Une mère trop parfaite

by Danielle Steel, Céline Cruickshanks (Translator)

Quand les traumatismes du passé refont surface...

Zoe Morgan a tout pour être heureuse : entre le refuge pour mineurs maltraités qu'elle dirige et son mariage avec Austin, un brillant avocat new-yorkais, il ne manque rien à son bonheur. Et l'arrivée tant attendue d'un premier enfant vient combler le couple.
Mais les premiers mois sont très difficiles, d'autant que la petite Jaime enchaîne bientôt les visites à l'hôpital. Les incidents à répétition mettent les jeunes parents à fleur de peau, et Austin commence à s'inquiéter du changement de personnalité de son épouse, devenue extrêmement anxieuse... Jusqu'au jour où se produit l'accident de trop.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Audiobook, Contemporary, Suspense, Adult Fiction

360 pages

First published August 27, 2019

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dark Side by Danielle Steele is a 2019 Delacorte Press publication.

This book is a bit of a departure for Danielle Steele. The title gives readers fair warning that this book might address some distressing subject matter, and the emotions evoked are not the same as those one might feel when reading most of her other books.

The story revolves around Zoe Morgan, a woman who endures a sad, tragic childhood, but still manages to become successful, eventually finding love and getting married. Although Zoe and her husband, Austin, had trouble conceiving, they eventually welcomed a beautiful baby girl. But, the ghost of Zoe’s past intrudes upon her intentions of being the perfect mother….

One can’t say very much about this book without revealing too much of the plot. I will say that for those who are familiar with popular crime shows, or who read crime fiction on a regular basis, nothing in this novel will come as a big shock- and you will probably catch on to where the plot is headed very early on.

Therefore, for me, the story was very predictable, the main suspense factor being the fear that the character’s slow dawning will come too late. Despite that, the book is compulsively readable and because of its brevity, I had no trouble reading it in one sitting. I did feel as though the book was rushed through, though, and the writing didn’t live up to Steele’s usual quality.

This book covers some familiar ground for me, as it was a hot topic for shows like Law & Order and thriller/ suspense novels, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, this specific topic seems to be cropping up again with ever increasing regularity. This is the third book in the past year I’ve read with a similar plot.

Still, the subject matter is absolutely riveting and is one that often leaves me feeling conflicted. I felt queasy and horrified, but also found that the circumstances in this novel made me take a harder look at the psychology surrounding the issue at hand.

Overall, this book is effective and suspenseful, thought-provoking and sad, even though I was not as shocked by it as other readers might be. The material is not new for me, but despite that, it was a compelling enough story, and I’m still glad I read it. However, it didn’t satisfy my craving for one of Steele’s traditional storylines. So, I’m off to pick another one her books- maybe an older one, this time.

3.5 stars

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is the reason that I never veer far from my reading roots. I started my avid reading years ago with writers like Danielle Steel who could weave a story so well you were right in between the pages and the lives she created.

This book was without exception a fast read because you won’t want to put it down. If you do, it will play on your mind until you pick it up again.

As the blurb says, Zoe hasn’t had the best starts and losing her sister at an early age, her mother not coping and Zoe really having to “get on with it” has bound to have affected her.

I love how the author digs deep. I admire how the author has incorporated her research on a topic that is hard to prove and hardly talked about or, indeed, misrepresented.

A fabulous read that if enjoyed every step of the way.

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Not the typical romance book we usually get from DS. I really enjoyed this one.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Steel is one of those iconic authors that I have been reading for years and years and now find myself lucky enough to be sent review copies to continue that tradition. With such a huge catalog of material one might expect for things to get stale along the way but as my rating should indicate that was far from the case.

The Dark Side was a pretty good title for this latest novel since it’s definitely not a smiley contemporary or looking for love type of book this time around. When we join Zoe Morgan and start reading her story we learn of her tragic background and losing her sister as a child which strained her relationship with her parents. Now Zoe is going to be a parent herself but is she ready for that?

I don’t really want to say anymore on what this one is about other than all the boundaries of motherhood and parenting get tested. It’s normal for me to fly right through a Danielle Steel novel however this one took “page turner” to another level with the psychological suspense keeping me on the edge of my seat. My internal voice argued all the way wondering just how things would work out, what a ride.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Jill McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Riveting & Dark Stars

In her new novel, Danielle Steel tells a riveting story of the dark side of motherhood.

Let me tell you, Danielle Steel has not disappointed me yet. She is one of my favorite authors, so when I had a chance to read this advanced copy I was totally excited! The Dark Side is completely different from her previous books, it takes a look at the darker side of motherhood. This is well-written, dark, and completely "unputdownable" - she takes on a subject that is seriously overlooked in our society. This story was so well thought out and she writes so flawlessly in a way that has you wanting more and you just have to keep reading.

A must read... Highly Recommend!

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is solid in dealing with difficult subjects. It's too bad that warning signs went ignored a bit too long or this could have been 5 stars. 8 of 10 stars

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe seems to have it all ... a loving husband, a job she loves, and now a baby girl. But things aren't going as smooth as she thought it would.

She's finding motherhood a challenge, although some of it may be her own fault. She absolutely refuses anyone's help, she has definite ideas on how to raise a child, even though it seems a bit disjointed at times.

As her daughter gets older, her husband begins worrying. At 18 months old, she's already had a broken arm, dislocated elbows, she's fallen off a changing table. Granted, the daughter may be a little rough and tumble, but something feels off.

Things get serious when Zoe schedules to have tubes put in her daughter's ears. She has only had one serious ear infection, but Zoe lies to the doctor and the baby undergoes a minor surgery. Zoe's husband goes through the roof, she didn't even inform him. Later on, she schedules an appointment with a doctor to see about having her screened for scoliosis. Even the family physician is puzzled about this, as the child has never had a problem.

Old scars long dormant begin to pull Zoe to the edge of an abyss too terrifying to contemplate as Zoe is haunted by the ghosts of the past.

This is a well written psychological drama that becomes darker with each incident that occurs. The author has done excessive research and her finely drawn, credible characters are a result.

Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Delacorte Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this psychological women's fiction. This was read and reviewed voluntarily. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally a relatively different plot for this author. Troubling though is the constant theme of children being unloved by their parents.

This story covered a serious psychological condition, resulting in the near death of a beloved (by at least one parent) child. Although the situation was serious and life threatening, the arc of the story was still very easily solved, and in true DS style it was underdeveloped and very light.

A little ambiguity at the end, this was a fluffy meandering into new territory for this author, which I almost read in a day, a palate cleanser after a more serious read, which I really needed.

I listened to this via the Libby app, and my public library. I perform a search using 'Steel' with the result of 23 hits. That's a lot of choice!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is darker than your average Danielle Steel but with the kind of writing style that she is known for. The plot was fantastic but the writing style was kind of an overview, a glazed over rendition and very surface. It’s been so long since I’ve read a Steel book that I had forgotten her style. The book kept me engaged but I’m not sure the darker plot works with the detached writing style. I wanted more emotion, more substance, and more feeling instead of the overview that I received. I quite enjoyed the story but it was missing a little oomph to take it to the next level. Thank you @randomhouse for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I painfully suffered through about half of this book before it was just too much for me to go on. The characters were beyond stupid and made me want to slam my head against the wall repeatedly and their actions were just so unbelievable, I just couldn’t take it anymore!

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Holy hell that was an intense and book. The story. The characters. This was an intense but good read. One of Danielle Steel’s best, if not best. I highly recommend this one!

[P Lortz · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst Steele books I’ve ever read. Predictable, shoddy character development...written as if Ms. Steele had a deadline to get it done. Suspenseful? Not at all. I had it figured out by Chapter 2. A disappointment.

[Deanna Lynn Sletten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will preface this by saying that I’ve read Danielle Steel’s books since the beginning and my particular favorites are Granny Dan and Message from Nam. Steel writes heartwarming stories in a smooth, flowing style. But I’m afraid that this particular one wasn’t a favorite of mine.

I understand that this is a different style of novel for Steel, and I think it’s wonderful that she’s branched out to write women’s fiction/suspense. Unfortunately, her style of writing doesn’t seem to work for suspense. At no time in this story did I feel it was suspenseful. I never liked the main character Zoe. I wasn’t fooled by her over-protectiveness of her child. Once the husband grew suspicious, I already knew what was going to happen. And I question the laid-back attitude of the husband about the issue. As a mother, I suppose I feel I’d have done something much sooner – but that might just be me.

I also feel we were being told instead of shown the story. It would have been so much better if the story was laid out in more scenes showing us what was happening instead of just a narration.

Having said that, Danielle Steel is the queen of women’s fiction and I respect her for that. I’ve enjoyed so many of her books. I hope she continues to delve into other types of fiction. This particular book, however, just wasn’t for me.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Side is a tale of psychological suspense by Danielle Steel. Steel is the author of many bestsellers but this novel is different from her standard fare.

Zoe Morgan has a difficult childhood because her younger sister, Rose, is diagnosed with leukemia and dies when Zoe is ten years old. Zoe’s mother spends all her time with the seriously ill Rose and then retreats into deep despondency after Rose’s death, leaving Zoe very isolated. Zoe’s father remarries and has two more children but isn’t involved in Zoe’s life. Zoe eventually attends medical school but withdraws to work at a nonprofit for abused children.

Austin Roberts is a well-known child advocacy attorney who takes pro bono cases for children and is member of the board of the nonprofit. Austin comes from a completely different family background. He’s from a close family and enjoys spending time with them. He loves his brothers, and their wives and children.

Zoe and Austin marry and conceive their daughter, Jaime, through in vitro fertilization. They’re both over the moon happy, but Zoe has some unusual parenting ideas. She’s totally against schedules for babies and insists she will nurse on demand for at least the first year. Also, she believes that children should be given the freedom to make choices about things that may be harmful to them. Austin is taken aback, but he’s a first-time parent as well so he goes along with Zoe’s plan.

From the beginning parenthood proves difficult. Zoe has problems breastfeeding. They overcome that issue but it’s only the beginning of a litany of issues for little Jaime. Austin’s mother comes to him with her concerns, and he is no longer able to ignore his own suspicions. He’s now faced with possibly one of the most difficult things a parent ever has to do. He’s looking directly into the dark side.

Though this novel has a different tone than the average Danielle Steel novel, it is still just as well-written. The actual subject matter is well camouflaged until the author is ready to reveal it. I was fully captivated. The characters are relatable and believable, but not all likable. I rate The Dark Side 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers who enjoy fiction with a bit of suspense.

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Side is darker than Danielle Steel’s other novels, but it still contains her unique and engaging writing style. The Dark Side is a fascinating story that quickly pulled me in and had me staying up late to finish it. The book is well-written with a good flow and steady pacing. I like that the story is written in the third person. Zoe Morgan is a developed character, though, not likeable. Her childhood shapes her whole life. Zoe becomes an overachiever determined to excel at everything she does and that includes motherhood. I like how the story gradually evolves as you move through the book. The Dark Side deals with a topic that is rarely addressed and is very hard to prove (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you). It is an emotional story that will touch the heart of parents. The Dark Side is a psychological suspense that will linger in your mind long after you finish it.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read and a little different from the typical Danielle Steel book. It was not a happy book because it was about a family whose little girl keeps getting hurt and having accidents. I liked all the characters especially Austin, Jamie, and Cathy. I felt bad for Zoe at first but later decided that she did not have Jamie's best interests at heart. Danielle Steel never disappoints!

[Mom2triplets04 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I picked up a Danielle Steel book. I used to read her back in the 80's. So I saw her new release and went into this blind! It certainly was a page turner. I haven't found a 5 star book in a long time. This one did not disappoint. I went into it blind and glad I did. I certainly will be picking up more of her books.

[LS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness for this book. I read it on a long flight to San Francisco last week, and it made the trip so much more interesting. This story is now what I would have expected from Danielle Steel. There's not a love story to be found in this story--instead, we're treated to a psychological suspense book involving a shocking case of child abuse.

When Zoe's sister Rose dies of leukemia, her parents' marriage falls apart, and she finds herself feeling neglected and alone. Her sister's death leaves her with emotional scars that time can't erase. Even when Zoe marries Dan and has a daughter of her own, the past comes back to haunt her in ways I didn't see coming.

I don't want to give away the major twist that comes up in the middle of the book. Suffice it to say, the story takes a very dark turn that is atypical for Danielle Steel, but it pays off in spades. I couldn't put this book down even after the plane landed. I stayed in my seat even while everyone around me was getting off the plane just so I could read the last few pages of this novel. This is probably one of Steel's best books--and that's saying a lot. I highly recommend reading this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been such a long time since I’ve read a Danielle Steele novel - not sure why; they’re great.

Her writing style flows so well and she really knows how to spin a tale. This one is just so tragic, a hard one to read.

This horrific tale of child abuse gives insight to MBP and how that can come to occur. It doesn’t excuse it or allow you to accept it but it does allow you to see why it may happen.

It also shows how someone can get away with this and how they still love their life, child, and spouse. It doesn’t mean they deserve them or aren’t sick.

This was a quick read but I think it will stick with me for a while. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a copy in exchange for a review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star
The Dark Side by Danielle Steel is a fascinating book. It has been a very long time since I have read a Danielle Steel book, but I quickly remembered her unique writing style and how much I like her stories. This book has a significantly sinister theme to it compared to the majority of Steel’s books. Her writing style doesn’t allow her to hit on the deep emotions needed for this type of story; however, the book was very good. This could have been a 5-star book had Steel wrote in a different format.
I feel as if this book will appeal to many people. I am giving it 4 stars due to the significance of the story. I highly recommend it.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I reached page 94 and wondered if I really wanted to read to the end. It looked like it wasn't going to end well and when it involves a child it's just distasteful to me. I decided to skip to the end and was proven right, so no more Dark Side.

I don't recommend it for Danielle Steel readers since it seems different than her usual. It's more psychological, distasteful. I can't think of anyone who might like this kind of book, no, I take it back. Maybe those that like psychological thrillers though I'm not sure if this qualifies as a psychological thriller but it's psychologial if nothing else.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Side came out 2 days ago and i was excited when my library got it right in. I’ve lost count but i think this is my 28th or 29th book by Danielle Steel. With this book I really wasn’t sure where this whole thing was going. Boy oh boy is the title right on! It’s a very dark story that’s for sure and Zoe really had me cringing throughout. I don’t want to spoil it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first sentence this book creeped me out in the best possible way. It kept on getting creepier and creepier as I continued. A married couple are new parents. The mother is so careful to make sure nothing happens to her daughter like it happened to her sister when she was young. Her sister died from cancer and after she felt neglected. She vowed to never have her daughter feel this way. The problem is her baby is accident prone and always seems to have a medical issue. To find out the issues was definitely a ride!

[Scott Raphael · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first experience with Danielle Steel was not my favourite first experience, unfortunately. While I could definitely see how she’s gained a following through her easy to read, simple plots, I felt that a lot was lacking in this title. First, it was incredibly repetitive. The general idea was a good one, but it read like a short story that had been stretched (a lot) into a novel. Ideas introduced by the narrator are often later re-introduced in the mouths of the characters, histories are repeated, often multiple times and by multiple characters, as though every time a new character appears the entire past must be explained not only to that individual, but also once more to the reader, and even the narrator lists previous events and thoughts several times over. The writing is also very distanced, making it feel as though we never really are there with the characters and therefore have trouble connecting with them. Everything is told, nothing is shown. Every time it feels like we’re shown something (such as a scene wherein one character gets angry at another character), it’s then tempered by the Voice of God statement to the effect of “But he still loved her” or “He knew she was a great mom and he would get over it”. Never did it feel like the characters actually thought for themselves; they thought as they were needed to for the story to continue.
Furthermore, the ending felt rushed. After carefully building a character who seemed calculated but could theoretically have just been very unlucky or unwittingly careless, the character falls apart the moment those around her start to suspect her of malice, to the point that she essentially confesses before she’s even been threatened with arrest, just so the story can be tied up. The idea of a court case at the end and the fears the characters might face regarding it is erased by having the whole ordeal written off as done before it’s actually done, just so they can all move on.
There are no subplots. Everything in these individuals’ lives seems to revolve around the principal storyline. It’s occasionally mentioned that they have other jobs or know other people, but no one appears unless they’re convenient, and every chapter serves the purpose of depicting one specific incident—no more, no less. And speaking of coincidence: everyone is available when needed (the phone is always answered, the character can always visit or come over immediately). The conversation could wait a day without delaying the story. Why the constant convenience?
Overall, I want to read one of Danielle Steel’s more recognized romance novels just for comparison. I really hope that both the plot development and the writing style are better there.

[MicheleReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it’s a good thing when an author tries something new. This dark and disturbing book is a decent effort but I didn’t feel it was as suspenseful as intended. The story was interesting yet the issue at hand was pretty apparent to me early on. I thought the characters were well developed and there was a lot of empathy felt for little Jaime, the daughter of Zoe and Austin, who keeps having injuries. Not a bad book but not a great one either.

[Kookie9200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this novel.

By far, the BEST DS novel in a long time.

Zoe is highly traumatized by her family falling apart after her younger sister's death at 7 to leukemia. As Zoe grows, she makes great grades, going to great schools and trying med school before realizing she wants to take a different path. She becomes the operator of a major home for abused children, and meets the love of her life Austin.

Austin and Zoe's life is forever changed when their daughter, Jaime is born. Zoe struggles with the demands of a newborn, especially with nursing. After a scare early on, her worries are multiplied. What seems at first as a story about a overzealous, worried mother turns to something much darker as Austin begins to realize that their daughter seems to be sicker and have more injuries than most kids her age.

As he struggles with the knowledge that Zoe is not who she seems, the darkness that surrounds her may cost the ultimate price.

I loved the story for this one. It was different, deeper and not as shallow as other books by Steel lately. Still a quick read, but one with more substance.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enthralled by "The Promise" in the 80's. Although I have not read every novel Steel has written, I have always assumed that at anytime I can turn to one of her books and lose myself for awhile, perhaps even need my tissues. This book seems to be a new direction for Danielle Steel as she is tackling a medical issue along the vein of Jodi Picoult. The father in this novel begins to suspect that his wife may suffer from Baron Munchausen Syndrome. The background up to that realization was a bit boring at times as we follow the mother through her troubled childhood, meeting her husband and then having her first child. It feels like we are gliding along the surface their lives until BMS becomes a possibility. That raises the stakes and makes the rest of the novel quite a rollercoaster ride. For readers interested in this psychological phenomenon I recommend "Saving Meghan" by Daniel Palmer.

Thank you to Delacorte Press and Edelweiss for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I had been looking for books on this subject, there is something off about the characterization, enough to make it too unreal for me.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Side
By Danielle Steel

SPOILER ALERT

This book for me was very disturbing but also an unforgettable story about a subject that is an epidemic in society that few of us would want to acknowledge or think about. The subject matter is one that certainly has my stomach churning as I write this review. As sickening as I feel I am glad that I read it and have to say that it is as emotionally moving as the memoir that Danielle Steel wrote about her son that died prematurely. I didn't know beforehand that the subject matter in this novel deals with a very real epidemic that exists in our society often by people we would least expect it from.
As I write this review my stomach is still churning and I feel sickened by thinking that this is a very real problem that we are lucky to most likely never to encounter and if we do are most likely not to recognize.

This is something that nobody wants to think about much less read about because we most often read to escape or be entertained or just to enjoy the beautiful prose that evokes in us a sense of appreciation and warmth. I think the beautiful writing that we are lucky when we come across a novel that is poetic and vivid in descriptive character development or setting that transports us so that we are moved and forget that we are reading is such a rewarding experience. Most of us read to escape the plethora of sad and terrible things we watch on the news which illuminates all negative and upsetting and mostly not always accurate reporting.

"The Dark Side," by Danielle Steele as squeamish as my stomach feels was a book that I will never forget. As uncomfortable as it makes me to think about it I am glad that I read it. It deals with a very sad but realistic story that is happening in our society that none of us wants to think about. I thought that the way Ms. Steele chose to present this topic was outstanding. The sequence of events that happened were perfectly formatted to fool me just as I might be fooled if I witnessed what unfolds in these type of situations in real life.

I never thought that she was capable of penning a novel that dealt with such a serious and real life topic that most of us have heard of but most likely haven't come in contact with that should be read by all of us so that we are well informed about this pathological and criminal offense that is perpetrated on innocent, vulnerable and trusting children. These children are most often young but that is not always the case. These mothers who most often appear to be super moms are very convincing and skillful liars who purposefully make their children sick just so they can gain adoration and attention by everyone around them.

The insidious psychopathological illness or criminal offense can be very hard to prove. It is called Munchausen by Proxy. I can't give Danielle Steel enough high praise for writing such an informative book about such a subject that if read will make each reader more likely to spot it, report it and maybe save a child's life. At the very least prevent a child from needless suffering from the very person whom that afflicted child loves and trusts the most. Because I have read this unsettling book I am more informed about a subject that I had only heard about. I never thought I would say this much less think it. This book will stay with me for the rest of my life. It remains as one of my favorite books that I ever read as hard as it was to read.

Thank you to Net Galley, Danielle Steele and Penguin Random House for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readers will be either pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised by Danielle Steel’s September 2019 release The Dark Side. In a clear move away from her upbeat contemporary fiction novels of fame, fortune and love, The Dark Side is a harrowing and upsetting tale with an underlying focus on motherhood.

The main character of Danielle Steel’s The Dark Side suffers from a life altering tragedy in her childhood that follows her into adulthood. We learn that Zoe Morgan’s sister sadly passed away due to a rare terminal illness. This deep loss has huge ripple effects for the family involved, resulting in estrangement and divorce. For ten-year-old Zoe, education becomes the only thing to help her get through the grief f losing her sister. Zoe’s hard work pays off and she secures a spot at a medical school as a Yale graduate. During this time Zoe falls in love with an attorney and the two soon marry. Zoe and her husband Austin seem to have the picture-perfect marriage and the birth of their daughter Jamie completes this family portrait. But the past continues to play of Zoe’s mind, especially the loss of her sister Rose. How will Rose’s death come back to haunt Zoe?

Danielle Steel is a name synonymous with romance. The Dark Side is a novel that represents a break away from Steel’s well-known brand of fiction as this popular storyteller delves into some sinister and sombre issues surrounding motherhood. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this psychological suspense tale as the synopsis is quite mysterious. Although I was initially intrigued by this one, I didn’t care much for the main character and I found her actions to be shameful.

Steel provides us with a decent understanding the main character’s sad background and devastating family story in the earlier stages of The Dark Side. Childhood illnesses and rare ones at that are absolutely devastating. I though this aspect of the story was handled with sensitivity, but it still lacked substance. We view Zoe’s family’s demise and the pressure placed on this unit due to Rose’s tragic death at arm’s length only. This made me a quite sad and disappointed that Steel chose to skirt over this heartbreaking aspect of her lead character’s life. The main protagonist grows and moves on in some form by becoming a successful university graduate, which leads her to gain lucrative medical school position. However she falls in love in true Danielle Steel style and begins her happy ever after. I’m not sure I completely believed in Austin and Zoe’s romance, it seemed to fire up too quickly. Then bam, they have a child together, which again came all too quickly. Once young Jamie enters the picture the narrative takes a very dark and morose turn. The door is open to explore a rather intriguing medical and mental illness related subject in detail, but Steel doesn’t take up the opportunity. It is really hard to sympathise with the main character here, Steel makes it impossible for us to get close to her. I was relieved when the end came, which put an end to this awful tragedy. As we have come to expect with Steel’s novels this one was tied up very neatly by the close.

Well, there isn’t too much I can say about The Dark Side. It’s full of calamity, forlorn moments and personal struggles. It had potential but it didn’t rise to the occasion.