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Home Truths
Livia Denby is on trial for attempted murder. The jury have reached a verdict.
Two years earlier, Livia was a probation officer in Yorkshire, her husband Scott a teacher. Their children, Heidi and Noah, round out a happy family until the day Scott's brother dies.
Grief and guilt leave Scott seeking answers, a search which takes him into the world of conspiracy theories. As his grip on reality slides, he makes a decision which will put the family on a collision course with tragedy.
Livia's family has been torn apart, and now her son's life is hanging in the balance. Just how far will she go to save the ones she loves?
Two years earlier, Livia was a probation officer in Yorkshire, her husband Scott a teacher. Their children, Heidi and Noah, round out a happy family until the day Scott's brother dies.
Grief and guilt leave Scott seeking answers, a search which takes him into the world of conspiracy theories. As his grip on reality slides, he makes a decision which will put the family on a collision course with tragedy.
Livia's family has been torn apart, and now her son's life is hanging in the balance. Just how far will she go to save the ones she loves?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
89 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Charity Norman
19 books581 followersCharity was born in Uganda, brought up in draughty vicarages in Yorkshire and Birmingham, met her future husband under a lorry in the Sahara. She worked as a barrister in York Chambers, until - realising that her three children had barely met her - she moved with her family to New Zealand and began to write.
After the Fall/Second Chances was a Richard & Judy and World Book Night title, The New Woman/ The Secret Life of Luke Livingstone a BBC Radio 2 choice. See You in September (2017) was shortlisted in the Ngaio Marsh Awards. The Secrets of Strangers was a Radio 2 choice and shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh and Ned Kelly Awards. Her seventh, Remember Me, was published in March 2022.
After the Fall/Second Chances was a Richard & Judy and World Book Night title, The New Woman/ The Secret Life of Luke Livingstone a BBC Radio 2 choice. See You in September (2017) was shortlisted in the Ngaio Marsh Awards. The Secrets of Strangers was a Radio 2 choice and shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh and Ned Kelly Awards. Her seventh, Remember Me, was published in March 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
September 29, 2024
3.5 rounded up
I don't think this will be everyone's favourite, but I'm a sucker for any book that can accurately illustrate a character's decent into tinfoil town madness. No matter how many docs or thrillers I read where people become conspiracy crackpots, I find it fascinating. Sometimes, I want to see if I spend enough time in a Qanon subreddit if they'd get my ass too but then I remember I'm already living in a fantasy world according to my dad.
Don't pick this up expecting it to be non-stop twists and turns. The majority of this is focused on the husband losing the plot. The last 25% is more 'thriller-ish' with a mad dash to the finish and a big reveal. But if you're like me and find indoctrination endlessly interesting, and you can stomach a lot of COVID conspiracies, you'll enjoy this one.
I kinda wish the ending had been less forgiving but I'm just a mean-spirited person so ignore me. Ok bye!
I don't think this will be everyone's favourite, but I'm a sucker for any book that can accurately illustrate a character's decent into tinfoil town madness. No matter how many docs or thrillers I read where people become conspiracy crackpots, I find it fascinating. Sometimes, I want to see if I spend enough time in a Qanon subreddit if they'd get my ass too but then I remember I'm already living in a fantasy world according to my dad.
Don't pick this up expecting it to be non-stop twists and turns. The majority of this is focused on the husband losing the plot. The last 25% is more 'thriller-ish' with a mad dash to the finish and a big reveal. But if you're like me and find indoctrination endlessly interesting, and you can stomach a lot of COVID conspiracies, you'll enjoy this one.
I kinda wish the ending had been less forgiving but I'm just a mean-spirited person so ignore me. Ok bye!
May 16, 2024
4-5 stars
February 2022
This has a start that pulls you in immediately but the whole thing actually begins in August 2019 with Livia Denby, her family and a lot of what ifs. Livia is a probation officer in North Yorkshire, husband Scott is a teacher and they have two children, Heidi and Noah, who both play a crucial role in the drama that follows. It’s Heidi‘s 13th birthday and a happy family day is planned. However, it’s shattered when they learn of the death of Scott’s much loved older brother Nicky and Scott blames himself, feeling his death avoidable. This is the catalyst, as in his quest for answers, Scott starts to head down a dangerous route looking at medical and other conspiracy theories. Anti-VAX is the very least of it. He vanishes down this particular rabbit hole, getting deeper and deeper immersed in this world, preaching to others at every opportunity he gets. He is totally convinced about what he learns and is especially heavily influenced by one particular. ‘Truther’ and his actions become increasingly drastic.
What impact will this have on his family? How will Livia respond? How far will Scott be prepared to go for his new found beliefs?
This is a good character driven, courtroom and domestic drama which keeps me immersed and horribly fascinated by Scott’s actions. Hell to live with is the very least of it as the family enter a twilight, nightmarish world. The effect he has on his family is done extremely well and you watch in horror at the control and manipulation witnessed as things unravel to say the very least.
The plot is well thought out, the intervening years of 2019 to 2022 are used effectively in the plot and the author is careful to use characters to present a balance on both sides of the conspiracy theory arguments and she does this well. The pacing is good, as is the characterisation and there’s tension alongside a good mix of fear, terror and shock when things are revealed or at the depths of some actions. On occasions it’s quite moving. The Yorkshire setting is used very effectively too and provides plenty of atmosphere to compliment the drama. It builds to a good conclusion.
Overall, this is another intriguing novel from a creative author whose books I thoroughly enjoy. It’s well worth reading the Acknowledgements too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 2022
This has a start that pulls you in immediately but the whole thing actually begins in August 2019 with Livia Denby, her family and a lot of what ifs. Livia is a probation officer in North Yorkshire, husband Scott is a teacher and they have two children, Heidi and Noah, who both play a crucial role in the drama that follows. It’s Heidi‘s 13th birthday and a happy family day is planned. However, it’s shattered when they learn of the death of Scott’s much loved older brother Nicky and Scott blames himself, feeling his death avoidable. This is the catalyst, as in his quest for answers, Scott starts to head down a dangerous route looking at medical and other conspiracy theories. Anti-VAX is the very least of it. He vanishes down this particular rabbit hole, getting deeper and deeper immersed in this world, preaching to others at every opportunity he gets. He is totally convinced about what he learns and is especially heavily influenced by one particular. ‘Truther’ and his actions become increasingly drastic.
What impact will this have on his family? How will Livia respond? How far will Scott be prepared to go for his new found beliefs?
This is a good character driven, courtroom and domestic drama which keeps me immersed and horribly fascinated by Scott’s actions. Hell to live with is the very least of it as the family enter a twilight, nightmarish world. The effect he has on his family is done extremely well and you watch in horror at the control and manipulation witnessed as things unravel to say the very least.
The plot is well thought out, the intervening years of 2019 to 2022 are used effectively in the plot and the author is careful to use characters to present a balance on both sides of the conspiracy theory arguments and she does this well. The pacing is good, as is the characterisation and there’s tension alongside a good mix of fear, terror and shock when things are revealed or at the depths of some actions. On occasions it’s quite moving. The Yorkshire setting is used very effectively too and provides plenty of atmosphere to compliment the drama. It builds to a good conclusion.
Overall, this is another intriguing novel from a creative author whose books I thoroughly enjoy. It’s well worth reading the Acknowledgements too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2024
3.5 stars. Home Truths wasn’t my favourite by Charity Norman. The first half was thought-provoking, and a unique twist on the unravelling of a family due to grief, obsession, and addiction. But, apart from one decent twist, the last half was pretty predictable and repetitive, and I found myself doing the dreaded skimming.
February 19, 2025
Another great read from this author. I found this book scary at times; not scary horror, but scary how it really demonstrated how quickly anyone can be manipulated in times of vulnerability. After a tragedy occurs when his brother dies, Scott struggles to cope with his grief and guilt and very rapidly becomes obsessed with various conspiracy theories, particularly in relation to health and medical issues which is then escalated as the Covid pandemic hits. We very quickly see the deterioration of his life and family as his obsession grows. The character perspectives move between Scott, his wife Livia and their teenage daughter Heidi which gave a really well-rounded view of everything that was happening. The suspense element is that we know from the very beginning of the book that Livia is currently on charge for attempted murder, with the narrative then moving back in time to explain the events that led to this. This is a very well-written book that I would happily recommend.
September 8, 2024
Home Truths is, obviously, terrifying – but not in a gory, stabby, psycho-killer way. It’s scary in the this-could-so-easily-happen-to-my-family way. It highlights the fact that we’re all one or two tragedies away from seeking solace in the wrong place, and we live in an online world designed to draw us to extremes.
My full review of Home Truths is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Home Truths is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
May 31, 2025
1.5 stars
If I would have known that this book will focus almost entirely on conspiracy theories and people who buy into them and act accordingly I would not have read it because that's not something I enjoy. And unfortunately, this was the entire plot, which was laid out in a very direct, detailed to the point of the author, feeling compelled to relate what people on YouTube were saying about the alternative theories they have. Again, not something I was interested in reading about.
As for the actual plot, what happens in the entire book can be resumed in 10 sentences.
If I would have known that this book will focus almost entirely on conspiracy theories and people who buy into them and act accordingly I would not have read it because that's not something I enjoy. And unfortunately, this was the entire plot, which was laid out in a very direct, detailed to the point of the author, feeling compelled to relate what people on YouTube were saying about the alternative theories they have. Again, not something I was interested in reading about.
As for the actual plot, what happens in the entire book can be resumed in 10 sentences.
August 19, 2024
The story starts with Livia Denby heading back into court to hear the jury’s verdict in her murder trial. How did she get here? Let’s start in August 2019, daughter Heidi is celebrating her 13th birthday and her wish is to go on a bike ride with her dad, Scott. Cycle to a tavern have lunch and head back. mum and 6year old Noah will hold the fort at home. On returning home they are met with terrible news. Scott’s brother Nicky has died, a type 1 diabetic with an intellectual disability, he had allowed his blood levels to drop too low and in a confused state couldn’t find his way inside his home. To Scott’s great horror he finds that Nicky had tried to call him several times before he died. Scott couldn’t find his phone before the bike ride and didn’t worry about it. Now he feels wracked with guilt. All he had to do was make an effort to find his phone and Nicky would probably still be alive. Now Scott’s world begins to implode. He starts watching internet theorists and soon finds himself totally immersed in all the conspiracies floating about, the weirder the theory the more he believes. Livia is desperate to help him and relies on an old Uni friend of Scott’s, Anthony Tait whom has recently made contact again. But things are going from bad to worse and when Scott tries to stop students at his school from being vaccinated he loses his job as teacher.
It’s an amazing piece of storytelling and shines a light on the internet trolls and their vitriol and crazy crazy ideology. How a person in the depths of despair can grab one of these ideas and become obsessed with it, so much so that it can cost lives..
This lady’s writing is first class and each book gets better and better, you need to read everything she writes, she is that good!
#HomeTruths #NetGalley
It’s an amazing piece of storytelling and shines a light on the internet trolls and their vitriol and crazy crazy ideology. How a person in the depths of despair can grab one of these ideas and become obsessed with it, so much so that it can cost lives..
This lady’s writing is first class and each book gets better and better, you need to read everything she writes, she is that good!
#HomeTruths #NetGalley
August 9, 2024
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Covid Pandemic was like an invisible tsunami that swept across the world and was a catalyst for unity, compliance and an array of opinions and ideas that fractured belief systems among the population.
Ideologies that entrenched conspiracy and created division were just as rampant as the virus.
Livia and her family are a tight unit until the death of her husband’s brother. Scott in his search for answers and online influences became derailed and latched onto theories to make sense of the tragedy.
An invisible enemy was about to unleash.
A mothers love for her child is like no other and when her sons life is at risk she will do what it takes to help him.
How quickly life can change.
Livia is now facing an attempted murder charge and her fate is in the hands of the jury.
The stories and experiences of the pandemic have imprinted history and its repercussions will be felt through this generation.
Charity has eloquently and cleverly written a story that will evoke memories, be identifiable and will tug at the heart strings.
An emotive and relatable read that I couldn’t put down.
The Covid Pandemic was like an invisible tsunami that swept across the world and was a catalyst for unity, compliance and an array of opinions and ideas that fractured belief systems among the population.
Ideologies that entrenched conspiracy and created division were just as rampant as the virus.
Livia and her family are a tight unit until the death of her husband’s brother. Scott in his search for answers and online influences became derailed and latched onto theories to make sense of the tragedy.
An invisible enemy was about to unleash.
A mothers love for her child is like no other and when her sons life is at risk she will do what it takes to help him.
How quickly life can change.
Livia is now facing an attempted murder charge and her fate is in the hands of the jury.
The stories and experiences of the pandemic have imprinted history and its repercussions will be felt through this generation.
Charity has eloquently and cleverly written a story that will evoke memories, be identifiable and will tug at the heart strings.
An emotive and relatable read that I couldn’t put down.
August 9, 2024
Another fantastic story by Charity Norman. It's a suspenseful story that just keeps building.
June 20, 2024
I loved this book from one of my favourite authors.
The story is set in Yorkshire, and is told by Livia, a probation officer, her husband Scott, a secondary school teacher, and their teenage daughter Heidi, as they look back on the events that led Livia to be on trial for attempted murder. It starts in early 2022 and then goes back to August 2019, where it all began on Heidi’s 13th birthday.
I really liked Livia and rooted for her right from the first page. Scott however did my head in quite early on! Heidi I felt very sorry for more and more as the story unfolded.
The pace and the twists were perfect all the way through, making me want to find out what was going to happen next.
As I mentioned above Charity Norman is one of my favourite authors and I loved the way she tackled the very beginning of the Covid Pandemic and the ensuing conspiracy theories. Two huge subjects we’ve all been touched by, some more than others. There’s a an excellent author’s note at the end of the book which is a must read.
Highly recommended if you enjoy domestic and courtroom dramas, it's one of my favourite reads this year!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.
The story is set in Yorkshire, and is told by Livia, a probation officer, her husband Scott, a secondary school teacher, and their teenage daughter Heidi, as they look back on the events that led Livia to be on trial for attempted murder. It starts in early 2022 and then goes back to August 2019, where it all began on Heidi’s 13th birthday.
I really liked Livia and rooted for her right from the first page. Scott however did my head in quite early on! Heidi I felt very sorry for more and more as the story unfolded.
The pace and the twists were perfect all the way through, making me want to find out what was going to happen next.
As I mentioned above Charity Norman is one of my favourite authors and I loved the way she tackled the very beginning of the Covid Pandemic and the ensuing conspiracy theories. Two huge subjects we’ve all been touched by, some more than others. There’s a an excellent author’s note at the end of the book which is a must read.
Highly recommended if you enjoy domestic and courtroom dramas, it's one of my favourite reads this year!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.
May 5, 2024
3* Home Truths is court room drama with a heavy dose of a family saga.
The jury have their verdict. But who is in the dock and how did they get there. Home Truths is the story of probation officer Livia, her teacher husband Scott and their 2 children. When Scott’s brother dies unexpectedly people each have their own feelings of guilt which lead to the family unraveling in a way they could never have foreseen. As we delve back to find out how we got to court, we know the verdict awaits.
I have mixed feelings about Home Truths. It has a strong beginning and a barnstorming ending, with two storylines tied up in a high octane last 20%. Yet the middle of the story is difficult to believe. Without giving spoilers, what perhaps started as a sound idea felt thinly stretched as the rationale for the story. That being said, it was fun and I didn’t see the most significant twist coming. It also gets a lot of extra points for being set in Yorkshire.
I’ve really enjoyed precious books by Charity Norman and look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
The jury have their verdict. But who is in the dock and how did they get there. Home Truths is the story of probation officer Livia, her teacher husband Scott and their 2 children. When Scott’s brother dies unexpectedly people each have their own feelings of guilt which lead to the family unraveling in a way they could never have foreseen. As we delve back to find out how we got to court, we know the verdict awaits.
I have mixed feelings about Home Truths. It has a strong beginning and a barnstorming ending, with two storylines tied up in a high octane last 20%. Yet the middle of the story is difficult to believe. Without giving spoilers, what perhaps started as a sound idea felt thinly stretched as the rationale for the story. That being said, it was fun and I didn’t see the most significant twist coming. It also gets a lot of extra points for being set in Yorkshire.
I’ve really enjoyed precious books by Charity Norman and look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
September 12, 2024
Another page turning belter of a book! By golly though, this was a stressful read!
November 2, 2024
Such a great read! A gripping twist towards the end that’s for sure. Such a true prevalent story line that could be easily based on true events. Just one of the many conspiracy theories that are still out there today. The reason why it wasn’t 5 stars as it didn’t grip me from the start buuuuuttt I did binge read this in a day 🤪
August 9, 2024
Many thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Livia has a happy family life until her brother-in-law dies. HIs death throws her husband into a spin and it implodes her whole life. She finds herself facing the imposible question of just how far will she go to save her family?
This was a slow build up and it took me a fair chunk to really get into it but once i did. I was so hooked and read the last chunk all in one go. Trigger warning about Covid 19 as it does come up in this. The plot once it gets going is very intense and dramatic. This is a story that starts at the end then goes back in time to show us how we got there before returning to the final conclusion. The ending was really good and i was on tenterhooks to how it would end. It played out really well. A brilliant tense thriller.
Livia has a happy family life until her brother-in-law dies. HIs death throws her husband into a spin and it implodes her whole life. She finds herself facing the imposible question of just how far will she go to save her family?
This was a slow build up and it took me a fair chunk to really get into it but once i did. I was so hooked and read the last chunk all in one go. Trigger warning about Covid 19 as it does come up in this. The plot once it gets going is very intense and dramatic. This is a story that starts at the end then goes back in time to show us how we got there before returning to the final conclusion. The ending was really good and i was on tenterhooks to how it would end. It played out really well. A brilliant tense thriller.
June 2, 2025
When tragedy occurs in a close knit family, the dad goes into a crazy spiral of pharma conspiracies causing absolute chaos. Based in the times of Covid lockdowns.
I don’t know if it was me or the book… It wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t my vibe. I’m just not a fan of glorifying topical controversial subject matter in such an outlandish way I guess 😖 if I’d known what it was about I probably wouldn’t have picked it up 😬
I don’t know if it was me or the book… It wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t my vibe. I’m just not a fan of glorifying topical controversial subject matter in such an outlandish way I guess 😖 if I’d known what it was about I probably wouldn’t have picked it up 😬
May 24, 2024
What an absolutely fabulous, scary read! It just shows how precarious life can be however secure we may think we are. Charity's characters are so believable. I found it so easy to identify with Livia and the terrible decisions she has to make. It is terrifying how quickly the internet can influence and take over people's thinking especially in worrying times like during the pandemic. A not to be missed book in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own
October 12, 2024
What would you do if your husband falls down the online conspiracy hole and endangers your children? That's the situation in which the main character of this book finds herself. Given the nature of the plot, the first 60% is very slow and basically describes the husband's descent into craziness. Then it speeds up for the next 20%, after which it slows down again for a trial in the last 20%. As such, this is much too slow for me. But I still like the idea behind it. It makes me think of the articles written by women whose husbands and fathers discover Andrew Tate and the painful process of having to dump them because they become so vile. And it's indisputable that online worriers do break up families and destroy lives with their disinformation, a process described in plenty of detail in this story.
October 29, 2024
This is an absolutely gripping read. Norman is a consummate storyteller and nothing got done in our household once I started this book. It begins in pre-Covid days exploring the way grief affects a happy nuclear family. Teacher Scott feels guilt at his brother’s death and is lured down conspiracy rabbit holes to give him some kind of explanation. Probation officer, wife Livia is sceptical and believes he will ‘get beyond this’. Unfortunately he doesn’t and the reader is taken down many seemingly feasible rabbit holes as Covid begins to wreak havoc. The story begins with Livia on trial for murder in 2022 and then goes back to the family’s story. There are times when I read the conspiracy theories that I could feel their lure. That was very frightening.
October 26, 2024
Another great book from Charity Norman. Opening with murder trial and for much of the book I kept circling back to that trying to work out what had happened that lead to a murder charge.
The characters were incredibly relatable and the book touched on themes so very relevant to 2020.
"My enemy. My invisible enemy. I could see him at last..."
The characters were incredibly relatable and the book touched on themes so very relevant to 2020.
"My enemy. My invisible enemy. I could see him at last..."
September 9, 2024
Wow a very well written thriller
November 12, 2024
3.5 stars
November 23, 2025
I listened to the Audible audio book - which was beautifully done despite the “Heidi” voice being somewhat annoying at times and the Livia narrator not always speaking very clearly… the story itself is incredible. I was immediately captivated by the Yorkshire nuclear family who seem to have it all on a sunny birthday day… only to have their world fall apart due to a childish decision that wrecks tragic consequences. Told from three perspectives, the wife, husband and 13 year old, we watch the family react to grief and loss, the Covid 19 pandemic, and the terror of a six year old’s near fatal asthma attack all set against the backdrop of conspiracy theorists and Truthers who take hold of one member of the family with disastrous effect. I loved this book. It was a very contemporary story told with style, craft and talent. Some beautiful evocative lines about the Yorkshire landscape and weather, and true heart in the characters. Thought provoking and heart breaking - the characters are so well imagined and completely full. Bravo.
February 22, 2025
4.5
My first C.N book. Really great writing, and a fair bit of suspense and reality. I liked the characters too. Can’t wait to read more of her books.
My first C.N book. Really great writing, and a fair bit of suspense and reality. I liked the characters too. Can’t wait to read more of her books.
December 8, 2024
Loved loved loved this book.
A really eye opening insight into just how easily people can fall down rabbit holes into the world of crazy conspiracy theories. Found the characters very easy to empathise with and the plot kept me hooked too.
A really eye opening insight into just how easily people can fall down rabbit holes into the world of crazy conspiracy theories. Found the characters very easy to empathise with and the plot kept me hooked too.
April 4, 2025
Although a little slow in places it was a good story that became hard to put down at the end. Takes on themes about families, Covid and conspiracy theories.
November 30, 2025
I started this book on the day I was actually in court for the sentencing of the two defendants following my spell as a juror last October so it was prescient that this contained a case too. I enjoyed reading those parts but couldn’t handle the conspiracy theory bits so I skipped to the end.
I do love this author’s books, especially ’See you in September’, so I’ve marked this accordingly, the bits I did read being up to her usual standard.
20/01/25: read the bits of it I’d ignored before, as it had haunted me since. I got a better understanding of the book. Still hate the conspiracy theorists but still love the book.
I do love this author’s books, especially ’See you in September’, so I’ve marked this accordingly, the bits I did read being up to her usual standard.
20/01/25: read the bits of it I’d ignored before, as it had haunted me since. I got a better understanding of the book. Still hate the conspiracy theorists but still love the book.
August 1, 2024
Charity Norman, Home Truths, Allen & Unwin, June 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Charity Norman has woven together a domestic tragedy, a public catastrophe, and the influence of online figures whose claims to be experts is shaky at best. In this case, the ‘expert’s’ behaviour, rather than being widely targeted, is directed to the destruction of an individual. Dr Jack’s behaviour is deliberate and targeted. However, Norman cleverly demonstrates the way in which less personally targeted online activities can draw vulnerable people into a morass of untruths, erratic behaviour, and danger. At the same time, Livia and Scott and their children Heidi and Noah, while under threat, behave as a family, giving the novel a feeling that is purely domestic.
The prologue prepares the way for a dramatic conclusion to the story, but the tension mounts slowly as Livia painstakingly describes the last day on which she believes that she, Scott, and the children functioned as a family. They are happily preparing for birthday celebration, father and daughter will be riding out to lunch, mother and son will be happily ensconced at home. Scott’s brother, Nicky, has sent a birthday card that suggests his mental fragility, and he has been placated by a phone conversation with Heidi and Scott. They leave, the absence of Scott’s phone a minor glitch to their departure. Or is it?
The story revolves around Nicky’s desperate message that is ignored because the phone is missing, the guilt experienced by Scott, and the distress felt at varying levels by the other family members over the ensuing medical emergency. Scott is alert to the possibility that his brother’s mental state has been instrumental in the medical attention he received. He begins researching medical treatment, doctor’s behaviour, the role of drug companies and ambulance services, and finds them wanting. He decides that there must be more to what he sees as targeted neglect, and in Dr Jack he finds it.
This is a thoughtful narrative about a family dealing with death and its aftermath, in this case the obsession with a figure of authority whose intention is personal and destructive. The larger story, including that of the Covid pandemic and the impact of people such as Dr Jack on the willingness to accept its serious nature and the way in which it needed to be medically confronted is instructive. However, central to the story, and informative about a serious social phenomenon is the way in which a person of integrity, warmth and intelligence can be manipulated. Both strands make a story that is sensitive while revealing personal and social shortcomings.
Home Truths is an important novel, with its impeccable characterisation, interesting and impactful story line, and connection to significant social issues.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Charity Norman has woven together a domestic tragedy, a public catastrophe, and the influence of online figures whose claims to be experts is shaky at best. In this case, the ‘expert’s’ behaviour, rather than being widely targeted, is directed to the destruction of an individual. Dr Jack’s behaviour is deliberate and targeted. However, Norman cleverly demonstrates the way in which less personally targeted online activities can draw vulnerable people into a morass of untruths, erratic behaviour, and danger. At the same time, Livia and Scott and their children Heidi and Noah, while under threat, behave as a family, giving the novel a feeling that is purely domestic.
The prologue prepares the way for a dramatic conclusion to the story, but the tension mounts slowly as Livia painstakingly describes the last day on which she believes that she, Scott, and the children functioned as a family. They are happily preparing for birthday celebration, father and daughter will be riding out to lunch, mother and son will be happily ensconced at home. Scott’s brother, Nicky, has sent a birthday card that suggests his mental fragility, and he has been placated by a phone conversation with Heidi and Scott. They leave, the absence of Scott’s phone a minor glitch to their departure. Or is it?
The story revolves around Nicky’s desperate message that is ignored because the phone is missing, the guilt experienced by Scott, and the distress felt at varying levels by the other family members over the ensuing medical emergency. Scott is alert to the possibility that his brother’s mental state has been instrumental in the medical attention he received. He begins researching medical treatment, doctor’s behaviour, the role of drug companies and ambulance services, and finds them wanting. He decides that there must be more to what he sees as targeted neglect, and in Dr Jack he finds it.
This is a thoughtful narrative about a family dealing with death and its aftermath, in this case the obsession with a figure of authority whose intention is personal and destructive. The larger story, including that of the Covid pandemic and the impact of people such as Dr Jack on the willingness to accept its serious nature and the way in which it needed to be medically confronted is instructive. However, central to the story, and informative about a serious social phenomenon is the way in which a person of integrity, warmth and intelligence can be manipulated. Both strands make a story that is sensitive while revealing personal and social shortcomings.
Home Truths is an important novel, with its impeccable characterisation, interesting and impactful story line, and connection to significant social issues.
October 17, 2024
Norman has written a novel of considerable power: deeply human, compelling because of the characters, but also with a plot that keeps you eager to know what happens next. I loved it, and found it unputdownable.
Livia has an ordinary, but very happy life. She and her husband both have decent jobs, they’re raising two good kids, and they’re a happy and respected part of their community. Then the death of her brother in law sets in motion events that spin so far out of control that Livia finds herself sitting in the dock, charged with attempted murder, her family shattered. How did she get there?
Norman’s novels are deeply rooted in character, and this is no exception. Livia is a strong and empathetic character, and most readers will quickly engage with her. She’s both vivid and ordinary – it’s not just that we understand her, it’s that plenty of us could be her.
Livia is the heart of the novel, but her husband Scott is no less responsible and drives a good bit of what happens in the novel. He’s less empathetic, partly because we’re on Livia’s side and rather horrified by some aspects of his changing behaviour. But we do see where it’s coming from, and he garners a good deal of sympathy and understanding as well.
The plot is strong, and doesn’t involve “shock twists”. It builds to a tense climax, but rather than a twist, it feels like each event grows naturally out of what’s gone before. It feels as though both Livia, and we, should have been able to see it coming. We’re fully invested in what’s happening, and just as devastated and shocked as Livia is.
This is a very contemporary novel, mentioning many recent events, and with COVID lockdowns playing a part. This helps to make the events of the plot more vivid, as they’re in a time and place most readers will not just remember, but also feel, very strongly.
I really loved this novel. It is the closest thing to an unputdownable novel I’ve read in ages – I kept deferring other things to keep reading this. It is both compelling and moving, as well as chilling and just a little frightening. Complex themes are rendered in a way that’s personal and vivid.
I have enjoyed all of Charity Norman’s novels, but this is perhaps the best of them. Strongly recommended.
Livia has an ordinary, but very happy life. She and her husband both have decent jobs, they’re raising two good kids, and they’re a happy and respected part of their community. Then the death of her brother in law sets in motion events that spin so far out of control that Livia finds herself sitting in the dock, charged with attempted murder, her family shattered. How did she get there?
Norman’s novels are deeply rooted in character, and this is no exception. Livia is a strong and empathetic character, and most readers will quickly engage with her. She’s both vivid and ordinary – it’s not just that we understand her, it’s that plenty of us could be her.
Livia is the heart of the novel, but her husband Scott is no less responsible and drives a good bit of what happens in the novel. He’s less empathetic, partly because we’re on Livia’s side and rather horrified by some aspects of his changing behaviour. But we do see where it’s coming from, and he garners a good deal of sympathy and understanding as well.
The plot is strong, and doesn’t involve “shock twists”. It builds to a tense climax, but rather than a twist, it feels like each event grows naturally out of what’s gone before. It feels as though both Livia, and we, should have been able to see it coming. We’re fully invested in what’s happening, and just as devastated and shocked as Livia is.
This is a very contemporary novel, mentioning many recent events, and with COVID lockdowns playing a part. This helps to make the events of the plot more vivid, as they’re in a time and place most readers will not just remember, but also feel, very strongly.
I really loved this novel. It is the closest thing to an unputdownable novel I’ve read in ages – I kept deferring other things to keep reading this. It is both compelling and moving, as well as chilling and just a little frightening. Complex themes are rendered in a way that’s personal and vivid.
I have enjoyed all of Charity Norman’s novels, but this is perhaps the best of them. Strongly recommended.
December 8, 2024
The only reason this isn't getting the full five star treatment is because, as good as it was...it's unlikely that I'll ever read it again. Part of it is because I know now, what the plot is. I know the (almost) left field twist that took this from dramatic domestic thriller to more heart clenching suspense. And it is, except for that twist, a rather familiar tale isn't it? But it was eerie to see the path from 'normal' to radicalised laid out in such a neat little series of seemingly innocent steps.
And though Scott's journey is complete before we all learnt the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic, and entered the years that didn't (aka 2020 and 2021), this journey is one that too many people took.
We all watched the rise of the QAnon idiots, the spectacularly damaging collapse of the once terrifyingly popular 4Chan platform (it still exists by the way, gets like 20m visitors a month or something), fuelled by boredom and a somewhat nihilistic attitude — we all got sucked into various rabbit holes. We all stayed tuned into TikTok and YouTube waiting to hear what ridiculousness the Chorito and his cronies had come up with today (the UV bleach injection was my personal favourite). The Onion became the best source for determining whether there was fucqery afoot.
And it still is to be honest. We think we're all better. That we've recovered from the mass hysteria of the toilet paper shortage of 2020 and the utter madness of lines drawn in the sand, battle of the racist bigoted sexes: tiger edition. That the world is back to pre-covid normal.
But we haven't and it isn't.
I very recently watched a friend following in morbid curiousity at the level of fact spinning, the Mike Lynch murder conspiracy only to find herself mired somewhere in the midst of the chemtrail discussions. She's not sure how she got there. She couldn't recreate the path if she tried.
And it is 2024, and Trump is about to be inaugurated. Again. We didn't learn. We didn't emerge from Wonderland, blinking away the dregs and ghosts of the previous two years of drug induced hallucinations and thanking God it was all just a nightmare. Eerily realistic, but a nightmare none the less. We drank the Kool Aid. And the nightmare is only just beginning.
And though Scott's journey is complete before we all learnt the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic, and entered the years that didn't (aka 2020 and 2021), this journey is one that too many people took.
We all watched the rise of the QAnon idiots, the spectacularly damaging collapse of the once terrifyingly popular 4Chan platform (it still exists by the way, gets like 20m visitors a month or something), fuelled by boredom and a somewhat nihilistic attitude — we all got sucked into various rabbit holes. We all stayed tuned into TikTok and YouTube waiting to hear what ridiculousness the Chorito and his cronies had come up with today (the UV bleach injection was my personal favourite). The Onion became the best source for determining whether there was fucqery afoot.
And it still is to be honest. We think we're all better. That we've recovered from the mass hysteria of the toilet paper shortage of 2020 and the utter madness of lines drawn in the sand, battle of the racist bigoted sexes: tiger edition. That the world is back to pre-covid normal.
But we haven't and it isn't.
I very recently watched a friend following in morbid curiousity at the level of fact spinning, the Mike Lynch murder conspiracy only to find herself mired somewhere in the midst of the chemtrail discussions. She's not sure how she got there. She couldn't recreate the path if she tried.
And it is 2024, and Trump is about to be inaugurated. Again. We didn't learn. We didn't emerge from Wonderland, blinking away the dregs and ghosts of the previous two years of drug induced hallucinations and thanking God it was all just a nightmare. Eerily realistic, but a nightmare none the less. We drank the Kool Aid. And the nightmare is only just beginning.
October 24, 2024
A gripping, suspenseful story with action which doesn’t slow down. The chapters ramp up page by page in a realistic and tension filled way, drawing me nearer and nearer to the edge of a court case and a judicial cliffhanger. Many parents have experienced the “Everything looked normal. Nothing was normal.” moment. Children Heidi and Noah are great kids and the symptoms of asthma are very frightening so in the case of an asthma attack, action is needed immediately especially during Covid-19. Therefore when Livia Denby’s gullible husband Scott and the kids go missing in rather strange circumstances, she goes into action mode to find and save asthmatic Noah, creating unforeseen consequences which land her in court. Will it be all over for Livia, will she fall into the Guilty or Not Guilty verdict? Whether she wins or loses her court battle to prove her innocence, the court case and charges will take a big chunk out of her family life and expose some hurtful home truths.
There’s an appropriate quote “The hubris of our species. Humans plan. Fate laughs.” which sums up the rollercoaster of life. While I have not experienced anything like what Livia goes through, I felt I was with her throughout the ordeal. She is drawn from some of author Charity Norman’s own employment experiences and that’s what makes the story gripping, the court room scenes are particularly suspenseful. There is a lot to learn from this novel about paranoia, particularly not losing the plot, and not being swayed by dishonest, grandstanding wheeler-dealers with outrageous conspiracy theories. Or any ‘theories’ for that matter. The integration of Covid-19 and our shared experiences world-wide is well done, a little depressing perhaps but had me nodding in agreement. Even former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets a paragraph. Overall this is a tense and well rounded story about maternal love, family, the pandemic and the unqualified unscrupulous people who take advantage, detrimentally interfering in the lives of others.
There’s an appropriate quote “The hubris of our species. Humans plan. Fate laughs.” which sums up the rollercoaster of life. While I have not experienced anything like what Livia goes through, I felt I was with her throughout the ordeal. She is drawn from some of author Charity Norman’s own employment experiences and that’s what makes the story gripping, the court room scenes are particularly suspenseful. There is a lot to learn from this novel about paranoia, particularly not losing the plot, and not being swayed by dishonest, grandstanding wheeler-dealers with outrageous conspiracy theories. Or any ‘theories’ for that matter. The integration of Covid-19 and our shared experiences world-wide is well done, a little depressing perhaps but had me nodding in agreement. Even former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets a paragraph. Overall this is a tense and well rounded story about maternal love, family, the pandemic and the unqualified unscrupulous people who take advantage, detrimentally interfering in the lives of others.
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