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Family Secrets
She was thinking about what Joe had said: that you belong where you want to be She had a feeling that somehow home had shifted for her. It was not just the flat above the café in the middle of London.
Every family has its secrets, and its reasons for keeping quiet about them. But sometimes there are too many unanswered questions.
Kate lives with her mother, Anne, above a café in London. For her the past is a closed door. Anne never talks about her family, or about Kate’s father, or even why she left Ireland so suddenly. Whenever Kate asks her a question she just changes the subject.
Then one day at the beginning of the Summer holidays a letter arrives with the news that Kate’s grandmother is critically ill. Now Kate and her mother have to make a journey to a remote village in the West of Ireland to see her.
It’s not a journey Kate wants to make. Her grandmother has never bothered about her so why should Kate care about an old woman she’s never even met?
And yet when she arrives in Ireland everything begins to change. Surrounded by a wild and beautiful countryside, she discovers not just who she is but also who she wants to be.
Every family has its secrets, and its reasons for keeping quiet about them. But sometimes there are too many unanswered questions.
Kate lives with her mother, Anne, above a café in London. For her the past is a closed door. Anne never talks about her family, or about Kate’s father, or even why she left Ireland so suddenly. Whenever Kate asks her a question she just changes the subject.
Then one day at the beginning of the Summer holidays a letter arrives with the news that Kate’s grandmother is critically ill. Now Kate and her mother have to make a journey to a remote village in the West of Ireland to see her.
It’s not a journey Kate wants to make. Her grandmother has never bothered about her so why should Kate care about an old woman she’s never even met?
And yet when she arrives in Ireland everything begins to change. Surrounded by a wild and beautiful countryside, she discovers not just who she is but also who she wants to be.
- GenresYoung Adult
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
16 people want to read
About the author
Brian Keaney
50 books145 followersBrian writes novels for adults, young adults and children. HIs latest novel for adults is The Alphabet of Heart's Desire (Holland House Books), based on an incident in the life of the nineteenth century writer and opium addict, Thomas De Quincey
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 24, 2024
This was one of the first books that i read in high school that i actually enjoyed. Prior to this, i had only read Roald Dahl and Judy Blume Books. I remember at the time i was still a teenager, around 13 or 14 years old.
I spent most of my lunchtimes sitting in the library, trying to complete this book. Nostalgia is one reason why it will always be in my category of most loved books.
This book does hold some fond memories for me, and I would not mind reading it again at all. However, I must admit, I am very reluctant to read it again. the simple reason being that the book which I so fondly enjoyed at the age of 13, may not be the book that i enjoy now at the age of 25. Also, the fear Of over-analysation of the book, which could eventually ruin my 'relationship' with this book.
On the other hand, I feel that my love for this book, and the memories which i have detached to it, will eventually compel me to re read this book once again. And I may just do so, just to relive the nostalgic moments.
From what I seem to remember about this book, it was a brilliant book, with an intriguing story about family tension and a family secret, that tends to keep you hooked and on the edge. this was great writing by the author Brian Keaney.
I could visualise the characters and scenes in my head as I read the story. That, I feel is exactly how it should be when you read a book. The author must have the ability to enable the reader to engage with the characters and scenes through visualisation. Brian Keaney Succeeded in doing so.
I spent most of my lunchtimes sitting in the library, trying to complete this book. Nostalgia is one reason why it will always be in my category of most loved books.
This book does hold some fond memories for me, and I would not mind reading it again at all. However, I must admit, I am very reluctant to read it again. the simple reason being that the book which I so fondly enjoyed at the age of 13, may not be the book that i enjoy now at the age of 25. Also, the fear Of over-analysation of the book, which could eventually ruin my 'relationship' with this book.
On the other hand, I feel that my love for this book, and the memories which i have detached to it, will eventually compel me to re read this book once again. And I may just do so, just to relive the nostalgic moments.
From what I seem to remember about this book, it was a brilliant book, with an intriguing story about family tension and a family secret, that tends to keep you hooked and on the edge. this was great writing by the author Brian Keaney.
I could visualise the characters and scenes in my head as I read the story. That, I feel is exactly how it should be when you read a book. The author must have the ability to enable the reader to engage with the characters and scenes through visualisation. Brian Keaney Succeeded in doing so.
December 15, 2014
This was my favourite book when I was 12/13.
At the time I remember Brian Keaney was a very exciting, popular author. His work was the equivalent of Jacqueline Wilson's, for teenagers.
It will always be on my bookshelf, and on the receiving end of some nostalgic, tender looks. However, I must admit, I am reluctant to re-read it again for fear I will overanalyse it.
From what I remember, it is a brilliant book with an intrigue, a romantic interest, family tension, and great writing. What more could you want?
If you liked Jacqueline Wilson as a child and are now a young teenager, I would recommend you this book. :)
At the time I remember Brian Keaney was a very exciting, popular author. His work was the equivalent of Jacqueline Wilson's, for teenagers.
It will always be on my bookshelf, and on the receiving end of some nostalgic, tender looks. However, I must admit, I am reluctant to re-read it again for fear I will overanalyse it.
From what I remember, it is a brilliant book with an intrigue, a romantic interest, family tension, and great writing. What more could you want?
If you liked Jacqueline Wilson as a child and are now a young teenager, I would recommend you this book. :)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews