Breaking the Silence - A book review.

This week I read a book by an author I have enjoyed before.

 

Diane Chamberlains latest novel sticks to her usual style of family based drama. We meet Laura, an esteemed astrologer, wife, and mother to Emma, on the eve of her fathers death. Traumatic enough, but his final wish for her to look after Sarah Tolley, a name Laura has never heard before, triggers a series of events that change everything.

Lauras husband kills himself while home alone with their young daughter, who becomes mute in reaction the the trauma. We follow this mothers journey to find answers - Who is Sarah Tolley and how did her father know her? Why did her husband kill himself? And how can she help her daughter find her voice again? Along the way she re-establishes contact with Emmas birth father, and discovers some truths about long hidden secrets.

I was quickly gripped and had read from cover to cover in three days- not bad going with three kids at home in the summer holidays.

Chamberlains writing style is both accessible and interesting, and what could be outwardly perceived a light read, actually covers a range of family issues, as well as a fascinating, scary, and with it's roots in truth, exploration of mental health treatments and experiments during the cold war. I found this latter aspect a particularly interesting addition and enjoyed/terrified myself with some follow up factual reading afterwards.

I really enjoyed the book, and found the ending satisfying. I hate giving away too much about books, because I know I prefer to discover the plots for myself, so I will not include any further details!

In short- easy to get into, good plot, and well written- I enjoyed this a great deal.

 

 

Love Miss Cisco xxx