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Where has Mummy Gone?: When there is nothing left but memories…
The true story of Melody, aged 8, the last of five siblings to be taken from her drug dependent single mother and brought into care.
When Cathy is told about Melody’s terrible childhood, she is sure she’s heard it all before. But it isn’t long before she feels there is more going on than she or the social services are aware of. Although Melody is angry at having to leave her mother, as many children coming into care are, she also worries about her obsessively – far more than is usual. Amanda, Melody’s mother, is also angry and takes it out on Cathy at contact, which again is something Cathy has experienced before. Yet there is a lost and vulnerable look about Amanda, and Cathy starts to see why Melody worries about her and feels she needs looking after.
When Amanda misses contact, it is assumed she has forgotten, but nothing could have been further from the truth…
When Cathy is told about Melody’s terrible childhood, she is sure she’s heard it all before. But it isn’t long before she feels there is more going on than she or the social services are aware of. Although Melody is angry at having to leave her mother, as many children coming into care are, she also worries about her obsessively – far more than is usual. Amanda, Melody’s mother, is also angry and takes it out on Cathy at contact, which again is something Cathy has experienced before. Yet there is a lost and vulnerable look about Amanda, and Cathy starts to see why Melody worries about her and feels she needs looking after.
When Amanda misses contact, it is assumed she has forgotten, but nothing could have been further from the truth…
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
997 people are currently reading
1575 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Glass
179 books2,233 followersCathy Glass is a bestselling British author, freelance writer and foster carer.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
October 6, 2018
Thank goodness there are people out there like Cathy Glass a foster mother for over twenty years who opens not only her home but her heart to so many children. This is a true story of eight year old Melody who is the last of five siblings who has been taken into care away from her mother.
Melody's mother had a drug problem and this little girl has suffered much hardship in her short life when she is taken into care. She loves her mum and doesn't want to be in foster care away from all she has ever known. Melody and her mum are both angry at being separated but it's not long before Cathy slowly wins Melody's trust. It's almost as if roles have been reversed with the way that Melody worries about her mother constantly. When the shocking truth becomes known there is far more to Melody's previous life than Cathy could have imagined.
This is the second audiobook I have listened to by Cathy Glass and I'm not ashamed to say the story made me cry. This is a book that deserves much more than five stars as it is truly exceptional story that touched my heart.
Melody's mother had a drug problem and this little girl has suffered much hardship in her short life when she is taken into care. She loves her mum and doesn't want to be in foster care away from all she has ever known. Melody and her mum are both angry at being separated but it's not long before Cathy slowly wins Melody's trust. It's almost as if roles have been reversed with the way that Melody worries about her mother constantly. When the shocking truth becomes known there is far more to Melody's previous life than Cathy could have imagined.
This is the second audiobook I have listened to by Cathy Glass and I'm not ashamed to say the story made me cry. This is a book that deserves much more than five stars as it is truly exceptional story that touched my heart.
September 12, 2018
I love Cathy Glass books, but sometimes they are a little unbelievable. The children behave so well so early on – maybe she glosses over the bad behaviour, maybe she really does exude such loveliness that the children simply never feel the need to play up in her presence.
This story focused on Melody, the 5th child of Amanda and the only one not to be taken away and adopted. Melody is 8 and knows nothing other than freezing cold rooms, no food and moving frequently to avoid the social.
Eventually though they catch up with her and she is taken into care and given to Cathy. Her mother, who has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, is taken into hospital, where it turns out that she is suffering from dementia and probably has been for some time. Melody says that she has always helped her mum because she forgets things, but social services etc put it down to the fact that she took drugs etc.
Amanda goes into a care home and Melody and Cathy visit regularly. Behind the scenes though social services are sorting out a permanent placement for Melody, and arrange for her to be adopted. I found this hard – while I had no issue with the girl being adopted, the fact that overnight she was supposed to start call her real mother her birth mother and her new mother Mummy really bothered me. She was 8, not 2. She had spent those 8 years with no one else looking after her, she loved her mum and the woman was still alive. I found it unbelievable that a child of Melody’s apparent intelligence and understanding would quite contentedly throw off her real mother so fast. I have two kids and I can’t quite see either of them forgetting me so soon. I hope Cathy glossed over the pain and anguish I think Melody would have felt in that situation. I know I would have done.
Amanda’s dementia progresses fast, and she really can’t remember Melody fairly quickly. She dies very soon after Melody’s adoption is finalised but Melody is happy with her new Mummy by then so all is well. Apparently. Obviously it’s not as clear as that, and I’m sure Melody had counselling and what have you to come to terms with it all, but it all seemed a little too much of a happy ending.
Still very well written and I read it in almost one sitting. 3.5 stars.
This story focused on Melody, the 5th child of Amanda and the only one not to be taken away and adopted. Melody is 8 and knows nothing other than freezing cold rooms, no food and moving frequently to avoid the social.
Eventually though they catch up with her and she is taken into care and given to Cathy. Her mother, who has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, is taken into hospital, where it turns out that she is suffering from dementia and probably has been for some time. Melody says that she has always helped her mum because she forgets things, but social services etc put it down to the fact that she took drugs etc.
Amanda goes into a care home and Melody and Cathy visit regularly. Behind the scenes though social services are sorting out a permanent placement for Melody, and arrange for her to be adopted. I found this hard – while I had no issue with the girl being adopted, the fact that overnight she was supposed to start call her real mother her birth mother and her new mother Mummy really bothered me. She was 8, not 2. She had spent those 8 years with no one else looking after her, she loved her mum and the woman was still alive. I found it unbelievable that a child of Melody’s apparent intelligence and understanding would quite contentedly throw off her real mother so fast. I have two kids and I can’t quite see either of them forgetting me so soon. I hope Cathy glossed over the pain and anguish I think Melody would have felt in that situation. I know I would have done.
Amanda’s dementia progresses fast, and she really can’t remember Melody fairly quickly. She dies very soon after Melody’s adoption is finalised but Melody is happy with her new Mummy by then so all is well. Apparently. Obviously it’s not as clear as that, and I’m sure Melody had counselling and what have you to come to terms with it all, but it all seemed a little too much of a happy ending.
Still very well written and I read it in almost one sitting. 3.5 stars.
October 21, 2018
Like all Cathy’s other books it’s compelling , can’t wait till the next one, if you haven’t read any of her books please start, they will make you cry,angry,sad but most of all smile because she is so caring and has changed so many young lives, 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
April 11, 2020
The writing is absolutely atrocious. I am used to reading books that are at a much higher level than this book and it bothered me the entire time. The sentence structures are pithy and elementary and the target audience seems to be 8 year olds. The author is talking down to the reader and also comes across as judgemental and righteous. I'm glad I only paid a dollar on BookBub because the book was terrible.
September 5, 2018
Round up to 4.5 stars. This is one of Cathy’s besgt books. It broke my heart, but I absolutely could not put it down. I read it in a single sitting.
February 18, 2020
I love Cathy Glass' books. She has a way of telling a story and her ability to care for children with some distressing backgrounds is more than admirable. In 'Where Has Mummy Gone?', we meet Melody. An eight year old girl bought into Cathy's care because her mother was not looking after her properly. After discovering there was more to Melody's mother's behavior than simply the effects of drugs and alcohol, Melody has to come to terms that her mother is slowly but surely slipping away from her.
This wasn't Cathy's best and in all honesty, we didn't really get to know Melody particularly well at all. I hate to use the word 'boring' because this is a child's life we are talking about - but I tired of all the talk of baking cupcakes and logistical arrangements/social worker meetings. I wanted to hear from Melody.
This wasn't Cathy's best and in all honesty, we didn't really get to know Melody particularly well at all. I hate to use the word 'boring' because this is a child's life we are talking about - but I tired of all the talk of baking cupcakes and logistical arrangements/social worker meetings. I wanted to hear from Melody.
August 24, 2018
Cathy Glass is a seasoned Foster carer and has fostered numerous children through the years so you would think she has seen it all but when she fosters Melody she realises there are still some things she hasn't seen before. Be prepared to go through every emotion when reading this book and have to rethink your ideas of fostering. Cathy and her family are amazing people and even though I have read a few other of Cathy's books she never stops amazing me, the plight of the children is very moving but don't fall into the trap of thinking these books are solemn though as there is so many light hearted moments in it. It was a wonderful read and a definite five starts from me.
November 17, 2018
Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I loved getting to know these characters and their unique situation. However, I think it could have been about 100 pages shorter than it was to speed the plot along.
For my full review please visit https://www.krwardbookreview.com/
For my full review please visit https://www.krwardbookreview.com/
September 6, 2018
Published this morning and read in 4 hours this book is one of Cathy Glass’ best yet. Beginning with the normal theme of child neglect the book takes a different term when the mum is discovered to have dementia; how does an 8 year old cope with this? Seen through Melody’s eyes as she watches her mother decline this book covers all the emotions, from full on sobbing to laughing at the jokes. It’s especially painful knowing it’s a true story and a poor child has had to endure such a horrible start in life, but has now got a positive future due to amazing foster careers and adopters.
March 11, 2020
Kolejna smutna książka Cathy Glass. Tym razem poznamy historię ośmioletniej Melody i jej matki Amandy. Amanda jest narkomanką w ostatnim stadium wyniszczenia. Melody jest jej najmłodszym dzieckiem, kilkoro starszych zostało jej odebranych i oddanych do adopcji. Do Melody nie było łatwo dotrzeć, ponieważ Amanda często się przeprowadza i nie otwiera nikomu drzwi. Melody rzadko pojawia się w szkole. W końcu jednak trafia do domu Cathy. Dziewczynka bardzo szybko się adaptuje i zaczyna nadrabiać zaległości w szkole, nawiązywać przyjaźnie. Jednak obsesyjnie martwi się o matkę. Okazuje się, że Amanda jest od niej całkowicie zależna. Nie potrafi radzić sobie z najprostszymi rzeczami, nie mówiąc o opiece nad córką. Lekarze diagnozują u niej zaawansowaną demencję i umieszczają ją w domu opieki. Jej stan pogarsza się błyskawicznie i przestaje poznawać nawet własną córkę…
Historia Melody kończy się pozytywnie, choć nie będę zdradzać jak.
Książki Cathy Glass polecam dla zaczynających czytać po angielsku. Bardzo łatwy język i ciekawe historie.
Historia Melody kończy się pozytywnie, choć nie będę zdradzać jak.
Książki Cathy Glass polecam dla zaczynających czytać po angielsku. Bardzo łatwy język i ciekawe historie.
April 3, 2019
Another heart wrenching book from Cathy Glass. Sucks you into the foster life and makes you see the good and bad in it. Love her books and moving straight onto the next one. Very well written. X
May 23, 2020
Yet another well written book unfortunately about an unfortunate young girl who didn't have the best start in life
May 30, 2020
Easy book to read as it focuses on the foster care the child received and the new journey she went on instead of the horrors she endured
June 23, 2020
A very sad story but heartwarming to know that Cathy saved a child once again. Nothing prepared me for the ending but a beautifully written book.
August 22, 2020
A really good read. Written very well and heartfelt. An emotional journey as she talks through this wee girls journey. Adoption and fostering are such wonderful loving things to do.
August 30, 2022
There is only one word to describe this book - heartwrenching. Such an emotional story but with a happy ending.
September 6, 2018
great read
this story is sad. but not in a scary abuse way. it is heartbreaking what poor melody goes through and how a child her age deals with what is happening to her mother. but it does have a nice ending. I recommend this book for all.
this story is sad. but not in a scary abuse way. it is heartbreaking what poor melody goes through and how a child her age deals with what is happening to her mother. but it does have a nice ending. I recommend this book for all.
November 14, 2019
It was so emotional. I’m so glad of the ending.
October 15, 2018
I love Cathy Glass’s books. This was very sad about a girl who is taken into care due to her mum’s drug abuse and about how the little girl took care of her mum in very desperate circumstances. I loved the man in the care home who had a plane to catch. As usual it is written in her easy to read style and I found it hard to put down. I enjoyed this .
September 26, 2018
Beautifully written,
Cathy you never cease to amaze me with your books,very addictive and I've finished it in two nights,certainly well written and there are sad parts that really touch your heart,and happy ones that lift your spirits,well done cathy, number one best seller I'm sure,
Cathy you never cease to amaze me with your books,very addictive and I've finished it in two nights,certainly well written and there are sad parts that really touch your heart,and happy ones that lift your spirits,well done cathy, number one best seller I'm sure,
September 7, 2018
This authors books are always great, this was no acception. The compassion she shows for the children she fosters and even there families is amazing and heartwarming. This is one of her best books. It is horrible to see a woman as young as Melodies mother having to go threw such a cruel illness and a child that young having to deal with her mother not knowing her. It was handled with sensitivity and care. Cathy clearly cares a lot about the Children she fosters and the compassion she shows to even Amanda going to visit her even without Melody was very touching. This was a lovely story but very heartbreaking at times specially the ending.
September 16, 2018
Loved this book couldn’t put it down
Another great child’s story told by Cathy
Another great child’s story told by Cathy
December 25, 2020
Heartbreaking and beautiful story. ❤️
February 20, 2020
It not my favourite on of cath book. I really struggling to get into the story. However it was good once I was in to it and a sad story
August 7, 2021
Love Cathy Glass books and this one I found especially moving it touched on dementia and how this dreadful disease effects those involved.
January 26, 2022
Heel aangrijpend verhaal, mooi beschreven en ik heb het met veel gevoelens gelezen. Op het einde een dikke traan gelaten
September 14, 2018
I have been a huge fan of Cathy’s for a few years now and I eagerly read each and every book that she releases. I can’t say that I have ever read one of Cathy’s books and not found it to be an informative and insightful read. I couldn’t wait to read ‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’ and I dived straight in as soon as I could get hold of a copy. I was not to be disappointed as I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
Before I go any further, I have something to say. In a former life this little Ginger Book Geek used to work within Childrens Services. I have worked with lots of different social workers- some good and some bad and I have heard lots of different case details. I have seen the pressure that Childrens Services staff find themselves under and in particular the toll that social work can take on dedicated and selfless people who find themselves under the pressure of trying to cope with a large and complex caseload and very little time to do all the required work as well as look after themselves. I have also liaised with foster carers, who do one hell of a job. It takes a special kind of person to be a foster carer and I know for a fact that it isn’t a job I could do. Sorry I will get off my soapbox now.
I have to say that I really felt for Melody. She is an 8 year old child, who should be enjoying her childhood and not having to worry about and care for her mother, who is a recovering drug addict. Melody has been neglected somewhat as her clothes don’t fit, are torn or aren’t washed or all of the above. Melody’s personal hygiene isn’t very good either and other children make fun of her. Not only that but Melody arrives at Cathy’s house with nits. Melody becomes very anxious about her mother’s welfare when she (Melody) goes to stay with Cathy and fears that her mother will never cope without her. Cathy tries to put Melody’s mind at rest but sometimes the poor kid just can’t help worrying. I couldn’t help but get a little bit annoyed at Melody’s mother for being so selfish as to allow her daughter to act as her carer and putting herself first. I know I might sound a bit judgemental but I kept thinking neglect yourself by all means, but there can no excuse for neglecting your child. I was interested to see what would happen but I knew that Cathy would tell the whole story warts and all.
Cathy is a fantastic author and a superb foster carer. She cares, she is thoughtful, she is considerate, she is supportive, she is non-judgemental and above all she does what she can to support the children in her care. She takes children into her home at a moment’s notice, she endures some pretty distressing behaviour and she seems to put her own life on hold. She is one hell of a strong woman. The world could do with a lot more people like Cathy Glass.
Oh my word this was one hell of a read. To start with, I found that reading parts of this book made me feel as though I was back working in Children’s Services with the amount of paperwork that had to be completed, typed, copied etc for each child who is placed. Sorry that’s enough reminiscing on my part so back to the review I do go.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up until the moment I put it down. I was so wrapped up in the story and the case that I just couldn’t bear to be parted from the book. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. Unusually for me, I was able to binge read the book in one day and I was able to shut out all other distractions. Usually my mind wanders and I get easily distracted but not in this case. By the time I closed the back cover of this book, I did feel as though I had been through an emotional wringer with all the hope, loss, sadness, happy moments and surprises that popped up throughout the book. On more than one occasion I found myself developing a lump in my throat after reading particularly difficult information. I couldn’t help but hope for the best outcome for all involved.
In short I found ‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’ to be an excellent informative and educational read. It somehow sounds wrong and sadistic to say that you ‘enjoyed reading about somebody else’s downfall or misery. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers and I think books such as Cathy’s should be prescribed reading for those people who want to become a Children’s Social Worker. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Before I go any further, I have something to say. In a former life this little Ginger Book Geek used to work within Childrens Services. I have worked with lots of different social workers- some good and some bad and I have heard lots of different case details. I have seen the pressure that Childrens Services staff find themselves under and in particular the toll that social work can take on dedicated and selfless people who find themselves under the pressure of trying to cope with a large and complex caseload and very little time to do all the required work as well as look after themselves. I have also liaised with foster carers, who do one hell of a job. It takes a special kind of person to be a foster carer and I know for a fact that it isn’t a job I could do. Sorry I will get off my soapbox now.
I have to say that I really felt for Melody. She is an 8 year old child, who should be enjoying her childhood and not having to worry about and care for her mother, who is a recovering drug addict. Melody has been neglected somewhat as her clothes don’t fit, are torn or aren’t washed or all of the above. Melody’s personal hygiene isn’t very good either and other children make fun of her. Not only that but Melody arrives at Cathy’s house with nits. Melody becomes very anxious about her mother’s welfare when she (Melody) goes to stay with Cathy and fears that her mother will never cope without her. Cathy tries to put Melody’s mind at rest but sometimes the poor kid just can’t help worrying. I couldn’t help but get a little bit annoyed at Melody’s mother for being so selfish as to allow her daughter to act as her carer and putting herself first. I know I might sound a bit judgemental but I kept thinking neglect yourself by all means, but there can no excuse for neglecting your child. I was interested to see what would happen but I knew that Cathy would tell the whole story warts and all.
Cathy is a fantastic author and a superb foster carer. She cares, she is thoughtful, she is considerate, she is supportive, she is non-judgemental and above all she does what she can to support the children in her care. She takes children into her home at a moment’s notice, she endures some pretty distressing behaviour and she seems to put her own life on hold. She is one hell of a strong woman. The world could do with a lot more people like Cathy Glass.
Oh my word this was one hell of a read. To start with, I found that reading parts of this book made me feel as though I was back working in Children’s Services with the amount of paperwork that had to be completed, typed, copied etc for each child who is placed. Sorry that’s enough reminiscing on my part so back to the review I do go.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked it up until the moment I put it down. I was so wrapped up in the story and the case that I just couldn’t bear to be parted from the book. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. Unusually for me, I was able to binge read the book in one day and I was able to shut out all other distractions. Usually my mind wanders and I get easily distracted but not in this case. By the time I closed the back cover of this book, I did feel as though I had been through an emotional wringer with all the hope, loss, sadness, happy moments and surprises that popped up throughout the book. On more than one occasion I found myself developing a lump in my throat after reading particularly difficult information. I couldn’t help but hope for the best outcome for all involved.
In short I found ‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’ to be an excellent informative and educational read. It somehow sounds wrong and sadistic to say that you ‘enjoyed reading about somebody else’s downfall or misery. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers and I think books such as Cathy’s should be prescribed reading for those people who want to become a Children’s Social Worker. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 13, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I have read many novels written by this author, and each time I read them I have to mentally prepare myself for what might be waiting for me underneath the front cover. Now, some people might take that as a criticism, however, if you have read a ‘Cathy Glass’ novel before, you will be well aware that every one of her books is based on the true story of a child she has fostered. It doesn’t take a visit to Google to cement the fact that fostering can be very emotional to read about (and very emotional to actually do), and Melody’s story is no different. With a title of ‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’, I could hazard a guess that a child would be asking where their mummy had gone, but what I didn’t expect, however, was just how eye opening that innocent question was.
Where did her mummy go?
I warmed to Melody straight away, even though she came across a little aggressive. There was obviously something deep-rooted within her to feel like that, but again, nothing could have prepared me for the storyline that unfolded.
‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’ is such an emotionally charged, heart-breaking and raw novel which highlights drug dependency, as well as the very emotional and devastating life changes which children in care have to endure. Bear in mind that Melody is only eight years old. Yes, children can be taken into care at any age, but even so, eight is still a very young age to have to deal with what Melody did. She really is a little gem and I am sure that all of the people around her are extremely proud of her. I know I am and I haven’t even met her!
Don’t worry if you haven’t picked up a Cathy Glass novel before, or if you have never read a book with foster care as the core theme, as Cathy Glass keeps the language very simple without coming across as patronising. For example, if a social work term is used, Cathy Glass ensures that that term is explained as an ‘off the cuff’ sort of comment instead of making the reader feel like they should know what those terms mean. You aren’t supposed to. Plus, I think the way in which Cathy Glass explains things is probably ingrained in her due to her many years as a foster carer.
Obviously I don’t want to bad mouth the system as they’re there for a reason, however I couldn’t help feel frustrated at one of the social workers attitude to certain aspects of this book. I understand that they have a right of care to the child and have certain boxes to tick, but I just think this person in particular could have been a bit….how can I put this…compassionate.
Once again, Cathy Glass has blown me away with a poignant story about Melody’s life, allowing her readers to watch the little girl spread her wings and have a life that all children should have. I won’t lie, this is incredibly emotional and pulled at my heartstrings something chronic, even the parts which were focused on Melody’s mum, Amanda. I couldn’t help but feel very touched by her story and how that was concluded.
A beautiful, heartwarming, and devastatingly raw novel – I would recommend it in a heartbeat.
I have read many novels written by this author, and each time I read them I have to mentally prepare myself for what might be waiting for me underneath the front cover. Now, some people might take that as a criticism, however, if you have read a ‘Cathy Glass’ novel before, you will be well aware that every one of her books is based on the true story of a child she has fostered. It doesn’t take a visit to Google to cement the fact that fostering can be very emotional to read about (and very emotional to actually do), and Melody’s story is no different. With a title of ‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’, I could hazard a guess that a child would be asking where their mummy had gone, but what I didn’t expect, however, was just how eye opening that innocent question was.
Where did her mummy go?
I warmed to Melody straight away, even though she came across a little aggressive. There was obviously something deep-rooted within her to feel like that, but again, nothing could have prepared me for the storyline that unfolded.
‘Where Has Mummy Gone?’ is such an emotionally charged, heart-breaking and raw novel which highlights drug dependency, as well as the very emotional and devastating life changes which children in care have to endure. Bear in mind that Melody is only eight years old. Yes, children can be taken into care at any age, but even so, eight is still a very young age to have to deal with what Melody did. She really is a little gem and I am sure that all of the people around her are extremely proud of her. I know I am and I haven’t even met her!
Don’t worry if you haven’t picked up a Cathy Glass novel before, or if you have never read a book with foster care as the core theme, as Cathy Glass keeps the language very simple without coming across as patronising. For example, if a social work term is used, Cathy Glass ensures that that term is explained as an ‘off the cuff’ sort of comment instead of making the reader feel like they should know what those terms mean. You aren’t supposed to. Plus, I think the way in which Cathy Glass explains things is probably ingrained in her due to her many years as a foster carer.
Obviously I don’t want to bad mouth the system as they’re there for a reason, however I couldn’t help feel frustrated at one of the social workers attitude to certain aspects of this book. I understand that they have a right of care to the child and have certain boxes to tick, but I just think this person in particular could have been a bit….how can I put this…compassionate.
Once again, Cathy Glass has blown me away with a poignant story about Melody’s life, allowing her readers to watch the little girl spread her wings and have a life that all children should have. I won’t lie, this is incredibly emotional and pulled at my heartstrings something chronic, even the parts which were focused on Melody’s mum, Amanda. I couldn’t help but feel very touched by her story and how that was concluded.
A beautiful, heartwarming, and devastatingly raw novel – I would recommend it in a heartbeat.
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