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The Second Child
Why do you love your child? Is it because they're a straight A student, a talented footballer? Or is it simply because they're yours?
Sarah and Phil love both their children, James and Lauren. The couple have the same hopes and aspirations as any parent. But their expectations are shattered when they discover that their perfect daughter has been born with a flaw; a tiny, but life-changing glitch that is destined to shape her future, and theirs, irrevocably.
Over time the family learn to adapt and even thrive. Then one day a blood test casts doubt on the very basis of their family. Lauren is not Phil's child. Suddenly, their precious family is on the brink of destruction. But the truth they face is far more complex and challenging than simple infidelity. It tests their capacity to love, each other and their children, and it raises the question of what makes - and what breaks - a family.
Sarah and Phil love both their children, James and Lauren. The couple have the same hopes and aspirations as any parent. But their expectations are shattered when they discover that their perfect daughter has been born with a flaw; a tiny, but life-changing glitch that is destined to shape her future, and theirs, irrevocably.
Over time the family learn to adapt and even thrive. Then one day a blood test casts doubt on the very basis of their family. Lauren is not Phil's child. Suddenly, their precious family is on the brink of destruction. But the truth they face is far more complex and challenging than simple infidelity. It tests their capacity to love, each other and their children, and it raises the question of what makes - and what breaks - a family.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2018
74 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 13, 2022
At first glance this looks like yet another book with a premise that has been done too many times. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Through a random blood test, two families discover their daughters were switched at birth. Sarah and Phil are the parents of Lauren, a teenager with RTS, Rubinstein- Taybi syndrome, which confines her to a wheelchair with both mental and physical handicaps.
Anne, a divorcee, is the parent of 14-year-old Rosie, a typical teenager, and healthy in all ways.
The two families meet and how they cope makes for a compelling, heartfelt story, with thought-provoking themes. I appreciated how the author highlighted the differences in the two families, and it is not always what you would expect. The author doesn’t shy away from the stresses and strains of caring for a severely disabled child, but she also demonstrates the love and commitment the family has towards each other, without romanticizing it or making the characters into saints. I loved that the author gave Lauren a personality.
As for Anne, anyone who has raised teenagers can attest to how difficult her situation is, especially with a strained relationship with her ex. Her daughter Rosie is a typical teen and what teen doesn’t think the grass might be greener as she ponders what her life may have been like with her bio parents?
Told from multiple perspectives, the more that is revealed the more you understand the characters. My opinions of them changed throughout the book and the final reveal and choices that were made were surprising.
However, the lack of input from the media, the hospital, and the inevitable lawyers was jarring and I think the story would have benefitted from hearing this side to the story. I found the ending fitting and appropriate for the characters, and makes me wonder how I would have dealt with the situation.
*ignore the cover with pink sneakers that would fit a toddler. It has no bearing on the story
* narrated by the excellent Antonia Beamish, I highly recommend this audiobook
Through a random blood test, two families discover their daughters were switched at birth. Sarah and Phil are the parents of Lauren, a teenager with RTS, Rubinstein- Taybi syndrome, which confines her to a wheelchair with both mental and physical handicaps.
Anne, a divorcee, is the parent of 14-year-old Rosie, a typical teenager, and healthy in all ways.
The two families meet and how they cope makes for a compelling, heartfelt story, with thought-provoking themes. I appreciated how the author highlighted the differences in the two families, and it is not always what you would expect. The author doesn’t shy away from the stresses and strains of caring for a severely disabled child, but she also demonstrates the love and commitment the family has towards each other, without romanticizing it or making the characters into saints. I loved that the author gave Lauren a personality.
As for Anne, anyone who has raised teenagers can attest to how difficult her situation is, especially with a strained relationship with her ex. Her daughter Rosie is a typical teen and what teen doesn’t think the grass might be greener as she ponders what her life may have been like with her bio parents?
Told from multiple perspectives, the more that is revealed the more you understand the characters. My opinions of them changed throughout the book and the final reveal and choices that were made were surprising.
However, the lack of input from the media, the hospital, and the inevitable lawyers was jarring and I think the story would have benefitted from hearing this side to the story. I found the ending fitting and appropriate for the characters, and makes me wonder how I would have dealt with the situation.
*ignore the cover with pink sneakers that would fit a toddler. It has no bearing on the story
* narrated by the excellent Antonia Beamish, I highly recommend this audiobook
June 19, 2018
An intriguing read that I stumbled upon by accident as to be honest that cover would never entice me to pick up this book however it does prove the saying Never judge a book by its cover
A BBC 2 Book club choice and as I do love their reading list I picked this one up as the premise did sound quite intriguing.
" What if you found out the child you love for the past 14 years belongs to someone else? And the child you gave birth to is out there somewhere being reared by another family"
How do you and your family cope with the revelations and the challenges to follow.
Well written, a book that really makes you think. The characters are extremely well fleshed out and the story unfords from each of the characters perspectives which make the reading all the more interesting. I really liked the short chapter format which really suited the multiple narrations, sometimes I find multiple narrations distracting and hard to follow but it this book it works beautifully and was a refreshing page turner.
This would make a great book club choice as lots of food for thought here.
A BBC 2 Book club choice and as I do love their reading list I picked this one up as the premise did sound quite intriguing.
" What if you found out the child you love for the past 14 years belongs to someone else? And the child you gave birth to is out there somewhere being reared by another family"
How do you and your family cope with the revelations and the challenges to follow.
Well written, a book that really makes you think. The characters are extremely well fleshed out and the story unfords from each of the characters perspectives which make the reading all the more interesting. I really liked the short chapter format which really suited the multiple narrations, sometimes I find multiple narrations distracting and hard to follow but it this book it works beautifully and was a refreshing page turner.
This would make a great book club choice as lots of food for thought here.
February 16, 2021
I'd like to give this one 3.5 stars.
I am loving re-entering the audio arena. My public library has an amazing (as we all know and appreciate!) amount of choice and variety and given my rather ‘obsessive’ use of Goodreads shelves combined with my cataloguing library background I have quick access to browse and choose from both BorrowBox and my Goodreads shelves. So much choice, and very exciting to be able to choose my next read!
This was yet another different type of read that I’ve experienced as lately I have been dipping into varied reads. I found the narration excellent, flowing and easily absorbed. A very well written book, a debut author whose other books I have just added to my list.
The premise although probably quite common; two newborn children being switched at birth, but in this instance, with different and more far-reaching consequences than expected.
Told from alternating perspectives, three of the parents, and one of the children. This worked well and gave easy insight to the depth of despair and anguish of each.
Sarah and Phill have lived tirelessly for fourteen years caring for their cherished daughter Lauren who suffers from a genetic illness, a disability they have adapted to and have set up a lovely life for their little family which includes older sibling James. They’re lovely parents. Attentive to the needs of their daughter, and aware, in the most part, of keeping their son close to their embrace as well and he in turn, loves his little sister. Added to this nuclear family is an aunt that loves her niece and nephew fiercely, Ally is a character I loved reading about. She added a lot to this story.
Ann is the other parent struggling in this equation, although she is quite noticeably less emotive and is dealing with this on her own as a single mother, her estranged husband an awful man with his own failings as well. There is something noticeable about this woman, she is empty and unable to connect with the daughter raised as her own, a physically healthy young girl named Rosie.
The Rosie we meet as this shocking news is realised prefers the new family she is getting to know, which is in stark contrast to the relationship to her mother she has co-existed with up until now. A fractured relationship at best is what we see from the opening scenes.
Ann’s biological daughter having such a profound disability makes clear her failings and lack of true empathy; she seems to try in her well-meaning if stilted on the surface manner, but these attempts show the unnatural aspect of the sordid affair.
Rosie, a perfect and healthy teenage girl, is a soccer player with the usual teenage surliness and rebellion. She clings tight to the father figure she has missed out on her entire life by forming an almost instant bond with Phil, while keeping Sarah at arm’s length, likewise Sarah shows us her vulnerable uncertainty about this robust and angry teen, whom she carried and birthed. This makes Sarah so very aware of what her adored Lauren is not. She is not regretful, in fact, realises had this tragedy not occurred, the close bonds and tight love existing in their family would have been quite different. She does not feel sorry, but she certainly does feel a fierce protectiveness over her adored Lauren.
Themes in books such as these always raise big questions and as a mother throughout the process, I was wondering what I would do; such a hefty thing to ponder. I did guess a portion of the outcome, but not in its entirety. The bonds of family and the strength of commitment, the tumultuous road to an ending or a beginning. After all, the children come first.
I am loving re-entering the audio arena. My public library has an amazing (as we all know and appreciate!) amount of choice and variety and given my rather ‘obsessive’ use of Goodreads shelves combined with my cataloguing library background I have quick access to browse and choose from both BorrowBox and my Goodreads shelves. So much choice, and very exciting to be able to choose my next read!
This was yet another different type of read that I’ve experienced as lately I have been dipping into varied reads. I found the narration excellent, flowing and easily absorbed. A very well written book, a debut author whose other books I have just added to my list.
The premise although probably quite common; two newborn children being switched at birth, but in this instance, with different and more far-reaching consequences than expected.
Told from alternating perspectives, three of the parents, and one of the children. This worked well and gave easy insight to the depth of despair and anguish of each.
Sarah and Phill have lived tirelessly for fourteen years caring for their cherished daughter Lauren who suffers from a genetic illness, a disability they have adapted to and have set up a lovely life for their little family which includes older sibling James. They’re lovely parents. Attentive to the needs of their daughter, and aware, in the most part, of keeping their son close to their embrace as well and he in turn, loves his little sister. Added to this nuclear family is an aunt that loves her niece and nephew fiercely, Ally is a character I loved reading about. She added a lot to this story.
Ann is the other parent struggling in this equation, although she is quite noticeably less emotive and is dealing with this on her own as a single mother, her estranged husband an awful man with his own failings as well. There is something noticeable about this woman, she is empty and unable to connect with the daughter raised as her own, a physically healthy young girl named Rosie.
The Rosie we meet as this shocking news is realised prefers the new family she is getting to know, which is in stark contrast to the relationship to her mother she has co-existed with up until now. A fractured relationship at best is what we see from the opening scenes.
Ann’s biological daughter having such a profound disability makes clear her failings and lack of true empathy; she seems to try in her well-meaning if stilted on the surface manner, but these attempts show the unnatural aspect of the sordid affair.
Rosie, a perfect and healthy teenage girl, is a soccer player with the usual teenage surliness and rebellion. She clings tight to the father figure she has missed out on her entire life by forming an almost instant bond with Phil, while keeping Sarah at arm’s length, likewise Sarah shows us her vulnerable uncertainty about this robust and angry teen, whom she carried and birthed. This makes Sarah so very aware of what her adored Lauren is not. She is not regretful, in fact, realises had this tragedy not occurred, the close bonds and tight love existing in their family would have been quite different. She does not feel sorry, but she certainly does feel a fierce protectiveness over her adored Lauren.
Themes in books such as these always raise big questions and as a mother throughout the process, I was wondering what I would do; such a hefty thing to ponder. I did guess a portion of the outcome, but not in its entirety. The bonds of family and the strength of commitment, the tumultuous road to an ending or a beginning. After all, the children come first.
February 19, 2018
I found the whole story a heartbreaking one to the point where I think that this story has been for me personally one of the most emotional heartbreaking stories that I have ever read. I was close to tears. Sarah and Phil have two children James and their second child Lauren who has been diagnosed with a disability of RTS which is Rubinstein- Taybi syndrome. Sarah and James are devastated when they find their fourteen year old daughter Lauren has a blood test and it showed that Lauren isn't there's. The gut wrenching theme here had me wanting to know if Lauren wasn't Sarah's and James daughter then who has Sarah and James daughter. The most heartbreaking thing I immediately thought of would be all the years that they have missed out on bringing up there own daughter. And who at the hospital was responsible for mixing up the baby girls? What made me want to read The Second Child was I loved the front cover of this book with the little pink trainers that really caught my eye, then when I read the blurb of this book I knew instantly that I would enjoy The Second Child. This is one book that I certainly hope many of you will read and enjoy it as much as what I did.
January 17, 2023
Sāras un Fila ģimenē aug pusaugu dēls un meita. Nejauši ārsta vizītes laikā rodas jautājums par meitas asinsgrupu - tāda nav iespējama abu vecāku asinsgrupu kombinācijā. Pēc izmeklēšanas kļūst skaidrs, ka pirms 14 gadiem dzemdību namā ir notikusi briesmīga kļūda: samainītas divas jaundzimušas meitenītes. Kā mainīsies abu iesaistīto ģimeņu un pašu meiteņu dzīve pēc šī šokējošā atklājuma?
Aplausi kājās stāvot! Šī grāmata mani radīja tūkstoš dažādu emociju - stāstu burtiski apriju… Grūti noticēt, ka šī ir autores pirmā grāmata, jo viņas valoda plūst tik dabiski un visi tēli ir meistarīgi veidoti, “dzīvi” un daudzslāņaini. Jau no pirmās lappuses ļāvos šim stāstam un tas mani tiešām aizveda īstos emociju amerikāņu kalniņos.
Autore ir spējusi radīt meistarīgi savērptu stāstu, kurā skartas tādas tēmas, kā būšana vecākam, laulāto, brāļu un māsu attiecības, atbildība sevis, savu tuvāko un iedomātu sabiedrības standartu priekšā. Vai viss, ko mēs piedzīvojam, ir nejaušība? Cik tālu mēs spējam vai tieši pretēji - nespējam iet uz priekšu -, ja iztēlotā dzīve krasi atšķiras no reālās?
Stāsta pievienotā vērtība - reālistisks skatījums uz ģimenes dzīvi, kurā aug bērns/jaunietis ar īpašām vajadzībām. Apgalvoju ar pārliecību, jo arī pati audzinu bērnu ar smagiem funkcionāliem traucējumiem - vecāku dilemmu un ikdienas dzīves atainojums ir ne vien patiess, bet arī empātijas un mīlestības pilns.
Caroline Bond ir mans pēdējā laika atklājums un plānoju izlasīt visas viņas izdotās grāmatas.
Aplausi kājās stāvot! Šī grāmata mani radīja tūkstoš dažādu emociju - stāstu burtiski apriju… Grūti noticēt, ka šī ir autores pirmā grāmata, jo viņas valoda plūst tik dabiski un visi tēli ir meistarīgi veidoti, “dzīvi” un daudzslāņaini. Jau no pirmās lappuses ļāvos šim stāstam un tas mani tiešām aizveda īstos emociju amerikāņu kalniņos.
Autore ir spējusi radīt meistarīgi savērptu stāstu, kurā skartas tādas tēmas, kā būšana vecākam, laulāto, brāļu un māsu attiecības, atbildība sevis, savu tuvāko un iedomātu sabiedrības standartu priekšā. Vai viss, ko mēs piedzīvojam, ir nejaušība? Cik tālu mēs spējam vai tieši pretēji - nespējam iet uz priekšu -, ja iztēlotā dzīve krasi atšķiras no reālās?
Stāsta pievienotā vērtība - reālistisks skatījums uz ģimenes dzīvi, kurā aug bērns/jaunietis ar īpašām vajadzībām. Apgalvoju ar pārliecību, jo arī pati audzinu bērnu ar smagiem funkcionāliem traucējumiem - vecāku dilemmu un ikdienas dzīves atainojums ir ne vien patiess, bet arī empātijas un mīlestības pilns.
Caroline Bond ir mans pēdējā laika atklājums un plānoju izlasīt visas viņas izdotās grāmatas.
April 19, 2018
This was absolutely fantastic.
It had me hooked from the first day and I loved it! Oh my goodness how I loved Lauren in this book. I thought the author described her disability in a way that still gave her her own personality and quirks and life. I find it very rare that an author can do that.
The only reason I’m giving this a 4 star rating is because of the last page. I really felt like it ended almost on a cliffhanger but I can only see this as a stand-alone book so I think I’m a bit disappointed with its ending :(
Otherwise a fantastic book that questions what defines family. Loved it.
It had me hooked from the first day and I loved it! Oh my goodness how I loved Lauren in this book. I thought the author described her disability in a way that still gave her her own personality and quirks and life. I find it very rare that an author can do that.
The only reason I’m giving this a 4 star rating is because of the last page. I really felt like it ended almost on a cliffhanger but I can only see this as a stand-alone book so I think I’m a bit disappointed with its ending :(
Otherwise a fantastic book that questions what defines family. Loved it.
February 21, 2022
*Family Bonds*
Imagine a scenario where two babies are born a day apart in the same hospital and both new mothers start talking and you part ways and get on with your lives.
Fast forward 14 years and you find out that the child you have cared for was swapped at birth. Sarah and Phil have two children James and Lauren and Anne has Rosie.
Well the two families are about to get their life thrown into turmoil. The two girls are very different. Lauren has a disease Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) and is wheelchair bound with special needs. The other child is Rosie, she is sporty, fit and plays football for her school.
As the story unfolds we find out how they all cope with the consequences of the fallout. Anne is divorced with a very cold detached ex-husband. While Sarah and Phil are a close knit team.
When the details of what happened is revealed it is a shock. We also find out how far two mother’s will go to claim what is rightfully theirs.
Imagine a scenario where two babies are born a day apart in the same hospital and both new mothers start talking and you part ways and get on with your lives.
Fast forward 14 years and you find out that the child you have cared for was swapped at birth. Sarah and Phil have two children James and Lauren and Anne has Rosie.
Well the two families are about to get their life thrown into turmoil. The two girls are very different. Lauren has a disease Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) and is wheelchair bound with special needs. The other child is Rosie, she is sporty, fit and plays football for her school.
As the story unfolds we find out how they all cope with the consequences of the fallout. Anne is divorced with a very cold detached ex-husband. While Sarah and Phil are a close knit team.
When the details of what happened is revealed it is a shock. We also find out how far two mother’s will go to claim what is rightfully theirs.
November 10, 2018
Did the author get bored and decide not to bother with an ending?! She literally ends the book without tying up any loose ends and more or less mid storyline. This is not a cliffhanger ..It's pure laziness on behalf of the author. I can't fathom why this book was given 4 or 5 stars... the characters are not likable at all, the twist in the story is not exactly earth shattering...And then the book ends abruptly.
I'm giving 1 star because I actually managed to finish it
I'm giving 1 star because I actually managed to finish it
January 26, 2022
"The Second Child" is my first.
It's my first choice nomination for "Emotionally Pulverizing Book of the Year".
TRUE CONFESSION: I was gasping and clenching my fists throughout the entire narrative.
Two women give birth to baby girls at the same hospital. The babies' nametags allegedly get mixed up in the baby nursery.
One baby is severely handicapped (undiagnosed at the hospital) and one is healthy. Fourteen years later, the mistake is discovered.
What really happened at the hospital? Should the couples do a "daughter swap"? Very tough ethical questions are explored and making decisions is not easy.
Switched babies at the hospital is a compelling topic that generates empathy, disbelief, and instant appeal, and "The Second Child" is one of many nonfiction books about this topic.
Quite frankly, the book was remarkably similar to JP Delaney's "Playing Nice", until it wasn't.
It's important to note that it was not the "switched babies at the hospital" storyline that elevated this book to 5-star stardom.
Instead, it was the author's brilliant characterizations and the book's flow. Also impressive was the author's sensitivity in portraying the challenges and responsibilities of parenting a child with severe disabilities.
Nothing was obvious and the author did an outstanding job of keeping readers guessing from beginning to end.
I was surprised to learn that this was the author's debut novel. The book was extremely well written, intricately plotted, and fast-paced.
Many GR reviewers complained about the abrupt ending and I agree with them. This author had penned a 10-star book until the last two paragraphs and, sadly, I am not sure what happened. Just like other GR reviewers, I wanted more. The author never lost steam until those last two paragraphs.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by Antonia Beamish, one of my favorite narrators. Although Antonia Beamish did a superb job with the narration, the book was told from four POVs and would have benefited from four different narrators.
I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
It's my first choice nomination for "Emotionally Pulverizing Book of the Year".
TRUE CONFESSION: I was gasping and clenching my fists throughout the entire narrative.
Two women give birth to baby girls at the same hospital. The babies' nametags allegedly get mixed up in the baby nursery.
One baby is severely handicapped (undiagnosed at the hospital) and one is healthy. Fourteen years later, the mistake is discovered.
What really happened at the hospital? Should the couples do a "daughter swap"? Very tough ethical questions are explored and making decisions is not easy.
Switched babies at the hospital is a compelling topic that generates empathy, disbelief, and instant appeal, and "The Second Child" is one of many nonfiction books about this topic.
Quite frankly, the book was remarkably similar to JP Delaney's "Playing Nice", until it wasn't.
It's important to note that it was not the "switched babies at the hospital" storyline that elevated this book to 5-star stardom.
Instead, it was the author's brilliant characterizations and the book's flow. Also impressive was the author's sensitivity in portraying the challenges and responsibilities of parenting a child with severe disabilities.
Nothing was obvious and the author did an outstanding job of keeping readers guessing from beginning to end.
I was surprised to learn that this was the author's debut novel. The book was extremely well written, intricately plotted, and fast-paced.
Many GR reviewers complained about the abrupt ending and I agree with them. This author had penned a 10-star book until the last two paragraphs and, sadly, I am not sure what happened. Just like other GR reviewers, I wanted more. The author never lost steam until those last two paragraphs.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by Antonia Beamish, one of my favorite narrators. Although Antonia Beamish did a superb job with the narration, the book was told from four POVs and would have benefited from four different narrators.
I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
October 7, 2018
Had the author written a better ending I would have been putting 4 stars, maybe 5. Maybe a 3 is harsh but when your whole story is building up to a story peak and then it’s rounded up in the final chapter with not even a ‘what will they do’ ending that really finishes it off. That really irritated me.
You spent all this time.... writing an amazingly well thought out book and then bam. The ending sucked.
Maybe it’s meant to be left open, maybe there’s some sort of ‘life is unpredictable’ feel to it or ‘leave the audience with the emotion to decide their own take on the fate of the kids’. But .... no. Almost an amazing book. Bar the ending. The end. X
You spent all this time.... writing an amazingly well thought out book and then bam. The ending sucked.
Maybe it’s meant to be left open, maybe there’s some sort of ‘life is unpredictable’ feel to it or ‘leave the audience with the emotion to decide their own take on the fate of the kids’. But .... no. Almost an amazing book. Bar the ending. The end. X
April 4, 2018
Wow. Just wow.
I couldn’t put the book down when I had chance to read jt! Auch heart breaking book that pushes boundaries and surprising twists. I did not expect some things that happened, which was a honestly great surprise.
I couldn’t put the book down when I had chance to read jt! Auch heart breaking book that pushes boundaries and surprising twists. I did not expect some things that happened, which was a honestly great surprise.
April 17, 2018
Found the ending frustrating
A great read. Didn't want to put it down. Characters well written and thought provoking, liked the way the narrative was from their individual perspectives.
A great read. Didn't want to put it down. Characters well written and thought provoking, liked the way the narrative was from their individual perspectives.
March 14, 2019
Wow. What a story and what a twist towards the end. I think the actual ending was appropriate given the choices and decisions that were required of the characters. This would be a great book club read, lots to discuss. Very good.
July 21, 2021
A thought provoking read which I enjoyed on the whole. I guessed the twist mind you and I didn't particularly like the ending, but it was still worth reading. It would be good for book clubs - lots of things to discuss.
September 8, 2018
I read this book for my Pudsey bookclub as the author is local.
What a great book. Story focuses on two families who discover their babies were swapped at the hospital. Lauren is profoundly disabled and Rosie who is an active teenager.
The story was fantastic, I loved how it switched between each character seeing the viewpoints unfurl. Refreshing plot, lovely fluid writing style and great plot twist, would recommend this book
What a great book. Story focuses on two families who discover their babies were swapped at the hospital. Lauren is profoundly disabled and Rosie who is an active teenager.
The story was fantastic, I loved how it switched between each character seeing the viewpoints unfurl. Refreshing plot, lovely fluid writing style and great plot twist, would recommend this book
February 21, 2019
Just wonderful and absolutely heart wrenching. Loved loved loved this book.
June 13, 2021
Omg loved the book but what was that ending?????? Just tell them, lady!!!!
June 11, 2021
This was Caroline Bond’s debut novel and to go back to her first published book was a treat because it was so well written, well plotted and very very compelling. This book will challenge you to analyse your own response to the dilemmas that were contained within it and possibly by the end of it will have you uncertain of what choices you might have made.
The characters were absolutely brilliant and the book being written from their different perspectives was refreshing and kept the story alive. Seeing how each character interpreted a situation and what was important enough to them to narrate (or not) was very interesting. Their voices came through strongly – grown up adults facing difficult decisions and a teenager’s voice too. It’s often difficult to write a varied set of characters in this way but Caroline has a fantastic talent which was easy to see throughout this book. If you’re not used to multiple narrations or you find them hard to follow don’t be put off because the short chapters in this book really helped to keep the reader hooked and following the situation.
Caroline’s portrayal of disability and her understanding of communication, quirks and personality was absolutely brilliant. She handles difficult often neglected topics with ease and care. Everything about life in general is included within this book – the arguing, the grime, the challenges… nothing is avoided. The situation feels absolutely unheard of but at the same time written in such a realistic way. There’s so much to discuss after finishing this book and still many unanswered questions – always the sign of a good book when it leaves you reeling afterwards and craving more of the characters stories.
The characters were absolutely brilliant and the book being written from their different perspectives was refreshing and kept the story alive. Seeing how each character interpreted a situation and what was important enough to them to narrate (or not) was very interesting. Their voices came through strongly – grown up adults facing difficult decisions and a teenager’s voice too. It’s often difficult to write a varied set of characters in this way but Caroline has a fantastic talent which was easy to see throughout this book. If you’re not used to multiple narrations or you find them hard to follow don’t be put off because the short chapters in this book really helped to keep the reader hooked and following the situation.
Caroline’s portrayal of disability and her understanding of communication, quirks and personality was absolutely brilliant. She handles difficult often neglected topics with ease and care. Everything about life in general is included within this book – the arguing, the grime, the challenges… nothing is avoided. The situation feels absolutely unheard of but at the same time written in such a realistic way. There’s so much to discuss after finishing this book and still many unanswered questions – always the sign of a good book when it leaves you reeling afterwards and craving more of the characters stories.
April 27, 2021
A really enjoyable read. I find that the back and forth of the different characters helps break a book up and makes it a lot easier to fly through.
It's a terrible moral issue that does make you wonder, as a parent how you would react if you found out your child wasn't really yours after all and they'd been switched at birth! This couple have brought their daughter up as 14 yrs and she is theirs, how can she not be. But ultimately they have another biological daughter out there.
I found in the beginning I felt sorry for Anne as the other family were getting to know this new daughter, whereas Anne's biological daughter was disabled, she knew nothing of what was happening and so it was hard for Anne to have any bond with this daughter.
I really disliked Phil for his attitude, it was all about Rosie (new daughter) and this great bond he had with her, he never took anyone else's feelings into consideration, least of all his wife.
Eventually the story takes a new turn and we find out some truths. But for me the massive letdown was that ending, seriously WTF was that all about, it just left them all sitting at the table with nothing answered. I hate it when your reading a great book, only to have a crap ending that ultimately ruins the whole thing!
Plus after what happened, to just brush it under the carpet is utterly ridiculous! Very disappointed and If this may be the authors style for her book endings, I won't be running out to read more of them.
It's a terrible moral issue that does make you wonder, as a parent how you would react if you found out your child wasn't really yours after all and they'd been switched at birth! This couple have brought their daughter up as 14 yrs and she is theirs, how can she not be. But ultimately they have another biological daughter out there.
I found in the beginning I felt sorry for Anne as the other family were getting to know this new daughter, whereas Anne's biological daughter was disabled, she knew nothing of what was happening and so it was hard for Anne to have any bond with this daughter.
I really disliked Phil for his attitude, it was all about Rosie (new daughter) and this great bond he had with her, he never took anyone else's feelings into consideration, least of all his wife.
Eventually the story takes a new turn and we find out some truths. But for me the massive letdown was that ending, seriously WTF was that all about, it just left them all sitting at the table with nothing answered. I hate it when your reading a great book, only to have a crap ending that ultimately ruins the whole thing!
Plus after what happened, to just brush it under the carpet is utterly ridiculous! Very disappointed and If this may be the authors style for her book endings, I won't be running out to read more of them.
June 14, 2020
A great family drama book! Very different from other books I've been reading recently and fancied something a little lighter. I'd never heard of Lauren's disability before so found that very interesting. The emotions surrouding bringing up a child with a disability were described perfectly and I really felt for the family! I started losing interest a bit around the 30% mark but luckily it picked up when they met the other family and their real daughter. I found Rosie quite selfish and self orientated but did grow to like her as the book progressed. I weirdly didn't see the twist coming, although once I knew it seemed obvious what had happened! I was glad with how the book ended and felt everyone got their 'happy ending'! 4/5 stars.
December 22, 2019
Was recommended by a friend. Excellent book. And I will be recomnending it now too.
Interesting idea for a book but I did wonder how it could fill a whole book (9 audio book cds!) But the story and characters developed really well.
The book works well as it tells the story through the voices of 4 of the characters expressing their own version of events and their feelings. A man, 2 women and a teenage girl all with their different views of life.
Interesting idea for a book but I did wonder how it could fill a whole book (9 audio book cds!) But the story and characters developed really well.
The book works well as it tells the story through the voices of 4 of the characters expressing their own version of events and their feelings. A man, 2 women and a teenage girl all with their different views of life.
November 9, 2022
This was such a beautiful, clever, thought-provoking book and I really struggled to put it down as I raced to the ending. However, the ending is why I gave it 4 stars. I don't think it was believable, or right, and I found the author's decision to leave the reader hanging just frustrating. If it had to come a proper conclusion I definitely would have given it 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
I love Caroline Bond!
This was a lovely story about a family with a teenage girl who has RTS.
A real twist towards the end I didn’t see coming!
Wish the whole family had found out about what Anne did!
Brilliant
This was a lovely story about a family with a teenage girl who has RTS.
A real twist towards the end I didn’t see coming!
Wish the whole family had found out about what Anne did!
Brilliant
August 10, 2021
This rested on the conundrum of two babies swapped within days of birth, one of whom is severely disabled. Initially totally page turning, but the ending felt rushed and like author didn't quite know how to wrap things up.
August 1, 2018
Enjoyable story about what constitutes family. Was Sarah’s final decision the right one?
December 2, 2018
Beautifully written, I love books with POV's from the main characters. But I felt like the book could have been shorter, there was a lot of filler.
May 15, 2021
I love it so spellbinding emotional and beutifull in the end they did the right thing and the kids are happy.
January 6, 2022
I would rate this 3.5 stars as, while it was a pretty much run of the mill book, I found the story compelling and there were some insights in it for me. While I couldn't predict the ending I did enjoy the process with the 2 main women protagonists quite interesting characters. And it was all about the journey and not the destination
February 12, 2018
In an attempt to show that he really cares about his severely disabled daughter Phil takes Lauren to one of her many scheduled hospital appointments. He only does so because his wife, Sarah, is at the end of her rope and he knows he has been more absent than engaged. One chance comment about blood typing sends their world into a tailspin. Not only is Lauren not his but she's not Sarah's either. So starts the tale of piecing together what happened to make them take the wrong daughter home, who is their real daughter and how will her family react?
This book is sensitively written and covers not only the trials of having a very disabled child but balancing that against the needs of your able-bodied, older child whose needs are, necessarily, pushed in to second place. Nowhere within these pages are the difficult balancing act shied away from. With petty squabbles explored and daily life, in all it's tedium and grind taking centre stage.
Once their real daughter is found, Sarah in particular finds it hard to adjust and let this teenager in to not only their lives but her heart. The juxtaposition of Lauren and Rosie is handled well and never manages to slip into parody, it is simply the bare fact that one is disabled and one is not. As their lives settle in to a period of visits and awkward discussions with Alice (Rosie's mother) each family strives to find it's own way through.
I did worry that this novel would descend into mawkishness but somehow this is avoided. No mean feat by Ms. Bond due to the exceptionally emotional subject matter. The reveal as to how the swap came about is agonising and throws yet more questions into the mix.
I found myself completely sucked in to this world and found that I empathised with both mothers and was bewildered as to how you could make a decision about a child you have nurtured for 14 years but that isn't biologically yours. I was slightly annoyed that the father's feelings were so clear cut so early on and did wonder if enough depth had gone into his character. However, as the tale unfolds you realise that Phil isn't simply there as a foil to Sarah's anguish but a necessary rock for her to cling to.
Wonderfully written in a straightforward manner that captivates.
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
This book is sensitively written and covers not only the trials of having a very disabled child but balancing that against the needs of your able-bodied, older child whose needs are, necessarily, pushed in to second place. Nowhere within these pages are the difficult balancing act shied away from. With petty squabbles explored and daily life, in all it's tedium and grind taking centre stage.
Once their real daughter is found, Sarah in particular finds it hard to adjust and let this teenager in to not only their lives but her heart. The juxtaposition of Lauren and Rosie is handled well and never manages to slip into parody, it is simply the bare fact that one is disabled and one is not. As their lives settle in to a period of visits and awkward discussions with Alice (Rosie's mother) each family strives to find it's own way through.
I did worry that this novel would descend into mawkishness but somehow this is avoided. No mean feat by Ms. Bond due to the exceptionally emotional subject matter. The reveal as to how the swap came about is agonising and throws yet more questions into the mix.
I found myself completely sucked in to this world and found that I empathised with both mothers and was bewildered as to how you could make a decision about a child you have nurtured for 14 years but that isn't biologically yours. I was slightly annoyed that the father's feelings were so clear cut so early on and did wonder if enough depth had gone into his character. However, as the tale unfolds you realise that Phil isn't simply there as a foil to Sarah's anguish but a necessary rock for her to cling to.
Wonderfully written in a straightforward manner that captivates.
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
April 3, 2018
I came across this book through an online book club called The Pigeonhole and read it with other readers on the web. It was split into 10 parts called staves, emailed to me each day. I was able to leave comments throughout and interact with the others, plus there was a Q &A with the author to read at the end.
This was a domestic drama, another genre I tend to give a wide berth too, but this story really worked for me. It definitely helped that I was limited to how much I could read each day, especially when each stave was left on a cliffhanger.
Being a Mum of a teenage boy I could identify more with Sarah, so preferred her to Phil, who annoyed me. The whole scenario had me constantly thinking about what I would do in this situation. How would I feel if my son’s paternity was called into question after all these years of thinking, feeling, knowing he was my child?
This book kept me guessing all the way through with it’s twists and turns. I really felt like I was a fly on the wall whilst I was reading it and it gave me an amazing insight into life with a severely disabled older child. I discussed it with my husband asking how he would react, what would we do in this situation? I confess that I expected a different ending and was initially disappointed in it’s subtlety, but on reflection I think it was better than what I thought should have happened.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of domestic dramas and think it would make a superb book club read.
This was a domestic drama, another genre I tend to give a wide berth too, but this story really worked for me. It definitely helped that I was limited to how much I could read each day, especially when each stave was left on a cliffhanger.
Being a Mum of a teenage boy I could identify more with Sarah, so preferred her to Phil, who annoyed me. The whole scenario had me constantly thinking about what I would do in this situation. How would I feel if my son’s paternity was called into question after all these years of thinking, feeling, knowing he was my child?
This book kept me guessing all the way through with it’s twists and turns. I really felt like I was a fly on the wall whilst I was reading it and it gave me an amazing insight into life with a severely disabled older child. I discussed it with my husband asking how he would react, what would we do in this situation? I confess that I expected a different ending and was initially disappointed in it’s subtlety, but on reflection I think it was better than what I thought should have happened.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of domestic dramas and think it would make a superb book club read.
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