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Lily's House
When Jen goes to her grandmother's house for the last time, she's determined not to dwell on the past. As a child, Jen adored Lily and suspected she might be a witch; but the spell was broken long ago, and now her death means there won't be any reconciliation.
Lily's gone, but the enchantments she wove and the secrets she kept still remain. In Lily's house, Jen and her daughter Marianne reluctantly confront the secrets of the past and present - and discover how dangerous we become when we're trying to protect the ones we love.
Lily's gone, but the enchantments she wove and the secrets she kept still remain. In Lily's house, Jen and her daughter Marianne reluctantly confront the secrets of the past and present - and discover how dangerous we become when we're trying to protect the ones we love.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2016
132 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Parkin
14 books131 followersCassandra Parkin grew up in Hull, and now lives in East Yorkshire. Her short story collection, New World Fairy Tales (Salt Publishing, 2011), won the 2011 Scott Prize for Short Stories and her work has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies.
The Summer We All Ran Away (Legend Press, 2013) was Cassandra's debut novel.
Her work has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. The Beach Hut (Legend Press, 2015) is her second novel.
Visit Cassandra at cassandraparkin.wordpress.com or on Twitter @cassandrajaneuk
The Summer We All Ran Away (Legend Press, 2013) was Cassandra's debut novel.
Her work has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. The Beach Hut (Legend Press, 2015) is her second novel.
Visit Cassandra at cassandraparkin.wordpress.com or on Twitter @cassandrajaneuk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 19, 2019
Jen receives news that her grandmother Lily has passed away. Because everything has been left to her, she travels back to her grandmother's house along with her daughter Marianne with plans to get the estate in order. Even though Jen hasn't seen Lily in years, all the memories come flooding in the moment she gets to Lily's house.
Here is the subtle change in scent that comes at the top of the stairs, a slight difference in the air as the sea takes over from the garden. Here is the sage-green strip of carpet that runs down the centre of the boards to her front door. Here is the key with the loop of plaited string that surely, surely cannot be the one I made for her, decades ago. Here we are, myself and Marianne, going in through Lily's front door. My dreams have never taken me this far, and Marianne is no longer a solemn scrap who trots sturdily beside me like a curly little lamb. My girlhood's over. My daughter's tall. I'm really here. This is now.
As Jen spends the week planning her grandmother's funeral and reliving her childhood, she discovers old family secrets. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she slowly begins to unearth what's been hidden from her since she was born.
This book turned out to be so good! The beginning was like a mystery trying to figure Lily out. Also, there's the other reasons Jen is in the situation she's in. There are some definite twists and turns and I never found this story predictable.
It was such an enjoyable experience reading about the wonderful memories Jen has from the summers spent with Lily. Lily's friendship with Jen is touching; it's the sweetest grandmother- granddaughter relationship. These summers with Lily were always pure escape for Jen: a way to get away from her parents and to finally have some freedom. With that said, Jen's relationship with her parents isn't well understood, but it's certainly dysfunctional. There have been other relationships within this family that are full of animosity.
There's a magical feel to the story with dreams that forsee the future, to the special connection Lily had to the natural world around her.
"I've never told you this before," she says, holding out her hand to reveal a clutch of bright treasure, nested in the pleats of her palm. "But I think you're old enough now. My rings are magical. Choose one to wear, and in five minutes you'll be cool and sleepy, and you'll stay that way all night."
So many feels made me disappear into this novel. The writing is beautiful too. The jumping back and forth in time between now and back when Jen was a growing girl was practically seamless. It's like a coming of age story as Jen grows into a teen and then into a young adult. Intermixed is Marianne's story as she's growing up as well.
I was truly invested in this excellent cast of characters, especially Lily, Marianne, and Jen. Daniel (Jen's husband) is one I could've done without, but he's so important and the story couldn't be what it is without him. My issue with him was that he's controlling and way too needy; not only that, all he cares about is money and what he can get for himself. It was so difficult for me to read certain parts of the book with Jen constantly acquiescing to Daniel. I was sort of hoping to get more of a backstory on Daniel to understand why he was like this, but everything eventually ties together nicely. My emotions were up and down regardless. I couldn't wait to see how things would pan out between these two. One thing's for sure: the ending was a total surprise.
Cassandra Parkin is a wonderful storyteller and this book was a page-turner for me because of the the mystery behind these characters. It did feel a little slow at times, but not once did I lose interest. The last third of the book is what had me racing to the finish though.
My overall rating for this one is 4.5 stars. I won this in a giveaway and would like to thank the author for offering this book.
4.5****
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
Here is the subtle change in scent that comes at the top of the stairs, a slight difference in the air as the sea takes over from the garden. Here is the sage-green strip of carpet that runs down the centre of the boards to her front door. Here is the key with the loop of plaited string that surely, surely cannot be the one I made for her, decades ago. Here we are, myself and Marianne, going in through Lily's front door. My dreams have never taken me this far, and Marianne is no longer a solemn scrap who trots sturdily beside me like a curly little lamb. My girlhood's over. My daughter's tall. I'm really here. This is now.
As Jen spends the week planning her grandmother's funeral and reliving her childhood, she discovers old family secrets. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she slowly begins to unearth what's been hidden from her since she was born.
This book turned out to be so good! The beginning was like a mystery trying to figure Lily out. Also, there's the other reasons Jen is in the situation she's in. There are some definite twists and turns and I never found this story predictable.
It was such an enjoyable experience reading about the wonderful memories Jen has from the summers spent with Lily. Lily's friendship with Jen is touching; it's the sweetest grandmother- granddaughter relationship. These summers with Lily were always pure escape for Jen: a way to get away from her parents and to finally have some freedom. With that said, Jen's relationship with her parents isn't well understood, but it's certainly dysfunctional. There have been other relationships within this family that are full of animosity.
There's a magical feel to the story with dreams that forsee the future, to the special connection Lily had to the natural world around her.
"I've never told you this before," she says, holding out her hand to reveal a clutch of bright treasure, nested in the pleats of her palm. "But I think you're old enough now. My rings are magical. Choose one to wear, and in five minutes you'll be cool and sleepy, and you'll stay that way all night."
So many feels made me disappear into this novel. The writing is beautiful too. The jumping back and forth in time between now and back when Jen was a growing girl was practically seamless. It's like a coming of age story as Jen grows into a teen and then into a young adult. Intermixed is Marianne's story as she's growing up as well.
I was truly invested in this excellent cast of characters, especially Lily, Marianne, and Jen. Daniel (Jen's husband) is one I could've done without, but he's so important and the story couldn't be what it is without him. My issue with him was that he's controlling and way too needy; not only that, all he cares about is money and what he can get for himself. It was so difficult for me to read certain parts of the book with Jen constantly acquiescing to Daniel. I was sort of hoping to get more of a backstory on Daniel to understand why he was like this, but everything eventually ties together nicely. My emotions were up and down regardless. I couldn't wait to see how things would pan out between these two. One thing's for sure: the ending was a total surprise.
Cassandra Parkin is a wonderful storyteller and this book was a page-turner for me because of the the mystery behind these characters. It did feel a little slow at times, but not once did I lose interest. The last third of the book is what had me racing to the finish though.
My overall rating for this one is 4.5 stars. I won this in a giveaway and would like to thank the author for offering this book.
4.5****
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
February 7, 2017
I cannot remember the last time I walked unsuspectedly into a forest of words and got my feet ripped out from under me without a warning of any kind.
I started out expecting a gripping family drama, which it was for sure, with a little bit of secrets, a few shady and shiny characters, and a mesmerizing plot: the usual cocktail of tragedy, love and hope.
Meeting the characters brought the normal feeling of expectancy for a new adventure and it took a while to decide if it was going to be worth the time and trouble to learn more about Lily, Jen, Marianne, Daniel, James Moon, Margaret, Stanley, Richard and Amanda - the branches of a family tree that produced only one young green shoot, Marianne, who was only twelve years old by the time the late Lily bequeathed her beautiful old house to Jen. It was such an act of normalcy to do that...
I had the usual sense of normal people with abnormal circumstances to look forward to.
What else could be expected of a book that started out slowly, snailing quietly to a dramatic crescendo, for both the characters and the reader, with Jen taking control of her journey through heart and mind. She did not only travel hours and hours by train with her daughter to her much welcomed new property by the ocean in Cornwall, but as the miles piled up, so did the memories and perspective on a life that took a long time to spell itself out in words Jen did not want to be confronted with by anyone, including herself.
However, twelve-year-old Marianne, wise above her years, was waiting for the right moment to reveal what she knew about her mom, Jen, and dad, Daniel. And that's where my euphoric bubble collapsed into thin air. Somewhere around the middle of the book my emotional trance was broken. An unforeseen darkness collapsed onto this metaphoric forest.
Lily knew what she was doing when she left clues for Jen to even more secrets to this family tree that was slowly shedding it leaves and branches to leave only one hopeful shoot behind. Young as she was, Marianne was at a point where the battle between optimism and pessimism was at its raw peak, waiting for Jen to make a choice for all of them.
Marianne was like the young determined branch of this particular tree that broke through the smothering vines of a creeper sucking the very life out of the tree as the poison of manipulation, narcissism, and dependency leeched their way to its life-giving core.
Lily was there to push Jen into the direction she had to go. For Marianne's sake there was no compromise to be made between past and future. There was only NOW ...
It would take a fresh eye, to bring about a triumph over tragedy, or perhaps tragedy over triumph. After many years of absence, Jen came back to discover, reconsider and reroute with Lily's ever-omnipresence even in her after life.
Lily had her ways of dealing with the vines, and the forest, and the magic of seeking natural solutions to life's natural, raw truths. Trees, including family trees, did not only have natural enemies to face, they also provided their own solutions to the dangers facing them. Lily knew the secrets. She kept her own council from a distance. She saw what the members of Jen's family did not reveal. She found her own solutions and she had the final say, even after her own death. It was all there for Jen to discover.
Daniel accused Lily of being a witch. Daniel did not like her. Daniel did not trust her. But Jen did... even after Lily's passing.
This book might end up in many people's forgotten TBR mountains, which will be a monumental tragedy if it remains there unread. The brilliance of the plot, character development, suspense, continuing drama, and the unexpected deeper dimensions added without warning through stirring prose, result in a quiet masterpiece on all levels defining excellence. It's emotionally disturbing, even shocking.
Lily's House is one of those quiet sinister psycho-thrillers which slowly creeps up on the reader, leaving a breathlessness and dumbfounded speechlessness behind. The ending left me hoping it was not true!
I deliberately did not provide any clues on the storyline, plot or characters, other than the necessary. The purpose of my brutalness was to try and recreate the almost touchable atmosphere, the melancholic ambiance of an innocent looking, intense and relentless, dark mystery affecting the reader in unexpected ways. Lily's House was undoubtedly a major surprise and a most gratifying experience.
The author's youth was a revelation in itself. Such wisdom and insight into the dark inner world of human behaviour was not expected. She reminds me a lot about Anthony Marra, who surprised the world with his insight and experience at such a young age.
The future for Cassandra Parkin as an author of literary suspense thrillers looks bright and brilliant.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Thanks to Cassandra Parkin, Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book. What a delight!
I started out expecting a gripping family drama, which it was for sure, with a little bit of secrets, a few shady and shiny characters, and a mesmerizing plot: the usual cocktail of tragedy, love and hope.
Meeting the characters brought the normal feeling of expectancy for a new adventure and it took a while to decide if it was going to be worth the time and trouble to learn more about Lily, Jen, Marianne, Daniel, James Moon, Margaret, Stanley, Richard and Amanda - the branches of a family tree that produced only one young green shoot, Marianne, who was only twelve years old by the time the late Lily bequeathed her beautiful old house to Jen. It was such an act of normalcy to do that...
I had the usual sense of normal people with abnormal circumstances to look forward to.
What else could be expected of a book that started out slowly, snailing quietly to a dramatic crescendo, for both the characters and the reader, with Jen taking control of her journey through heart and mind. She did not only travel hours and hours by train with her daughter to her much welcomed new property by the ocean in Cornwall, but as the miles piled up, so did the memories and perspective on a life that took a long time to spell itself out in words Jen did not want to be confronted with by anyone, including herself.
However, twelve-year-old Marianne, wise above her years, was waiting for the right moment to reveal what she knew about her mom, Jen, and dad, Daniel. And that's where my euphoric bubble collapsed into thin air. Somewhere around the middle of the book my emotional trance was broken. An unforeseen darkness collapsed onto this metaphoric forest.
Lily knew what she was doing when she left clues for Jen to even more secrets to this family tree that was slowly shedding it leaves and branches to leave only one hopeful shoot behind. Young as she was, Marianne was at a point where the battle between optimism and pessimism was at its raw peak, waiting for Jen to make a choice for all of them.
Marianne was like the young determined branch of this particular tree that broke through the smothering vines of a creeper sucking the very life out of the tree as the poison of manipulation, narcissism, and dependency leeched their way to its life-giving core.
Lily was there to push Jen into the direction she had to go. For Marianne's sake there was no compromise to be made between past and future. There was only NOW ...
It would take a fresh eye, to bring about a triumph over tragedy, or perhaps tragedy over triumph. After many years of absence, Jen came back to discover, reconsider and reroute with Lily's ever-omnipresence even in her after life.
Lily had her ways of dealing with the vines, and the forest, and the magic of seeking natural solutions to life's natural, raw truths. Trees, including family trees, did not only have natural enemies to face, they also provided their own solutions to the dangers facing them. Lily knew the secrets. She kept her own council from a distance. She saw what the members of Jen's family did not reveal. She found her own solutions and she had the final say, even after her own death. It was all there for Jen to discover.
Daniel accused Lily of being a witch. Daniel did not like her. Daniel did not trust her. But Jen did... even after Lily's passing.
This book might end up in many people's forgotten TBR mountains, which will be a monumental tragedy if it remains there unread. The brilliance of the plot, character development, suspense, continuing drama, and the unexpected deeper dimensions added without warning through stirring prose, result in a quiet masterpiece on all levels defining excellence. It's emotionally disturbing, even shocking.
Lily's House is one of those quiet sinister psycho-thrillers which slowly creeps up on the reader, leaving a breathlessness and dumbfounded speechlessness behind. The ending left me hoping it was not true!
I deliberately did not provide any clues on the storyline, plot or characters, other than the necessary. The purpose of my brutalness was to try and recreate the almost touchable atmosphere, the melancholic ambiance of an innocent looking, intense and relentless, dark mystery affecting the reader in unexpected ways. Lily's House was undoubtedly a major surprise and a most gratifying experience.
The author's youth was a revelation in itself. Such wisdom and insight into the dark inner world of human behaviour was not expected. She reminds me a lot about Anthony Marra, who surprised the world with his insight and experience at such a young age.
The future for Cassandra Parkin as an author of literary suspense thrillers looks bright and brilliant.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Thanks to Cassandra Parkin, Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book. What a delight!
February 4, 2017
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I requested this book to review, but it certainly wasn't what I've just read. This book far exceeded any expectations I had. The writing is beautiful and almost dreamlike at times. The descriptions immersive (especially of food and flowers/plants/herbs and trees), and the characters executed wonderfully. The book isn't exactly a dual time story, but the writing does flow back and forth between when Jen was a young girl and visiting her Grandmother Lily, at her house by the seaside, for the summer holidays. The time slip is unlike any I've read before, it webs in and out with ease into the story as Jen is suddenly drawn back into the past by a memory triggered by a smell on the breeze, or by the sight of something she's not seen by in years.
The story is all told from Jens perspective who is married to David and a mother to 12 year old Marianne. I enjoyed the fact that this is the first book I've read where the main character is slightly different. It wouldn't be a proper spoiler for me to say why, but it's something I think a reader should read to suddenly understand themselves. It certainty gives another angle to the story.
I particularly loved the other worldly vibe that sometimes seeped into the story. There was a sense that there was some unseen magic at work, not in the true magical realism sense such as in books by authors Iike Sarah Addison Allen, but definitely a touch of magic was hinted at throughout the book. This had the effect of making it feel even more whimsical in a way, with the reader unsure if there's some type of magic at work, or simply coincidence, intuition, or simply a child's overactive memory.
The book does touch on some dark and difficult subjects, obviously I'll omit what they are. There are plenty of surprising revelations that slowly unravel themselves as the book goes on, but the pleasure is also in the detail with this story. Family and what it means to people is a theme explored in depth throughout. Relationships between mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, husband's and wives, estranged family members etc all play a huge part in the storyline. It is a really touching book that also makes you realise some people you meet in life are similar to vampires; blood suckers that drain the life out of others. While other people seemingly give themselves completely and selflessly put others they care about before their own dreams and desires.
I really do hope that this book is given the exposure and recognition it truly deserves. Cassandra Parkin is a wonderful wordsmith, her way of writing is simply exquisite. It's one of those books you can escape fully into and emerge after a few hours wondering where the time went. I enjoyed Lily's House so much it is a book I will definitely revisit, which is a rare thing now with so many books to read and so little time!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Legend, and the author Cassandra Parkin for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The story is all told from Jens perspective who is married to David and a mother to 12 year old Marianne. I enjoyed the fact that this is the first book I've read where the main character is slightly different. It wouldn't be a proper spoiler for me to say why, but it's something I think a reader should read to suddenly understand themselves. It certainty gives another angle to the story.
I particularly loved the other worldly vibe that sometimes seeped into the story. There was a sense that there was some unseen magic at work, not in the true magical realism sense such as in books by authors Iike Sarah Addison Allen, but definitely a touch of magic was hinted at throughout the book. This had the effect of making it feel even more whimsical in a way, with the reader unsure if there's some type of magic at work, or simply coincidence, intuition, or simply a child's overactive memory.
The book does touch on some dark and difficult subjects, obviously I'll omit what they are. There are plenty of surprising revelations that slowly unravel themselves as the book goes on, but the pleasure is also in the detail with this story. Family and what it means to people is a theme explored in depth throughout. Relationships between mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, husband's and wives, estranged family members etc all play a huge part in the storyline. It is a really touching book that also makes you realise some people you meet in life are similar to vampires; blood suckers that drain the life out of others. While other people seemingly give themselves completely and selflessly put others they care about before their own dreams and desires.
I really do hope that this book is given the exposure and recognition it truly deserves. Cassandra Parkin is a wonderful wordsmith, her way of writing is simply exquisite. It's one of those books you can escape fully into and emerge after a few hours wondering where the time went. I enjoyed Lily's House so much it is a book I will definitely revisit, which is a rare thing now with so many books to read and so little time!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Legend, and the author Cassandra Parkin for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
October 22, 2025
4⭐️= Good.
Paperback.
Now, up until about halfway through, this was an extremely slow burn - and I would probably have given it three stars. Then it became a little addictive. I knew there was going to be a surprising ending, and I was correct.
Quite a dark novel really, yet with tenderness and compassion incorporated.
I’ll definitely read another by this author.
Paperback.
Now, up until about halfway through, this was an extremely slow burn - and I would probably have given it three stars. Then it became a little addictive. I knew there was going to be a surprising ending, and I was correct.
Quite a dark novel really, yet with tenderness and compassion incorporated.
I’ll definitely read another by this author.
January 4, 2017
This is rather a dark and thought provoking story covering heavy topics, but also has a kind of supernatural, magical feel throughout.
There was an interesting mix of characters. I wasn’t keen on Daniel or Jen, especially their obsession with inheritance, probably because I lost my own grandma a few months ago, and couldn’t even imagine looking upon her death as a way of inheriting money. Daniel was also far too needy, which really started making me feel uncomfortable as the story progressed. Lily had me intrigued. I also admired how 12 year old Marianne felt more like the adult and voice of reason than her own mum, Jen. I would say I warmed to Marianne the most.
Lily’s House is definitely an interesting read if you enjoy character led stories.
There was an interesting mix of characters. I wasn’t keen on Daniel or Jen, especially their obsession with inheritance, probably because I lost my own grandma a few months ago, and couldn’t even imagine looking upon her death as a way of inheriting money. Daniel was also far too needy, which really started making me feel uncomfortable as the story progressed. Lily had me intrigued. I also admired how 12 year old Marianne felt more like the adult and voice of reason than her own mum, Jen. I would say I warmed to Marianne the most.
Lily’s House is definitely an interesting read if you enjoy character led stories.
March 18, 2017
3,5 stars...
Jen and Lily.
Granddaughter and Grandmother.
In the childhood of Jenn's she couldn't think of summers without her grandmother. It was the vacation that every child dreamed of. Carefree, adventurous and without the stress of her parents.
The years went by and Jenn grew and eager about the 3 weeks to be passed in the house of Lily.
She felt about her something magical and adventurus but above all she felt her like a friend.
But something happen that make Jen to stop visit Lily's house.
Jen finished the university, got pregnant and got married the man that she loved. The years goes by and either Jen or her family ever bothers with Lily.
Until the day she learn Lily's death.
Then she take her daughter Marianne and return to Lily's house for the last arrangements of the funeral.
The writing and the descriptions of characters was good. The interesting to find out WHY Jenn stopped to visit Lily's house and WHY stopped to interesting about her it was something that I need to know.
The relationship with her husband and her daughter was something strange too...
So at the end we found out what's going on with her past and whith what way she fixed her future...
Jen and Lily.
Granddaughter and Grandmother.
In the childhood of Jenn's she couldn't think of summers without her grandmother. It was the vacation that every child dreamed of. Carefree, adventurous and without the stress of her parents.
The years went by and Jenn grew and eager about the 3 weeks to be passed in the house of Lily.
She felt about her something magical and adventurus but above all she felt her like a friend.
But something happen that make Jen to stop visit Lily's house.
Jen finished the university, got pregnant and got married the man that she loved. The years goes by and either Jen or her family ever bothers with Lily.
Until the day she learn Lily's death.
Then she take her daughter Marianne and return to Lily's house for the last arrangements of the funeral.
The writing and the descriptions of characters was good. The interesting to find out WHY Jenn stopped to visit Lily's house and WHY stopped to interesting about her it was something that I need to know.
The relationship with her husband and her daughter was something strange too...
So at the end we found out what's going on with her past and whith what way she fixed her future...
October 29, 2016
Lily's House is an enchanting, quirky and often surprising tale of unconditional love between a grandmother and granddaughter. By the time the book begins, Lily has passed away, leaving her house to her granddaughter Jen, despite their rocky past, but she is still the most endearing and striking character in the book, as well as the guiding light for her granddaughter and great-granddaughter. She is a determined and and kind-hearted woman, intent on influencing the destinies of those she loves, even from beyond the grave.
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
October 12, 2016
I received a copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for a fair and honest review.
Drawn in by the mention of a link to witches, I soon found this book to be much more than I expected! And I was spellbound from start to finish by this stunningly powerful book, despite it not being an easy read at times as you follow the character, Jen, through the past and the present and the numerous challenges she has found herself facing throughout her life.
Jen is back at her grandmothers house after her passing, but they've not spoken for many years and the truth comes out about the rift as the story evolves. But as a child, Jen used to spend every summer with Lily and found freedom at her house which she never had at home. Lily was always a little different but honest with Jen and their bond was very special and strong so the question is always nagging for the reason why they'd become estranged.
Jen takes her daughter Marianne along to help sort out the house, and she is a real star of the story. She obviously dotes on her mother but is also not afraid to say what she sees in her innocent ways and is much more astute than some of the adult characters at times.
The story is broken up with messages between Jen and her husband Daniel, and as his character unfolds you soon begin to understand maybe why Jen starts to become reluctant to wrap things up at Lilys' house. And as she begins to go through her grandmothers possessions she soon begins to unlock secrets and memories, some of which are very unsettling and the turmoil that this brings to Jen is wonderfully described and captured.
Lilys' neighbour James Moon, is also a wonderful character as he is another one not afraid to say what he thinks and feels he has to speak on behalf of Lily as they shared her final years, and she is obviously not around to say what she was unable to over the years.
There are magical elements with the link to the power of nature and this is beautifully explored throughout along with the power of dreams and premonitions
This book does feature domestic abuse so could be a tough read for some, but it is handled in a really sensitive way and is hugely important to the plot and the journey that Jen finds herself on in Lily's house.
This was a fascinating and enthralling read and I will definitely be reading more from this author as she captures these characters so wonderfully.
Drawn in by the mention of a link to witches, I soon found this book to be much more than I expected! And I was spellbound from start to finish by this stunningly powerful book, despite it not being an easy read at times as you follow the character, Jen, through the past and the present and the numerous challenges she has found herself facing throughout her life.
Jen is back at her grandmothers house after her passing, but they've not spoken for many years and the truth comes out about the rift as the story evolves. But as a child, Jen used to spend every summer with Lily and found freedom at her house which she never had at home. Lily was always a little different but honest with Jen and their bond was very special and strong so the question is always nagging for the reason why they'd become estranged.
Jen takes her daughter Marianne along to help sort out the house, and she is a real star of the story. She obviously dotes on her mother but is also not afraid to say what she sees in her innocent ways and is much more astute than some of the adult characters at times.
The story is broken up with messages between Jen and her husband Daniel, and as his character unfolds you soon begin to understand maybe why Jen starts to become reluctant to wrap things up at Lilys' house. And as she begins to go through her grandmothers possessions she soon begins to unlock secrets and memories, some of which are very unsettling and the turmoil that this brings to Jen is wonderfully described and captured.
Lilys' neighbour James Moon, is also a wonderful character as he is another one not afraid to say what he thinks and feels he has to speak on behalf of Lily as they shared her final years, and she is obviously not around to say what she was unable to over the years.
There are magical elements with the link to the power of nature and this is beautifully explored throughout along with the power of dreams and premonitions
This book does feature domestic abuse so could be a tough read for some, but it is handled in a really sensitive way and is hugely important to the plot and the journey that Jen finds herself on in Lily's house.
This was a fascinating and enthralling read and I will definitely be reading more from this author as she captures these characters so wonderfully.
May 19, 2023
DNF @pg.78. I simply can't do this. I've been trying to continue reading for literal months, ever since September 2022, and it's now May 2023. I don't care about a single one of those characters, the plot is predictable and trite, none of this is compelling in the slightest. I should've dropped this a long time ago.
July 22, 2025
Started and finished date - 17.07.25 to 20.07.25.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay but I didn't love it and I found it bit boring also I think people who like the skeleton key by Erin Kelly may like is book may like is book. The writing was okay but nothing special and easy to follow also the ending was okay. The atmosphere was fine. The paced of plot was well structured and steady paced. The characters was okay and they needed to flash out bit more
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay but I didn't love it and I found it bit boring also I think people who like the skeleton key by Erin Kelly may like is book may like is book. The writing was okay but nothing special and easy to follow also the ending was okay. The atmosphere was fine. The paced of plot was well structured and steady paced. The characters was okay and they needed to flash out bit more
October 4, 2016
'Her expression is so sweet and conspiratorial that I almost miss the spite. I’m always surprised by Lily’s sharp edges . She enjoys being cruel about the neighbors who clearly find her charming, and look forward to seeing her.
This is the Lily I need to remember. Not the woman who let me bring other people’s cats home and gave me bacon rind for the seagulls, but the Lily who dropped sharp truth from her lips, cutting everyone else to pieces. '
Jen brings her daughter Marianne along to her deceased grandmother’s house despite her misgivings. It’s opening old wounds, but what is more enchanted, Lily herself with her mysterious ways, the house that still feels like home whether Jen admits it or not, or her memories. Memory is funny, it’s a curse and a blessing, it’s a spell, it’s a mist and sometimes loss opens the eyes of those who refused to see. Who the hell is the old James Moon butting his nose in and judging her for ‘abandoning her grandmother Lily? What does he know anyone? Who was her, a lover? The old man holds as many secrets as Lily herself.
Jen’s girlhood is over, as she says “My girlhood’s over. My daughter’s tall. I’m really here. This is now.” It’s over, but only in confronting it, in looking back is she going to understand her place now. It will require peeling back her memory, and sorting through Lily’s things to figure out the things Lily kept hidden and why. Could she have misunderstood everything to the point of disaster. What happened to drive her away from her once beloved Lily, her safe haven? Why does Danielle feel Lily can come between Jen and him now that she is gone? Why did Lily hate him so much? Is she really a witch, like she claims? Does Jen have the gift of second sight or is it merely coincidences that occur?
Daniel floats on the periphery of the story, needy, a bit controlling, is he an anchor or a dead weight? Jen isn’t the clever one in the novel, in fact her daughter is a darling character that becomes a sort of guiding light, forcing her mother into encounters with Moon, and truths she has long denied. Children aren’t oblivious, they too live in the same chaos the grown adults too. At times Innocent bystanders, at others participants and Marianne isn’t going to be quiet, nor blind as her mother. More than anyone else in the story, Marianne loves her mother with all her might. If only Jen could love herself.
This novel is a bit magical realism (a dusting), a mother/daughter excavation as Jen explores the depths of her past (because though Lily wasn’t Jen’s mother, she may as well have been) and an exposure on the things we allow other people to do to us because we can’t allow the one who loved us best to be right in knowing what we truly needed. We build our own crumbling houses, don’t we? There is heartbreak, loss and confusion but there is hope and beauty too. Lovely story and a pretty cover too.
from my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
Publication Date: October 15, 2016
Legend Press
This is the Lily I need to remember. Not the woman who let me bring other people’s cats home and gave me bacon rind for the seagulls, but the Lily who dropped sharp truth from her lips, cutting everyone else to pieces. '
Jen brings her daughter Marianne along to her deceased grandmother’s house despite her misgivings. It’s opening old wounds, but what is more enchanted, Lily herself with her mysterious ways, the house that still feels like home whether Jen admits it or not, or her memories. Memory is funny, it’s a curse and a blessing, it’s a spell, it’s a mist and sometimes loss opens the eyes of those who refused to see. Who the hell is the old James Moon butting his nose in and judging her for ‘abandoning her grandmother Lily? What does he know anyone? Who was her, a lover? The old man holds as many secrets as Lily herself.
Jen’s girlhood is over, as she says “My girlhood’s over. My daughter’s tall. I’m really here. This is now.” It’s over, but only in confronting it, in looking back is she going to understand her place now. It will require peeling back her memory, and sorting through Lily’s things to figure out the things Lily kept hidden and why. Could she have misunderstood everything to the point of disaster. What happened to drive her away from her once beloved Lily, her safe haven? Why does Danielle feel Lily can come between Jen and him now that she is gone? Why did Lily hate him so much? Is she really a witch, like she claims? Does Jen have the gift of second sight or is it merely coincidences that occur?
Daniel floats on the periphery of the story, needy, a bit controlling, is he an anchor or a dead weight? Jen isn’t the clever one in the novel, in fact her daughter is a darling character that becomes a sort of guiding light, forcing her mother into encounters with Moon, and truths she has long denied. Children aren’t oblivious, they too live in the same chaos the grown adults too. At times Innocent bystanders, at others participants and Marianne isn’t going to be quiet, nor blind as her mother. More than anyone else in the story, Marianne loves her mother with all her might. If only Jen could love herself.
This novel is a bit magical realism (a dusting), a mother/daughter excavation as Jen explores the depths of her past (because though Lily wasn’t Jen’s mother, she may as well have been) and an exposure on the things we allow other people to do to us because we can’t allow the one who loved us best to be right in knowing what we truly needed. We build our own crumbling houses, don’t we? There is heartbreak, loss and confusion but there is hope and beauty too. Lovely story and a pretty cover too.
from my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
Publication Date: October 15, 2016
Legend Press
October 25, 2016
I have an interview with the author here too https://lindasbookbag.com/2016/10/25/...
Returning to her estranged grandmother Lily’s house to arrange Lily’s funeral, Jen finds the past isn’t as far away as she thought.
I absolutely loved Lily’s House by Cassandra Parkin. I thought there was a lyrical, dreamlike quality to the writing underpinned by a touch of magic. The necromancy of Lily’s presence is never fully uncovered so that there is a layer of mystery that pervades both Jen and Marianne’s dreams and imaginations and draws in the reader like a spell of enchantment. There are recognisable elements of fairy tales that feel at once familiar and fresh. The cat, the herbs and flowers, all draw on a rich tradition and yet are represented in an utterly unique style. Cassandra Parkin’s prose is delightful.
I was so touched by the relationships as they ebbed and flowed along with the narrative, especially the one that develops between Jen, Marianne and James as it provided light and shade to the story. As Jen and Daniel communicated by text I thought that extra layer of distance and difficulty in communicating was perfect in underpinning their fragile marriage.
Cassandra Parkin has the ability to evoke such strong responses in me. I wanted to shake Daniel until his teeth rattled and hug James tightly. I would have liked to have met Lily in real life, but more than that I would have liked to BE Lily. She is a magnificent creation; witch-like, insightful, humane and utterly dangerous in protecting those she loves.
The story itself was brilliantly plotted. In the same way Lily’s photograph album reveals Jen’s past to Marianne, and Lily’s past to Jen, so Cassandra Parkin reveals that past, and the present, to the reader. A couple of times I had a real jolt in the reading, about which I can’t say more as I don’t want to spoil the story, but it felt as if I was opening opaque layers of tissue in a memory box so that I could better understand those I was reading about. Lily, Jen and Marianne were not characters in a story to me, but people I cared about and for whom my heart thudded as the denouement approached.
Lily’s House is a perfect book. I loved every word and simply want to go right back and read it all again.
Returning to her estranged grandmother Lily’s house to arrange Lily’s funeral, Jen finds the past isn’t as far away as she thought.
I absolutely loved Lily’s House by Cassandra Parkin. I thought there was a lyrical, dreamlike quality to the writing underpinned by a touch of magic. The necromancy of Lily’s presence is never fully uncovered so that there is a layer of mystery that pervades both Jen and Marianne’s dreams and imaginations and draws in the reader like a spell of enchantment. There are recognisable elements of fairy tales that feel at once familiar and fresh. The cat, the herbs and flowers, all draw on a rich tradition and yet are represented in an utterly unique style. Cassandra Parkin’s prose is delightful.
I was so touched by the relationships as they ebbed and flowed along with the narrative, especially the one that develops between Jen, Marianne and James as it provided light and shade to the story. As Jen and Daniel communicated by text I thought that extra layer of distance and difficulty in communicating was perfect in underpinning their fragile marriage.
Cassandra Parkin has the ability to evoke such strong responses in me. I wanted to shake Daniel until his teeth rattled and hug James tightly. I would have liked to have met Lily in real life, but more than that I would have liked to BE Lily. She is a magnificent creation; witch-like, insightful, humane and utterly dangerous in protecting those she loves.
The story itself was brilliantly plotted. In the same way Lily’s photograph album reveals Jen’s past to Marianne, and Lily’s past to Jen, so Cassandra Parkin reveals that past, and the present, to the reader. A couple of times I had a real jolt in the reading, about which I can’t say more as I don’t want to spoil the story, but it felt as if I was opening opaque layers of tissue in a memory box so that I could better understand those I was reading about. Lily, Jen and Marianne were not characters in a story to me, but people I cared about and for whom my heart thudded as the denouement approached.
Lily’s House is a perfect book. I loved every word and simply want to go right back and read it all again.
October 16, 2016
I received a free copy of Lily's House in exchange for a review.
Lily’s House is unexpectedly dark and surprising. Described as a book about family secrets, it contains its own secrets which are very cleverly revealed by author Cassandra Parkin. There are secrets for the main character, Jen, to discover and there are also secrets for the reader to learn. This novel is a frightening and somewhat depressing portrayal of the way people become prisoners of both their own pasts and the histories of their families. It speaks volumes about the disturbing capacity of people to delude themselves whilst presuming to know others.
I thought I had both Jen and Daniel and the nature of their relationship pegged from early in the novel. I was wrong, and when I knew I was wrong, I said to myself, ‘I should have seen that coming’. The fact I didn’t see it, nor any of the other twists, is testimony to Parkin’s skill as a writer. Her very subtle revelation that Jen was deaf, both took me by surprise and made perfect sense. In fact, the whole subtext of Jen dealing with her disability was remarkable.
Only towards the end of Lily’s House did Jen’s behavior make sense to me. Indeed, all of the characters were something of a curiousity to me, a fascination: why did she say that? Why did he do that? There seemed to be so much paradox, and yet aren’t people really like this? Aren’t we all a strange mixture of rational and irrational? Jen, Daniel, Lily and James acted and spoke like real people: further evidence of the great craftsmanship of the author.
The sequencing of the flashbacks confused and irritated me a little at times, and although this is only a personal thing, I didn’t like all the food descriptions. These are minor criticisms which really take nothing away from this brooding and very human ghost story. It’s a shame I can only give Lily’s House five stars because it deserves more. I hope Cassandra writes a sequel. I’d love to know whether Marianne can escape the cycle or not.
Lily’s House is unexpectedly dark and surprising. Described as a book about family secrets, it contains its own secrets which are very cleverly revealed by author Cassandra Parkin. There are secrets for the main character, Jen, to discover and there are also secrets for the reader to learn. This novel is a frightening and somewhat depressing portrayal of the way people become prisoners of both their own pasts and the histories of their families. It speaks volumes about the disturbing capacity of people to delude themselves whilst presuming to know others.
I thought I had both Jen and Daniel and the nature of their relationship pegged from early in the novel. I was wrong, and when I knew I was wrong, I said to myself, ‘I should have seen that coming’. The fact I didn’t see it, nor any of the other twists, is testimony to Parkin’s skill as a writer. Her very subtle revelation that Jen was deaf, both took me by surprise and made perfect sense. In fact, the whole subtext of Jen dealing with her disability was remarkable.
Only towards the end of Lily’s House did Jen’s behavior make sense to me. Indeed, all of the characters were something of a curiousity to me, a fascination: why did she say that? Why did he do that? There seemed to be so much paradox, and yet aren’t people really like this? Aren’t we all a strange mixture of rational and irrational? Jen, Daniel, Lily and James acted and spoke like real people: further evidence of the great craftsmanship of the author.
The sequencing of the flashbacks confused and irritated me a little at times, and although this is only a personal thing, I didn’t like all the food descriptions. These are minor criticisms which really take nothing away from this brooding and very human ghost story. It’s a shame I can only give Lily’s House five stars because it deserves more. I hope Cassandra writes a sequel. I’d love to know whether Marianne can escape the cycle or not.
May 13, 2023
This is a really tough one, as a lot of my 3 star ratings are. I have gone down the middle here, because I just cannot decide what's going on. If the author intended one way, it would have been 2 stars. If she had intended the other, it would have been 4 stars. I have arguments for each.
Overall, this is decent. It's compelling, and while the writing is simple it still has solidity and it's engaging to read. The characters are not complicated, but they have some depth (with the exception of Daniel, who Jen presents as very one-dimensional but this could be intentional). There's a good central mystery, the titular Lily is very believable in her reputation and impact on the characters, and it's a solid Gothic-esque family drama. I wouldn't say it's the most complicated of things, but books don't have to be complicated to be good. I was hooked on the mystery and I found the pacing to be well done: slow enough to keep you invested and enjoyably frustrated, but quick enough that you never felt strung along. There was always enough pay-out to make it worth it.
Now on to where I'm in furious debate with myself. Jen, our narrator, is obviously a complicated woman. But I cannot work out if she is an abused wife or an abusing wife. I have compelling evidence for both. On the one hand, Daniel is a controlling, clingy asshole who seems to be lazing around spending all of Jen's money and generally being a twat. On the other hand, Jen is judgemental, cold, calculating, and as our narrator is biased. As the book progressed, the more I wondered what was actually going on. She seems to resent Daniel greatly, she comes across as emotionally neglectful, if not emotionally abusive, and as more things are revealed the more I started to wonder if Daniel's emotionally stunted behaviour was because of this abuse. He really does read like a textbook case in that respect. He also doesn't do "nothing" -- he's a stay at home dad with a close relationship with Marianne, which makes the final events of the novel -- and Jen's response -- even more shocking.
On the other hand, he threatens to kill her, she and and Marianne are obviously frightened of him (or so Jen says), he's physically abusive to Jen, and it looks like a straightforward case of a husband so threatened by his wife that he tries to maintain control over her in the only way he knows how. But then it was revealed that Jen deliberately provokes him -- and this is her own words, straightforward, not in the way that victims often falsely believe this of themselves but in the way that she admits she does it because she enjoys the passion between them in the honeymoon period afterwards and she enjoys making him morally betray himself on such a fundamental level, a despicable thing to do. She sees absolutely nothing wrong with this.
Now, the thing that really gets me is that at this point it could be a case of differing reader interpretations. Most people are probably going to assume Daniel is the abuser, as is most often the case. Other people might think it went the other way, especially those of us abused by women. (Jen is pretty stereotypical in that respect.) But personally, I cannot separate this debate from the fact that the book treats both kinds of abuse equally. Central to the mystery is a case where a woman is being abused by her husband, and also a case of equal gravity where a man is being abused by his wife. Both of these cases are treated with the same kind of seriousness, lack of victim-blaming, and respect that they deserve. Which is surprising, because domestic violence from wives is an often overlooked and dismissed subject, especially at the time where these events would have been occurring. In a book so saturated with the meaning of the past, and its impact on the present, I cannot help but feel that it's a bright flashing sign pointing to the fact that Jen's story might not be as she claims.
If this is the case, this is a brilliantly clever and absolutely damning look at society's idea and expectations of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, it is just not clear enough for me to decide either way. For all the impressive things the book does to support this, there are points where it seems to fall back on the idea of girl power, women always being innocent, et cetera. Daniel was also presented in such a stereotypically abusive way, with none of the depth that Jen had, that I kept alternating between assuming it was just another case of abusive men having no depth in certain types of literature (what is there to say? seems to be the question asked; like these characters are inherently undeserving of depth just because they happen to be asses) and wondering if this was a case of Jen being an unreliable narrator and presenting Daniel as terribly as possible; I also wondered if she might be presenting him as she sees him, i.e. flat and barely human.
It would have been absolutely brilliant if it had swung this way, with the real horror being our own expectations, the fact that our narrator is actually a terrible person, , and now has sole custody of a young teen who's going to be next in the firing line. But it could also be a straightforward mean deadbeat husband with no depth causes brilliant long-suffering wife to have enough and leave. The first option would be an impressive subversion, albeit with a few flaws. The second option would be dull, and not overly well-done considering all the places where Jen seems absolutely awful. The fact I can't decide either way tells me the writing was just not clear enough; despite its enjoyability I really do not know, and while some ambiguity is expected in a story such as this I feel like this should have been more solidly established, especially if the first option was the intended one. That would be so brilliant, reminiscent of Rebecca, and an underrated tactic in books such as this one.
Of course, I choose to read it that way, and I think it stands up impressively under that interpretation. But in the absence of being able to be 100% certain, I'll have to go down the middle with 3 stars. This is honestly going to keep me debating with myself for months, and I am definitely going to re-read it at some point to re-examine all the evidence. Definitely 5 stars for ambiguity and debatability.
Overall, this is decent. It's compelling, and while the writing is simple it still has solidity and it's engaging to read. The characters are not complicated, but they have some depth (with the exception of Daniel, who Jen presents as very one-dimensional but this could be intentional). There's a good central mystery, the titular Lily is very believable in her reputation and impact on the characters, and it's a solid Gothic-esque family drama. I wouldn't say it's the most complicated of things, but books don't have to be complicated to be good. I was hooked on the mystery and I found the pacing to be well done: slow enough to keep you invested and enjoyably frustrated, but quick enough that you never felt strung along. There was always enough pay-out to make it worth it.
Now on to where I'm in furious debate with myself. Jen, our narrator, is obviously a complicated woman. But I cannot work out if she is an abused wife or an abusing wife. I have compelling evidence for both. On the one hand, Daniel is a controlling, clingy asshole who seems to be lazing around spending all of Jen's money and generally being a twat. On the other hand, Jen is judgemental, cold, calculating, and as our narrator is biased. As the book progressed, the more I wondered what was actually going on. She seems to resent Daniel greatly, she comes across as emotionally neglectful, if not emotionally abusive, and as more things are revealed the more I started to wonder if Daniel's emotionally stunted behaviour was because of this abuse. He really does read like a textbook case in that respect. He also doesn't do "nothing" -- he's a stay at home dad with a close relationship with Marianne, which makes the final events of the novel -- and Jen's response -- even more shocking.
On the other hand, he threatens to kill her, she and and Marianne are obviously frightened of him (or so Jen says), he's physically abusive to Jen, and it looks like a straightforward case of a husband so threatened by his wife that he tries to maintain control over her in the only way he knows how. But then it was revealed that Jen deliberately provokes him -- and this is her own words, straightforward, not in the way that victims often falsely believe this of themselves but in the way that she admits she does it because she enjoys the passion between them in the honeymoon period afterwards and she enjoys making him morally betray himself on such a fundamental level, a despicable thing to do. She sees absolutely nothing wrong with this.
Now, the thing that really gets me is that at this point it could be a case of differing reader interpretations. Most people are probably going to assume Daniel is the abuser, as is most often the case. Other people might think it went the other way, especially those of us abused by women. (Jen is pretty stereotypical in that respect.) But personally, I cannot separate this debate from the fact that the book treats both kinds of abuse equally. Central to the mystery is a case where a woman is being abused by her husband, and also a case of equal gravity where a man is being abused by his wife. Both of these cases are treated with the same kind of seriousness, lack of victim-blaming, and respect that they deserve. Which is surprising, because domestic violence from wives is an often overlooked and dismissed subject, especially at the time where these events would have been occurring. In a book so saturated with the meaning of the past, and its impact on the present, I cannot help but feel that it's a bright flashing sign pointing to the fact that Jen's story might not be as she claims.
If this is the case, this is a brilliantly clever and absolutely damning look at society's idea and expectations of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, it is just not clear enough for me to decide either way. For all the impressive things the book does to support this, there are points where it seems to fall back on the idea of girl power, women always being innocent, et cetera. Daniel was also presented in such a stereotypically abusive way, with none of the depth that Jen had, that I kept alternating between assuming it was just another case of abusive men having no depth in certain types of literature (what is there to say? seems to be the question asked; like these characters are inherently undeserving of depth just because they happen to be asses) and wondering if this was a case of Jen being an unreliable narrator and presenting Daniel as terribly as possible; I also wondered if she might be presenting him as she sees him, i.e. flat and barely human.
It would have been absolutely brilliant if it had swung this way, with the real horror being our own expectations, the fact that our narrator is actually a terrible person, , and now has sole custody of a young teen who's going to be next in the firing line. But it could also be a straightforward mean deadbeat husband with no depth causes brilliant long-suffering wife to have enough and leave. The first option would be an impressive subversion, albeit with a few flaws. The second option would be dull, and not overly well-done considering all the places where Jen seems absolutely awful. The fact I can't decide either way tells me the writing was just not clear enough; despite its enjoyability I really do not know, and while some ambiguity is expected in a story such as this I feel like this should have been more solidly established, especially if the first option was the intended one. That would be so brilliant, reminiscent of Rebecca, and an underrated tactic in books such as this one.
Of course, I choose to read it that way, and I think it stands up impressively under that interpretation. But in the absence of being able to be 100% certain, I'll have to go down the middle with 3 stars. This is honestly going to keep me debating with myself for months, and I am definitely going to re-read it at some point to re-examine all the evidence. Definitely 5 stars for ambiguity and debatability.
April 25, 2017
**3.5 stars**
Jen travels down to Cornwell with her 12 yr old daughter Marianne to clean out the house of her estranged Grandmother Lily. Her husband, a struggling musician who thinks he is on the cusp of a big break is left at home. We slowly come to learn why Jen was estranged from Lily, as she was very important to her during her earlier life. I had so many questions about this story, why was Jen so rude to Lily's neighbour, why was the only form of communication with her husband via txt and I found him so suffocating? These were things I originally couldn't understand and it actually lessened my enjoyment of the novel. I had so many other questions about other characters but that is for the reader to find out, although I eventually understood.
This is a very deceptive story that snuck up on me, then everything I thought about it was turned on it's head. It's about families and what lengths we go to protect secrets. Let's just say that a lot of it I just didn't see until I was 'told'.
An enjoyable way to pass the time, much darker than I expected but I think my earlier irks of understanding the characters impeded my ability to really settle into the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review.
Jen travels down to Cornwell with her 12 yr old daughter Marianne to clean out the house of her estranged Grandmother Lily. Her husband, a struggling musician who thinks he is on the cusp of a big break is left at home. We slowly come to learn why Jen was estranged from Lily, as she was very important to her during her earlier life. I had so many questions about this story, why was Jen so rude to Lily's neighbour, why was the only form of communication with her husband via txt and I found him so suffocating? These were things I originally couldn't understand and it actually lessened my enjoyment of the novel. I had so many other questions about other characters but that is for the reader to find out, although I eventually understood.
This is a very deceptive story that snuck up on me, then everything I thought about it was turned on it's head. It's about families and what lengths we go to protect secrets. Let's just say that a lot of it I just didn't see until I was 'told'.
An enjoyable way to pass the time, much darker than I expected but I think my earlier irks of understanding the characters impeded my ability to really settle into the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review.
October 30, 2017
Jen returns to her grandmother Lily's house after her death, and having been estranged from her once beloved grandmother in her later years, Jen intends to just sort out all the necessary paperwork as quickly as possible, sell Lily's house and get back home to her husband. But the longer she stays the more secrets are revealed and she begins to feel Lily's presence guiding her on a different path.
This was such an original and compelling read, surprising too, as the story takes an unexpected and rather darker turn which I really didn't see coming. Cassandra Parkin does a wonderful job of weaving the heavier topics with everyday life here, such beautiful descriptions mixed with the rather sinister. The mystical element to the story was a touch of genius and I adored Lily's character. Another gem from this author.
This was such an original and compelling read, surprising too, as the story takes an unexpected and rather darker turn which I really didn't see coming. Cassandra Parkin does a wonderful job of weaving the heavier topics with everyday life here, such beautiful descriptions mixed with the rather sinister. The mystical element to the story was a touch of genius and I adored Lily's character. Another gem from this author.
May 10, 2018
I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up. It was dark and compelling and beautifully written. There are secrets and twists, deftly revealed like cards being turned over. When I finished reading it, I felt like I was resurfacing from deep immersion. That's a rare thing to find.
Jen's grandmother, Lily, has died and Jen needs to sort out Lily's house. A place with many happy memories, but somewhere she hasn't visited for many, many years. Jen brings with her her 12 year old daughter Marianne.
Going through Lily's stuff, Jen uncovers secrets and memories long buried.
Brilliant book. Dark and twisty without being a thriller.
Jen's grandmother, Lily, has died and Jen needs to sort out Lily's house. A place with many happy memories, but somewhere she hasn't visited for many, many years. Jen brings with her her 12 year old daughter Marianne.
Going through Lily's stuff, Jen uncovers secrets and memories long buried.
Brilliant book. Dark and twisty without being a thriller.
November 12, 2024
Nah, not for me. Don't like the writing style at all, nor the characters, and as there isn't much in the way of a story, that doesn't leave much!
December 19, 2016
I won this phenomenal book in a Goodreads giveaway, so thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book.
Wow! My head is swimming with the sheer beauty of this book. People say you should never judge a book by its cover, and my God, this book was nowhere near what I was expecting!
'Baking is a kind of magic, Lily tells me. A very gentle kind. It's good for your soul. Like meditation'.
It is beautiful, magical, dark and stunning in one breath. It's almost fairy-tale like. A dreamy, gorgeous backdrop set against a story of mystery and intrigue, intertwined with the very stark and harsh reality of real life.
'For some time now, I've thought Lily may be a witch. She seems the right age, and she knows a lot about herbs and plants'.
Every twist and turn of the story brings forth secrets which could have been hidden forever. From this journey through the past comes the strength to change their future.
A beautifully written book. An interesting, haunting and meandering plot, and phenomenal characterisation: an absolute five stars!!
Ding dong, the witch is dead!
Wow! My head is swimming with the sheer beauty of this book. People say you should never judge a book by its cover, and my God, this book was nowhere near what I was expecting!
'Baking is a kind of magic, Lily tells me. A very gentle kind. It's good for your soul. Like meditation'.
It is beautiful, magical, dark and stunning in one breath. It's almost fairy-tale like. A dreamy, gorgeous backdrop set against a story of mystery and intrigue, intertwined with the very stark and harsh reality of real life.
'For some time now, I've thought Lily may be a witch. She seems the right age, and she knows a lot about herbs and plants'.
Every twist and turn of the story brings forth secrets which could have been hidden forever. From this journey through the past comes the strength to change their future.
A beautifully written book. An interesting, haunting and meandering plot, and phenomenal characterisation: an absolute five stars!!
Ding dong, the witch is dead!
November 22, 2016
This book hooked me from the very first page – at first, a seemingly simple story about Jen and her daughter returning to her grandmother’s house to pack it up and sell it after her death, it became a complex tale about families, relationships and hidden secrets that twisted and turned and kept me absolutely spellbound. Anyone who remembers their stays with grandparents as a child will love the vignettes from Jen’s childhood, the memories of unaccustomed freedoms, the pleasures in small things, all beautifully drawn with the enigmatic Lily at their centre. The present day story is wonderfully handled too – the relationship between mother and daughter, the unexpected discoveries, Jen’s marriage and her relationship with her partner, and the fact that all is not as it initially appears.
I loved the use of text messages – at first, seemingly a device to show the nature of Jen’s relationship with her partner, but with a far greater relevance and meaning as the story unfurls, as what first seems loving and caring reveals something considerably darker. The layering of stories is accomplished with an assurance that sometimes takes your breath away – and I loved the thread of “magic” that permeates the book, the questions that arise about Lily, and the true nature of the whole range of relationships. The dark and chilling edge is unexpected, the revelations perfectly managed – the author leads you gently by the hand, your understanding as a reader growing as the book progresses, the truth slowly emerging around a whole range of issues, past and present. The writing is quite wonderful – descriptive and rich in detail (I particularly loved Lily’s photograph album and its secrets hidden and revealed) – and the characterisation very strong.
Others have called this book unforgettable – I can only agree, and highly recommend it to everyone. Whatever you expect as the story begins, your expectations will be totally confounded – and the whole journey you take is simply wonderful, led by a master storyteller. One very special book.
I loved the use of text messages – at first, seemingly a device to show the nature of Jen’s relationship with her partner, but with a far greater relevance and meaning as the story unfurls, as what first seems loving and caring reveals something considerably darker. The layering of stories is accomplished with an assurance that sometimes takes your breath away – and I loved the thread of “magic” that permeates the book, the questions that arise about Lily, and the true nature of the whole range of relationships. The dark and chilling edge is unexpected, the revelations perfectly managed – the author leads you gently by the hand, your understanding as a reader growing as the book progresses, the truth slowly emerging around a whole range of issues, past and present. The writing is quite wonderful – descriptive and rich in detail (I particularly loved Lily’s photograph album and its secrets hidden and revealed) – and the characterisation very strong.
Others have called this book unforgettable – I can only agree, and highly recommend it to everyone. Whatever you expect as the story begins, your expectations will be totally confounded – and the whole journey you take is simply wonderful, led by a master storyteller. One very special book.
January 7, 2017
After her grandmother Lily's death, Jen takes her daughter Marianne to sort through Lily's things, presumably to sell the flat and get enough money to support Jen's husband's musical career and extravagant spending habits. Jen hadn't seen Lily in years, and Marianne never met her great-grandmother. As they work through Lily's belongings together and spend more time in the almost magical town that Jen spent many summers in, they will uncover a multitude of secrets - some dark, some about Lily, some about Jen and Marianne themselves.
This novel stuns in its ability to constantly be surprising the reader. With each new unfolding plot twist, more is revealed about the main characters and their relationships with each other, none quite what they initially seem. While characters may come off as confusing or ridiculous at first, the plot masterfully unfolds and answers these questions. Some of the plot twists are less of a surprise to the reader than the characters themselves and one will occasionally despair over Lily and Marianne and Daniel, but the actually process of reading through the entire story forgives these frustrations and makes the storytelling all the better. Written in the present with flashbacks to Jen's childhood and with a splash of magical realism, Lily's House delivers a very well written and beautiful story. It is a to-grandmother's-in-the-woods-we-go tale mixed with some of the brightest and darkest elements of humanity and a dash of magic.
Highly recommended read for anyone interested in a story that focuses on familial relationships - past and present - that twist the ties of who is providing for whom. Be warned there are some darker elements in the tale but not particularly graphic and are constructive for the storyline.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance digital copy in exchange for a fair review!
This novel stuns in its ability to constantly be surprising the reader. With each new unfolding plot twist, more is revealed about the main characters and their relationships with each other, none quite what they initially seem. While characters may come off as confusing or ridiculous at first, the plot masterfully unfolds and answers these questions. Some of the plot twists are less of a surprise to the reader than the characters themselves and one will occasionally despair over Lily and Marianne and Daniel, but the actually process of reading through the entire story forgives these frustrations and makes the storytelling all the better. Written in the present with flashbacks to Jen's childhood and with a splash of magical realism, Lily's House delivers a very well written and beautiful story. It is a to-grandmother's-in-the-woods-we-go tale mixed with some of the brightest and darkest elements of humanity and a dash of magic.
Highly recommended read for anyone interested in a story that focuses on familial relationships - past and present - that twist the ties of who is providing for whom. Be warned there are some darker elements in the tale but not particularly graphic and are constructive for the storyline.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance digital copy in exchange for a fair review!
September 30, 2016
Jen has lots of hurdles to go through in life. There are some odd calculations about her father. Lily who is Jen's grandmother dies and Jen believes that she will inherit Lily's money. While Jen is in her grandmothers house sorting out arrangements after her death, Jen sees an old man James Moon who has stayed in Lily's house . James declares that he told Lily not to leave Jen anything as she was an ungrateful granddaughter not visiting Lily. Jen wants a divorce from her husband Daniel. It's spooky that Jen has her grandmothers blood in her by making dreams come true. I couldn't put this novel down. I now am a real fan of author Cassandra Parkin. Lily's House is a delightful original book that I highly recommend.
October 27, 2016
I was first attracted to this book because it is set in Cornwall – my home – but what a read!
Jen was once very close to her grandmother, Lily, but has not seen or spoken to her for many years. Now Lily has passed and Jen, together with her daughter, are sorting out her house and belongs preparatory to selling, however …
As they work memories are woken, discoveries made and secrets revealed which explain the rift between Jen and her grandmother and so much more. At one stage thought I may have sussed out the situation but no! The story was twisty and surprising to the end and very enjoyable.
I shall be reading more of Cassandra Parkin’s work.
Jen was once very close to her grandmother, Lily, but has not seen or spoken to her for many years. Now Lily has passed and Jen, together with her daughter, are sorting out her house and belongs preparatory to selling, however …
As they work memories are woken, discoveries made and secrets revealed which explain the rift between Jen and her grandmother and so much more. At one stage thought I may have sussed out the situation but no! The story was twisty and surprising to the end and very enjoyable.
I shall be reading more of Cassandra Parkin’s work.
October 17, 2016
Lily's House is a beautiful, rich, haunting and addictive read. I have loved everything Parkin has written, but perhaps this is a new favourite. She effortlessly weaves magic in this story of long-gone secrets, self-discovery, empowerment, and love. The book is assured, mature... a masterpiece. I'll never forget it, and nor will you.
October 15, 2016
Not what I was expecting, and it fundamentally failed to grip me at all.
November 3, 2016
I was first attracted to Lily's House because of the subject matter, that of a granddaughter returning to her grandmother's house, following her death. From the book's blurb it is obvious that something happened between them, for Jen to not be able to say goodbye to her grandmother before her death, and this thought ate away at me. I needed to know what had happened between them and what their unique story was. Throughout the book we are told their story, and it is beautiful.
This is such a beautifully crafted book about the love between mother and daughter and, granddaughter and grandmother. The book is dominated by the strength of women and how women support each other during the lifespan.
We are firstly introduced to Jen and her daughter, Marianne, as they slowly make their way to Lily's House by train. The present day is intertwined with memories gone by of when Jen was a little girl and used to stay at Lily's house. This is the structure of the book, as the present day goings on are intermingled with flashbacks of how life used to be for Jen and the freedom that she felt at her gran's house. These chapters in the book brought a lump to my throat, as they reminded me of the times that I used to stay at my grandmother's house as a little girl, when my grandfather was still alive. The images of eating cake, playing in the garden, and the absolute freedom that I was given. All of my memories were brought to the surface, making Jen's feelings and emotions even more raw.
Throughout the book we are also observer's to text messages between Jen and her husband, Daniel. In fact this is the major way in which we learn about his character. This I thought, was a very clever narrative device. We are also able to read flashbacks of their time together from when they first met, which also helps to shed a light on their present day relationship.
Then we have the relationship between Jen and Marianne, the way in which they both care and support each other. Marianne is on the brink of adolescence and, it is time for Jen to learn to give her some independence and to allow her to become the young woman that she so desperately wants to be. The scenes between the two of them were so beautifully told. The dialogue flowed so easily and was just how a mother and daughter communicate with each other, with all of those unsaid inner most thoughts.
Lily's House is a story about a granddaughter and grandmother and the life that they shared. But it is also about the strength of women and the special bond that women have with each other. I adored this book, which is full of several twists and turns. I loved it. It is a very special book indeed.
Read
June 16, 2024Another find on a taverna bookshelf on the island of Skiathos (see previous review on The Silent Patient for explanation) and this one also did not disappoint! A beautifully crafted story with wonderful characters that carry the reader along page after page!
Jen returns to the home of her grandmother Lily following her death having not spoken to each other for many years. Lily’s house is the place where Jen spent countless summers and an incredibly close bond with her grandmother. Returning there brings many painful memories and long held family secrets to the surface.
It’s been a while since a book surprised me and this one did. There is a building tension that something isn’t quite right and it’s only in the penultimate chapters that it reveals itself. It’s weaves the idea of Lily having been some kind of a witch without feeling far fetched and too much like a fairytale. There is a strong female presence throughout the book both in Lily and Jen but also in Marianne, Jen’s 12 year old daughter. Marianne travels with her mum Jen to clear out Lily’s home having never had the opportunity to meet Lily. She is a tender character that gently comes into her own as the story unfolds.
The setting is in Cornwall and is described in a really captivating way. I love it when a book creates such a clear image in my mind of how the characters and setting looks, it really brings the story to life!
A very captivating story, wonderful well rounded characters and a theme of strength, love and protection that throws a lovely little curve ball at you when you least expect it!! So glad I found it and I hope whoever picks it up next as a holiday read enjoys it as much as I did!
Jen returns to the home of her grandmother Lily following her death having not spoken to each other for many years. Lily’s house is the place where Jen spent countless summers and an incredibly close bond with her grandmother. Returning there brings many painful memories and long held family secrets to the surface.
It’s been a while since a book surprised me and this one did. There is a building tension that something isn’t quite right and it’s only in the penultimate chapters that it reveals itself. It’s weaves the idea of Lily having been some kind of a witch without feeling far fetched and too much like a fairytale. There is a strong female presence throughout the book both in Lily and Jen but also in Marianne, Jen’s 12 year old daughter. Marianne travels with her mum Jen to clear out Lily’s home having never had the opportunity to meet Lily. She is a tender character that gently comes into her own as the story unfolds.
The setting is in Cornwall and is described in a really captivating way. I love it when a book creates such a clear image in my mind of how the characters and setting looks, it really brings the story to life!
A very captivating story, wonderful well rounded characters and a theme of strength, love and protection that throws a lovely little curve ball at you when you least expect it!! So glad I found it and I hope whoever picks it up next as a holiday read enjoys it as much as I did!
April 11, 2024
It always takes me a few chapters to get into Parkin's stories but before I know it, I'm pulled into her rich, and inviting storytelling.
I've told myself so many times that her books "aren't my usual read" but I've had to give in and accept that I've loved each book I've read. Especially Lily's House.
Her observations of human interaction bring her characters to life. It gives them depth so that you can't help but keep reading to find out their fate.
The story follows Jen who's Grandmother has passed away, so goes to the house with her daughter Marianne to sort things out. Sounds simple, but why, if Jen was so close to Lily, did they grow apart before Lily's death?
There are wonderful twists and turns within the pages as we try and work out what has happened in the past, with a shock ending that is completely satisfying.
I absolutely adored Jen's memories of growing up around her grandmother- the times where she felt most free staying with her. Emotionally, it sparked memories of my own grandmother.
Even giving Lily a "witch" feel felt right and believable - it certainly captivated my imagination.
Family mysteries, secrets, relationships and growing up. Lily's House was a beautiful, hypnotic tale, dark in places but full of hope. A story of a love that knows no bounds even from beyond the grave.
I've told myself so many times that her books "aren't my usual read" but I've had to give in and accept that I've loved each book I've read. Especially Lily's House.
Her observations of human interaction bring her characters to life. It gives them depth so that you can't help but keep reading to find out their fate.
The story follows Jen who's Grandmother has passed away, so goes to the house with her daughter Marianne to sort things out. Sounds simple, but why, if Jen was so close to Lily, did they grow apart before Lily's death?
There are wonderful twists and turns within the pages as we try and work out what has happened in the past, with a shock ending that is completely satisfying.
I absolutely adored Jen's memories of growing up around her grandmother- the times where she felt most free staying with her. Emotionally, it sparked memories of my own grandmother.
Even giving Lily a "witch" feel felt right and believable - it certainly captivated my imagination.
Family mysteries, secrets, relationships and growing up. Lily's House was a beautiful, hypnotic tale, dark in places but full of hope. A story of a love that knows no bounds even from beyond the grave.
June 13, 2018
Wow! What was that?
When I saw this on the shelf I thought it would be a light read, with a bit of magic and mystery woven in. But as I read through, picking up hints--often so slowly I began to wonder if I imagined them--there came the realisation of something much darker beneath the surface. And it takes the combined strength of three generations of women to it right once and for all. I've never read anything quite like it.
Cleverly written, you'll never be quite sure if your suspicions will be proven right, as you pick your way carefully through the guarded joys of the past and the difficulties of the present
Underpinned by the power of love, this quietly powerful and gently enthralling read will have you on the edge of your seat by the end.
When I saw this on the shelf I thought it would be a light read, with a bit of magic and mystery woven in. But as I read through, picking up hints--often so slowly I began to wonder if I imagined them--there came the realisation of something much darker beneath the surface. And it takes the combined strength of three generations of women to it right once and for all. I've never read anything quite like it.
Cleverly written, you'll never be quite sure if your suspicions will be proven right, as you pick your way carefully through the guarded joys of the past and the difficulties of the present
Underpinned by the power of love, this quietly powerful and gently enthralling read will have you on the edge of your seat by the end.
October 29, 2016
Jen and her daughter Marianne have got to clear out the house of Lily, Jens grandmother. As a child Jen was really close to Lily but in later years they were not Jen now has to accept that she can never get that back and clearing out the house is bringing back all sorts of memories
All sorts of stories come to light, James Moon is her neighbour and eventually he starts to talk to Jen and shares the final years of Lily when she and Jen were estranged
A good original story, different to what I was expecting, with all sorts of twists and turns that kept making me change my opinion of characters...definitely worth reading
All sorts of stories come to light, James Moon is her neighbour and eventually he starts to talk to Jen and shares the final years of Lily when she and Jen were estranged
A good original story, different to what I was expecting, with all sorts of twists and turns that kept making me change my opinion of characters...definitely worth reading
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