April 13, 2021
NetGalley
St Martin’s Press
First pub Australia 2020
ISBN: 9781250120953
320 pages
Fiction, arc, digital, women’s fiction
6/14/21-6/18/21
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This review is my voluntary and unbiased opinion.
A complex story about two sisters who essentially raised themselves since their mother was negligent and homeless relying on the kindness of others for food and shelter. The girl have a few rare pleasant memories when her mother had a boyfriend. They found Gary kind before her mother moved on to Daniel who had a young son, Billy.
The book begins describing a tragedy that occurred one day while Rose and Fern were swimming with Billy. The story alternates between perspectives of Rose, told through her diary, and Fern. They practically grew up in the library because it was a safe place to go as homeless. They felt the maternal instincts from Mrs Delahunty, the librarian, who sensed they were neglected.
As adults, it’s no surprise that Fern becomes a librarian. At 28 yers old she is one of the youngest librarians at the library. She has difficulty making and maintaining friendships due her being on the autism spectrum. She is efficient and capable but still feels dependent on Rose who has always been there for her.
Rose gets married to Owen and desperately wants to have a baby. She is overly obsessed with this desire so much so that her husband goes away on business. He hopes that time alone and therapy will help her cope with her fertility issues. She continues to be a strong influence on Fern who trusts her sister to always look out for her. Their relationship becomes strained when Fern develops a relationship with Rocco Ryan, a man she meets at the library, but calls “Wally”.
Both girls have different memories of what happened all those years ago at the lake when Billy drowned. Fern always carried the guilt of having accidentally killed him. They rarely discuss it but often reflect on their childhood especially given their mother is in a nursing home.
It’s a story of family, loyalty, betrayal, new beginnings.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2444144721
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