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The Pieces of Us
Three generations of women. Three life altering events. As they discover the truth of their heritage, they'll discover what makes the pieces of us...
At fifty-eight Minnie McAllister isn’t an old woman. But as Alzheimer’s ravages her mind, her brain says otherwise.
Cat McAllister is tackling everything life can throw at her. And just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, she’s faced with the discovery that Minnie might not be the mother she once knew.
Meanwhile, Cat's daughter, Ruby McAllister, who is staring at a two very blue lines, faces a decision that will change the course of her life.
As three generations of women are pulled in three different directions, each are forced to learn lessons about themselves that they never could have imagined.
At fifty-eight Minnie McAllister isn’t an old woman. But as Alzheimer’s ravages her mind, her brain says otherwise.
Cat McAllister is tackling everything life can throw at her. And just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, she’s faced with the discovery that Minnie might not be the mother she once knew.
Meanwhile, Cat's daughter, Ruby McAllister, who is staring at a two very blue lines, faces a decision that will change the course of her life.
As three generations of women are pulled in three different directions, each are forced to learn lessons about themselves that they never could have imagined.
- GenresFictionMental Health
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2025
13 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Claire Alexander
29 books255 followersClaire was born in Bath, Wiltshire and moved to Kent when she was six. she has always loved drawing from an early age and remembers being asked by her school mates to draw rabbits for them! After school she studied Fine Art at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury where she achieved a BA degree in Painting. She moved to London in 1995 and stumbled through many different jobs until she studied children's illustration at Putney School of Art. Here Claire produced her first dummy book for Small Florence, which was then published and started her dream career as an author illustrator.
In 2007 Claire wrote her own course on writing and illustrating picture books which she has been teaching ever since, and now at the House of Illustration. She regularly visits schools and enjoys drawing for children.
Claire's new title 'The Best Bit of Daddy's Day' will be published in June 2016.
'Monkey and the Little One' was shortlisted for the 2015 Junior Design Awards and listed as one of the top ten best new picture books during Independent Book Sellers Week 2015.
'Back to Front and Upside Down' won the 2013 Schneider Family Book Award from the American Libraries Associataion. The award honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
'Lucy and the Bully' won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Young People and 'Small Florence' was short listed for the 2010 Mad About Books Stockport Schools' Book Award.
In 2007 Claire wrote her own course on writing and illustrating picture books which she has been teaching ever since, and now at the House of Illustration. She regularly visits schools and enjoys drawing for children.
Claire's new title 'The Best Bit of Daddy's Day' will be published in June 2016.
'Monkey and the Little One' was shortlisted for the 2015 Junior Design Awards and listed as one of the top ten best new picture books during Independent Book Sellers Week 2015.
'Back to Front and Upside Down' won the 2013 Schneider Family Book Award from the American Libraries Associataion. The award honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
'Lucy and the Bully' won the 2009 Paterson Prize for Young People and 'Small Florence' was short listed for the 2010 Mad About Books Stockport Schools' Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 20, 2025
Despite the main character sometimes being too perfect towards her daughter, and some coincidences a little too easy, this is a beautifully emotional book. Very authentic.
September 8, 2025
Such a wonderful book ❤️
July 18, 2025
A fabulous story about 3 generations of women and their relationships, trauma and personal battles. Minnie is only in her late fifties but has early onset dementia, and is being looked after by her daughter, Cat. Their relationship and the real emotional struggle that families have to face when dealing with this awful condition is dealt with sensitively and with real understanding. In the background is another story, set many decades earlier, about Beth who is a 16 year old living in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, and who is dealing with some difficulties of her own. Gradually the two tales entwine and had me gripped, desperate to find out how this story was going to unfold. Really loved it and highly recommend!
September 30, 2025
An emotional book is so true this book follows three generations of women, grandmother mother daughter! Grandmother, mini is blighted with early onset dementia, and being cared for by her daughter, soon to find out she is adopted, cat or Katrina. Katrina, then finds out her 16-year-old daughter Ruby is pregnant, and the comparison between Ruby‘s choices and those of Beth whose link we are not yet sure of is very noticeable between 1976 and 2017 also. I loved this book, it made me laugh, it made me cry, and I was really sad when I finished it, like saying goodbye to old friends. I listened to this book onAudible, and the narrators were great!
December 7, 2025
I did enjoy listening to this but it was repetitive and a bit boring. I wish I had a pound for every time it mentioned Aldi, eggs and cups of tea. Also, Asim is definitely a stalker and not a love interest.
October 19, 2025
Aan de ene kant een heel interessant boek wat verschillende interessante onderwerpen zoals adoptie in de jaren 70 in schotland, jong alzheimers en tienerzwangerschap discussieert. Aan de andere kant wat cliché karakters en een klassiek niet heel diepgaand groei verhaal. Idk de hoofdpersoon sprak mij gewoon niet aan. Ze had zo'n negatieve attitude en mindset.
March 21, 2025
8.5/10 ! (4.5 ⭐)
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Cat, Ruby and Minnie - three generations living under one roof. I loved their story as well as the side plot points with Beth etc, it was so warm and lovely !! 🥹
Minnie's Alzheimer's has gotten worse, and Cat's journey to juggling her personal life - her upbringing, career and potential romances, her home life - her daughter and mother as well as making sure to make time for herself and reflect.
I haven't read that depth of characterisation in a longgg time ! Aww such a beautiful read and definitely recommend this one !!
I found it ALMOST perfect, except for towards the last few chapters when the time jumps were quite heavy and didn't let us know how much time had passed, would of loved a bit of clarification. But other than that, what a stellar read. 👌🏻
There are some dark themes depicted in this book, so do take care if you're planning to read it and have triggers to these themes. 🩷
I just want to thank Claire Alexander and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC before the release date in September 2025 ! 📚
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Cat, Ruby and Minnie - three generations living under one roof. I loved their story as well as the side plot points with Beth etc, it was so warm and lovely !! 🥹
Minnie's Alzheimer's has gotten worse, and Cat's journey to juggling her personal life - her upbringing, career and potential romances, her home life - her daughter and mother as well as making sure to make time for herself and reflect.
I haven't read that depth of characterisation in a longgg time ! Aww such a beautiful read and definitely recommend this one !!
I found it ALMOST perfect, except for towards the last few chapters when the time jumps were quite heavy and didn't let us know how much time had passed, would of loved a bit of clarification. But other than that, what a stellar read. 👌🏻
There are some dark themes depicted in this book, so do take care if you're planning to read it and have triggers to these themes. 🩷
I just want to thank Claire Alexander and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC before the release date in September 2025 ! 📚
April 2, 2025
I really enjoyed Meridith alone, which was Claire Alexander's debut novel. So, I was interested to see if her next novel was as good. It certainly was!
Cat is a single Mum struggling to juggle everything going on in her life. With a teen daughter and her Mum Minnie, who has early onset dementia, life is challenging. Minnie has just moved in with Cat as she is no longer able to care for herself, and while sorting through Minnie's belongings, Cat discovers a shocking truth. Everything she knows is turned upside down, and her Mum isn't able to help her. Meanwhile, her daughter Ruby has her own life turned up side down.
This book really was a real page turner, and I couldn't wait to pick it up as often as possible. I have a mother in law with dementia and the author captured the disease perfectly. Showing the sad truth of a loved one who is beginning to forget those who do so much for them .
A great read and highly recommended.
Cat is a single Mum struggling to juggle everything going on in her life. With a teen daughter and her Mum Minnie, who has early onset dementia, life is challenging. Minnie has just moved in with Cat as she is no longer able to care for herself, and while sorting through Minnie's belongings, Cat discovers a shocking truth. Everything she knows is turned upside down, and her Mum isn't able to help her. Meanwhile, her daughter Ruby has her own life turned up side down.
This book really was a real page turner, and I couldn't wait to pick it up as often as possible. I have a mother in law with dementia and the author captured the disease perfectly. Showing the sad truth of a loved one who is beginning to forget those who do so much for them .
A great read and highly recommended.
February 25, 2025
What a lovely read! This is not my usual type of book, but I definitely want to read more by this author.
I absolutely loved the whole feel of this book. Three generations of women, each with their own issues. Cat lives with her 16 year old daughter Ruby, who discovers she is pregnant. Cat’s mum Minnie has early onset Alzheimer’s and has to move in with Cat and Ruby. The story follows how the family adapt to these changes. Cat also makes a shocking discovery.
The characters in this books are well developed and likeable. I loved the main characters, along with their family and friends. The plot is rich. I really enjoyed the interweaving of time and characters and enjoyed the setting in Scotland and Ireland.
Both Alzheimer’s and teenage pregnancy are handled sensitively.
Thank you to the author., publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
I absolutely loved the whole feel of this book. Three generations of women, each with their own issues. Cat lives with her 16 year old daughter Ruby, who discovers she is pregnant. Cat’s mum Minnie has early onset Alzheimer’s and has to move in with Cat and Ruby. The story follows how the family adapt to these changes. Cat also makes a shocking discovery.
The characters in this books are well developed and likeable. I loved the main characters, along with their family and friends. The plot is rich. I really enjoyed the interweaving of time and characters and enjoyed the setting in Scotland and Ireland.
Both Alzheimer’s and teenage pregnancy are handled sensitively.
Thank you to the author., publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
May 13, 2025
I absolutely adored Meredith Alone so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read The Pieces of Us. It’s a beautifully written and emotional story about three generations of women- single parent Cat who lives with her 16 year old daughter Ruby and cares for her mother Minnie who has young onset Alzheimer’s. The novel explores the importance of family and where we come from and so much of it resonated with me. The author writes with such warmth and sensitivity and a real love for her characters and I became completely immersed in the story of Cat and her family. A gorgeous, moving novel that I loved and would highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC,
4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC,
4.5 stars
October 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overview
The Pieces of Us is a heartfelt contemporary fiction novel that explores family, identity, and the ties that connect generations. Told across dual timelines, the story follows Cat in the present day as she grapples with her past and questions of belonging, alongside Beth, whose life decades earlier is marked by secrets, sacrifice, and the social stigma surrounding teen pregnancy. As the two women’s stories unfold, the threads that connect them begin to emerge, leading to a poignant and emotional revelation.
The novel falls into the genres of women’s fiction and family drama, with tropes such as dual timelines, generational secrets, found family, and self-discovery. It also sensitively addresses themes of dementia, adoption, and motherhood, creating an emotionally layered reading experience.
My thoughts
I found The Pieces of Us to be a sweet and thoughtful story that beautifully portrayed family experiences across multiple generations. It offered a compassionate look at how dementia and teen pregnancy impact not only those experiencing them directly but also the wider circle of loved ones. I particularly enjoyed the dual timeline structure, which allowed for a gradual unfolding of the mystery surrounding Cat’s adoption and Beth’s life, culminating in an interesting and satisfying twist when their connection was revealed.
It was also refreshing to see the same theme (teen pregnancy) explored across two very different time periods through Ruby’s present day pregnancy, highlighting how societal attitudes and family responses have evolved over time. This contrast added real emotional depth to the story.
While I appreciated most of the relationships and plotlines, I did find Cat’s relationship with Asim a little cliché and somewhat unnecessary, especially given how strong the other threads of the story were. Overall it was a very enjoyable read though
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overview
The Pieces of Us is a heartfelt contemporary fiction novel that explores family, identity, and the ties that connect generations. Told across dual timelines, the story follows Cat in the present day as she grapples with her past and questions of belonging, alongside Beth, whose life decades earlier is marked by secrets, sacrifice, and the social stigma surrounding teen pregnancy. As the two women’s stories unfold, the threads that connect them begin to emerge, leading to a poignant and emotional revelation.
The novel falls into the genres of women’s fiction and family drama, with tropes such as dual timelines, generational secrets, found family, and self-discovery. It also sensitively addresses themes of dementia, adoption, and motherhood, creating an emotionally layered reading experience.
My thoughts
I found The Pieces of Us to be a sweet and thoughtful story that beautifully portrayed family experiences across multiple generations. It offered a compassionate look at how dementia and teen pregnancy impact not only those experiencing them directly but also the wider circle of loved ones. I particularly enjoyed the dual timeline structure, which allowed for a gradual unfolding of the mystery surrounding Cat’s adoption and Beth’s life, culminating in an interesting and satisfying twist when their connection was revealed.
It was also refreshing to see the same theme (teen pregnancy) explored across two very different time periods through Ruby’s present day pregnancy, highlighting how societal attitudes and family responses have evolved over time. This contrast added real emotional depth to the story.
While I appreciated most of the relationships and plotlines, I did find Cat’s relationship with Asim a little cliché and somewhat unnecessary, especially given how strong the other threads of the story were. Overall it was a very enjoyable read though
August 28, 2025
The Pieces of Us by Claire Alexander
Cat’s life is bursting at the seams with all she has to deal with, and she is still only in her mid-thirties. Her mother, Minnie, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at 58, and unable to live alone, Cat has moved her into her small house with her and her 16-year-old daughter Ruby.
The book opens with Cat moving Minnie into her home, and straight away, we see the difficulties of having to care for a loved one who is suffering with this terrible disease, not only the exhaustion, loneliness, sadness, but also the grief of losing the person their parent once was.
As if this isn’t enough, Cat also has to deal with discovering some life-changing documents from the past amongst her mother’s belongings, and Ruby reveals the real reason she has been acting so strange lately.
Alexander gives a genuine insight into the life of caring for a parent with Alzheimer's disease. This subject is very relatable to me, having lost my father four years ago to it, and this was very much how it was.
The tone of this book is often humorous, but also has a soft, tender and loving feel as we see snippets of the relationship Cat had with her mum before the disease took hold of her and the one she now has with Ruby. I loved the little moments of clarity where Minnie told her daughter how much she loved her, and when she didn’t remember her, she said, “ I don’t know who you are, but I know you are someone I love”.
Cat was an honest, kind, selfless, stubborn and fiercely strong character, and I loved how she developed throughout the story. How wonderful a mother she was shone through her relationship with Ruby, and how she coped when faced with adversity. This is a multi-generational story of three women whose lives didn’t go as planned, but together, with resilience and surrounding themselves with confident, strong women, they managed to make life work for them.
A charming emotional story that I will be recommending for a long time. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Michael Joseph and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book. The Pieces of Us is published on August 28th.
Cat’s life is bursting at the seams with all she has to deal with, and she is still only in her mid-thirties. Her mother, Minnie, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at 58, and unable to live alone, Cat has moved her into her small house with her and her 16-year-old daughter Ruby.
The book opens with Cat moving Minnie into her home, and straight away, we see the difficulties of having to care for a loved one who is suffering with this terrible disease, not only the exhaustion, loneliness, sadness, but also the grief of losing the person their parent once was.
As if this isn’t enough, Cat also has to deal with discovering some life-changing documents from the past amongst her mother’s belongings, and Ruby reveals the real reason she has been acting so strange lately.
Alexander gives a genuine insight into the life of caring for a parent with Alzheimer's disease. This subject is very relatable to me, having lost my father four years ago to it, and this was very much how it was.
The tone of this book is often humorous, but also has a soft, tender and loving feel as we see snippets of the relationship Cat had with her mum before the disease took hold of her and the one she now has with Ruby. I loved the little moments of clarity where Minnie told her daughter how much she loved her, and when she didn’t remember her, she said, “ I don’t know who you are, but I know you are someone I love”.
Cat was an honest, kind, selfless, stubborn and fiercely strong character, and I loved how she developed throughout the story. How wonderful a mother she was shone through her relationship with Ruby, and how she coped when faced with adversity. This is a multi-generational story of three women whose lives didn’t go as planned, but together, with resilience and surrounding themselves with confident, strong women, they managed to make life work for them.
A charming emotional story that I will be recommending for a long time. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Michael Joseph and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book. The Pieces of Us is published on August 28th.
September 7, 2025
The Pieces of Us is a moving and heart warming story about a multi generational family living together and muddling through the challenges of life. Cat, Minnie and Ruby are such strong characters and the book deals so movingly with Alzheimer’s, teenage pregnancy and family secrets.
Minnie, in her late fifties has Alzheimer’s and has just moved in with her daughter Cat and granddaughter Ruby. All are feeling their way through this new living arrangement. Minnie has brought up Cat on her own since Cat’s Dad died when she was three years old and they have a close relationship. Ruby was born as a result of a holiday fling when Cat was eighteen and Cat has brought Ruby up with the help of Minnie. Since then Cat has never allowed herself to get close to another man so when she meets Asim who works for the estate agency selling her mother’s house and realises there is an attraction between them she finds it difficult to let him into her life.
When Cat finds papers in Minnie’s possession that point to a devastating family secret she may need the help of her best friend Lisa and also her new friend Asim to get her through this trauma. This was a warm and often humorous story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
Minnie, in her late fifties has Alzheimer’s and has just moved in with her daughter Cat and granddaughter Ruby. All are feeling their way through this new living arrangement. Minnie has brought up Cat on her own since Cat’s Dad died when she was three years old and they have a close relationship. Ruby was born as a result of a holiday fling when Cat was eighteen and Cat has brought Ruby up with the help of Minnie. Since then Cat has never allowed herself to get close to another man so when she meets Asim who works for the estate agency selling her mother’s house and realises there is an attraction between them she finds it difficult to let him into her life.
When Cat finds papers in Minnie’s possession that point to a devastating family secret she may need the help of her best friend Lisa and also her new friend Asim to get her through this trauma. This was a warm and often humorous story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
Cat is in her late thirties and single mother to Ruby aged 16. Cat's mother Minnie is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's and at 58 is no longer able to look after herself. Cat moves Minnie into her flat to live with her and Ruby. Initially the story focuses on the frustration, exhaustion, heartbreak and tenacity needed to care for a loved one with this devastating illness. Then just when Cat thinks she can't take anymore of life's setbacks, she must find the resilience and determination to face two more huge life changing events.
This is a beautifully written story exploring what it is to be a daughter, to be a mother, the struggles of trying to be everything to everyone. Cat is a wonderful character, trying so hard to be selfless and patient, then agonizing over all the times when she isn't. Her stubbornness and not wanting to accept extra help make her all the more appealing. Heartbreaking and joyous in equal measure, this tale will deliver a rollercoaster of emotions.
A delightful and emotional tale of familial connections and love, be ready with the tissues! Highly recommended.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.
This is a beautifully written story exploring what it is to be a daughter, to be a mother, the struggles of trying to be everything to everyone. Cat is a wonderful character, trying so hard to be selfless and patient, then agonizing over all the times when she isn't. Her stubbornness and not wanting to accept extra help make her all the more appealing. Heartbreaking and joyous in equal measure, this tale will deliver a rollercoaster of emotions.
A delightful and emotional tale of familial connections and love, be ready with the tissues! Highly recommended.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.
September 11, 2025
This is a story about three generations of women, who all go through life changing events. Minnie cannot understand why her mind is not working as well as it should be, the Alzheimer's has taken hold of her and won't let go. Minnie is Cat's mother and Cat is struggling with seeing how Minnie is declining very quickly. Cat knows there is little that can be done but it is still so hard to see Minnie like this. Ruby is Cat's daughter and with everything her mum is going through at the moment with her gran, can Ruby tell her mum about a big event that is going to change her life, but is this what Ruby wants? It was an interesting concept for a book but one that worked really well. You kind of get a different perspective for what all three women are going through. It was heart breaking reading about Minnie especially when it is a subject that is close to home. It is a relatable subject and I know one that many people are going through. It is a moving read.
September 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book as I did her first book. A story of three generations of the same family living together and all the unexpected events that come with family life. Minnie has early onset dementia and moves in with her daughter and granddaughter but there's 2 massive shockwaves to come for the family, I don't want to spoil it for other readers but it is a warm, charming and heartfelt read with funny and emotional points. In equal measure this book tackles the humorous and often sad parts of caring for an elderly relative whilst trying to have a life, great read thoroughly enjoyed!
August 27, 2025
I judged this book by its cover and was pleasantly suprised.
The piece of us follows three generations through life changing events and focuses on what its like to be a mother and daughter and also the difficulties that can occur when caring for a person with alzheimers.
This book is written beautifully.
Thank you netgalley and Michael Joseph penguin random house for the opportunity to ARC read this book
The piece of us follows three generations through life changing events and focuses on what its like to be a mother and daughter and also the difficulties that can occur when caring for a person with alzheimers.
This book is written beautifully.
Thank you netgalley and Michael Joseph penguin random house for the opportunity to ARC read this book
November 1, 2025
4.5 stars, Audiobook. Yeah really enjoyed this, and I bet I would've enjoyed it more as a hard copy. Imagine being a 38yr old single mum, your 58yr mum has Alzheimer's, your 16yr old daughter is pregnant, and you find out you're adopted, with a pretty wild story about how you came to be. A beautiful listen. Alot of highpoints amongst the turmoil - she works on a flower shop with her friend, she has great support systems and she meets a hot Scottish/Middle Eastern lad who is a dream. Loved it.
August 30, 2025
This is a thoughtful novel about family, memory, and what makes us who we are.
Cat lives in a flat with her teenager Ruby, when she takes her mum Minnie in. Minnie has Alzheimer's and her decline is sadly worsening. So when Cat uncovers a life-altering secret of her mum's, how can she possibly get to the truth? Ruby has something on her mind too - something she doesn't want to tell her mum just yet. And then Cat has work to contend with. She doesn't even have time to think about romance.
And yet...
And yet life keeps moving, things change, and the pressure piles on. How will Cat cope? Who can she turn to, or rely on, as she has to parent both her teen and her mum?
This is a nuanced, emotional story. It is not surprising, though there are some gentle twists and turns, but it does feel real, challenging and yet lovely.
Cat lives in a flat with her teenager Ruby, when she takes her mum Minnie in. Minnie has Alzheimer's and her decline is sadly worsening. So when Cat uncovers a life-altering secret of her mum's, how can she possibly get to the truth? Ruby has something on her mind too - something she doesn't want to tell her mum just yet. And then Cat has work to contend with. She doesn't even have time to think about romance.
And yet...
And yet life keeps moving, things change, and the pressure piles on. How will Cat cope? Who can she turn to, or rely on, as she has to parent both her teen and her mum?
This is a nuanced, emotional story. It is not surprising, though there are some gentle twists and turns, but it does feel real, challenging and yet lovely.
October 12, 2025
I found this book so beautiful. It's an unbelievably easy read and felt so simple, yet I cried, laughed and struggled to put it down. My first 5 star review!
October 12, 2025
Loved it, such a good read.
October 14, 2025
A very enjoyable read. Amazed at how the author kept a positive spin to the story.
December 4, 2025
I laughed and cried and related to all these wonderful characters on such a real basis. fantastic story telling full of emotion
December 26, 2025
Gran, mum, daughter
Mum discovers she is adopted. Gran has Alzheimer’s. Daughter 16 gets pregnant. Mums new boyfriend goes with her to Ireland to find birth mum.
Meh
Mum discovers she is adopted. Gran has Alzheimer’s. Daughter 16 gets pregnant. Mums new boyfriend goes with her to Ireland to find birth mum.
Meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
A fantastic book with an accurate portrayal of what it’s like being a carer for a loved one. Really enjoyed this story and the characters. Very engaging.
January 7, 2026
the plot was insane but so heartwarming, i really enjoyed it. i also realised i love books within multigenerational households, they’re so sweet and heartwarming. i think the depiction of alzheimer’s was really good, i loved the supportive network the mc had around her as well. and the constant flipping btw timelines was done quite well
May 2, 2025
The pieces of us is such a tender beautifully written read full of love, forgiveness, family bonds, sadness and hope.
Three strong female characters, who illustrate quite wonderfully inter generational living as three generations are crammed into Cats little flat,all with very different needs and at various stages of life!
Cat mum to Ruby and daughter to Minnie, the lynch pin of the family and pulled in all directions by her mum and daughter!
Ruby 16 years old and newly pregnant
Minnie newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and unable to live alone as the condition progresses so has moved in with Cat and Ruby.
Each women at different stages of life with very different ever changing needs but bonded by family, although this is shaken to the core after a discovery by Cat.
The importance of family, friends and the ties that bind us!
A truly heartfelt read that tackles Alzheimer’s and teenage pregnancy in a wonderfully sensitive manner.
A read that will stay with you long after you have finished book
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Three strong female characters, who illustrate quite wonderfully inter generational living as three generations are crammed into Cats little flat,all with very different needs and at various stages of life!
Cat mum to Ruby and daughter to Minnie, the lynch pin of the family and pulled in all directions by her mum and daughter!
Ruby 16 years old and newly pregnant
Minnie newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and unable to live alone as the condition progresses so has moved in with Cat and Ruby.
Each women at different stages of life with very different ever changing needs but bonded by family, although this is shaken to the core after a discovery by Cat.
The importance of family, friends and the ties that bind us!
A truly heartfelt read that tackles Alzheimer’s and teenage pregnancy in a wonderfully sensitive manner.
A read that will stay with you long after you have finished book
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
August 1, 2025
Catriona McAllister is juggling a lot in the Pieces of Us. Her mother, Minnie, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so the decision has been made that Minnie will come to live with Cat and her sixteen year old daughter Ruby.
Whilst Cat is sorting through Minnie's stuff. She comes across some documents that may change her whole life as she knows it. And, whilst dealing with this bombshell, Ruby has a life altering decision to make too.
I really enjoy a multi generational narrative. It provides us with the knowledge of how each character has formed their lives and how they all impact each other, especially given they are family.
Interspersed within the main storyline is that of Beth. As a reader, we don't know from the start how she links into Cat's story or even if she is linked. But, I really enjoyed trying to form a theory. Through Beth's story, we learn how times have changed for women over the years for the better. And, the contrast between Beth and Ruby is big.
This story definitely tugs at the heartstrings, and I really enjoyed it
Whilst Cat is sorting through Minnie's stuff. She comes across some documents that may change her whole life as she knows it. And, whilst dealing with this bombshell, Ruby has a life altering decision to make too.
I really enjoy a multi generational narrative. It provides us with the knowledge of how each character has formed their lives and how they all impact each other, especially given they are family.
Interspersed within the main storyline is that of Beth. As a reader, we don't know from the start how she links into Cat's story or even if she is linked. But, I really enjoyed trying to form a theory. Through Beth's story, we learn how times have changed for women over the years for the better. And, the contrast between Beth and Ruby is big.
This story definitely tugs at the heartstrings, and I really enjoyed it
August 3, 2025
I loved Meredith, Alone, so I was really excited about this one.
In The Pieces of Us, we follow three generations of the McAllister family who have all endured life changing events. The first, Minnie, is 58 and suffering from Alzheimer's. Minnie is living with her daughter, Cat, and granddaughter, Ruby. Cat has taken on the role of caring for her mother, but her world is turned upside down when she discovers something that makes her question everything she knows.
Minnie, Cat and Ruby are all very strong women, and I personally enjoyed all of their stories and seeing them all come together. I'm always a big fan of multi-timeline chapters, and Alexander does this to perfection in this book.
Overall, The Pieces of Us is a heartwarming, poignant story that I'd highly recommend. It doesn't come without its difficult topics (mentions of rape, abortion and abusive parents), so do consider these before picking it up.
A huge thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my e-ARC!
In The Pieces of Us, we follow three generations of the McAllister family who have all endured life changing events. The first, Minnie, is 58 and suffering from Alzheimer's. Minnie is living with her daughter, Cat, and granddaughter, Ruby. Cat has taken on the role of caring for her mother, but her world is turned upside down when she discovers something that makes her question everything she knows.
Minnie, Cat and Ruby are all very strong women, and I personally enjoyed all of their stories and seeing them all come together. I'm always a big fan of multi-timeline chapters, and Alexander does this to perfection in this book.
Overall, The Pieces of Us is a heartwarming, poignant story that I'd highly recommend. It doesn't come without its difficult topics (mentions of rape, abortion and abusive parents), so do consider these before picking it up.
A huge thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my e-ARC!
February 25, 2025
Cat lives with her teenage daughter Ruby. Her mother Minnie has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers and cannot live alone any longer. The story covers the three women learning how to be together and how to handle all that comes with an Alzheimers diagnosis, alongside teenage pregnancy.
I thought the characterisation in this book was wonderful - Cat in particular has a lot to deal with but copes well. Alzheimers was sensitively handled, and from personal experience, I could relate to, and understand, both Cat and Minnie.
A lovely story of familial relationships.
I thought the characterisation in this book was wonderful - Cat in particular has a lot to deal with but copes well. Alzheimers was sensitively handled, and from personal experience, I could relate to, and understand, both Cat and Minnie.
A lovely story of familial relationships.
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