with grief and brilliantly explores the family bonds and relationships, and is full of wonderfully described emotions.
The only thing that bothered me was, in fact, the length of the book, and you know me, I am the last one to whinge about the length of the book. I just couldn't help the feeling that there were too many things that the author focused on that were insignificant to the story and the book would really do without them. I have skipped some paragraphs, to be honest, because I couldn't wait for something to finally happen. Also, I really love when the characters have secrets. Really. But I don't like when the secrets are mentioned so, so often and revealing them is not in sight. The characters in "Letting You Go" mention them, they're so obvious with the fact that there are secrets, they're saying "Because there are things you've no idea about", and I wanted to shout: then tell me! It took so much time that, in fact, I was almost loosing my interest in what kind of secrets they are. Nevertheless, as much as they were not life - changing secrets, I didn't expect them to be like this (maybe because I stopped expecting them to be eventually revealed - joking!), and I truly liked this fact.
I've seen opinions that the book is a slow one. Well, for me it had just the right pace, and the author actually throws us into the heart of the story immediately at the beginning - we know what happened in the first chapter, and I'd really liked it. There were enough secrets in the book, and Anouska Knight has done this brilliantly - that we didn't have to wait any longer than necessary to know what has broken and put the Foster's family apart. I didn't really have any problems to feel immediately at home with this book, and it had me hooked from the very beginning.
I loved how Ms Knight portrayed the many different relationships in this story, especially the bonds in the Foster family. It is incredible how many secrets all the members of their family had, secrets that could influence the relationships between all of them, and yet how much they loved each other and how they couldn't live without each other. You could think, if a family really loves each other so much, they should be honest and not hide things, right? And here we have a family that has so many demons, that doesn't communicate with each other, doesn't talk and yet they somehow stick together and can count on each other. They were people full of contradictions and fear and they all chosen to hide in their own shell, and the question was when, or if, will they go out of their comfort zones and what happens then.
The most difficult relationship was probably this of Alex and her father Ted. It really hurt to see how they both hurt each other, that they couldn't stay in the same room, that they couldn't stay in the close proximity. I personally had some problems with Ted, I couldn't get into him, into his head, I really wasn't sure what he's really thinking, but I felt so sorry for Alex. She was full of sadness, sorrow, she couldn't forgive herself and she, in some ways, came to terms with the fact that her father also hasn't forgiven her, and probably is never going to forgive, but she still was hoping for a sign from him that he loves her. I couldn't watch how much Alex was kicking herself, and how obvious Ted was with his moods and his whole attitude called "my right is the only right" and how he wanted to dictate other people how they should live. Really, my heart went to Alex - she was paying the price for what happened on this one day many, many years ago, and I am not the one to judge her, I don't know what my reaction would be if it were me loosing one of my children, but no matter how harsh it sounds, life goes on, and her parents, and especially father, had more children to think about. But Alex still feels so guilty, even as an adult, she can't let the past go, the same as her father. I am not sure, but I think he was all the time unwittingly punishing Alex for this what happened.
Anouska Knight has created the most believable, authentic characters who were trying to cope with their own overwhelming and bulging feelings. What I so liked is that the characters were not perfect - they all had their own dark secrets, regrets and they all made decisions that were wrong, that hurt, or were going to hurt, their closest ones. But this is the way we all function in this world, and this is the way I love my characters to be. And the story focused not only on Alex, but on her whole family. Because Alex was really my favourite character here, I truly fell for her, I had some problems with others who were treating her in not such a nice way. Her father, but also her sister, Jem. Jem was so full of hidden anger and she found Alex to be a perfect person to off - load this anger on. She was also so unsure and uncertain, Jem, and for a long time I couldn't understand what's her problem is - maybe because I really didn't see what her secret is going to be. It really took me by surprise, and it explained a lot, and if I knew this before I might have perceived Jem in a different way throughout the story.
We can't forget Finn here, he was a great character and great person. So patient, and so understanding, but also very straight - forward, and I really liked it. Even though he was a significant character here, this sub - plot didn't over - shadowed the other important things in this story. And also, let's not forget Blythe. She spends all her time in the book in hospital, fighting for her health, but now, in retrospection, I can see that she was in fact the only one keeping this family together. They all respected her and loved her so much, and I think that somehow it was all thanks to her that the Fosters finally pulled together.
It is a book about a family and its members that started to learn themselves afresh, that started to give themselves chances to understand each other, to be a family again. It is a story full of emotions boiling just under the surface, and we can see that soon they are going to erupt and that something is going to happen. It also shows the power of love and forgiveness, that family bonds are the strongest thing in the world. It is a sad, but also incredibly uplifting story, written in a very seamless, easy to follow way, that I truly enjoyed. And the only good thing after finishing "Letting You Go" is the fact that I can immediately start reading other Anouska Knight's books. Ha :)
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
May 9, 2023
This was a very well written book, I got through this in no time at all.
It’s a “returning home when you left and don’t wanna go back” (my terms on those kind of books ya know?) but she had to go back home as her mom had suffered a stroke and the family needed to be together.
So it’s not an unusual theme/topic for an author to chose. Was an ok read though and well presented.
Alex just got on my nerves though, no backbone
It’s a “returning home when you left and don’t wanna go back” (my terms on those kind of books ya know?) but she had to go back home as her mom had suffered a stroke and the family needed to be together.
So it’s not an unusual theme/topic for an author to chose. Was an ok read though and well presented.
Alex just got on my nerves though, no backbone
January 9, 2019
Whilst on the surface this is an easy to read story centred around a relationship, it kept the suspense and tension going throughout the book. I found the family and tragic circumstances so moving and really felt for the main character Alex as she continued to put others and the past in the way of her own future happiness. If you enjoy an emotional story this is a must read!
January 31, 2023
I'm afraid I can only give this 1 star as I gave up halfway . Weather, it was how I was feeling at the time of reading, and another time, I would have found it more engaging,I don't know . I just found it bland and uninspiring and it felt like a chore trying to read it .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
I loved this book! I really enjoyed the story it had a bit of everything - a good storyline, family scandal and forgiveness. I have never read a book by Anouska Knight before but I will look out for books by her in the future!
November 30, 2023
Unfortunately, my copy ended part way through, and by the time I read it, it had been archived on Netgalley so I couldn't download it again.
It's a shame, as it sounded a bit interesting.
It's a shame, as it sounded a bit interesting.
January 18, 2017
Wow! Great book! Has it all!
October 25, 2015
I was given an ecopy of this book via Netgalley from Cara Thompson at Mira, Anouska Knight's publishers in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy todo.
Wow, where do I start. Letting You Go is an emotionally charged novel that at times is quite raw. Alex avoids home at all costs, she hasn't been home for eight years - all because of the fall-out from a terrible tragedy. When Alex gets a call to say her mother has had a stroke and is seriously ill in hospital - there is no choice she has to go back.
This is a story about families, love, friendships and small time communities. About secrets, lies and what-if's. Alex was young, in love with Finn her boyfriend and preparing for University when her life was torn apart - shattered by a terrible accident. Dillon, Alex's youngest brother drowned whilst she and Finn were supposed to be watching him. Alex's father blames her and Finn, jumping to conclusions about the reason they didn't see Dillon get into trouble in the water. Finn did try to save him but it was too late. It seems that there is no way forward, nothing can ever right the situation so Alex chooses to stay away, not knowing how to make things better for her family - in particular her father, barely a civil word passes between them.
Families are complex and there is often more going on in the background than is visible at face value. It certainly turned out to be in case in this story. Dillon's death impacts not just on Alex but on the rest of her family and the local community, everybody is linked in some way. Like many small towns the community is close knit and the various families and their lives are interwoven. Alex soon learns that guilt and grief are not just hers to own, her time away has shielded her from the impact not just of Dillon's death but of her estrangement with her family and her fiends. It seems many lives have been affected and nobody has quite perfected the art of moving forward and living life to the full.
This is a book that gained pace the more I read, as the secrets, hurt and anguish were first avoided, then confronted head on. Life isn't easy, there isn't a rule book and everyone did their best to cope in the only way they knew how. But, once the cracks started appearing, the facades they had constructed crumbled leaving their hearts and emotions exposed for all to see. Anouska Knight takes Alex and her family to hell and back, she really has created characters that will grab you, each and everyone real and engaging. My heart crumbled so many times but I still had to turn the pages to find out what happened next. An altogether uplifting story emerged and hammered home the fact that we all grieve in different ways and for different lengths of time but with the knowledge of love from family and friends, trust, communication and sometimes a still tongue life will eventually get better.
Anoraks has demonstrated in this beautiful knowledge that it is possible to live through grief, but then allow the happy memories to come to the fore using them as an anchor to hold tight to.
Thank you Anouska for a beautiful book that emerged from a very dark place. A book that shows there can be light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I loved it.
Wow, where do I start. Letting You Go is an emotionally charged novel that at times is quite raw. Alex avoids home at all costs, she hasn't been home for eight years - all because of the fall-out from a terrible tragedy. When Alex gets a call to say her mother has had a stroke and is seriously ill in hospital - there is no choice she has to go back.
This is a story about families, love, friendships and small time communities. About secrets, lies and what-if's. Alex was young, in love with Finn her boyfriend and preparing for University when her life was torn apart - shattered by a terrible accident. Dillon, Alex's youngest brother drowned whilst she and Finn were supposed to be watching him. Alex's father blames her and Finn, jumping to conclusions about the reason they didn't see Dillon get into trouble in the water. Finn did try to save him but it was too late. It seems that there is no way forward, nothing can ever right the situation so Alex chooses to stay away, not knowing how to make things better for her family - in particular her father, barely a civil word passes between them.
Families are complex and there is often more going on in the background than is visible at face value. It certainly turned out to be in case in this story. Dillon's death impacts not just on Alex but on the rest of her family and the local community, everybody is linked in some way. Like many small towns the community is close knit and the various families and their lives are interwoven. Alex soon learns that guilt and grief are not just hers to own, her time away has shielded her from the impact not just of Dillon's death but of her estrangement with her family and her fiends. It seems many lives have been affected and nobody has quite perfected the art of moving forward and living life to the full.
This is a book that gained pace the more I read, as the secrets, hurt and anguish were first avoided, then confronted head on. Life isn't easy, there isn't a rule book and everyone did their best to cope in the only way they knew how. But, once the cracks started appearing, the facades they had constructed crumbled leaving their hearts and emotions exposed for all to see. Anouska Knight takes Alex and her family to hell and back, she really has created characters that will grab you, each and everyone real and engaging. My heart crumbled so many times but I still had to turn the pages to find out what happened next. An altogether uplifting story emerged and hammered home the fact that we all grieve in different ways and for different lengths of time but with the knowledge of love from family and friends, trust, communication and sometimes a still tongue life will eventually get better.
Anoraks has demonstrated in this beautiful knowledge that it is possible to live through grief, but then allow the happy memories to come to the fore using them as an anchor to hold tight to.
Thank you Anouska for a beautiful book that emerged from a very dark place. A book that shows there can be light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I loved it.
September 16, 2015
Anouska Knight’s third novel, Letting You Go, should come with a warning: make sure you’ve got plenty of tissues handy because this emotional, stirring and mesmerizing tale of forgiveness, courage and healing from the past will pluck at your heartstrings and make you weep buckets!
Alexandra Foster’s life had changed forever on the day her beloved brother, Dill, died in a tragic accident. Alexandra was supposed to be looking after her younger sibling, but when she averted her eyes for just a second, a cruel twist of fate had shattered her idyllic teenage existence and turned her whole world upside down. With her father putting the blame entirely on her shoulders, Alexandra had soon found herself living in an impossible situation. Weary of being made to feel like a pariah in her own home, Alexandra fled the nest as soon as she possibly could to make a fresh start elsewhere. But despite the distance which she had put between herself and her family, she has never quite managed to put the past – and all the pain, anguish and heartbreak – behind her or forget the devastating events of that tragic day.
For the past eight years, Alex’s life has been quiet and uneventful. She has never gone back to her old home and has instead tried her hardest to make a new life for herself. Alex knows that there is no chance of ever fixing her relationship with her family – particularly her father- however, when she receives a telephone call from her sister, Jamie, telling her that their mother is sick and that she must come immediately, Alex find herself having to return back to a dark place she never hoped to return to where she will come face to face with her father – who holds her entirely responsible for her brother’s death – and Finn, her ex boyfriend whom her dad absolutely detests but whom she still loves…
From the moment Alex sets foot in her old hometown, she is assailed by devastating memories, but will this unexpected turn of events heal the rift that has torn her family apart? Will she manage to vanquish old demons? Or will she continue to punish herself for Dill’s death?
If you liked Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You, you are going to love Anouska Knight’s Letting You Go. Sensitively written, wonderfully nuanced and heart-breakingly poignant, this spellbinding tale of love and loss will capture your attention from the very first page and hold you in thrall until the very last word.
Anouska Knight skilfully explores the complexities of family life and effortlessly plumbs the depths of the human heart in this enthralling contemporary tale that propels this rising star of women’s fiction to new heights. Her characters are real, believable and they leap off the page. You will feel every every single emotion they go through and by the end of the book, they will become as real to you as your own family and friends.
A stellar read that is as impossible to put down as it is to forget, Letting You Go is the must-read book of the autumn!
Alexandra Foster’s life had changed forever on the day her beloved brother, Dill, died in a tragic accident. Alexandra was supposed to be looking after her younger sibling, but when she averted her eyes for just a second, a cruel twist of fate had shattered her idyllic teenage existence and turned her whole world upside down. With her father putting the blame entirely on her shoulders, Alexandra had soon found herself living in an impossible situation. Weary of being made to feel like a pariah in her own home, Alexandra fled the nest as soon as she possibly could to make a fresh start elsewhere. But despite the distance which she had put between herself and her family, she has never quite managed to put the past – and all the pain, anguish and heartbreak – behind her or forget the devastating events of that tragic day.
For the past eight years, Alex’s life has been quiet and uneventful. She has never gone back to her old home and has instead tried her hardest to make a new life for herself. Alex knows that there is no chance of ever fixing her relationship with her family – particularly her father- however, when she receives a telephone call from her sister, Jamie, telling her that their mother is sick and that she must come immediately, Alex find herself having to return back to a dark place she never hoped to return to where she will come face to face with her father – who holds her entirely responsible for her brother’s death – and Finn, her ex boyfriend whom her dad absolutely detests but whom she still loves…
From the moment Alex sets foot in her old hometown, she is assailed by devastating memories, but will this unexpected turn of events heal the rift that has torn her family apart? Will she manage to vanquish old demons? Or will she continue to punish herself for Dill’s death?
If you liked Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You, you are going to love Anouska Knight’s Letting You Go. Sensitively written, wonderfully nuanced and heart-breakingly poignant, this spellbinding tale of love and loss will capture your attention from the very first page and hold you in thrall until the very last word.
Anouska Knight skilfully explores the complexities of family life and effortlessly plumbs the depths of the human heart in this enthralling contemporary tale that propels this rising star of women’s fiction to new heights. Her characters are real, believable and they leap off the page. You will feel every every single emotion they go through and by the end of the book, they will become as real to you as your own family and friends.
A stellar read that is as impossible to put down as it is to forget, Letting You Go is the must-read book of the autumn!
October 8, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
After a tragic accident tore Alex and her family apart, she decided to leave her home town of Eilidh Falls for good, not just leaving her mother, father and younger sister Jem behind, but also Finn, the love of her life. Because her father has seemed not able to forgive her, Alex hardly has any contact with her family and after having quit her studies, spends her days working and blaming herself for what happened all those years ago. When Alex's mother unexpectedly ends up in the hospital with a suspected stroke, Alex knows she has no other choice but to go back to Eilidh Falls. The ghosts of her past immediately come back to haunt her, but Alex realises it might be time to confront her fears and stop hiding from everything and everyone that once meant so much to her.
I have a feeling Anouska Knight’s ‘Letting You Go’ will stay with me for quite some time to come. The story really grabbed me and I ended up warming to all of the characters, not wanting to put down the book until I had reached the very last page. It took me a while to pick up my first Anouska Knight novel, but I have to say I am glad it was ‘Letting You Go’ because it has definitely made me want to read more of her novels in the future. The novel has a story about family and love at its core and is filled with lots of emotions. The book already starts with a heartbreaking moment, namely the accident that caused the death of protagonist Alex’s little brother Dillon. This is the event that changed everything for the, sometimes quite complex but really authentic, characters in the book, which focuses on the different fascinating relationships between them. I specifically loved the relationship between Alex and her sister Jem, and Alex and her ex-boyfriend Finn.
The book is quite a long read with almost 500 pages. While I did think the story was a bit unnecessarily slow-paced at times, I was taken in by the author’s detailed writing style and the way she managed to get different emotions across on paper. It really felt like I went on a journey with these characters, unveiling secrets along the way, and as we got further I enjoyed it more and more. It is quite a heavy book, but not too heavy for it to no longer be enjoyable. I thought ‘Letting You Go’ was a stunning, beautifully written and emotional read about family and the power of forgiveness. I’m so glad I was provided with the chance to review this book and I am sure this will not be my last Anouska Knight novel!
After a tragic accident tore Alex and her family apart, she decided to leave her home town of Eilidh Falls for good, not just leaving her mother, father and younger sister Jem behind, but also Finn, the love of her life. Because her father has seemed not able to forgive her, Alex hardly has any contact with her family and after having quit her studies, spends her days working and blaming herself for what happened all those years ago. When Alex's mother unexpectedly ends up in the hospital with a suspected stroke, Alex knows she has no other choice but to go back to Eilidh Falls. The ghosts of her past immediately come back to haunt her, but Alex realises it might be time to confront her fears and stop hiding from everything and everyone that once meant so much to her.
I have a feeling Anouska Knight’s ‘Letting You Go’ will stay with me for quite some time to come. The story really grabbed me and I ended up warming to all of the characters, not wanting to put down the book until I had reached the very last page. It took me a while to pick up my first Anouska Knight novel, but I have to say I am glad it was ‘Letting You Go’ because it has definitely made me want to read more of her novels in the future. The novel has a story about family and love at its core and is filled with lots of emotions. The book already starts with a heartbreaking moment, namely the accident that caused the death of protagonist Alex’s little brother Dillon. This is the event that changed everything for the, sometimes quite complex but really authentic, characters in the book, which focuses on the different fascinating relationships between them. I specifically loved the relationship between Alex and her sister Jem, and Alex and her ex-boyfriend Finn.
The book is quite a long read with almost 500 pages. While I did think the story was a bit unnecessarily slow-paced at times, I was taken in by the author’s detailed writing style and the way she managed to get different emotions across on paper. It really felt like I went on a journey with these characters, unveiling secrets along the way, and as we got further I enjoyed it more and more. It is quite a heavy book, but not too heavy for it to no longer be enjoyable. I thought ‘Letting You Go’ was a stunning, beautifully written and emotional read about family and the power of forgiveness. I’m so glad I was provided with the chance to review this book and I am sure this will not be my last Anouska Knight novel!
September 15, 2015
We start this book with the death of a child. Alex was supposed to be keeping an eye on her brother but tragedy strikes and he is drowned. Alex blames herself and, as soon as she is able, escapes from home and thereafter has limited contact with her family. She feels so much guilt and hatred from them that she thinks this is for the best. Then her mother falls ill and she reluctantly returns home to help out. This visit also coinciding with the return of an old boyfriend who she was with when her brother died.
This visit home forces Alex, sister Jem, ex Finn and father Ted to face what happened that day, as they all try and pull together as a family to help Blythe, the mother heal from her stroke. Assumptions are made, family secrets uncovered. Will the family be able to heal?
I loved this book from the start. The writing is tight and at times poetic. From how I describe it, it appears to be a heavy book but, due to the writing style, although a lot of the action/dialogue is indeed on the heavy side, the way it is delivered in the book, interspersed with lighter moments, some of them very funny makes for a very well balanced read. I loved the times that I, as a reader, was dragged down the same dead end along with Alex, it made that connection more solid.
All the characters were very easy to emote with, the main ones specifically had me shouting and screaming at them and literally banging heads together at times! but, alone with these, there were also a fair few smaller cast members and they were just as well described even if their contribution was less, I like that level of detail in a author.
The descriptive parts of the book were balanced with the story and the incidental storyline regarding the Viking festival kept the overall tone of the book slightly lighter than it would have been without, also lending itself to some very funny moments.
The ending was, I think, one of the best I have ever read in this genre of book. I can't and won't say anything about it here (spoilers) but it was just perfect and very befitting of the whole of the rest of the book's overall tone.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but on the strength of how much I enjoyed it, it probably won't be my last.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This visit home forces Alex, sister Jem, ex Finn and father Ted to face what happened that day, as they all try and pull together as a family to help Blythe, the mother heal from her stroke. Assumptions are made, family secrets uncovered. Will the family be able to heal?
I loved this book from the start. The writing is tight and at times poetic. From how I describe it, it appears to be a heavy book but, due to the writing style, although a lot of the action/dialogue is indeed on the heavy side, the way it is delivered in the book, interspersed with lighter moments, some of them very funny makes for a very well balanced read. I loved the times that I, as a reader, was dragged down the same dead end along with Alex, it made that connection more solid.
All the characters were very easy to emote with, the main ones specifically had me shouting and screaming at them and literally banging heads together at times! but, alone with these, there were also a fair few smaller cast members and they were just as well described even if their contribution was less, I like that level of detail in a author.
The descriptive parts of the book were balanced with the story and the incidental storyline regarding the Viking festival kept the overall tone of the book slightly lighter than it would have been without, also lending itself to some very funny moments.
The ending was, I think, one of the best I have ever read in this genre of book. I can't and won't say anything about it here (spoilers) but it was just perfect and very befitting of the whole of the rest of the book's overall tone.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but on the strength of how much I enjoyed it, it probably won't be my last.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2015
This book is set in a fictional town in the far north of Scotland where the Vikings once settled - or did they? Are the people really related to Vikings? Or not? And just who was their ancestor? And just where did family lines cross? Perhaps not where you thought they did.
In fact, there have been genetic tests of people living in the far Scottish north that show just who was descended from a Viking and you have to remember that many of the far islands were actually owned by the Danes until late in Scottish history.
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/viki... says that in the 13th century Orkney was actually run as a Norwegian earldom using Norwegian language and following a Norse way of life. This had begun before the 9th century and was well established as the Vikings raided further south. The evidence for Viking heritage has been established by DNA testing in 2000/2001 demonstrating that the Orkney inhabitants were very similar genetically with modern Norway despite having inter-married with local women. Indeed 60% of the Northern Isles male population showed Viking ancestry.
And is this interest in ancestry that forms a central pillar of the book.
Who was related to whom? Who had fathered whom? Who belonged in which family?
And who fathered whom was part of a small town secret that festered as they so often do. gossip and secrets corrode relationships. Secrets are guessed and gossip distorts and lives are impacted to their detriment.
The story centres around a local Viking festival loosely based on the ‘Up Helly Aa’ festival of Lerwick in Shetland which takes place in January. It began in the 1880s to celebrate the end of the festival period and has Guizer Jarl and his Norsemen marching through the town. The author then adds in a Viking boat race similar to the one on the Isle of Man except with home-made boats instead of longboats. [add photo].
I found this to be a straight forward read with a clear and easy writing style. I would have given it four stars except I got very irritated with the heroine for being such a wimp and thought the author could have given her a stronger character so that we actually empathised with her situation rather than saying ‘Oh get over yourself’ to her!
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