The Blame

by Nichola Park

Can people grow without growing apart? Is the love and passion in a marriage doomed to turn into indifference and irritation? Expat Laura Cruz finds that her life in Lisbon is in a rut. Could an affair with a charming, older business associate be the answer to the slump her marriage is in? Or should she be sensible and focus on getting her marriage back on track? Then tragedy suddenly strikes, and the horrifying secret Laura and David must bear will either bring them together again or forever drive them apart.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2015

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and fast read with simple, conversational language. It started off pretty well but fell a little flat in the middle — probably because since it’s so short, all of the action emerged sooner than expected — and the end was a little weird and convenient.

Reading this felt like reading a short story rather than a novel, like this should be a part of a greater story. What came before the start? What’s going to happen after the end? (Maybe the author was on a super tight deadline.) The tragedy seemed a bit forced and therefore slightly unnecessary, but I guess it served its purpose in Laura and David’s relationship. And I wonder how much of the Portuguese culture and way of life was present or if it impacted the story at all.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book (unless you need a short book or want to read something set in Portugal) but I wouldn’t try to discourage anyone from reading it either.

[Kerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled to stay with this book. I didn't like Laura and thought the ending was rediculous.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romance with an insightful look into various social issues and psychological suspense.