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Another Rebecca
On the cusp of adulthood, Rebecca Grey has no idea where her life is headed. Like many of us, she struggles to build a sustainable identity, a task made even harder by the fact that her mother is engaged in an extended breakdown and her absent father has another family to worry about. Dealing with their problems leaves little time for her own, and pretty soon, something has to give. As she toils under the weight of a tragedy that was never hers to begin with, Rebecca faces the impossible task of carving out a future for herself, all the while shadowed by the mistakes of her parents. Told with an experienced voice through the eyes of three characters, Another Rebecca tells the story of one family’s moving inability to let go of the past.
406 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2015
90 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Scott-Townsend
11 books23 followersAuthor of FESTIVAL IN TIME (2022) The Vagabond Mother (2020) Sea Babies (2019) The Eliza Doll (2016). Her previous novels include The Last Time We Saw Marion (2014) Of His Bones (stand-alone sequel to The Last Time We Saw Marion, 2017) and Another Rebecca: originally published by Inspired Quill in 2015 but re-released in September 2018 by Wild Pressed Books. Tracey’s novels have been described as both poetic and painterly.
Tracey is also a poet and a visual artist. All her work is inspired by the emotions of her own experiences and perceptions. She has a Fine Art MA (University of Lincoln) and a BA Hons Visual Studies (Humberside Polytechnic). She has exhibited throughout the UK (as Tracey Scott).
Tracey is a volunteer for a charity which offers support to refugees and asylum seekers. She is a passionate allotment gardener and an avid traveller.
Most importantly, she is the mother of four grown-up children and is now also a granny.
Tracey is also a poet and a visual artist. All her work is inspired by the emotions of her own experiences and perceptions. She has a Fine Art MA (University of Lincoln) and a BA Hons Visual Studies (Humberside Polytechnic). She has exhibited throughout the UK (as Tracey Scott).
Tracey is a volunteer for a charity which offers support to refugees and asylum seekers. She is a passionate allotment gardener and an avid traveller.
Most importantly, she is the mother of four grown-up children and is now also a granny.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 26, 2015
I must say that at the beginning of this book I was utterly confused and just couldn't get my head around it.
Hence that is why it was a slow burner for me.
Once I DID get to understand the opening chapters I realized what was what.
The story is related by different characters, I think that is what threw me all over the place. I felt like I was swimming around for a while.....
BUT...
Once I got my thoughts in gear I was able to enjoy this book for the depth it had and the written word. I would definitely say this is not a book to read lightly, you need to start this is a quiet corner and progress with this until you have your head 'right.
Rebecca goes through many changes within the pages of this book, its ghostly, it whispers in the night, its a detrimental disintegration of a ghostly paranormal [in some ways] deterioration of Rebecca.
Rebecca has several hidden depths, and it almost came across as several different lives.
This is a story painting with words, there is a lot of narration within the pages to follow and keep up with and not too much dialogue.
I'm sat on the fence between thoroughly liking it and...wondering what I have just read. Its almost poetic.
I have given this book my personal marking of 3.07 because I simply am in awe of its poetic license here, but just not sure what story I have just read. Its really thrown me.
August 24, 2018
The start of this book I was a it confused but i kept going and it was good I did.....
Its told from the perspective of three characters it takes a look at the relationship between Rebecca and her alcoholic mother and her difficult childhood.
A complex and clever book worth a read.....
Its told from the perspective of three characters it takes a look at the relationship between Rebecca and her alcoholic mother and her difficult childhood.
A complex and clever book worth a read.....
October 13, 2021
This was a psychological family drama that grips you, it was a little bit slow starting for me but once I got into the flow of the book I was hooked!
The main character Rebecca was an absolutely beautiful character to meet , she is sweet , selfless , caring and she has had yo endure a lot in her life... a serious amount of things! I felt for her, for everything she had gone through, for all the secrets and lies she uncovers regarding her mother Bex .
It is a really moving book, in a beautiful setting , although it was a slow start for me I am so glad I stuck with it and went on the rollercoaster of emotions along with Rebecca.
The main character Rebecca was an absolutely beautiful character to meet , she is sweet , selfless , caring and she has had yo endure a lot in her life... a serious amount of things! I felt for her, for everything she had gone through, for all the secrets and lies she uncovers regarding her mother Bex .
It is a really moving book, in a beautiful setting , although it was a slow start for me I am so glad I stuck with it and went on the rollercoaster of emotions along with Rebecca.
March 5, 2015
The title suggests that we are in for a retake at Manderley, but no. This is not a Du Maurier sequel. The other Rebecca is a reformation of her mother, who has the same name. She now calls herself Bex to differentiate from the girl she once was, and sadly, is no more.
The novel opens on a dreamy sequence that is a time slip. Rebecca flits from hospital into a fantastic and erotic adventure, but it doesn’t last long. When we return to the present time, it is clear why Rebecca needs (and deserves) to escape reality.
She lives in a miserable and increasingly crisis-laden home, abandoned by father, caring for an alcoholic mother.
There are three voices: the girl, Rebecca, her mother, Bex and Jack, her seemingly errant father. The language is similar for the two parents, whereas Rebecca has gained more education and maturity despite being a young person.
The alcoholic mother whinges her way to disaster, yet in the chapters in her voice we find the remains of what could have been a nice person. The disgusting state she has got herself into isn’t minimized but the background story, built up slowly, shows her jagged path to destruction.
This author is skilled at setting a conflict from which the story can flow. We soon learn that Jack is caught up in a no-win situation that was caused by his kindness, not his neglect. It is easy to sympathise with his position, torn between competing emotional forces.
Our identification is with the Rebecca whose future is before her. The mystery surrounds and is a part of her, interacting with the art that inspires and possesses her.
As the narrative progresses, it becomes more complex and the fantasy Rebecca began with permeates the theme in a new way. The significance of the title comes into its own. Finally, the tangled threads of these three characters’ story reach their conclusion, making for a thoroughly satisfying read.
This is a thoughtful, well-structured novel with good characterisation. The life-style and thought-processes of the alcoholic are credible, as is the good-heartedness, yet ineffectiveness of the husband. Scott-Townsend has not made the mistake of painting her characters black and white. The positives and weaknesses are carefully revealed.
There are some lyrical descriptions of scenes that add to the pleasure of reading this interesting story. It should please readers of fantasy as well as those who enjoy tales of family conflict.
The novel opens on a dreamy sequence that is a time slip. Rebecca flits from hospital into a fantastic and erotic adventure, but it doesn’t last long. When we return to the present time, it is clear why Rebecca needs (and deserves) to escape reality.
She lives in a miserable and increasingly crisis-laden home, abandoned by father, caring for an alcoholic mother.
There are three voices: the girl, Rebecca, her mother, Bex and Jack, her seemingly errant father. The language is similar for the two parents, whereas Rebecca has gained more education and maturity despite being a young person.
The alcoholic mother whinges her way to disaster, yet in the chapters in her voice we find the remains of what could have been a nice person. The disgusting state she has got herself into isn’t minimized but the background story, built up slowly, shows her jagged path to destruction.
This author is skilled at setting a conflict from which the story can flow. We soon learn that Jack is caught up in a no-win situation that was caused by his kindness, not his neglect. It is easy to sympathise with his position, torn between competing emotional forces.
Our identification is with the Rebecca whose future is before her. The mystery surrounds and is a part of her, interacting with the art that inspires and possesses her.
As the narrative progresses, it becomes more complex and the fantasy Rebecca began with permeates the theme in a new way. The significance of the title comes into its own. Finally, the tangled threads of these three characters’ story reach their conclusion, making for a thoroughly satisfying read.
This is a thoughtful, well-structured novel with good characterisation. The life-style and thought-processes of the alcoholic are credible, as is the good-heartedness, yet ineffectiveness of the husband. Scott-Townsend has not made the mistake of painting her characters black and white. The positives and weaknesses are carefully revealed.
There are some lyrical descriptions of scenes that add to the pleasure of reading this interesting story. It should please readers of fantasy as well as those who enjoy tales of family conflict.
February 14, 2016
4.5 stars
This was a surprise hidden gem! It's been on my to-read list for a long time and I decided it was time to open it up ~ and I'm glad I did.
Another Rebecca is a very unusual story, told from the points of view of Rebecca, a young woman with understandable psychological problems, her alcoholic mother, Bex, and her care-worn father, Jack. The first chapter is an insight into the mind of Rebecca when she is at her most confused, and I wondered if it was going to be the sort of book I liked (I am not one for weird dream sequences and is-it-fantasy-or-isn't-it stuff, generally), but it was sufficiently well written for me to carry on. The second chapter was a different kettle of fish altogether, from the point of view of drink ravaged Bex, raw, gritty, and much more my cup of tea, and I realised I was going to enjoy the book alot when I got to chapter 3, and Jack. Then, it all started to make sense, I got stuck in and read most of it in one day ~ I couldn't leave it alone.
The novel goes back and forth from the present to various times in the past, and it's well structured, never confusing, with the years clearly shown, so it was easy to build up the complex history of the family. The author has a real talent for the written word, with the characters coming to life. Although the story is all about emotion, this aspect isn't laboured and there is plenty going on. I liked the way the nooks and crannies of the family's history unfolded, with just enough mystery to keep me doing that 'just one more chapter' thing. I would have liked to have seen more about what happened when the actual split between Rebecca's parents took place, and a bit more about the relationship between Jack and his new wife, but that's the only area I felt was slightly lacking.
Looking at this book on Amazon I can see that it's hidden away in a dark side shelf, and with its unassuming cover it might be easy to overlook, but I can assure you it's worth picking up. A couple of the reviews say that it's hard to understand what's going on, but I think that says more about the reviewer - it's not confusing, it's complex and clever. Oh, and there's a lovely little episode of Tudor ghostliness, too! Nice work, Ms S-T :).
This was a surprise hidden gem! It's been on my to-read list for a long time and I decided it was time to open it up ~ and I'm glad I did.
Another Rebecca is a very unusual story, told from the points of view of Rebecca, a young woman with understandable psychological problems, her alcoholic mother, Bex, and her care-worn father, Jack. The first chapter is an insight into the mind of Rebecca when she is at her most confused, and I wondered if it was going to be the sort of book I liked (I am not one for weird dream sequences and is-it-fantasy-or-isn't-it stuff, generally), but it was sufficiently well written for me to carry on. The second chapter was a different kettle of fish altogether, from the point of view of drink ravaged Bex, raw, gritty, and much more my cup of tea, and I realised I was going to enjoy the book alot when I got to chapter 3, and Jack. Then, it all started to make sense, I got stuck in and read most of it in one day ~ I couldn't leave it alone.
The novel goes back and forth from the present to various times in the past, and it's well structured, never confusing, with the years clearly shown, so it was easy to build up the complex history of the family. The author has a real talent for the written word, with the characters coming to life. Although the story is all about emotion, this aspect isn't laboured and there is plenty going on. I liked the way the nooks and crannies of the family's history unfolded, with just enough mystery to keep me doing that 'just one more chapter' thing. I would have liked to have seen more about what happened when the actual split between Rebecca's parents took place, and a bit more about the relationship between Jack and his new wife, but that's the only area I felt was slightly lacking.
Looking at this book on Amazon I can see that it's hidden away in a dark side shelf, and with its unassuming cover it might be easy to overlook, but I can assure you it's worth picking up. A couple of the reviews say that it's hard to understand what's going on, but I think that says more about the reviewer - it's not confusing, it's complex and clever. Oh, and there's a lovely little episode of Tudor ghostliness, too! Nice work, Ms S-T :).
August 24, 2018
A very well written Book that wasn’t at all what I expected it to be, and was all the more enjoyable for that. Certainly a Hidden Gem, this is a book that most would enjoy!
The story follows three Characters, and although that sounds like it could be confusing I found that this was done in a very talented way. We gradually get to know the Characters, and i felt like I knew the Characters better than many others because of it. The different views gave the opportunity to give differing perspectives on situations, and better understand their reactions.
Each section follows a different timeline, but they all come together beautifully, and again this is cleverly done. Rather than finding this confusing, I found it was easy enough to follow and made the entire situation was given a more Holistic view, and meant we could have a deeper understanding of the Characters personalities. It meant that I felt connected to and sympathetic to each Character for different reasons, and made the storyline more realistic because the Characters maintained their individuality and sense of Humanity. The readers is granted the opportunity to empathise with a situation, sympathise with the characters, whilst not necessarily liking the People we are reading about depending on the situation.
The storyline itself is very gripping, dealing with modern family situations, a separated couple with a Child, one partner has a new Relationship and children. We see how people can misuse the money sent to them for their child, it also considers Alcoholism and the effects of this on the people around them. It’s a very moving tale about family situations, connections and relations.
Overall, this was a very unique tale, that was emotional, uplifting, heart-wrenching, and sad by turns, whilst maintaining an interesting twist to the writing style and a very thought provoking read on the whole.
This is definitely one I recommend!
The story follows three Characters, and although that sounds like it could be confusing I found that this was done in a very talented way. We gradually get to know the Characters, and i felt like I knew the Characters better than many others because of it. The different views gave the opportunity to give differing perspectives on situations, and better understand their reactions.
Each section follows a different timeline, but they all come together beautifully, and again this is cleverly done. Rather than finding this confusing, I found it was easy enough to follow and made the entire situation was given a more Holistic view, and meant we could have a deeper understanding of the Characters personalities. It meant that I felt connected to and sympathetic to each Character for different reasons, and made the storyline more realistic because the Characters maintained their individuality and sense of Humanity. The readers is granted the opportunity to empathise with a situation, sympathise with the characters, whilst not necessarily liking the People we are reading about depending on the situation.
The storyline itself is very gripping, dealing with modern family situations, a separated couple with a Child, one partner has a new Relationship and children. We see how people can misuse the money sent to them for their child, it also considers Alcoholism and the effects of this on the people around them. It’s a very moving tale about family situations, connections and relations.
Overall, this was a very unique tale, that was emotional, uplifting, heart-wrenching, and sad by turns, whilst maintaining an interesting twist to the writing style and a very thought provoking read on the whole.
This is definitely one I recommend!
October 6, 2021
I was so happy to be offered this book to review. This is the second book by Tracey Scott-Townsend that I’ve reviewed in as many weeks, and I’m thrilled that I have another two of her books to read in the next month. Dealing with subjects such as mental health, alcoholism and the way Bex’s lies have affected Rebecca’s whole life while she struggles to care for her mother, the author conveys the starkness of Rebecca’s life, but in such a compelling way. I couldn’t stop reading this book.
The story is told from the perspectives of different characters, and in different time frames between the present and various points in the past. I thought this might become confusing, but it was anything but. I found it easy to follow, and enjoyable to read.
I would recommend this book as an example of well written literary fiction, as well as a compelling story that will stay with you for a long time after reading. I gave Another Rebecca four stars.
The story is told from the perspectives of different characters, and in different time frames between the present and various points in the past. I thought this might become confusing, but it was anything but. I found it easy to follow, and enjoyable to read.
I would recommend this book as an example of well written literary fiction, as well as a compelling story that will stay with you for a long time after reading. I gave Another Rebecca four stars.
August 12, 2018
I was sent a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
This book was nothing like I expected it to be, but I loved it - i devoured it in one sitting!
I thought the focus was going to be about Rebecca and her hallucinations, but the main focus was Rebecca’s relationship with her alcoholic mother.
Some parts were hard to read, they felt a little too close to home, but the story had me feeling all sorts of emotions and left me wanting to be in the story to support Rebecca.
This was a beautiful, although sometimes heartbreaking story that was really well written, and definitely one I would recommend to others.
This book was nothing like I expected it to be, but I loved it - i devoured it in one sitting!
I thought the focus was going to be about Rebecca and her hallucinations, but the main focus was Rebecca’s relationship with her alcoholic mother.
Some parts were hard to read, they felt a little too close to home, but the story had me feeling all sorts of emotions and left me wanting to be in the story to support Rebecca.
This was a beautiful, although sometimes heartbreaking story that was really well written, and definitely one I would recommend to others.
August 25, 2018
Oh I was captivated from the first page. I felt like I was pulled in and was living life through the characters eyes. The book is so descriptive that you can’t help but be whisked away and become lost in their lives and struggles. It’s also refreshed my interest in Irish Art and poetry. I love when a book manages to open up new worlds for you and gives you a thirst for learning about new subjects. Mental health and addiction are very much hot topics at the moment too and it’s good to see an author tackle these subjects with such understanding. Loved it
August 15, 2018
I loved this book. As a Nottinghamshire girl I identified with places mentioned and Skegness too. The escapism through art. The characters are strong and drew me in with empathy and frustration. A book I picked up and didn’t want to put down till I had finished..some may find the flirting back and forward in time but I like this style and would recommend anyone to read this.. amazing ..so glad I got to read it
August 21, 2018
When I started reading the first few pages of this it came across as confusing and I didn’t know if I’d get on with it. I carried on and was so glad I did! This book is amazing! It’s haunting and spooky in points and so full of mystery, whilst also telling the story of Rebecca and her mother and also her life. 4.5 stars 🌟
October 2, 2021
Review
Once again Tracey leaves me an emotional wreck after reading another of her incredible books.
I dont know how she does it but each of her books gets better and better.
I loved Rebecca's determination to make her life better for herself and Bex really did have hold of my heart retelling of her grief.
Tracey's books always stay with me, this is my third tour I've been part of and I could talk about all of the books I've read with so much admiration.
Simply beautiful ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again Tracey leaves me an emotional wreck after reading another of her incredible books.
I dont know how she does it but each of her books gets better and better.
I loved Rebecca's determination to make her life better for herself and Bex really did have hold of my heart retelling of her grief.
Tracey's books always stay with me, this is my third tour I've been part of and I could talk about all of the books I've read with so much admiration.
Simply beautiful ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 27, 2018
I found this book, intriguing,mystifying,frustrating and moving, but ultimately a very satisfying read. It was a complex story and demanded quite a lot of attention. The character of Rebecca was a joy and I felt she was let down badly by both her parents. My only criticism was I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I wanted more explanations of what her mother had done and how it impacted on everybody. The supernatural part of the story was well done and I enjoyed the descriptions of the paintings . I really want to read her other books so will have to try and trackt them down.
August 27, 2018
Rebecca and her mother Bex live together with Rebecca propping up her mother who is an alcoholic following her "great grief" that overwhelmed her when she was 19.
Rebecca had an halluination when unwell that obsessed her painting.
Who is the old lady that thinks she is Rebeccas grandmother, why does she leave them a fortune?
asympathetic story about mental health and alcoholism. A story of lost love and finding love.
A really good read.
Rebecca had an halluination when unwell that obsessed her painting.
Who is the old lady that thinks she is Rebeccas grandmother, why does she leave them a fortune?
asympathetic story about mental health and alcoholism. A story of lost love and finding love.
A really good read.
March 21, 2015
I remember reading Tracey's previous novel, "The Last Time We Saw Marion", and feeling that I'd somehow been taken over by the characters within the pages. It was an intensely emotional book, and I didn't think I'd ever experience that strange feeling from another novel again, let alone one by the same author. Yet, reading "Another Rebecca", the same thing happened to me again. I spent the entire morning totally gripped by the unfolding events, and when I had to put the book down to go to work, I felt disoriented, confused. It was as if real life was no longer real, so involved was I in the lives of these fictional characters, so skilfully created by the author.
Like Marion, "Another Rebecca" is told from the viewpoint of several characters. Firstly, we have Rebecca - a young girl, trapped in the role of carer to her mother. When the story opens, she is in the grip of a fever in hospital, and experiences something which changes the course of her life.
Bex is her mother. An alcoholic, Bex used to be Rebecca, but her "Great Grief" put an end to that. She stopped the clocks and became someone else – a walking corpse, physically alive but emotionally dead. Nothing and no one can alter the course she has set for herself. Bex waits for only one thing, and the hoofbeats are fast approaching…
And then there is Jack. The man who believed he could save Bex and bring Rebecca back to life. The man who finally realised that she could never be his, and the one who is now desperate to help his daughter before it's too late. Because she hears the hoofbeats too, and it seems she is willing to sacrifice everything for what they signify.
This story held me in its spell from the very first page. What's so clever about Tracey's writing is that she describes unearthly events - fleeting glimpses of something the reader cannot see, whispers we cannot fully hear, a brush of something not quite real against our skin – yet at the same time, she pulls no punches in her earthy descriptions of the all-too-human protagonists. Bex's physical disintegration is shown in depressing clarity, and Rebecca's mental deterioration is unnerving to witness. These people are imperfect humans, and their flaws and failings are not skipped over but shown in all their sordid and frightening fullness. Yet the stark narrative of these issues is coloured in with beautiful, poetic imagery. The author paints a picture with words – a picture as striking and lovely and as haunting as the featured painting, "There Is No Night" by Jack Butler Yeats.
My heart ached for all three of the main characters, and for Sebastian and for Evelyn. The book is all about loss in one form or another – loss of love, loss of self, loss of life, loss of sanity. At times it's hard to feel sympathy for Bex, when she behaves so selfishly and outrageously, dragging her daughter into her joyless existence. Yet, as was the case with Marion, it's hard to judge her too harshly. The skill of the author lies in creating fully-rounded characters, who evoke compassion and love, even when behaving in the most appalling manner.
By the end of the book, I felt I had read something truly remarkable. I am so impressed with "Another Rebecca", as I was with "The Last Time I Saw Marion". I think Tracey Scott-Townsend's writing is something really special, and I'm happy to recommend this book to anyone. I wait with eager anticipation for the next one.
The author kindly provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Like Marion, "Another Rebecca" is told from the viewpoint of several characters. Firstly, we have Rebecca - a young girl, trapped in the role of carer to her mother. When the story opens, she is in the grip of a fever in hospital, and experiences something which changes the course of her life.
Bex is her mother. An alcoholic, Bex used to be Rebecca, but her "Great Grief" put an end to that. She stopped the clocks and became someone else – a walking corpse, physically alive but emotionally dead. Nothing and no one can alter the course she has set for herself. Bex waits for only one thing, and the hoofbeats are fast approaching…
And then there is Jack. The man who believed he could save Bex and bring Rebecca back to life. The man who finally realised that she could never be his, and the one who is now desperate to help his daughter before it's too late. Because she hears the hoofbeats too, and it seems she is willing to sacrifice everything for what they signify.
This story held me in its spell from the very first page. What's so clever about Tracey's writing is that she describes unearthly events - fleeting glimpses of something the reader cannot see, whispers we cannot fully hear, a brush of something not quite real against our skin – yet at the same time, she pulls no punches in her earthy descriptions of the all-too-human protagonists. Bex's physical disintegration is shown in depressing clarity, and Rebecca's mental deterioration is unnerving to witness. These people are imperfect humans, and their flaws and failings are not skipped over but shown in all their sordid and frightening fullness. Yet the stark narrative of these issues is coloured in with beautiful, poetic imagery. The author paints a picture with words – a picture as striking and lovely and as haunting as the featured painting, "There Is No Night" by Jack Butler Yeats.
My heart ached for all three of the main characters, and for Sebastian and for Evelyn. The book is all about loss in one form or another – loss of love, loss of self, loss of life, loss of sanity. At times it's hard to feel sympathy for Bex, when she behaves so selfishly and outrageously, dragging her daughter into her joyless existence. Yet, as was the case with Marion, it's hard to judge her too harshly. The skill of the author lies in creating fully-rounded characters, who evoke compassion and love, even when behaving in the most appalling manner.
By the end of the book, I felt I had read something truly remarkable. I am so impressed with "Another Rebecca", as I was with "The Last Time I Saw Marion". I think Tracey Scott-Townsend's writing is something really special, and I'm happy to recommend this book to anyone. I wait with eager anticipation for the next one.
The author kindly provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2021
This book is set in Nottingham where I currently based. So I was really interested from that point of view. This story was brutally honest, raw, depressing and frustrating at times.
The relationship between Bex and Rebecca was so sad and damaged. The face that Bex couldn’t let go of the past to the point it ruined her relationship with Jack was so devastating. Jack Truly loved and accepted Bex for what she is, but she was too consumed with her grief all these years. Her relationship with her daughter didn’t improved after all these years. I can’t help but feel sympathy with Rebecca and her Dad. She was trapped as being the main carer to her alcoholic Mother. And there’s Jack who truly believed that he could save Bex from her “Great Grief”.
My heart ache for all these three characters. The book is about loss in one form or another.
By the end of this book. I felt like I’ve read something remarkable and raw. It’s beautifully executed and spooky.
Thank you lovebookstour for gifting me this book to review.
The relationship between Bex and Rebecca was so sad and damaged. The face that Bex couldn’t let go of the past to the point it ruined her relationship with Jack was so devastating. Jack Truly loved and accepted Bex for what she is, but she was too consumed with her grief all these years. Her relationship with her daughter didn’t improved after all these years. I can’t help but feel sympathy with Rebecca and her Dad. She was trapped as being the main carer to her alcoholic Mother. And there’s Jack who truly believed that he could save Bex from her “Great Grief”.
My heart ache for all these three characters. The book is about loss in one form or another.
By the end of this book. I felt like I’ve read something remarkable and raw. It’s beautifully executed and spooky.
Thank you lovebookstour for gifting me this book to review.
August 13, 2018
This is my first novel by Tracey and on the whole I enjoyed it but was at times left confused.
The story of Rebecca and her mum Bex was at time sad and at times harrowing. The relationship between this mother and daughter are complicated and complex with role reversals weaving throughout the novel.
Bex's "Great grief" is an underlying feature that impacts on the whole tale.
All in all a story which keeps you engrossed and intrigued
The story of Rebecca and her mum Bex was at time sad and at times harrowing. The relationship between this mother and daughter are complicated and complex with role reversals weaving throughout the novel.
Bex's "Great grief" is an underlying feature that impacts on the whole tale.
All in all a story which keeps you engrossed and intrigued
May 24, 2016
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, told from the perspective of three characters. Starting out with a dream sequence that finally makes sense near the end of the book. An amazing reality of how one event can change you and others lives!
October 27, 2021
Another Rebecca Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An exquisitely encroaching emotional novel, Tracey Scott-Townsend writes books like no other. The hunger this book gave me for more, more words, more story, more emotion, it was overwhelming. There's been no book of hers worthy of anything less than 5 stars, and Another Rebecca is judy another incredible title to that list.
"Rebecca Grey can't shake off the hallucation she had while in hospital, but her alcoholic mother Bex is too wrapped up in the 'Great Grief' of her youth to notice her daughter's struggle to define dream from reality. The two of them lurch from one poverty striken situation to another. But why does any old woman she has never met believe she is Rebecca's grandmother, and why did Bex swear to stop living when she was only 19?"
This featured some very powerful and breaking subjects of Alcoholism, Poverty, Child Neglect and Grief. They were written with such sensitive clarity, the storyline was harrowing but not tramamtic to read. I loved the parallel relationship of mother and daughter, how they have two different lives but how when you carry a child within your body, there is a part of you that will always remain one. An obsessive love that can only come from a parent to their child, yet how other devastating factors can mask that love, leaving one more important then the other; alcohol vs. a child.
A story I would urge anyone to read, one to be recommended infinitely. Another Rebecca, i thank you for the time I spent reading you 🤍
An exquisitely encroaching emotional novel, Tracey Scott-Townsend writes books like no other. The hunger this book gave me for more, more words, more story, more emotion, it was overwhelming. There's been no book of hers worthy of anything less than 5 stars, and Another Rebecca is judy another incredible title to that list.
"Rebecca Grey can't shake off the hallucation she had while in hospital, but her alcoholic mother Bex is too wrapped up in the 'Great Grief' of her youth to notice her daughter's struggle to define dream from reality. The two of them lurch from one poverty striken situation to another. But why does any old woman she has never met believe she is Rebecca's grandmother, and why did Bex swear to stop living when she was only 19?"
This featured some very powerful and breaking subjects of Alcoholism, Poverty, Child Neglect and Grief. They were written with such sensitive clarity, the storyline was harrowing but not tramamtic to read. I loved the parallel relationship of mother and daughter, how they have two different lives but how when you carry a child within your body, there is a part of you that will always remain one. An obsessive love that can only come from a parent to their child, yet how other devastating factors can mask that love, leaving one more important then the other; alcohol vs. a child.
A story I would urge anyone to read, one to be recommended infinitely. Another Rebecca, i thank you for the time I spent reading you 🤍
October 11, 2021
Brilliant, so completely different from the previous book read by this author. But one that was extremely well written with the strong connection of family. This book gets your mind hooked from the first chapter.
What a character Rebecca is. The amount of willpower and strength although timid and emotional herself. She’s a wonderful character that you like and appreciate for so many different reasons. I love how this book connects you to the cover and as you embark on Rebecca’s journey you can appreciate the meaning and reference.
Deception, secrets, lies, how can you trust how can you believe. The whole psychological factor plays on your mind as you feel it playing through the characters too. There’s so much you don’t expect from this as it takes you to the past to the present you feel yourself twisted in what’s reality and question who’s who.
For me it was hard reading about the alcoholic mother so beware this may cause a bit of a trigger for some. But it’s so worth going through the emotions to enjoy every part of this book. This was an absolute brilliant read a really emotional, psychological page turner.
What a character Rebecca is. The amount of willpower and strength although timid and emotional herself. She’s a wonderful character that you like and appreciate for so many different reasons. I love how this book connects you to the cover and as you embark on Rebecca’s journey you can appreciate the meaning and reference.
Deception, secrets, lies, how can you trust how can you believe. The whole psychological factor plays on your mind as you feel it playing through the characters too. There’s so much you don’t expect from this as it takes you to the past to the present you feel yourself twisted in what’s reality and question who’s who.
For me it was hard reading about the alcoholic mother so beware this may cause a bit of a trigger for some. But it’s so worth going through the emotions to enjoy every part of this book. This was an absolute brilliant read a really emotional, psychological page turner.
October 19, 2021
I was a little bit confused reading the first few chapters as there are two characters called Rebecca. One goes by Rebecca and the other (her mum) goes by Bex.
Rebecca is 17 years old and lives with her alcoholic mother. She has only got back in touch with her dad a few years previous and is still building up a relationship with and his new wife and twin boys.
The chapters are told by three characters. Rebecca, her mum Bex and her dad Jack.
Rebecca has spent her life looking after her mum who has turned to drink to help her cope with her 'great grief' that happened before Rebecca was born.
I enjoyed reading this story and really felt a strong connection to the characters. I really felt for all of them. I just wish Bex would have been more open with her daughter. And I feel if she had communicated more, things might not have been so bad.
Overall it was a great story, with strong characters, but I did feel the ending was a little rushed and could have explored more.
3/5 stars for me
Rebecca is 17 years old and lives with her alcoholic mother. She has only got back in touch with her dad a few years previous and is still building up a relationship with and his new wife and twin boys.
The chapters are told by three characters. Rebecca, her mum Bex and her dad Jack.
Rebecca has spent her life looking after her mum who has turned to drink to help her cope with her 'great grief' that happened before Rebecca was born.
I enjoyed reading this story and really felt a strong connection to the characters. I really felt for all of them. I just wish Bex would have been more open with her daughter. And I feel if she had communicated more, things might not have been so bad.
Overall it was a great story, with strong characters, but I did feel the ending was a little rushed and could have explored more.
3/5 stars for me
August 13, 2018
This story takes a brutally honest look at the relationship between teenage Rebecca and her alcoholic mother, who has descended into a dark place following a huge (and incredibly badly handled) emotional trauma at a young age. The book begins with Rebecca having a hallucination whilst ill (her illness also routed in mental health) which she then seeks to make a reality for herself through her relationships with others.
The book is incredibly well written with an empathetic understanding of a range of mental health issues and the knock on effects of Bex’s alcoholism on her marriage and on the rest of her family. Rebecca garnered my sympathy as a reader and although at times I was silently screaming at her to make better choices it was clear that the choices she made were of necessity and in the main to look after and protect her mother.
This is an incredibly well written book with enough emotional suspense to make you want to read it in one sitting!
The book is incredibly well written with an empathetic understanding of a range of mental health issues and the knock on effects of Bex’s alcoholism on her marriage and on the rest of her family. Rebecca garnered my sympathy as a reader and although at times I was silently screaming at her to make better choices it was clear that the choices she made were of necessity and in the main to look after and protect her mother.
This is an incredibly well written book with enough emotional suspense to make you want to read it in one sitting!
October 8, 2021
This book revolves around three main characters and their relationship with each other. It goes back and forward in time to reveal the emotional, moving and at times raw story of the relationship between a daughter, her alcoholic mother and estranged father. I liked the mystery around why Rebecca kept painting the same vision and who the blonde boy she keeps seeing was and it was this aspect of the book that kept me reading. There is no great reveal but the timeline jumps backwards and forwards and hints at what happened in the past, each piece adding to what has gone before to finally give us the whole picture. The characters were well drawn and did evoke different feelings in me. I didn’t like or feel particularly sorry for Bex but I felt for Rebecca who tried her best but could never really be enough for her mother. Overall this book didn’t blow me away but it was well written and I can see that other readers would love it but it just wasn’t for me.
October 12, 2021
I found this an unusual story. I have read nothing from this author previously, so I started this book with an open mind and hoped it matched the beauty of the cover.
Told from three perspectives of Rebecca, a young women with psychological issues, her alcoholic mum, Bex and her father Jack. Every character has been exquisitely drawn making them so real and relatable too.
The author brings sensitive subjects that are so relevant in today's world, mental health, alcoholism and young carers. We see how Rebecca is affected throughout by caring for her mum and how her life is. The author has dealt with all these issues perfectly. Bringing a compelling and poignant story to life and basing it on these brutal truths that we see around us every day.
I really will not forget this book any time soon.
Told from three perspectives of Rebecca, a young women with psychological issues, her alcoholic mum, Bex and her father Jack. Every character has been exquisitely drawn making them so real and relatable too.
The author brings sensitive subjects that are so relevant in today's world, mental health, alcoholism and young carers. We see how Rebecca is affected throughout by caring for her mum and how her life is. The author has dealt with all these issues perfectly. Bringing a compelling and poignant story to life and basing it on these brutal truths that we see around us every day.
I really will not forget this book any time soon.
October 7, 2021
This was such an interesting read, like nothing I'd ever read before (as I'm sure you can tell from the blurb!). Although it took me a while to get into it (I blame moving back to university and this being the first ever eBook I've read!), the pace of the book soon picks up, and I ended every reading session wanting to find out more about Rebecca and her mother Bex, and how their complex and touching storylines would come to a head.
The book often flicks between different POVs, and also past and present, but is done in a way that's far from confusing - I found the storyline beautiful, easy to follow, and each chapter left me wanting more!
Scott-Townsend has made a new fan of me, and I'd love to dive into some of her other books!
The book often flicks between different POVs, and also past and present, but is done in a way that's far from confusing - I found the storyline beautiful, easy to follow, and each chapter left me wanting more!
Scott-Townsend has made a new fan of me, and I'd love to dive into some of her other books!
August 29, 2018
I was happy that I hung in there and read this novel. The beginning jumps right in and at first, it doesn't make sense but then it all falls into place and I enjoyed it. It was an interesting storyline with many plot turns. The Rebeccas were well developed and explained and they are wonderful character studies of alcoholism. It has beautifully written scenes that just jump off the page. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 12, 2021
Such a complex book.....slow to start.....I am still wondering what happened if I'm totally honest, not in a negative way at all.....it was a deep and emotional.....and has me thinking for days after
The story of Rebecca and her mother Bex.
I wanted to grab Rebecca and wrap her up. Her relationship with her mother was heartbreaking. An alcoholic who can't let go of the past.....such an emotional journey. I felt so much for Rebecca.
A first for me from the author, but it won't be my last....
The story of Rebecca and her mother Bex.
I wanted to grab Rebecca and wrap her up. Her relationship with her mother was heartbreaking. An alcoholic who can't let go of the past.....such an emotional journey. I felt so much for Rebecca.
A first for me from the author, but it won't be my last....
August 13, 2018
To be honest I struggled with this b9ok 9n a personal level around the issues of alcoholism and a difficult childhood . I persevered and was able to find the beauty in the book. I felt for Rebecca and wanted to remove her from the situation. It took me quite awhile to sort the characters out and perspectives. I had to put the book aside a couple of times. Emotional!
August 27, 2018
I struggled at first trying to figure out who each person was but once I got my head around it, this was a great read. I so wanted to jump in and help Rebecca and was angry at both her parents for their lousy parenting skills.
It's definitely worth struggling past the confusing bit at the beginning!
It's definitely worth struggling past the confusing bit at the beginning!
October 8, 2021
You know when you read one of Tracey's books that you're in for a real treat, her books are so well written & captivating.
A hard hitting, highly emotional & brutally honest read, told from three points of view, this is the story of Rebecca & her alcoholic mother.
This is the second of Tracey's books I've read & I'm excited to read more of her books.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
A hard hitting, highly emotional & brutally honest read, told from three points of view, this is the story of Rebecca & her alcoholic mother.
This is the second of Tracey's books I've read & I'm excited to read more of her books.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
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