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Small Kindnesses
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00A7WDRBA
Leonard Mutch has just discovered his wife was lying to him for years – but can he bear to uncover the truth?
Leonard and Rose Mutch were happily married for forty years. But after her sudden death, Leonard is shocked to find a train ticket in her handbag to a town Rose had never visited. Then a letter arrives from a childhood friend of Rose’s, hinting at a past she never told him about.
Reluctantly embarking on an investigation into the life of the woman he thought he knew as well as himself, Leonard is faced with questions that threaten to destroy his happy memories. Why did Rose secretly leave work every Tuesday? Why did she tell lies about her family? And why is their daughter so desperate for him to stop digging into the past?
As his whole life threatens to unravel, Leonard must make an impossible choice – between his memories and a truth he could never have imagined…
From the bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Thing, Small Kindnesses is a gripping and ultimately life-affirming novel that explores the power of secrets and the healing qualities of love.
Previously sold as 'The Blue Handbag'.
Leonard Mutch has just discovered his wife was lying to him for years – but can he bear to uncover the truth?
Leonard and Rose Mutch were happily married for forty years. But after her sudden death, Leonard is shocked to find a train ticket in her handbag to a town Rose had never visited. Then a letter arrives from a childhood friend of Rose’s, hinting at a past she never told him about.
Reluctantly embarking on an investigation into the life of the woman he thought he knew as well as himself, Leonard is faced with questions that threaten to destroy his happy memories. Why did Rose secretly leave work every Tuesday? Why did she tell lies about her family? And why is their daughter so desperate for him to stop digging into the past?
As his whole life threatens to unravel, Leonard must make an impossible choice – between his memories and a truth he could never have imagined…
From the bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Thing, Small Kindnesses is a gripping and ultimately life-affirming novel that explores the power of secrets and the healing qualities of love.
Previously sold as 'The Blue Handbag'.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 12, 2020
For a long time I wasn't sure where this gently told story was going, but the ending, when you get there, is powerful and leaves more questions than answers.
Small Kindnesses is about Leonard, a man in his sixties who is just starting to get over the death of his beloved wife, Rose. Life has settled into a pattern and he enjoys his job as a gardener. One day he discovers an old handbag of Rose's, with a train ticket to Didcot inside. He's confused as they don't know anyone in Didcot and he didn't think they had secrets from each other. A few days later a letter arrives from Lily, an old school friend of Rose who is seeking a reunion. Leonard calls her to break the sad news of Rose's death and they fall into an unlikely friendship. But when Lily mentions being jealous of Rose's lovely long hair Leonard is confused - because Rose always kept her hair short, in fact she said she had a medical condition from birth that meant it didn't grow more than a few inches. As more clues to Rose's secret life unveil themselves Lily - a detective novel addict - and Leonard start to piece together a story - but the truth is far sadder than they could ever have thought.
As. I said, this is a gentle tale that takes its time to get started, and I sometimes found myself getting tired of the descriptions of Leonard's flowers and the slow pace. However, as the clues came together I was drawn to the same conclusions as Leonard and was equally shocked and saddened by the truth. It left many questions - why did Rose keep her hair short? Why did she feel so unable to share her past with Leonard? How did their daughter cope with carrying a secret throughout her teenage years?
At one point the author says, "We are all full of secrets ... and most of us have a bigger secret that threatens to choke us." When you discover what Rose's secret is you'll be amazed that it didnt choke, her that she could be a loving wife and mother and friend for all those years.
An intriguing novel and I shall look for more by this author.
Small Kindnesses is about Leonard, a man in his sixties who is just starting to get over the death of his beloved wife, Rose. Life has settled into a pattern and he enjoys his job as a gardener. One day he discovers an old handbag of Rose's, with a train ticket to Didcot inside. He's confused as they don't know anyone in Didcot and he didn't think they had secrets from each other. A few days later a letter arrives from Lily, an old school friend of Rose who is seeking a reunion. Leonard calls her to break the sad news of Rose's death and they fall into an unlikely friendship. But when Lily mentions being jealous of Rose's lovely long hair Leonard is confused - because Rose always kept her hair short, in fact she said she had a medical condition from birth that meant it didn't grow more than a few inches. As more clues to Rose's secret life unveil themselves Lily - a detective novel addict - and Leonard start to piece together a story - but the truth is far sadder than they could ever have thought.
As. I said, this is a gentle tale that takes its time to get started, and I sometimes found myself getting tired of the descriptions of Leonard's flowers and the slow pace. However, as the clues came together I was drawn to the same conclusions as Leonard and was equally shocked and saddened by the truth. It left many questions - why did Rose keep her hair short? Why did she feel so unable to share her past with Leonard? How did their daughter cope with carrying a secret throughout her teenage years?
At one point the author says, "We are all full of secrets ... and most of us have a bigger secret that threatens to choke us." When you discover what Rose's secret is you'll be amazed that it didnt choke, her that she could be a loving wife and mother and friend for all those years.
An intriguing novel and I shall look for more by this author.
June 9, 2009
On the morning that Fiona Robyn emailed me to tell me I’d won a signed copy of The Blue Handbag I also got another unexpected though pleasant surprise. A Greater Spotted Woodpecker was seen in my garden… or so I’m told. I didn’t see him myself. I missed him. I’ve seen them before on my travels but never in my own garden. Maybe he’ll come back.
A few days later the book arrives. There is still no sign of my elusive new visitor and the weather has gone to clouds and showers, turning the garden into an unfit place for either bird watching or book reading. I start the book anyway and begin to get acquainted with the main protagonist. I like Leonard almost from the start. He has a quality that reminds me of my Grandad, who was probably one of my most favourite people in existence. But Leonard is far too fanciful, and on occasion silly, for that comparison to stand much scrutiny. I soon realize that a closer mark for comparison might be myself. The clowning about, the wandering imagination and sadly the Ta-da! moments are all things I’ve been guilty of. The paragraph about Leonard not being able to stop himself mimicking accents even elicited a 'Bloody Hell!' of self recognition from me.
The characterisations throughout are one of the books strengths. The book never overloads with too many characters at a time. You can imagine these people having a life beyond the last page of the novel. I caught myself wondering what Leonard thought of the new bloke on Springwatch this year. And was he missing Bill? Was he drawn to the science or the aesthetics of nature? Probably a mix of the two I conclude. I’m glad he learnt that ducks aren’t just for kids. Ducks are great.
The mystery that begins with a blue handbag takes it’s time to unfold, small clues are uncovered as the months pass and the seasons turn. I like Fiona’s writing. Some of the passages seep into your head like a cool balm straight to the brain. The only time my eyes started to slightly glaze over was the penguin sequence.
It was such a shame that the weather remained dull over the weekend when I read this because it would have been a perfect read in the garden book. I haven’t read The Letters yet, so I’ll just add that to my to-read list after I finish up here. Maybe by the time I read it I’ll have caught a glimpse of that woodpecker. The tree he landed on now has a new birdfeeder. He’s out there somewhere - probably in the wood further up the hill. One day he might come back.
An uncut version of this review resides here: Badelynge
A few days later the book arrives. There is still no sign of my elusive new visitor and the weather has gone to clouds and showers, turning the garden into an unfit place for either bird watching or book reading. I start the book anyway and begin to get acquainted with the main protagonist. I like Leonard almost from the start. He has a quality that reminds me of my Grandad, who was probably one of my most favourite people in existence. But Leonard is far too fanciful, and on occasion silly, for that comparison to stand much scrutiny. I soon realize that a closer mark for comparison might be myself. The clowning about, the wandering imagination and sadly the Ta-da! moments are all things I’ve been guilty of. The paragraph about Leonard not being able to stop himself mimicking accents even elicited a 'Bloody Hell!' of self recognition from me.
The characterisations throughout are one of the books strengths. The book never overloads with too many characters at a time. You can imagine these people having a life beyond the last page of the novel. I caught myself wondering what Leonard thought of the new bloke on Springwatch this year. And was he missing Bill? Was he drawn to the science or the aesthetics of nature? Probably a mix of the two I conclude. I’m glad he learnt that ducks aren’t just for kids. Ducks are great.
The mystery that begins with a blue handbag takes it’s time to unfold, small clues are uncovered as the months pass and the seasons turn. I like Fiona’s writing. Some of the passages seep into your head like a cool balm straight to the brain. The only time my eyes started to slightly glaze over was the penguin sequence.
It was such a shame that the weather remained dull over the weekend when I read this because it would have been a perfect read in the garden book. I haven’t read The Letters yet, so I’ll just add that to my to-read list after I finish up here. Maybe by the time I read it I’ll have caught a glimpse of that woodpecker. The tree he landed on now has a new birdfeeder. He’s out there somewhere - probably in the wood further up the hill. One day he might come back.
An uncut version of this review resides here: Badelynge
December 26, 2009
What would happen if you suddenly found your life full of mystery? What if that mystery involved your deceased spouse, someone you loved more than life itself? Three years after the death of this wife, Leonard has that happen to him when he finds a blue handbag with a mystery ticket inside. Why did Rose have a ticket to Didcot, a place he didn't know she visited? At first Leonard puts it out of his mind but then Lily appears and he finds there is so much about Rose that he didn't know. Together they embark on an investigation to figure out the missing pieces of Rose's story. At times Leonard is confused, at times amazed, and at times he wants to stop; but he needs to know the truth.
Thank you, Fiona, for a wonderful book. I was captivated with this book and its characters. They were easy to get to know and like. I found it difficult to put the book down because I wanted to help solve the mystery. Once you pick up this book, you will want to help Leonard too!
Thank you, Fiona, for a wonderful book. I was captivated with this book and its characters. They were easy to get to know and like. I found it difficult to put the book down because I wanted to help solve the mystery. Once you pick up this book, you will want to help Leonard too!
December 14, 2012
Leonard Mutch must be one of the least aware fictional characters in recent memory. He has no clue about the secret life of his wife of many years, nor that her childhood friend has any interest in him other than to help uncover his now-deceased wife's secret. He also has no idea how to help his adult daughter, who wields pent-up anger like a cudgel. In the hands of Fiona Robyn, however, Leonard is an endearing guy worth getting to know. None of the characters in Small Kindnesses is always lovable, but they are like people we all know. They are like us.
July 12, 2017
I liked this story of a widower who discovered his wife’s well-kept secrets after her death. I enjoyed the good writing and the gentle mystery as Leonard followed up clues about her past. But the ending was a bit awkward and the occasional use of the f-word kept this from being a truly cozy read.
September 22, 2013
I’ve always believed in the idea of kindred spirits ever since I read Anne of Green Gables. As a writer it is lovely to encounter a writer that I consider a kindred spirit. In that I mean someone who approaches a subject matter like I do; who writes scenes the way I instinctively feel I would have done (or hope I would have done) given that character, that location and that storyline. It is, to use an old cliche, like coming home.
Of course as a writer and reader my aim is to challenge myself so I do try and read writers very different to myself and that’s why occasionally when I stumble on an author like Fiona Robyn - suddenly I’m on holiday!
I absolutely love Leonard. He is a very memorable character. He’s a gardener for one of those fascinating heritage estates in England. He is recently widowed and now lives alone except for his dog named Pickles. His life has settled into a familiar routine, that is until he finds a train ticket to Didcot in his late wife’s blue handbag. Didcot is a place that he is sure his wife Rose never visited. Several other memories begin to bother him and Leonard’s hunt for the truth begins.
Gradually, of course, Leonard uncovers one fact after another about his late wife and Robyn’s pacing is wonderful in this. Slowly we move deeper into Leonard’s life. We find out about his troubled daughter, his working life at the estate, his social life down the pub and his new friendship with Lily, an old school friend of Rose’s.
Here’s Leonard at the estate:
“He moves slowly through his domain, taking immense pleasure from the land. This bare rose bush, these leaves crumbling into leaf mould, these pale green buds. That line of alders on the horizon. He’s looking at the results of the earth, sun and rain working together, helped along by thousands of pairs of hands through the ages. Thousands of pairs of hands, including his own. All is in order. He heads back to the mess-room for that cup of tea.”
This is a gentle, yet evocative and beautifully written book. Recommended for the discerning reader.
Of course as a writer and reader my aim is to challenge myself so I do try and read writers very different to myself and that’s why occasionally when I stumble on an author like Fiona Robyn - suddenly I’m on holiday!
I absolutely love Leonard. He is a very memorable character. He’s a gardener for one of those fascinating heritage estates in England. He is recently widowed and now lives alone except for his dog named Pickles. His life has settled into a familiar routine, that is until he finds a train ticket to Didcot in his late wife’s blue handbag. Didcot is a place that he is sure his wife Rose never visited. Several other memories begin to bother him and Leonard’s hunt for the truth begins.
Gradually, of course, Leonard uncovers one fact after another about his late wife and Robyn’s pacing is wonderful in this. Slowly we move deeper into Leonard’s life. We find out about his troubled daughter, his working life at the estate, his social life down the pub and his new friendship with Lily, an old school friend of Rose’s.
Here’s Leonard at the estate:
“He moves slowly through his domain, taking immense pleasure from the land. This bare rose bush, these leaves crumbling into leaf mould, these pale green buds. That line of alders on the horizon. He’s looking at the results of the earth, sun and rain working together, helped along by thousands of pairs of hands through the ages. Thousands of pairs of hands, including his own. All is in order. He heads back to the mess-room for that cup of tea.”
This is a gentle, yet evocative and beautifully written book. Recommended for the discerning reader.
January 14, 2013
Did you like MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND? Did you like how the story crept up on you until you were enthralled with the characters and the acions? Did you hate for it to end? If so, I recommend SMALL KINDNESSES. Leonard Mutch is recovering from his grief at losing his wife, He thinks that his life is getting on, when he begins to discover some clues to an apparent secret life that his deceased wife has kept well hidden. The characters are particularly well drawn (I can almost feel Pickles, the dog, hop up on my lap) and the complexity of human nature is peeled away slowly - but never completely. In hindsight the ending was predictable, but I was so engrossed in the journey to the end that I was unhappy to bid farewell to Leonard.
March 10, 2013
I have become a little weary of free books - poor editing, scant story-lines, under- and over-developed characters.
But I cared about Leonard, his daughter Raine, and his friend Lily from the beginning. As I did about Rose. And it was exactly the 'small kindnesses' of Leonard that made the book such a special treat: the way he speaks to his dog Pickles, the way his shivvies himself along, consoles himself. It is in the gentleness of his approach to nature, his little grandsons, his hapless son-in-law.
This is a gem of a book, and I feel glad to have read it.
But I cared about Leonard, his daughter Raine, and his friend Lily from the beginning. As I did about Rose. And it was exactly the 'small kindnesses' of Leonard that made the book such a special treat: the way he speaks to his dog Pickles, the way his shivvies himself along, consoles himself. It is in the gentleness of his approach to nature, his little grandsons, his hapless son-in-law.
This is a gem of a book, and I feel glad to have read it.
December 24, 2010
Oh I loved this - a book chosen at random from the library because it looked new and was a nice shape to hold - and it was great. There was something about the writing and the attention to detail that made me want to savour it. It's gentle and tough at the same time. Great. I'll definitely be looking for other books that she's written.
September 17, 2009
What a riveting novel. The secret that was hidden all the years this couple were married is astounding. Only after her death does her husband begin finding little clues about his wife's deception. Loved this book!
May 18, 2009
reviewed on my blog www.forgettingthetime.blogspot.com
July 4, 2009
very good holiday read,Leonard takes you on the journey with him to find out the answers to the mysteries.couldn't put down until i finished.
July 22, 2009
I loved this book. The only thing I can think to write is "Love endures all things".
December 2, 2012
An interesting story told in a sweet, gentle manner.
June 19, 2017
A lovely story about family, friends and secrets
I did think the main character was portrayed as much older than 62, this spoilt it a bit for me really
I did think the main character was portrayed as much older than 62, this spoilt it a bit for me really
August 26, 2023
a marvelous book
This book is about a man grieving for his wife after her death from cancer. I won’t say more about it. It is a small miracle of a work in the midst of a world gone wholly awry. Growing things - plants, flowers, trees- sunlight and rain play their roles. The writing is delicate, precise and strong. It is a very comforting book without a shred of sentimentality. It did need a good editor. There are too many “reigns” for “rein,” misplaced apostrophes and the like, too bad for such a good book.
This book is about a man grieving for his wife after her death from cancer. I won’t say more about it. It is a small miracle of a work in the midst of a world gone wholly awry. Growing things - plants, flowers, trees- sunlight and rain play their roles. The writing is delicate, precise and strong. It is a very comforting book without a shred of sentimentality. It did need a good editor. There are too many “reigns” for “rein,” misplaced apostrophes and the like, too bad for such a good book.
April 3, 2020
Gentle calm
I picked up this book because I needed to feel stillness, calm and beauty and was disappointed. Normally I have no patience with description and always prefer dialogue and plot. But Satya Robyn is an author who gently but firmly gets you to stop and smell the roses. Sadness grips this novel but it's always beautiful.
I picked up this book because I needed to feel stillness, calm and beauty and was disappointed. Normally I have no patience with description and always prefer dialogue and plot. But Satya Robyn is an author who gently but firmly gets you to stop and smell the roses. Sadness grips this novel but it's always beautiful.
October 31, 2018
Clever intermingling of intrigue and love
I recommend this book to readers of romance and mystery. The way emotional turmoil is captured through the character’s inner dialogue is a display of skillful writing. The characters are refreshingly imperfect.
I recommend this book to readers of romance and mystery. The way emotional turmoil is captured through the character’s inner dialogue is a display of skillful writing. The characters are refreshingly imperfect.
July 4, 2024
Re-read. This was the first cozy mystery book I ever read. I’m still not really into this genre but love this book because it is so beautifully written. The mystery of Leonard’s late wife’s secret is slowly and subtly revealed. Excellent writing!
October 3, 2024
I had a hard time getting through this one, Leonard went off on a lot of unnecessary tangents and I had a hard time figuring out when this actually took place/how old the characters were...it was just eh
October 22, 2017
Wonderful read
Slow, but perfect pace as clues present themselves to a husband and he learns more about the wife he thought he knew.
Slow, but perfect pace as clues present themselves to a husband and he learns more about the wife he thought he knew.
October 3, 2018
Living life with blinders on as the main character does in this story , trying to grieve, heal, and finding out huge secrets, brings us to know a man with a gentle soul. Somewhat feeling like it was too long, but in the end I'm glad I read it. This could be anyone's life in the world. Fictional characters that ring true to life.
May 27, 2020
Lovely book
October 2, 2009
I had a good time reading this book. Having two skin cancer surgeries over the last two weeks, I think it actually got me through them. There is a lot of sitting in the waiting room to see if they got it all, and sometimes (like last time) they have to do it all over again if they didn't. The doctor was surprised I didn't mind at all and it is because I was unable to put this book down. I made it clear to him, however, that I leave when the book ends! At the beginning, I had a difficult time with British expressions (I think a jumper must be a sweater?) but I soon got into the groove and even learned some. I am always pretty good at seeing ahead and, at least at some point, can tell what will happen. Several times during this book, I thought I knew how it would unravel. WRONG! All wrong. Every time. It is about an older, rather quirky, gentleman whose wife has died after a long and happy marriage. He gets clues that his wife had an outside life of which he was unaware. I don't want to give away too much, so I will say it was well written and intriguing... no cliche ending and never disappointing. The main characters are lovable and I felt satisfied when I closed the book for the final time. I especially love the way the main character, the husband, Leonard, talks to his dog and asks his opinions. Most of us that own pets do that, but few admit it! In the midst of being entertained, I also learned a lot about gardening as Leonard was a gardener by occupation. I think this would be a great movie, and now that the book has ended, I've been occupying my thoughts with who would play the parts if that came about! I thought this would be "chick-lit" and I don't consider it so. There's no overt romance involved..just a truly lovely story of devotion and questioning whether we really ever know someone. Ms. Robyn is not very old and yet she has made some astute observations about life. I would highly recommend you get a copy of this book from the Book Depository (postage to the U.S. is free). At the back of the book is an excerpt of her next book. I enjoyed that as well and now have to wait, begrudgingly, until 2010 to get my hands on it. Well done, Ms. Robyn!
May 26, 2014
This is an absolutely breath taking read. It is the story of Leonard, a widower who finds himself in a dilemma when he comes across a train ticket in an old handbag belonging to his late wife Rose, to a town where as far as he is aware, she had never ever been to. The train ticket plays on his mind (as sometimes unexplained things do); he can't get it out of his head and when he meets an old friend of hers, Lily, something she says makes him realise that maybe he didn't know Rose as well as he thought.
The story moves in a very gentle way, the mystery is revealed gradually and deepens as the tale goes on, so by the end of it you really are hooked, wanting to know the truth, as much as Leonard.
Leonard himself is a wonderful character - a genuinely nice man who is very normal and the author has portrayed him in a very realistic way, we see his good points and his bad points. We soon get to really care about him as it his very normalness that is so appealing to the reader - he could be anybody's father, husband or brother.
The writing is wonderful and in particular the author has done a fantastic job of describing the loneliness of a widower living on his own after years of happy marriage. Just a simple sentence, such as pointing out the single set of crockery and cutlery on the draining board is enough to set the scene of Le
The story moves in a very gentle way, the mystery is revealed gradually and deepens as the tale goes on, so by the end of it you really are hooked, wanting to know the truth, as much as Leonard.
Leonard himself is a wonderful character - a genuinely nice man who is very normal and the author has portrayed him in a very realistic way, we see his good points and his bad points. We soon get to really care about him as it his very normalness that is so appealing to the reader - he could be anybody's father, husband or brother.
The writing is wonderful and in particular the author has done a fantastic job of describing the loneliness of a widower living on his own after years of happy marriage. Just a simple sentence, such as pointing out the single set of crockery and cutlery on the draining board is enough to set the scene of Le
May 27, 2013
This Kindle freebie moved a bit slowly for me, but it was a decent read. The main character, only 62, acted like a dotty old man in several parts of the story, which annoyed me. My husband is 62 and I'm just a three years behind him and I assure you that we and our friends aren't as clueless and muddled as Leonard is. His new friend in the book is just as annoying. She stops and starts her comments over and over again, like this: "You don't need to . . . It's really up to . . . I won't say another word. You tell me if you, you know. I'd be happy to . . ." Arrrgh! If there had been only one or two 'statements' like this, it would have been okay, but there were many. I realize it was a way for the author to convey the uncertainty of the character, but it became too much for me. Leonard's most implausible move was when he called his daughter, who had just exhibited the first signs of an impending emotional breakdown that had something to do with her late mother, and he proceeded to tell her that he and his new friend were investigating his late wife's actions--prompting another emotional outburst from his beloved daughter! I sure hope I'm more sensitive than he is! The 'mystery' involving his late wife was easy to solve and the story was simple. It was okay.
December 6, 2012
This was an interesting book. It was described as a mystery without the trauma and drama, and that is a good label. Leonard, the main character, learns something surprising about his late wife, and the mystery is unraveling what it means. The book is mostly stream of consciousness from inside Leonard's head, written in the present tense. It's a different style, but I enjoyed it--maybe because I saw many of my own thoughts in Leonard's. There is not much action but rather thoughts and putting the puzzle pieces together, but it was enjoyable. The only thing I don't really like is the title; I don't quite see how it fits the story. Supposedly it was previously published as "The Blue Handbag" or something like that, and to be honest, I probably would not have paid attention to the book if it had that title. This title at least caught my eye, and so I guess it did its job, even if it doesn't quite fit the story. This is a great story for something a bit different, as a change of pace from what you probably normally read.
September 16, 2010
The first thing that has to be said: The cover what were they thinking!! Really!! I have heard that we should not judge a book by its cover - especially in this case. The Blue Handbag is a good book with a nice slow build and well paced.
Leonard is a very pleasant kind of guy grappling with issues he wasn't prepared for. After his wife dies he learns all is not as it appears. We are treated to his meanderings and thought processes around how to cope. Relationships are explored and real mental health stuff examined, I really enjoyed the insight and sensitivity of this book.
The back blurb suggests that she could be compared to Joanna Trollope (I think not). Fiona Robyn has her own style which is different yet equally readable, I will certainly return to her at a later date. These kind of books require space between each or they become a bit samey (not sure if it's a word but you know what I mean)
Leonard is a very pleasant kind of guy grappling with issues he wasn't prepared for. After his wife dies he learns all is not as it appears. We are treated to his meanderings and thought processes around how to cope. Relationships are explored and real mental health stuff examined, I really enjoyed the insight and sensitivity of this book.
The back blurb suggests that she could be compared to Joanna Trollope (I think not). Fiona Robyn has her own style which is different yet equally readable, I will certainly return to her at a later date. These kind of books require space between each or they become a bit samey (not sure if it's a word but you know what I mean)
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February 11, 2016very very slow moving............Leonard Mutch has just discovered his wife was lying to him for years but can he bear to uncover the truth? Leonard and Rose Mutch were happily married for forty years. But after her sudden death, Leonard is shocked to find a train ticket in her handbag to a town Rose had never visited. Then a letter arrives from a childhood friend of Roses, hinting at a past she never told him about. Reluctantly embarking on an investigation into the life of the woman he thought he knew as well as himself, Leonard is faced with questions that threaten to destroy his happy memories. Why did Rose secretly leave work every Tuesday? Why did she tell lies about her family? And why is their daughter so desperate for him to stop digging into the past? As his whole life threatens to unravel, Leonard must make an impossible choice between his memories and a truth he could never have imagined
October 19, 2015
1st time I am reading a book by this author. Nearly gave up after the first few chapters. Then I read the positive reviews in Goodreads and told myself to give it another try. So I continue reading the book.....and I love it. Glad I didn't gave up the book earlier.
A story about Leonard, who accidentally discovers a train ticket to Didcot (a place they have never been before) in his late wife's blue handbag. Then the hysterical daughter, Raine, who has some "mental" problems. As I read on, I am curious to know about this train ticket and why Raine behaves in a funny way when her late mother is being mentioned. A slow pace story but very detailed in a lot of things.
You need to have patience reading this book, but you will enjoy it. There is a suspense & mystery behind the train ticket and Raine, the daughter. A recommended read!
A story about Leonard, who accidentally discovers a train ticket to Didcot (a place they have never been before) in his late wife's blue handbag. Then the hysterical daughter, Raine, who has some "mental" problems. As I read on, I am curious to know about this train ticket and why Raine behaves in a funny way when her late mother is being mentioned. A slow pace story but very detailed in a lot of things.
You need to have patience reading this book, but you will enjoy it. There is a suspense & mystery behind the train ticket and Raine, the daughter. A recommended read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews