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Honor's Shadow
"Honor's Shadow" is a contemporary tale of betrayal and revenge. Honor and Madalena were rivals for the love of Thomas when they were young. Now middle aged, their paths have crossed again, awakening old feelings of rivalry and vengeance. Both women struggle to maintain control, as their lives become intertwined once more. A series of events a painful anniversary, a new psychotherapy client, a photo of Madalena s daughter in a newspaper have awakened disturbing memories in Honor. Through her work with Tisi, her strange new client, and her memory of a painful betrayal, she tries to work out what is driving her own unusual behavior. Her efforts to contain the vengeful impulses of both Tisi and herself are failing. An old Greek myth provides a chance to prevent disaster; and ultimately reveals to Honor the drive behind her own desire for revenge. A letter jolts Madalena's life of comfort and security. Someone thinks they know something about Madalena's past that could destroy her carefully constructed life.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
About the author
Voula Grand
6 books52 followersVoula Tsoflias (aka Grand) is a writer and psychologist. Honor's Shadow, her debut novel, is a psychological drama about secrets, betrayal, and revenge in marriage. Voula completed an MA in creative writing in 2006, She is currenttly working on a novel, Halo, about twins separated at birth and adopted: one to a Greek Island, the other to Hollywood. With her daughter, Melanthe Grand, she has written a series of picture books for 3-6 year olds. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, and is mother and stepmother to five adult sons and daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 12, 2022
Dr. Honor Sinclair is a psychotherapist with a considerable amount of unresolved baggage in her own life. The storyline, about betrayal and revenge could so easily have made for a depressing read, but author Voula Grand made it so interesting. The characters were believable and we got to see both sides of the coin as it were. It was hard to put down at times, as I really wanted to see what happened next, and wasn't in the least disappointed at how it played out.
April 24, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. It was so fascinating reading a book by a psychiatrist about a fictional psychiatrist. I got totally absorbed in this story and it's characters. I read it on holiday and could not put it down and it stayed in my head long after I finished it. I didn't want it to end. Each patient character was so interesting.
I read this book as was interviewing Voula Grand on MARLOW FM and I was so impressed by the book, which is written by such a lovely lady.
I read this book as was interviewing Voula Grand on MARLOW FM and I was so impressed by the book, which is written by such a lovely lady.
August 25, 2023
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Honor's Shadow through a giveaway earlier this month. So thank you very much, Voula Grand.
Dr. Honor Sinclair is a psychotherapist with a considerable amount of unresolved baggage in her own life. On a single day numerous old and painful emotions are dragged up to the surface as she encounters a new patient, Tisi, whose lust for revenge on those who have wronged her reawakens something in Honor. She is convinced that she has knowledge that could bring down her old rival, Madalena, and finally satisfy her desire for revenge. Should she go against her own better judgement and act on these emotions, or should she rather spend that energy trying to work things out with her husband Eliot and finally learn to forgive him for his past betrayal?
Let me first of all say that this was an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I honestly can't remember the last time that I read a book that, as well as being completely compulsive and beautifully written, made me evaluate my own deep dark feelings (my shadow) and think long and hard about how I might have dealt with the sort of betrayal that the characters in this book have experienced. While I had doubts about myself as I was reading it, by the end I felt consoled and reassured, almost as if I'd personally been to see a therapist. This is a testament to the talent of Voula Grand, that I emphasized with Honor and Tisi so much so that although I've never experienced that kind of betrayal personally, I felt their pain so strongly that I too needed "a therapy session" to process these emotions. Thankfully, the author treats both the characters and reader to a full recovery in the end.
I think Voula Grand is a very talented writer. She has mastered a writing style that is beautifully restrained, and that would frequently make me stop and pause in order to savour the succinctness of her wording. She never falls into the trap of gushing sentimentally all over the page in order to evoke an emotional response - easy as that might be for many first-time writers - yet the sentiment nevertheless comes across perfectly. Throughout the story the plot is well planned and tight. The characters' complexities emerge bit by bit as Grand deftly peels back layer after layer, revealing their true personalities at exactly the right time for the reader to feel the full impact of each revelation. Undoubtedly Grand's own experience as a therapist has been instrumental to her ability to portray characters who are both charming, likeable, unforgiving and spiteful, all at once.
I loved this book and can easily imagine myself delving back into it again in the future, if I should find myself in the need of some soul searching. I'm in awe of Voula Grand and cannot wait to see what else she has to offer in the future. Highly recommended!
Dr. Honor Sinclair is a psychotherapist with a considerable amount of unresolved baggage in her own life. On a single day numerous old and painful emotions are dragged up to the surface as she encounters a new patient, Tisi, whose lust for revenge on those who have wronged her reawakens something in Honor. She is convinced that she has knowledge that could bring down her old rival, Madalena, and finally satisfy her desire for revenge. Should she go against her own better judgement and act on these emotions, or should she rather spend that energy trying to work things out with her husband Eliot and finally learn to forgive him for his past betrayal?
Let me first of all say that this was an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I honestly can't remember the last time that I read a book that, as well as being completely compulsive and beautifully written, made me evaluate my own deep dark feelings (my shadow) and think long and hard about how I might have dealt with the sort of betrayal that the characters in this book have experienced. While I had doubts about myself as I was reading it, by the end I felt consoled and reassured, almost as if I'd personally been to see a therapist. This is a testament to the talent of Voula Grand, that I emphasized with Honor and Tisi so much so that although I've never experienced that kind of betrayal personally, I felt their pain so strongly that I too needed "a therapy session" to process these emotions. Thankfully, the author treats both the characters and reader to a full recovery in the end.
I think Voula Grand is a very talented writer. She has mastered a writing style that is beautifully restrained, and that would frequently make me stop and pause in order to savour the succinctness of her wording. She never falls into the trap of gushing sentimentally all over the page in order to evoke an emotional response - easy as that might be for many first-time writers - yet the sentiment nevertheless comes across perfectly. Throughout the story the plot is well planned and tight. The characters' complexities emerge bit by bit as Grand deftly peels back layer after layer, revealing their true personalities at exactly the right time for the reader to feel the full impact of each revelation. Undoubtedly Grand's own experience as a therapist has been instrumental to her ability to portray characters who are both charming, likeable, unforgiving and spiteful, all at once.
I loved this book and can easily imagine myself delving back into it again in the future, if I should find myself in the need of some soul searching. I'm in awe of Voula Grand and cannot wait to see what else she has to offer in the future. Highly recommended!
February 27, 2016
I was this as part of a Goodreads giveaway for an open and honest review, and can I apologise to the author for the delay in reading and reviewing it.
I have been thinking hard and long how I would categories this book. This book is a really interesting character study between Honor and Madalena and how there present lives are tied up to a shared man in their past, when Madalena and her current partner receive letters about who the father of her child really is. The book takes on an edge of mystery as to who sent the letters and why now. The minor characters are beautifully written and add so much as the principle characters face their past ghosts to find closure.
This would not be the normal type of book I would go for but I'm really surprised how much I enjoyed it. The story is beautifully written the characters are wholly believable, did it intrigue me yes , did it move me no, did it keep me engrossed yes.
If you are looking for something slightly different but well worth the effort please give this one a go.
I have been thinking hard and long how I would categories this book. This book is a really interesting character study between Honor and Madalena and how there present lives are tied up to a shared man in their past, when Madalena and her current partner receive letters about who the father of her child really is. The book takes on an edge of mystery as to who sent the letters and why now. The minor characters are beautifully written and add so much as the principle characters face their past ghosts to find closure.
This would not be the normal type of book I would go for but I'm really surprised how much I enjoyed it. The story is beautifully written the characters are wholly believable, did it intrigue me yes , did it move me no, did it keep me engrossed yes.
If you are looking for something slightly different but well worth the effort please give this one a go.
May 26, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads Program.
I am glad I received this book as it was excellent.
I was gripped right from the start and really wanted to know how the story would play out for many of the characters.
The characters were believable and the story line was compelling and interesting.
Infidelity and its long lasting effects are a difficult subject to write about but Voula Grand managed to give a very balanced account of both sides of the story.
Often I find the end of a book disappointing but Honor's Shadow closed perfectly, gently enough for the characters to live on in my mind but with all of the loose ends firmly tied up!
I am glad I received this book as it was excellent.
I was gripped right from the start and really wanted to know how the story would play out for many of the characters.
The characters were believable and the story line was compelling and interesting.
Infidelity and its long lasting effects are a difficult subject to write about but Voula Grand managed to give a very balanced account of both sides of the story.
Often I find the end of a book disappointing but Honor's Shadow closed perfectly, gently enough for the characters to live on in my mind but with all of the loose ends firmly tied up!
November 4, 2013
Thank you Goodreads First reads - and Voula! I can only apologise for taking so long to read this, having won it over a year ago! Lots going on, fast-paced and exciting - I really enjoyed this novel and all of the characters in it. My only criticism is about the production of the book itself - the binding was very 'deeply glued' which meant I had to really force the book open in order to read the text (which was printed very close to the centre).
May 21, 2012
Kindly received from author - will update when read.
Currently Reading
May 17, 2012was lucky enough to win a copy! thanks so much!
will start reading it this weekend. can't wait
will start reading it this weekend. can't wait
Want to Read
April 11, 20131st May 2013
Received a free copy today as part of a first reads giveaway I am still reading another giveaway book at the moment but will read and review as soon as possible.
Received a free copy today as part of a first reads giveaway I am still reading another giveaway book at the moment but will read and review as soon as possible.
March 13, 2017
Fascinating story, compelling characters with twists and turns that were not only unpredictable but totally believable. Loved it.
March 2, 2012
The end of a relationship through infidelity (or the suspicion of infidelity) can bring out the worst traits of the human character.
In Honor's Shadow Voula Grand has expertly woven the thread of Honor being jilted by Thomas, twenty-five years earlier, in favour of Madalena. Now she suspects that Thomas is really the father of Madalena's daughter, Bella, given to successful businessman Jack, when she sees a picture Of Bella in a tabloid kiss-and-tell article an notes the resemblance to Thomas.
Honor's own family situation with husband Eliot has always been a little tense since his affair but with two daughters, their marriage has survived. The memories and bitterness of years past are ignited when Honor, in her role as a psychiatrist, meets Tisi who wants to kill her own unfaithful husband.
Madalena receives a poison pen letter concerning Bella's bloodlines and wonders if Jack has had the same letter.....
Voula Grand intertwines these lives together superbly in this dramatic tale of love, hate, revenge and suspicion. Gripped me, held me and satisfied me all the way through. Excellent novel.
In Honor's Shadow Voula Grand has expertly woven the thread of Honor being jilted by Thomas, twenty-five years earlier, in favour of Madalena. Now she suspects that Thomas is really the father of Madalena's daughter, Bella, given to successful businessman Jack, when she sees a picture Of Bella in a tabloid kiss-and-tell article an notes the resemblance to Thomas.
Honor's own family situation with husband Eliot has always been a little tense since his affair but with two daughters, their marriage has survived. The memories and bitterness of years past are ignited when Honor, in her role as a psychiatrist, meets Tisi who wants to kill her own unfaithful husband.
Madalena receives a poison pen letter concerning Bella's bloodlines and wonders if Jack has had the same letter.....
Voula Grand intertwines these lives together superbly in this dramatic tale of love, hate, revenge and suspicion. Gripped me, held me and satisfied me all the way through. Excellent novel.
July 16, 2013
I very much enjoyed reading this novel and am grateful to have received it through Goodreads Firstreads. 'Honor's Shadow' captured my emotions and satisfied me as a reader completely from beginning to end.
The novel's plot and characters were highly credible, realistic and emotionally engaging, and Voula Grand weaves all the characters' lives together excellently; the writing style was excellent.
The contemporary themes of love, hate, suspicion and revenge are very realistic and speak to any reader of today. Voula Grand also makes the reader think about themselves in relation to the themes, and to look into their own pasts as the novel can be read in many different depths.
I would highly recommend this novel.
The novel's plot and characters were highly credible, realistic and emotionally engaging, and Voula Grand weaves all the characters' lives together excellently; the writing style was excellent.
The contemporary themes of love, hate, suspicion and revenge are very realistic and speak to any reader of today. Voula Grand also makes the reader think about themselves in relation to the themes, and to look into their own pasts as the novel can be read in many different depths.
I would highly recommend this novel.
May 22, 2013
I received a copy of this book fom Goodreads.It's definately interesting book for womens.It was good to read something written by profesional psychiatrist and therapist-Honor is a therapist offering help to people in a hard times of their lives,but she can't deal with her own demons.It's a good story about ordinary people and their lives,but it doesn't make this book less interesting.I'm not a big fan of books for womens,but this one different showing how complicated we are and our feelings that helps us make decisions which can change our live.
May 31, 2015
Unfortunately, I could not bring myself to finish this book and apologies to the author if I've missed something marvellous after Chapter 8. I really wanted to enjoy this book; a book exploring therapy and psychology from a fellow therapist. However, for me, the prose was pedestrian, the characters flat and the dialogue wooden. Having looked on Amazon, though, I see others eulogising about it, so what do I know.
May 10, 2014
This book was won as part or a Goodreads first reads giveaway.
I found this story very difficult to get into and spent a lot of time wishing I had never started it. However, once Madalena started to investigate the mystery of the letters the story began to come alive for me, and in the end it was an enjoyable read.
I found this story very difficult to get into and spent a lot of time wishing I had never started it. However, once Madalena started to investigate the mystery of the letters the story began to come alive for me, and in the end it was an enjoyable read.
August 23, 2012
Who sent the letters?
May 7, 2013
Great read, could not put it down
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews