Author: Marianne Marsh & Toni Maguire
Genre: Non Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pub Date: 5th March 2009
Pages: 297
Source: Own purchase
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My review of Helpless
Absolutely heartbreaking!
I read this book in a day. Tony Maguire writes Marianne's story with candour.
A young, lonely little girl manipulated and abused by a trusted neighbour. It's impossible to imagine that nobody stopped him, nobody cared for this child.
Narrated in two time-lines; Marianne as a young child and then in middle-age, married with her own grown children.
One thing I noticed in this book is Marianne doesn't delve on her mental state, which I would presume was bad, just a few mentions of self harm. This story is not about garnering sympathy, it's a cleansing, a coming to terms with her past.
My deepest regret is the perpetrator doesn't appear to have been punished. It's hard not to wonder if other victims followed.
A highly recommended read.
I read this book in a day. Tony Maguire writes Marianne's story with candour.
A young, lonely little girl manipulated and abused by a trusted neighbour. It's impossible to imagine that nobody stopped him, nobody cared for this child.
Narrated in two time-lines; Marianne as a young child and then in middle-age, married with her own grown children.
One thing I noticed in this book is Marianne doesn't delve on her mental state, which I would presume was bad, just a few mentions of self harm. This story is not about garnering sympathy, it's a cleansing, a coming to terms with her past.
My deepest regret is the perpetrator doesn't appear to have been punished. It's hard not to wonder if other victims followed.
A highly recommended read.
Author: Robbi Neal
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Harlequin - HQ
Pub date: 1st June 2022
Pages: 436
Source: Better Reading Preview
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My review of The Secret World of Connie Starr
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a powerful story set in the country town of Ballarat during and after WWII.
Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church.
The story isn't so much about Connie but her whole family. Her father is the local pastor, a sensitive man who has bouts of depression due to feelings of failure. It is Connie's mother, Flora, who runs the household and supports the town folk in their time of need.
Robbi includes issues of underage sign-ups, teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child.
World events during the time period are seamlessly included throughout the narration.
A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments.
Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church.
The story isn't so much about Connie but her whole family. Her father is the local pastor, a sensitive man who has bouts of depression due to feelings of failure. It is Connie's mother, Flora, who runs the household and supports the town folk in their time of need.
Robbi includes issues of underage sign-ups, teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child.
World events during the time period are seamlessly included throughout the narration.
A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments.
Author: Kylie Kaden
Genre: Domestic Fiction / Thriller
Publisher: Pantera Press
Pub date: 3rd May 2022
Pages: 364
Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My review of One of Us
In One of Us we get to climb security fences and peek through the hedges at the residents of an exclusive gated community.
The story follows the lives of two families on the Apple Tree Creek estate. Gertie and Ed have three children and have lived on the estate for five years when he tells her he needs a break and is moving out. Rachael new to the estate, pregnant with her third child, finds her sports star husband has cheated on her again. These two very different women soon become firm friends supporting each other.
One of Us is a gripping domestic noir filled with simmering secrets. I was intrigued with this story right from the prologue; a husband attacked and a wife in tears. The question of who was attacked is in the back of your mind as you read. Then there is the mystery of the attacker with many of the characters having a motive.
Around these mysteries Kaden has written a story about marriage and motherhood, what goes on behind closed doors and women trying to do their best whilst fighting their own feelings of failure and struggling under the burden. There are multiple themes throughout the novel that I am sure will resonate with readers.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace Book Club
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