Anne's Reviews > The Hand That First Held Mine

I didn't just approach this one with trepidation - I found the first few chapters, with their alternating past and present, really difficult to get into. But then in took off - and I absolutely loved it. For a good half of the book you wonder how on earth the two stories are linked, but the clues are there and all ultimately becomes clear. Heartbreaking in parts, with two main female protagonists you grow to care deeply about, and all written in a wonderful cinematic way - you're often introduced to the scene by looking at the detail before the action starts - and the beautiful flowing and poetic style of Maggie O'Farrell's earlier books. Highly recommended.