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Mamos paslaptis
Jos visada buvo trise: Keitė, Džordžė ir jų mama Džena. Mergaitės buvo ne tik seserys – jos atstojo viena kitai geriausią draugę. Šioms augant, siekdama apsaugoti savo dukras, Džena kai kada elgėsi pernelyg globėjiškai: neišleisdavo į lauką žaisti su kitais vaikais, o joms ūgtelėjus, drausdavo eiti į vakarėlius. Todėl beveik visą laiką mergaitės būdavo kartu su mama. Tik paaugusi Keitė ėmė dažniau keliauti, o Džordžė pasilikdavo namie. Dabar jiedvi suaugusios, šeimas turinčios moterys. Suprasdama, kad baimė keliauti ir santuokos beprasmybė yra įteigta motinos, Džordžė nusprendžia leistis į kelionę. Tačiau tam ji privalo rasti savo pasą, kurio, keista, bet niekada nėra regėjusi.
Asmens dokumentų paieška virsta tyrimu, o tai, ką Džordžė atras, išmuš iki šiol tvirtą pagrindą iš po kojų ir privers suabejoti viskuo, net savo pačios tapatybe. Nejau visa jos vaikystė tebuvo didžiulis melas?
Asmens dokumentų paieška virsta tyrimu, o tai, ką Džordžė atras, išmuš iki šiol tvirtą pagrindą iš po kojų ir privers suabejoti viskuo, net savo pačios tapatybe. Nejau visa jos vaikystė tebuvo didžiulis melas?
- GenresThriller
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2018
160 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews
November 28, 2017
The Mother's Secret by Clare Swatman is a story about secrets and Lies. Georgie is looking for her birth certificate so that she can apply for a passport. This leads her to a shocking discovery that alters her life and causes shock to those around her. I liked this book and the character of Georgie and felt great sympathy for her. I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
Excellent.
I really enjoyed this book it was not totally compelling and easy to read. It is a brilliant storyline with great characters.
I really enjoyed this book it was not totally compelling and easy to read. It is a brilliant storyline with great characters.
September 15, 2018
Kate and Georgie have been more than sisters. They have also been best friends. Kate has travelled the world, but Georgie has always been around home with their mum, Jan. Till Georgie decided she needs to get out in the world and do something. To get a passport she needs her birth certificate. Strangely though she has never seen it. Times when it has been needed her mother also managed to skirt around the issue. Without asking her mother again and being fobbed off, Georgie goes looking for herself. What she finds changes her life and that of others in ways she could not imagine. It also explains so many things, like how overprotective her mother has always been.
It is very easy initially to sympathise with Georgie as she searches for the truth. But after a while the story changes and goes back to 1975 and Jan’s story, before coming back later to Georgie and another character. The characters were well drawn. While I could sympathise at times with Georgie and to some extent with Jan, my favourite character by far was Kate. This is a story of families, friendship, lies and secrets, grief, selfishness, love and heartbreak.
The book is certainly an emotional read as facts are uncovered that change the fabric of so many lives. I was interested from the start and it held my attention throughout. I found myself often admonishing certain characters to ‘not be so selfish’ or ‘not be so stupid ‘ or leave things alone,’ or ’think about others and how they feel.’ If you like family dramas and books that stir the emotions and make you think, you should enjoy this one as I did. Had a few reservations about the end but overall I loved it! An involving read that I simply had to keep reading. It shows family in crisis, the things that can break a family apart and what holds them together no matter what.
It is very easy initially to sympathise with Georgie as she searches for the truth. But after a while the story changes and goes back to 1975 and Jan’s story, before coming back later to Georgie and another character. The characters were well drawn. While I could sympathise at times with Georgie and to some extent with Jan, my favourite character by far was Kate. This is a story of families, friendship, lies and secrets, grief, selfishness, love and heartbreak.
The book is certainly an emotional read as facts are uncovered that change the fabric of so many lives. I was interested from the start and it held my attention throughout. I found myself often admonishing certain characters to ‘not be so selfish’ or ‘not be so stupid ‘ or leave things alone,’ or ’think about others and how they feel.’ If you like family dramas and books that stir the emotions and make you think, you should enjoy this one as I did. Had a few reservations about the end but overall I loved it! An involving read that I simply had to keep reading. It shows family in crisis, the things that can break a family apart and what holds them together no matter what.
February 20, 2018
Georgie, her older sister Kate and mum Jan have always been a team of 3. The two girls have always been close and Jan has always been overprotective of them as they were growing up, not letting them go to parties, or out to play with other children but keeping them by her side. Whilst an older Kate has been able to spread her wings a little and travel, Georgie has been the one that has stayed – she has never travelled abroad, lives with her boyfriend and their young daughter but has never married, all it seems with the encouragement of her mother. However when Georgie decides to investigate a little further, what she discovers completely shatters her whole world.
In Her Mother’s Secret, Clare Swatman has written an emotional story of grief, love and deceit. Now in her 50’s Jan is becoming increasingly confused and her behaviour erratic. It’s clear that she is suffering from some form of dementia however what secret is she hiding in her confused mind.
The story is told mainly from the perspective of three characters. Jan’s story begins when she was young and living in Norfolk in the 1960s/1970’s with her best friend Sandy. Jan meets biker Ray, and although theirs is not a perfect relationship, they love each other and muddle through well enough. Jan’s part of the story was one of the book’s highlights for me and I was completely engrossed in her younger life. I wanted to know what type of person she was and what made her tick. I was a teenager in the 70s so a lot of the references were familiar and it felt quite nostalgic being taken back in time.
I did find myself shifting alliances between the characters. At times my sympathies were with Georgie, and at other times with her mother. I’m not sure that I ever really liked Jan, either as a younger or older woman. The young Jan seemed a very discontented and hard to please person and the older confused Jan was just nasty. As for Georgie, I felt that she could have handled some aspects in a much more sensitive way but then who knows exactly you would react in that situation.
The reader learns fairly on what the secret is but the story then focuses on the fallout from the discovery and how far the devastation caused by just one split second decision can reach.
With a well structured plot and superb characterisation, The Mother’s Secret is a gripping and poignant read. It’s heartbreakingly sad at times but also there is hope – and the realisation of how strong the bonds of family can be.
In Her Mother’s Secret, Clare Swatman has written an emotional story of grief, love and deceit. Now in her 50’s Jan is becoming increasingly confused and her behaviour erratic. It’s clear that she is suffering from some form of dementia however what secret is she hiding in her confused mind.
The story is told mainly from the perspective of three characters. Jan’s story begins when she was young and living in Norfolk in the 1960s/1970’s with her best friend Sandy. Jan meets biker Ray, and although theirs is not a perfect relationship, they love each other and muddle through well enough. Jan’s part of the story was one of the book’s highlights for me and I was completely engrossed in her younger life. I wanted to know what type of person she was and what made her tick. I was a teenager in the 70s so a lot of the references were familiar and it felt quite nostalgic being taken back in time.
I did find myself shifting alliances between the characters. At times my sympathies were with Georgie, and at other times with her mother. I’m not sure that I ever really liked Jan, either as a younger or older woman. The young Jan seemed a very discontented and hard to please person and the older confused Jan was just nasty. As for Georgie, I felt that she could have handled some aspects in a much more sensitive way but then who knows exactly you would react in that situation.
The reader learns fairly on what the secret is but the story then focuses on the fallout from the discovery and how far the devastation caused by just one split second decision can reach.
With a well structured plot and superb characterisation, The Mother’s Secret is a gripping and poignant read. It’s heartbreakingly sad at times but also there is hope – and the realisation of how strong the bonds of family can be.
March 9, 2018
Five huge stars. I enjoyed every minute of reading The Mother's Secret by Clare Swatman. Sisters Kate and Georgie have always had a close bond. Kate has always had freedom to go where she wants to go and when. But Georgie has never gone anywhere and never had a passport because she hasn't been given her birth certificate. Georgia was so frustrated that she didn't have her birth certificate it made her determined to find it, so she decided to climb into the loft to look for it, but discovers something else. A heartbreaking story. Here is a family that is about to discover that lies can cause pain, the truth could destroy them all. I highly recommend this extremely well written book.
February 12, 2018
An enjoyable read that whilst easy to read, explores more serious issues such as the loss of a child, bereavement, post-natal depression and child abduction. All these issues are sensitively dealt with and were far more interesting to me than the storyline itself. The story is well-told but to be honest it isn't that different from many other stories out there. I did like the ending and felt a kind of satisfaction that it wasn't the ending that the reader had been led to expect - a kind of non-twist that felt less contrived. I don't want to risk saying any more and risk spoiling it. Definitely worth a read.
March 8, 2020
Um livro que aborda o tema família e os segredos que durante uma vida podem ser escondidos e a forma como duas famílias podem ser afetados por eles.
Uma narrativa muito bem estruturada e que nos permite ficar a conhecer muito bem as personagens e as suas motivações.
Gostei muito e recomendo a sua leitura.
Uma narrativa muito bem estruturada e que nos permite ficar a conhecer muito bem as personagens e as suas motivações.
Gostei muito e recomendo a sua leitura.
March 29, 2022
Patiko!!! Patiks visiems, kam patinka šeimos, vaikų, santykių istorijos. Vietomis kai kur viskas pasirodė keistai netikroviška tai vertinsiu 8/10, bet paėmus bendrai - knyga įdomi. Gal kažko minimaliai pritrūko gale...
Labai gražus knygos viršelis. Ir ši knyga man įdomesnė už šios autorės knygą "Kol neišėjai."
Labai gražus knygos viršelis. Ir ši knyga man įdomesnė už šios autorės knygą "Kol neišėjai."
March 30, 2020
Opinião completa em: https://marcadordelivros.blogspot.com...
November 17, 2019
7,5 de 10*
Será que a verdade pode magoar mais do que uma mentira caridosa? Será que os acontecimentos do passado, ainda que não tenhamos tido qualquer intervenção nos mesmos, podem definir e/ou condicionar o que somos no presente? Estes são os pontos de partida deste romance de Clare Swatman. Um livro com um enredo intrincado, com descobertas que vão assombrando a nossa protagonista, Georgie.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Será que a verdade pode magoar mais do que uma mentira caridosa? Será que os acontecimentos do passado, ainda que não tenhamos tido qualquer intervenção nos mesmos, podem definir e/ou condicionar o que somos no presente? Estes são os pontos de partida deste romance de Clare Swatman. Um livro com um enredo intrincado, com descobertas que vão assombrando a nossa protagonista, Georgie.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
March 24, 2019
Ši knyga buvo iš tų, kurią perskaityti jau norėjau gan seniai, kai leidykla dar ją tik skelbė savo planuojamų išleisti knygų anonsuose. Tačiau gan ilgokai teko palaukti savo eilės bibliotekoje tarp norinčių ją perskaityti. Jau šimtąjį kartą pasikartosiu teigdama, kad aš į savo skaitomų knygų sąrašus labai dažnai įtraukiu šeimos dramas. Man tai atrodo neatsiejama gyvenimo dalis, todėl tokios knygos man yra tarsi lengvi psichologiniai vadovėliai, o juose esančios istorijos tik dar kartą parodo, kad tai yra mūsų pilka kasdienybė ir kad nuo šeimyninių dramų nesame apsaugoti nei vienas iš mūsų. Nors tokių knygų yra begalės, tačiau juose aš vis atrandu kažką įdomaus ir savito. "Melas gali skaudinti. Tiesa gali sunaikinti". Ši skambi citata ant knygos viršelio sužadino ir mano norą pasinerti į istoriją. Tačiau būsiu atvira sakydama, kad mano knygų pasirinkimus pirmiausia lemia ne knygos anotacija, bet knygos šriftas, viršelis ir tik po to knygos nugarėlė. Tai kas ypatingo vyksta šioje dramoje? Istorija apie tris moteris: Keitę, Džordžę ir jų mamą Dženą. Mergaitės buvo ne tik seserys-jos atstojo viena kitai geriausią draugę. Tačiau mama buvo visiškai kitokia: savo dukrų ji neišleisdavo į lauką žaisti su kitais vaikais, o joms ūgtelėjus eiti į vakarėlius. Tačiau viena iš seserų suprasdama, kad baimė keliauti ir santuokos beprasmybė yra įteigta motinos, Džordžė nusprendžia leistis į kelionę. Tačiau tam ji privalo rasti savo pasą, kurio, keista, bet niekada nėra regėjusi. Asmens dokumentų paieška virs tikru detektyviniu tyrimu, kuris atskleis tokias paslaptis, kad viena iš herojų suabejos savo tapatybe. Nors tai istorija apie šeimą, meilę, sielvartą ir melą, tačiau buvo įdomi savo turiniu, nenuobodžiu dėstymu, o knygos puslapius gliaudžiau taip greitai, kad nepajutau kaip knyga baigėsi. Kokius jausmus man ji sukėlė? Skaitydama galvojau, kad tai nėra banali šeimos istorija, joje yra daug kalbama apie Alzheimeriu sergančią moterį, kurią lyg ir norėtum nuteisti už praeityje padarytą žalą tiek sau, tiek kitiems, bet tuo pačiu bandai ir išteisinti, matydama dabartinę jos situaciją ir šios ligos padarinius. Išduosiu sakydama, kad tai liūdna istorija, bet tuo pačiu ir pakylėjanti, tuo labiau ir nenuobodi. Tuo pačiu tai istorija, kuri parodo, kaip vienas impulsyvus sprendimas gali paveikti šeimą, santykius, ateitį. Kam galėčiau rekomenduoti? Visiems tiems, kam patinka liūdnos, dramatiškos šeimos istorijos, kurie nori ne tik perskaityti, bet kartu ir išgyventi, susitapatinti, nekęsti ir mylėti, džiaugtis ir liūdėti. Man patinka tokios istorijos ir ateityje nežadu jų atsisakyti. Galbūt jos ir banalios, bet retas kuris drįsta prisipažinti, kad tai vyksta ir jo gyvenime. Todėl labai svarbu, kad žmogus pats priimtų tokį gyvenimo faktą, kad kiekvieną dieną mes išgyvename dramą, komediją ar tragikomediją, o kokia bus kulminacija- tai priklauso tik nuo mūsų pačių. Todėl pabaigai tiktų labai gražūs Popiežiaus Pranciškaus pasakyti žodžiai: "Svarbu, kad šeimos dažnai savęs klaustų ar jos gyvena iš meilės, dėl meilės ir meilėje. Konkrečiai tai reiškia aukojimąsi, atleidimą, kantrybę, savitarpio pagalbą, pagarbą. Kaip pagerėtų šeimų gyvenimas jei kiekvieną dieną būtų naudojami trys paprasti žodžiai: „prašau“, „ačiū“, „atsiprašau“.
March 2, 2018
The Mother's Secret opens with a mysterious prologue that is both chilling and a little disturbing. Georgie is dreaming of her childhood home, but it is empty of all possessions, it is dark and unwelcoming and there's something strange in the garden. This feeling of unease accompanies both the reader, and Georgie throughout the rest of the story.
Present day; and adult Georgie has made a decision. She's never been adventurous, she's never flown, she didn't marry the father of her daughter. She's decided that it's time to change things. She's going to take the opportunities that her sister Kate always embraced. She will take her family on their first family holiday, abroad.
Georgie and Kate have a close, loving sisterly relationship. Brought up by a single mother, they were protected as children, but Kate was always given a little more freedom than Georgie. Their mother Jan has early onset dementia and Kate seems to be taking most of the responsibility for her care. Georgie always felt like the odd one out.
Georgie has to search Jan's attic to try to find her birth certificate. She's never had a copy, she's never needed one. Her mother always told her that getting married would spoil her relationship, and why on earth would she need to holiday abroad. She doesn't find the birth certificate, but what she does find, and what is clearly missing will change Georgie's whole life. It seems that Jan has long-held secrets, and these are devastating, both for Georgie and her family, and for another family who have suffered for many years.
Clare Swatman has written a story that really pulls at the heart strings. Both the modern-day story and Jan's own tale, set back in the 1970s are emotionally fraught, beautifully developed and conjure up questions for the reader. What would I do? What would I feel?
The devastating loss of a child is told through different points of view, and in very different circumstances, but each mother in this story has suffered their own personal and horrifying loss. Despite the rights and wrongs of the actions of the characters, the reader cannot help but empathise with what happens, and why.
I was especially impressed with the author's ability to seamlessly join together the two strands of her story. Jan's story, set in the 1970s was a nostalgic trip back in time for me and evoked a strong sense of era. whilst the modern-day telling from Georgie herself is bang up to date and relevant.
Clare Swatman is a talented author, who is going from strength to strength. The Mother's Secret is a profoundly touching and very moving. With themes of love and loss, and hidden truths, I found it impossible to put down.||
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
Present day; and adult Georgie has made a decision. She's never been adventurous, she's never flown, she didn't marry the father of her daughter. She's decided that it's time to change things. She's going to take the opportunities that her sister Kate always embraced. She will take her family on their first family holiday, abroad.
Georgie and Kate have a close, loving sisterly relationship. Brought up by a single mother, they were protected as children, but Kate was always given a little more freedom than Georgie. Their mother Jan has early onset dementia and Kate seems to be taking most of the responsibility for her care. Georgie always felt like the odd one out.
Georgie has to search Jan's attic to try to find her birth certificate. She's never had a copy, she's never needed one. Her mother always told her that getting married would spoil her relationship, and why on earth would she need to holiday abroad. She doesn't find the birth certificate, but what she does find, and what is clearly missing will change Georgie's whole life. It seems that Jan has long-held secrets, and these are devastating, both for Georgie and her family, and for another family who have suffered for many years.
Clare Swatman has written a story that really pulls at the heart strings. Both the modern-day story and Jan's own tale, set back in the 1970s are emotionally fraught, beautifully developed and conjure up questions for the reader. What would I do? What would I feel?
The devastating loss of a child is told through different points of view, and in very different circumstances, but each mother in this story has suffered their own personal and horrifying loss. Despite the rights and wrongs of the actions of the characters, the reader cannot help but empathise with what happens, and why.
I was especially impressed with the author's ability to seamlessly join together the two strands of her story. Jan's story, set in the 1970s was a nostalgic trip back in time for me and evoked a strong sense of era. whilst the modern-day telling from Georgie herself is bang up to date and relevant.
Clare Swatman is a talented author, who is going from strength to strength. The Mother's Secret is a profoundly touching and very moving. With themes of love and loss, and hidden truths, I found it impossible to put down.||
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
July 3, 2019
“Mamos paslaptis”, tai istorija apie meilę, netektį, skausmą ir paslaptį. Paslaptį, sugriovusią gyvenimus, sukūrusią kitokią istoriją mergaitei, užvaldžiusią ir sujaukusią mintis artimiesiems. Tokios atskleistos paslaptys atneša ne tik trokštamą palengvėjimą, bet ir begalinį skausmą.
Pasakojimas pradedamas apie šeimą susidedančią iš trijų moterų: mamos ir dviejų dukterų. Mama jas visada labai saugojo ir stengėsi laikyti kuo arčiau savęs. Ypač vieną iš dukrų – Džordžę. Laikė taip arti, jog sugebėjo įteigti baimę skraidyti ir atgrasė nuo bet kokios minties apie keliones. Kodėl? Kodėl tik vienai iš dukrų? Tą jauna suaugusi moteris ir nori išsiaiškinti. Ką atskleis jos pastangos?
Be galo jautri knyga apie netektį ir kaip tai gali paveikti žmogų, ypač neturinčio artimųjų paramos. Apie motinos ir vaikų tarpusavio ryšius, ir kaip jie keičiasi aiškėjant užslėptoms tiesoms. Apie seserų artumą ir atsidavimą, nepaisant iškilusių rimtų nesutarimų.
Ir kas man buvo įdomiausia, tai keliama priešprieša – dvi moterys su savo nesuvokiamu skausmu. Viena kalta dėl kitos košmaro. Ir tarsi žinai kas neteisinga, bet kaip ir gaila pirmosios, tad kaip ir bandai pateisinti tai kas nutiko. Apima tokie dvejopi jausmai. Šis momentas man asmeniškai buvo labiausiai paliečiantis.
Ko pritrūko? Norėjosi labiau išbaigtų personažų ir gilesnio žvilgsnio į istoriją. Toks jausmas, kad truputėlį paskubėta su dėstymu.
Apibendrinant, galima laikyti šią knyga įdomiu, įtraukiančiu, bet lengvu skaitiniu. Tad puikiai tinka norint atsipūsti, neapsikrauti per daug rimta istorija, bet nenorint imti į rankas paprasto meilės romano.
Pasakojimas pradedamas apie šeimą susidedančią iš trijų moterų: mamos ir dviejų dukterų. Mama jas visada labai saugojo ir stengėsi laikyti kuo arčiau savęs. Ypač vieną iš dukrų – Džordžę. Laikė taip arti, jog sugebėjo įteigti baimę skraidyti ir atgrasė nuo bet kokios minties apie keliones. Kodėl? Kodėl tik vienai iš dukrų? Tą jauna suaugusi moteris ir nori išsiaiškinti. Ką atskleis jos pastangos?
Be galo jautri knyga apie netektį ir kaip tai gali paveikti žmogų, ypač neturinčio artimųjų paramos. Apie motinos ir vaikų tarpusavio ryšius, ir kaip jie keičiasi aiškėjant užslėptoms tiesoms. Apie seserų artumą ir atsidavimą, nepaisant iškilusių rimtų nesutarimų.
Ir kas man buvo įdomiausia, tai keliama priešprieša – dvi moterys su savo nesuvokiamu skausmu. Viena kalta dėl kitos košmaro. Ir tarsi žinai kas neteisinga, bet kaip ir gaila pirmosios, tad kaip ir bandai pateisinti tai kas nutiko. Apima tokie dvejopi jausmai. Šis momentas man asmeniškai buvo labiausiai paliečiantis.
Ko pritrūko? Norėjosi labiau išbaigtų personažų ir gilesnio žvilgsnio į istoriją. Toks jausmas, kad truputėlį paskubėta su dėstymu.
Apibendrinant, galima laikyti šią knyga įdomiu, įtraukiančiu, bet lengvu skaitiniu. Tad puikiai tinka norint atsipūsti, neapsikrauti per daug rimta istorija, bet nenorint imti į rankas paprasto meilės romano.
February 10, 2018
he Mother's Secret is a powerful story about family, secrets and devastating lies Love keeps us together Sisters Kate and Georgie have always shared a close bond. While Kate enjoyed the freedoms of youth, Georgie remained at home.
But now Georgie is grown up, it’s time she started exploring. Love can tear us apart Their mother Jan loves her daughters with all her heart. So what if she kept them out of sight when they were young? She just cared for them so much. She wanted to protect them.
What if your life was based on a lie? Maybe there was another reason for Jan’s protective behaviour? If they ventured too far afield, it might destroy the facade of their childhood. This family’s about to discover that while lies can cause pain, the truth could destroy them all.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though I guessed some of it, there were parts that were completely unexpected which was really nice. 4*
But now Georgie is grown up, it’s time she started exploring. Love can tear us apart Their mother Jan loves her daughters with all her heart. So what if she kept them out of sight when they were young? She just cared for them so much. She wanted to protect them.
What if your life was based on a lie? Maybe there was another reason for Jan’s protective behaviour? If they ventured too far afield, it might destroy the facade of their childhood. This family’s about to discover that while lies can cause pain, the truth could destroy them all.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though I guessed some of it, there were parts that were completely unexpected which was really nice. 4*
August 24, 2020
Boas leituras neste final de mês
Mais um livro que me surpreendeu pela positiva
Mais um livro que me surpreendeu pela positiva
February 15, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and Pan books for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Georgie and big sister Kate have always been close. Their mother Jan was widowed just before Georgie was born and it left her very protective of her children. Jan's parents died when she was a child and had no surviving relatives, so their childhood was quite insular. The closest person the girls had was Jan's BF Sandie who the girls called Auntie Sandie.
As adults Katie travelled abroad but Georgie stayed at her because Jan needed her. Jan said that Georgie did not need to marry her childhood sweetheart Matt even when she gave birth to her daughter Clementine.
When Georgie was 37 Jan started to show signs of dementia. Jan started to become aggressive and thought her husband Ray was still alive. Kate was bearing the brunt of caring for Jan but needed Georgie's support.
Georgie decided she was finally going to go on a foreign holiday with Matt and Clementine. She went to her childhood home for her birth certificate but only found Kate's. Worried Georgie went to her local library to check her birth records but could not find anyone born named Georgina at her hospital. The only birth she could find on that day were twins Louisa and Samuel Foster.
Georgie then discovered that Louisa was kidnapped from hospital on the day she was born. There was a photo of Louisa's mother 18 year old Kimberley Foster who looked exactly like Georgie. After speaking to Jan, Georgie knows she must trace her birth family what ever the consequences.
The Mother's Secret was a compelling read, I had to know what Georgie would do with her new found knowledge. Although I can understand why Georgie was interested in her 'real' family I think it was disloyal to Jan especially when she was unwell.
The book was divided into the POV of Georgie, Jan and Kimberley. I enjoyed reading about the young Jan who fell in love with wannabe rock star Ray. The scenes when Jan had her miscarriage all alone in the house with just Kate was heart breaking.
I was expecting this book to be a psychological thriller rather than a family drama. There was a twist in the tale I would of loved to have read but sadly it did not happen.
This book definitely gave me a lot to think about. I enjoyed this book and thoroughly recommend it.
Georgie and big sister Kate have always been close. Their mother Jan was widowed just before Georgie was born and it left her very protective of her children. Jan's parents died when she was a child and had no surviving relatives, so their childhood was quite insular. The closest person the girls had was Jan's BF Sandie who the girls called Auntie Sandie.
As adults Katie travelled abroad but Georgie stayed at her because Jan needed her. Jan said that Georgie did not need to marry her childhood sweetheart Matt even when she gave birth to her daughter Clementine.
When Georgie was 37 Jan started to show signs of dementia. Jan started to become aggressive and thought her husband Ray was still alive. Kate was bearing the brunt of caring for Jan but needed Georgie's support.
Georgie decided she was finally going to go on a foreign holiday with Matt and Clementine. She went to her childhood home for her birth certificate but only found Kate's. Worried Georgie went to her local library to check her birth records but could not find anyone born named Georgina at her hospital. The only birth she could find on that day were twins Louisa and Samuel Foster.
Georgie then discovered that Louisa was kidnapped from hospital on the day she was born. There was a photo of Louisa's mother 18 year old Kimberley Foster who looked exactly like Georgie. After speaking to Jan, Georgie knows she must trace her birth family what ever the consequences.
The Mother's Secret was a compelling read, I had to know what Georgie would do with her new found knowledge. Although I can understand why Georgie was interested in her 'real' family I think it was disloyal to Jan especially when she was unwell.
The book was divided into the POV of Georgie, Jan and Kimberley. I enjoyed reading about the young Jan who fell in love with wannabe rock star Ray. The scenes when Jan had her miscarriage all alone in the house with just Kate was heart breaking.
I was expecting this book to be a psychological thriller rather than a family drama. There was a twist in the tale I would of loved to have read but sadly it did not happen.
This book definitely gave me a lot to think about. I enjoyed this book and thoroughly recommend it.
February 29, 2020
Apesar de ter gostado do livro, a expectativa que tinha nele não abonou a favor.
Uma história simples, que me manteve sempre interessada, pecou por não me conseguir fazer afeiçoar à personagem.
Uma história simples, que me manteve sempre interessada, pecou por não me conseguir fazer afeiçoar à personagem.
May 18, 2022
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
February 18, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
We all expect our mothers to tell us the truth no matter what, right? We also put our faith into them from the moment we entered this world, relying on them to guide us and help us blossom as we grow up. But what if you found out that your entire life had been a lie? What if you found out that your mother had been keeping a secret from you all of your life? What if everything you’ve always known, ends up revealing that in actual fact, you’ve known absolutely nothing?
It doesn’t bear thinking about really, does it? I mean, our mothers wouldn’t do that to us….would they?
It feels like I’ve been waiting AGES for Clare Swatman to release her second novel, especially seeing as her debut was one of my top reads of 2017 – how was she going to top that?! Reader, she topped it in a completely different way. Whilst both books are exceptional stories, they are also written completely differently which means that comparing them would be highly unfair. I have fallen in love with both books for various reasons, and by golly Clare Swatman certainly does NOT disappoint with her highly anticipated second novel.
I am genuinely surprised that my heart is now in one piece, given the amount of times it broke in two whilst reading this book! Even though it was pretty clear from the onset where the storyline was heading, including what the big ‘dun dun dun’ moment was that was going to be revealed in due course, it didn’t change my opinion of the book at all. It soon became clear that whilst the heartbreak was made clear early on, the author wrote the book in such a way which was guaranteed to make the reader wish the heartbreak wasn’t true at all. It was as though the entire situation had a big question mark looming overhead – was it true? Or was one of the sisters making a mountain out of a molehill?
I had no idea what to think or what to believe. If the situation ended up being true after all, why did it happen? What reason did they have to go to such lengths to cause long-lasting devastation? I was surprised at a couple of the character’s reactions when the truth came out because of how lenient their response appeared. I even asked myself whether I would respond in the same way if I were in their shoes and, to be perfectly honest, whilst my gut and heart says ‘no’, my mind is saying something completely different.
‘The Mother’s Secret’ has such a high level of complexity throughout the entire storyline, lasting until the very last page. Each individual character had its place within the book, adding another dimension to an already colourful storyline with their vivacious personalities. Unfortunately, those vivacious personalities didn’t last long, though I saw it as a positive as I was able to see an alternative side to the character, finding out a little bit more about what made them tick. For me, the change in the characters meant that I was able to see them as realistic, two-dimensional characters instead of one with a chip on their shoulder. I knew Clare Swatman could write her characters well, but goodness me – this author has really outdone herself.
I absolutely loved this book, even with its shocking, devastating and emotional scenes, it still managed to warm my heart in a way I had never thought possible. ‘The Mother’s Secret’ may be based around one big event, but it also contains a lot of themes which I believe multiple readers will be able to relate to and find comfort in. I really don’t wish to divulge what those themes are in fear of spoilers, so please do trust me.
‘The Mother’s Secret’ opened my eyes to a world of endless possibilities, showing me how to get to the sunshine through the rain. My emotions were tested, my strength was challenged, yet my trust in Clare Swatman’s writing grew even more.
This author can write that’s for sure; she certainly proves that with this heart-wrenching, beautifully written, thought-provoking and absolutely stunning novel about life, loss, lies, trust, and forgiveness, teaching her readers that whilst not everything is ever as it seems, a flower can blossom even during a storm.
Probably one of the best books I have read so far this year, I am in awe at Clare Swatman’s literary skills and the way in which she not only writes to feed the mind, she also writes to feed the soul.
Devastatingly beautiful – I urge each and every one of you to read this book.
We all expect our mothers to tell us the truth no matter what, right? We also put our faith into them from the moment we entered this world, relying on them to guide us and help us blossom as we grow up. But what if you found out that your entire life had been a lie? What if you found out that your mother had been keeping a secret from you all of your life? What if everything you’ve always known, ends up revealing that in actual fact, you’ve known absolutely nothing?
It doesn’t bear thinking about really, does it? I mean, our mothers wouldn’t do that to us….would they?
It feels like I’ve been waiting AGES for Clare Swatman to release her second novel, especially seeing as her debut was one of my top reads of 2017 – how was she going to top that?! Reader, she topped it in a completely different way. Whilst both books are exceptional stories, they are also written completely differently which means that comparing them would be highly unfair. I have fallen in love with both books for various reasons, and by golly Clare Swatman certainly does NOT disappoint with her highly anticipated second novel.
I am genuinely surprised that my heart is now in one piece, given the amount of times it broke in two whilst reading this book! Even though it was pretty clear from the onset where the storyline was heading, including what the big ‘dun dun dun’ moment was that was going to be revealed in due course, it didn’t change my opinion of the book at all. It soon became clear that whilst the heartbreak was made clear early on, the author wrote the book in such a way which was guaranteed to make the reader wish the heartbreak wasn’t true at all. It was as though the entire situation had a big question mark looming overhead – was it true? Or was one of the sisters making a mountain out of a molehill?
I had no idea what to think or what to believe. If the situation ended up being true after all, why did it happen? What reason did they have to go to such lengths to cause long-lasting devastation? I was surprised at a couple of the character’s reactions when the truth came out because of how lenient their response appeared. I even asked myself whether I would respond in the same way if I were in their shoes and, to be perfectly honest, whilst my gut and heart says ‘no’, my mind is saying something completely different.
‘The Mother’s Secret’ has such a high level of complexity throughout the entire storyline, lasting until the very last page. Each individual character had its place within the book, adding another dimension to an already colourful storyline with their vivacious personalities. Unfortunately, those vivacious personalities didn’t last long, though I saw it as a positive as I was able to see an alternative side to the character, finding out a little bit more about what made them tick. For me, the change in the characters meant that I was able to see them as realistic, two-dimensional characters instead of one with a chip on their shoulder. I knew Clare Swatman could write her characters well, but goodness me – this author has really outdone herself.
I absolutely loved this book, even with its shocking, devastating and emotional scenes, it still managed to warm my heart in a way I had never thought possible. ‘The Mother’s Secret’ may be based around one big event, but it also contains a lot of themes which I believe multiple readers will be able to relate to and find comfort in. I really don’t wish to divulge what those themes are in fear of spoilers, so please do trust me.
‘The Mother’s Secret’ opened my eyes to a world of endless possibilities, showing me how to get to the sunshine through the rain. My emotions were tested, my strength was challenged, yet my trust in Clare Swatman’s writing grew even more.
This author can write that’s for sure; she certainly proves that with this heart-wrenching, beautifully written, thought-provoking and absolutely stunning novel about life, loss, lies, trust, and forgiveness, teaching her readers that whilst not everything is ever as it seems, a flower can blossom even during a storm.
Probably one of the best books I have read so far this year, I am in awe at Clare Swatman’s literary skills and the way in which she not only writes to feed the mind, she also writes to feed the soul.
Devastatingly beautiful – I urge each and every one of you to read this book.
February 17, 2018
Georgie and Kate are worried about their mother, but little do they know quite what is in her past.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Mother’s Secret because I found so many layers to beguile and entertain me. Alongside the mysterious element of the plot and the love story presented between Jan and Ray, Clare Swatman also explores the nature of relationships in families, mental illness and the devastating effects of grief with a deftness of touch. This makes it sound as if The Mother’s Secret is very dark and depressing, but not a bit of it. Certainly there is deep emotion, particularly in one section, but there is also elevating liveliness through the music, clothing and social picture of the 1960s and 1970s, alongside some humour which all serve to engage the reader in a lovely story.
I really appreciated the way in which The Mother’s Secret is structured. The four sections that gradually uncover the truth of the past feel very satisfying and I thought the variety of sentence structure gave impetus and depth. It might sound odd to say I loved the white spaces in a review of what is written, but Clare Swatman uses them as a kind of entr’acte that gives time for reflection and helps the reader absorb the nuances of the narrative.
The way Jan’s section set in the past is in the first person when now she is suffering from dementia was cleverly done, showing who she once was and reminding us as readers that we never know quite what fate has in store for us. There’s even a direct address to the reader at times so that I felt I could understand her perfectly. I think, however, that it was Ray who actually appealed to me most. He forms a backdrop to much of the action so that I felt sorry for him despite his flaws.
The Mother’s Secret wasn’t quite what I was expecting, as I thought it would be more of a psychologial thriller, but it left me feeling I had encountered real people with tragic lives whom I loved getting to know. It had a little bit of everything to appeal on so many levels, from recent social history to romance and a mystery so that reading The Mother’s Secret has something for everyone.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/02/17/...
I thoroughly enjoyed The Mother’s Secret because I found so many layers to beguile and entertain me. Alongside the mysterious element of the plot and the love story presented between Jan and Ray, Clare Swatman also explores the nature of relationships in families, mental illness and the devastating effects of grief with a deftness of touch. This makes it sound as if The Mother’s Secret is very dark and depressing, but not a bit of it. Certainly there is deep emotion, particularly in one section, but there is also elevating liveliness through the music, clothing and social picture of the 1960s and 1970s, alongside some humour which all serve to engage the reader in a lovely story.
I really appreciated the way in which The Mother’s Secret is structured. The four sections that gradually uncover the truth of the past feel very satisfying and I thought the variety of sentence structure gave impetus and depth. It might sound odd to say I loved the white spaces in a review of what is written, but Clare Swatman uses them as a kind of entr’acte that gives time for reflection and helps the reader absorb the nuances of the narrative.
The way Jan’s section set in the past is in the first person when now she is suffering from dementia was cleverly done, showing who she once was and reminding us as readers that we never know quite what fate has in store for us. There’s even a direct address to the reader at times so that I felt I could understand her perfectly. I think, however, that it was Ray who actually appealed to me most. He forms a backdrop to much of the action so that I felt sorry for him despite his flaws.
The Mother’s Secret wasn’t quite what I was expecting, as I thought it would be more of a psychologial thriller, but it left me feeling I had encountered real people with tragic lives whom I loved getting to know. It had a little bit of everything to appeal on so many levels, from recent social history to romance and a mystery so that reading The Mother’s Secret has something for everyone.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/02/17/...
August 28, 2021
Não me cativou por ser tão previsível. Achei a história boa, mas nada de especial. Além disso, as personagens são demasiado simples, sem grande profundidade, o que não me cativou. Ainda assim, é de uma leitura fácil.
February 9, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
I really enjoyed this book, it was more of a family drama, full of secrets and lies, than a thriller though. I loved the relationship between the sisters Kate and Georgie, it was very natural and realistic. I also really enjoyed hearing their mother Jan's story of her youth in the 1970s, it was very evocative of the time.
I thought the characterisation was superb, making the reader really invested in the people involved.
Very well written and really quite sad at times, this was a great read and I would certainly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book, it was more of a family drama, full of secrets and lies, than a thriller though. I loved the relationship between the sisters Kate and Georgie, it was very natural and realistic. I also really enjoyed hearing their mother Jan's story of her youth in the 1970s, it was very evocative of the time.
I thought the characterisation was superb, making the reader really invested in the people involved.
Very well written and really quite sad at times, this was a great read and I would certainly recommend.
February 9, 2018
The Mother’s Secret is a story of love, lies and secrets. Sisters Georgie and Kate have always had a close bond. Kate enjoyed freedom as a youth whilst Georgie preferred to stay at home but now at the age of 37, Georgie is planning on spreading her wings. As the story unfolds secrets become apparent and Georgie is on a path of exploration.
The story started off well enough but I found it lacked pace and whilst an enjoyable read it didn’t keep me that enthralled.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for the chance to review.
The story started off well enough but I found it lacked pace and whilst an enjoyable read it didn’t keep me that enthralled.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for the chance to review.
February 17, 2018
emotional reading. I really enjoyed this. Full review to follow on my blog
February 11, 2018
Kate and Georgie's mother Jan is growing increasingly more confused and it is clear that she has some form of early onset dementia. Jan was an incredibly protective mother who rarely let her daughters go anywhere without her other than school. Her husband died when before Georgie was born. Georgie feels sad that her mother did not seem to have opportunities in life and is determined that she will. She has never travelled abroad and realises that she doesn't have her birth certificate which she will need to apply for a passport. It is when she goes searching in her mother's attic that she discovers something which will turn her world upside down.
This was a book which I read with my sympathies ever changing. At first, I was of course completely understanding of how Georgie was feeling particularly when what she discovered became even more shocking. But then I often felt irritated with her too because of they way she then treated her family, especially her sister Kate. Her part of the story was particularly compelling and the focus is most certainly on her throughout. Similarly, I felt sorry for Jan to begin with then felt angry when it becomes clear what she has been hiding. Further revelations provoked more sympathy but only to a certain degree.
The parts of the book where we go back and learn about what was happening with Jan in the 1970s when she met and married Ray were also intriguing. The reader may well guess partly what has happened but it does not diminish the enjoyment of the story. The author captured the atmosphere of the 1970s really well I felt, particularly with all the musical references. It was a bit of a trip down memory lane! Going back to find out Jan's story really fleshed out the story and with the addition of another character's account, the reader has a clearer idea of what led up to the events hidden for so long. I won't mention who the other character is as that might give too much away, but I half-expected something different to have happened to them.
A poignant story where there was much sadness, loss and grief, I felt there was also some hope at the end of the book. The Mother's Secret is a very readable story of secrets and lies, the way the effects rippled through the years and affected so many people.
This was a book which I read with my sympathies ever changing. At first, I was of course completely understanding of how Georgie was feeling particularly when what she discovered became even more shocking. But then I often felt irritated with her too because of they way she then treated her family, especially her sister Kate. Her part of the story was particularly compelling and the focus is most certainly on her throughout. Similarly, I felt sorry for Jan to begin with then felt angry when it becomes clear what she has been hiding. Further revelations provoked more sympathy but only to a certain degree.
The parts of the book where we go back and learn about what was happening with Jan in the 1970s when she met and married Ray were also intriguing. The reader may well guess partly what has happened but it does not diminish the enjoyment of the story. The author captured the atmosphere of the 1970s really well I felt, particularly with all the musical references. It was a bit of a trip down memory lane! Going back to find out Jan's story really fleshed out the story and with the addition of another character's account, the reader has a clearer idea of what led up to the events hidden for so long. I won't mention who the other character is as that might give too much away, but I half-expected something different to have happened to them.
A poignant story where there was much sadness, loss and grief, I felt there was also some hope at the end of the book. The Mother's Secret is a very readable story of secrets and lies, the way the effects rippled through the years and affected so many people.
February 11, 2018
The Mother's Secret is a compelling read, about a secret that blows a family apart. Kate and Georgie are sisters in their late 30s. They grew up with their mother, Jan, their father having died when Kate was small and Georgie not even born yet. Whilst they knew their mother was overprotective, they never really thought anything much of it. It was just the way it was. But Georgie discovers something that puts a new slant on everything she's ever known.
At the beginning I didn't want put this book down. There was a point when I knew Georgie was going to make a momentous discovery and, very frustratingly, I did have to put the book down. That delicious secret had to wait. I have to say though, that it was not an unexpected turn of events, but still quite exciting to be with Georgie at this time.
We follow Georgie as she tries to come to terms with what she has learned about her past. Jan is becoming ill and is not stable and this adds to Georgie's distress as she cannot discuss matters with her in a rational manner and get the answers she needs.
I really liked Georgie's character. It's very much her story, although we look back at Jan's story and another character also has a spotlight (I won't say who as that would give it all away). I did think that there were threads that might have been explored further, in particular with relation to this other character, and I was half-expecting a bit of a twist there. I also think the author missed a trick in not telling us anything particularly new in these other characters' sections.
Overall I thought this was a good read and a very easy one which I raced through. It's really a family saga, a look at how secrets and lies can eat people up. I enjoyed it.
At the beginning I didn't want put this book down. There was a point when I knew Georgie was going to make a momentous discovery and, very frustratingly, I did have to put the book down. That delicious secret had to wait. I have to say though, that it was not an unexpected turn of events, but still quite exciting to be with Georgie at this time.
We follow Georgie as she tries to come to terms with what she has learned about her past. Jan is becoming ill and is not stable and this adds to Georgie's distress as she cannot discuss matters with her in a rational manner and get the answers she needs.
I really liked Georgie's character. It's very much her story, although we look back at Jan's story and another character also has a spotlight (I won't say who as that would give it all away). I did think that there were threads that might have been explored further, in particular with relation to this other character, and I was half-expecting a bit of a twist there. I also think the author missed a trick in not telling us anything particularly new in these other characters' sections.
Overall I thought this was a good read and a very easy one which I raced through. It's really a family saga, a look at how secrets and lies can eat people up. I enjoyed it.
October 30, 2020
Well this was a tearjerker!
Warning though if you’ve suffered a child loss/miscarriage/stillborn...
Felt like this was well done in that, at times I wondered if it was too slow or there was too much description however found myself so in enthralled that i gladly sat in traffic and barely noticed.
It’s a really say situation and you’re heart really bleeds for all involved. Being a parent, you can only imagine how you would feel in this sort of situation. This book, really did a fantastic job giving us a little peak, by giving such great description.
Felt particularly bad for Georgie toward the end though, she was the one that was really stuck in the middle :-(
Have you read this one?
Warning though if you’ve suffered a child loss/miscarriage/stillborn...
Felt like this was well done in that, at times I wondered if it was too slow or there was too much description however found myself so in enthralled that i gladly sat in traffic and barely noticed.
It’s a really say situation and you’re heart really bleeds for all involved. Being a parent, you can only imagine how you would feel in this sort of situation. This book, really did a fantastic job giving us a little peak, by giving such great description.
Felt particularly bad for Georgie toward the end though, she was the one that was really stuck in the middle :-(
Have you read this one?
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