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What She Lost
*** From the acclaimed author of The Flight of Cornelia Blackwood ***
All families have their secrets. But the truth will out . . .
Eleanor and her mother Marjorie have always had a difficult relationship and have somehow just failed to connect . Now Marjorie’s memory is fading, and her grip on the things she has kept hidden is beginning to loosen. When she calls Eleanor to say, ‘There’s something I have to tell you’, Eleanor hopes this will be the moment she learns the truth about the terrible secret that has cast a shadow over both their lives.
But Marjorie’s memory is failing fast and she can’t recall what she wanted to say. Eleanor knows time is running out, and as she tries to gently uncover the truth before it becomes lost inside her mother’s mind forever, she begins to discover what really happened when she was a child – and why…
Praise for Susan's
'Exquisite storytelling, full to the brim with authentic characters, family secrets and emotional weight' Isabel Ashdown
'Passionate, intriguing and beautifully written... deserves to stand on the shelf next to Maggie O'Farrell's books. A powerful and talented new voice' Rachel Hore
'A brave and moving story about how much can be lost and what happens next' Alison Moore
All families have their secrets. But the truth will out . . .
Eleanor and her mother Marjorie have always had a difficult relationship and have somehow just failed to connect . Now Marjorie’s memory is fading, and her grip on the things she has kept hidden is beginning to loosen. When she calls Eleanor to say, ‘There’s something I have to tell you’, Eleanor hopes this will be the moment she learns the truth about the terrible secret that has cast a shadow over both their lives.
But Marjorie’s memory is failing fast and she can’t recall what she wanted to say. Eleanor knows time is running out, and as she tries to gently uncover the truth before it becomes lost inside her mother’s mind forever, she begins to discover what really happened when she was a child – and why…
Praise for Susan's
'Exquisite storytelling, full to the brim with authentic characters, family secrets and emotional weight' Isabel Ashdown
'Passionate, intriguing and beautifully written... deserves to stand on the shelf next to Maggie O'Farrell's books. A powerful and talented new voice' Rachel Hore
'A brave and moving story about how much can be lost and what happens next' Alison Moore
- GenresFiction
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2016
7 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Susan Elliot Wright
10 books123 followersSusan Elliot Wright grew up in Lewisham in south-east London. Before becoming a full-time writer, she did a number of different jobs, including civil servant, cleaner, dishwasher, journalist, and chef. She has an MA in writing from Sheffield Hallam University, where she is now an associate lecturer, and she lives in Sheffield with her husband and a big black dog called Henry. She is currently at work on her fourth novel, which will be published by Simon & Schuster in 2018.
Susan's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/susanelliotw...
Susan's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/susanelliotw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 19, 2017
Two and a half stars
Difficult mother and daughter relationships seem to be a common theme in novels. This book is no exception. Eleanor and Marjorie fail to connect. When Marjorie ends up with Alzheimer’s that relationship becomes even more difficult. Eleanor relies a lot on Marjorie’s long-time friend and neighbour, Peggy, to keep an eye on Marjorie. Eleanor has always felt she has a better relationship with Peggy than her own mother, which is very sad. But when Marjorie insists there is something she she needs to tell her daughter, Eleanor decides she needs to go home and see what is going on with her mother. She hopes she will finally be able to find out about the terrible secret that has haunted their lives. But when Eleanor arrives, her mother can’t remember what it was she needed to tell Eleanor. If Eleanor spends more time there, will Marjorie remember? Or is it already too late?
This novel started off well, but as it went on it seemed to get stuck in a cycle of repetition which did have to do with the Alzheimer’s. At the same time it didn’t progress the story that much and I found myself saying, ‘Oh for goodness sake, get on with it! ’ Part of the problem could also be because I never warmed to either of the two main characters. It is another tale that flips around to different times. Yes, they are clearly marked so there is no confusion, but It just didn’t make for smooth transitions.
Despite finding it dragged, I persevered with this book. When I reached the end I was left feeling I wished I had not bothered but had given up half way though. I found it over long and depressing and with the exception of {eggy, the main characters were largely unlikeable. However, this is just my opinion though and others may enjoy this story, more than I did.
Difficult mother and daughter relationships seem to be a common theme in novels. This book is no exception. Eleanor and Marjorie fail to connect. When Marjorie ends up with Alzheimer’s that relationship becomes even more difficult. Eleanor relies a lot on Marjorie’s long-time friend and neighbour, Peggy, to keep an eye on Marjorie. Eleanor has always felt she has a better relationship with Peggy than her own mother, which is very sad. But when Marjorie insists there is something she she needs to tell her daughter, Eleanor decides she needs to go home and see what is going on with her mother. She hopes she will finally be able to find out about the terrible secret that has haunted their lives. But when Eleanor arrives, her mother can’t remember what it was she needed to tell Eleanor. If Eleanor spends more time there, will Marjorie remember? Or is it already too late?
This novel started off well, but as it went on it seemed to get stuck in a cycle of repetition which did have to do with the Alzheimer’s. At the same time it didn’t progress the story that much and I found myself saying, ‘Oh for goodness sake, get on with it! ’ Part of the problem could also be because I never warmed to either of the two main characters. It is another tale that flips around to different times. Yes, they are clearly marked so there is no confusion, but It just didn’t make for smooth transitions.
Despite finding it dragged, I persevered with this book. When I reached the end I was left feeling I wished I had not bothered but had given up half way though. I found it over long and depressing and with the exception of {eggy, the main characters were largely unlikeable. However, this is just my opinion though and others may enjoy this story, more than I did.
July 8, 2017
Eleanor and her mother, Marjorie, have always had a bit of a difficult relationship. Now Marjorie has Alzheimer’s. She’s convinced she needs to tell her daughter something but she can’t remember what it is. Is the secret Marjorie has been holding on to for so long the reason their relationship is so complicated?
The story starts with a prologue set in 1967 with Marjorie giving birth to a baby boy, Peter. But it’s clear from the start that Peter isn’t a healthy baby and something happens to him that rips the family apart. It’s not something Marjorie has ever been willing to talk about and Eleanor doesn’t remember.
Having had a bit of a complicated relationship myself with my mother and also having a grandmother suffering from dementia, I was a bit worried I might not be able to get through this book since it hit so close to home. Seeing Marjory struggle with losing her grip on her memories was sometimes hard to read yet I also found solace in her heartwarming friendship with Peggy. And the author has such a beautiful writing style that I soon found myself swept away in the lives of Marjorie, Eleanor and Peggy.
What She Lost is an incredibly moving and thought-provoking novel. At times it’s truly sad and heartbreaking, yet it’s also been sympathetically done as it deals with rather heavy topics ranging from mental health issues to dementia and teenage pregnancy. The characters are amazingly realistic and believable and I have no doubt they will stay with me for quite some time. This was my first introduction to the author but I can already safely say that it won’t be my last.
The story starts with a prologue set in 1967 with Marjorie giving birth to a baby boy, Peter. But it’s clear from the start that Peter isn’t a healthy baby and something happens to him that rips the family apart. It’s not something Marjorie has ever been willing to talk about and Eleanor doesn’t remember.
Having had a bit of a complicated relationship myself with my mother and also having a grandmother suffering from dementia, I was a bit worried I might not be able to get through this book since it hit so close to home. Seeing Marjory struggle with losing her grip on her memories was sometimes hard to read yet I also found solace in her heartwarming friendship with Peggy. And the author has such a beautiful writing style that I soon found myself swept away in the lives of Marjorie, Eleanor and Peggy.
What She Lost is an incredibly moving and thought-provoking novel. At times it’s truly sad and heartbreaking, yet it’s also been sympathetically done as it deals with rather heavy topics ranging from mental health issues to dementia and teenage pregnancy. The characters are amazingly realistic and believable and I have no doubt they will stay with me for quite some time. This was my first introduction to the author but I can already safely say that it won’t be my last.
March 29, 2018
I wasn't sure whether I liked this at first but the more I listened to it the more I got drawn in. A very moving story of a mother and daughter relationship.
December 31, 2021
Really enjoyed this, though I'm not sure 'really enjoyed' is entirely appropriate. It is a story of such depth and personal tragedy that you forget that it's fiction. Almost like eavesdropping on a personal conversation or being the voyeur into an incredibly moving set of life experiences. The tragedies are dealt with masterfully and the heartbreak is palpable. I've never suffered loss at this level but I've been close, with death too young and devastating illness, and it all resonates with absolute authenticity.
This is not a happy book, but neither is it miserable, though are some very miserable moments in it. It is more a story of strength and adversity and an example of what families are really for, when they work properly, but also of how devastatingly damaging they can be when they don't. All families have secrets and this family's secrets are pretty extraordinary. I shouldn't feel sorry for Ellie's mum, but I do. I did all the way through. She is a broken woman. And the harm she brought upon her daughter, however shocking, is still forgivable.
Beautifully written with characters that are incredibly well drawn. This won't necessarily cheer you up, but get it read. There aren't too many about that are written with this level of honesty.
This is not a happy book, but neither is it miserable, though are some very miserable moments in it. It is more a story of strength and adversity and an example of what families are really for, when they work properly, but also of how devastatingly damaging they can be when they don't. All families have secrets and this family's secrets are pretty extraordinary. I shouldn't feel sorry for Ellie's mum, but I do. I did all the way through. She is a broken woman. And the harm she brought upon her daughter, however shocking, is still forgivable.
Beautifully written with characters that are incredibly well drawn. This won't necessarily cheer you up, but get it read. There aren't too many about that are written with this level of honesty.
April 6, 2017
What She Lost is another beautifully constructed story that kept me spellbound. The reader is introduced to Marjorie in the prologue set in 1967. Marjorie is in the delivery suite in hospital, in labour with her second child. She already has a daughter and is delighted when she gives birth to a son, Peter. Her husband Ted will be thrilled to have a son. Their little family is complete.
However, Peter's birth does not bring the happiness and joy that the young couple had longed for. Instead, Peter is severely disabled, and so begins Marjorie's long and painful journey into depression and fear.
The story then moves to the present day. Marjorie's daughter Eleanor is now grown and living on a community farm in North Yorkshire. Eleanor's life has not been easy, and she and Marjorie are not close. The community at the farm are her adopted family, it's the place where she feels safe and wanted. However, blood is thicker than water, and it is clear that Marjorie's health is suffering and Eleanor can no longer rely on her mother's friend Peggy to cope with the effects.
What She Lost is an emotional and at times, wrenching story that deals with the darkest of secrets and the effects that lies and deception can have on a family. As Eleanor struggles to understand what it is that Marjorie is desperate to remember, old wounds are opened up and examined. This author ably deals with serious and often distressing issues, including teenage pregnancy, dementia and the stigma often associated with mental health and disability.
Susan Elliot Wright is a hugely talented author, this is a hauntingly tragic, yet very sympathetic novel populated with characters who the reader will come to care about and cheer for. The human emotion is conveyed so precisely, this really is a wonderfully observed story. I loved it and would recommend it highly.
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However, Peter's birth does not bring the happiness and joy that the young couple had longed for. Instead, Peter is severely disabled, and so begins Marjorie's long and painful journey into depression and fear.
The story then moves to the present day. Marjorie's daughter Eleanor is now grown and living on a community farm in North Yorkshire. Eleanor's life has not been easy, and she and Marjorie are not close. The community at the farm are her adopted family, it's the place where she feels safe and wanted. However, blood is thicker than water, and it is clear that Marjorie's health is suffering and Eleanor can no longer rely on her mother's friend Peggy to cope with the effects.
What She Lost is an emotional and at times, wrenching story that deals with the darkest of secrets and the effects that lies and deception can have on a family. As Eleanor struggles to understand what it is that Marjorie is desperate to remember, old wounds are opened up and examined. This author ably deals with serious and often distressing issues, including teenage pregnancy, dementia and the stigma often associated with mental health and disability.
Susan Elliot Wright is a hugely talented author, this is a hauntingly tragic, yet very sympathetic novel populated with characters who the reader will come to care about and cheer for. The human emotion is conveyed so precisely, this really is a wonderfully observed story. I loved it and would recommend it highly.
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April 27, 2018
Recensione sul blog: http://thereadingpal.blogspot.it/2018...
3 1/5 su 5
I libro mi è stato inviato dalla casa editrice in cambio di una recensione
Una cosa era scegliere quali ricordi
spiacevoli spazzare via, un'altra era non riuscire a recuperarli
del tutto, anche se lo volevi.
Questo non è il tipo di libro che leggo di solito, ma devo dire che mi è piaciuto abbastanza ed è stata una lettura particolare.
Le cose che abbiamo perso è la storia di Marjorie ed Eleanor, madre e figlia, divise a causa di qualcosa di importante accaduto nel loro passato. Eleanor non lo ricorda bene, e Marjorie non vuole parlarne ed evita in tutti i modi l'argomento. Pian piano questa cosa le porta a dividersi sempre di più, tanto che la figlia non vede la madre da anni. Ma quanto l'Alzheimer di Marjorie inizia a peggiorare, Eleanor si sente in colpa e decide di provare a riallacciare i rapporti, consapevole che questa è la sua ultima possibilità.
È davvero difficile mettere in ordine i miei pensieri su questo libro. In particolare perché tratta di argomenti che sono piuttosto... pesanti, da un certo punto di vista.
Molto importante per la storia in sé è l'Alzheimer di Marjorie. L'autrice ha fatto molte ricerche ma non so quanto siano accurate perché non mi sono mai trovata a dover affrontare una situazione del genere. Nel romanzo ci sono molti episodi relativi alla malattia, riguardanti non solo la perdita di memoria ma anche momenti di aggressività. E per quanto riguarda la memoria, non sono solo piccole cose, ma anche cose che potrebbero causare danni alla casa e alle persone, e a volte Marjorie non riesce neanche a riconoscere sua figlia.
Personalmente ho trovato questa cosa molto triste e da un lato posso capire anche le reazioni dei personaggi, sopratutto Eleanor, che si stanca e a volte si irrita per le azione della madre. Ci vuole molta pazienza, sicuramente, e a volte Eleanor non la dimostra.
È una cosa che mi ha irritata, perché nessuno la costringe a prendersi cura della madre se le dà fastidio, tanto che molte volte gli altri personaggi le dicono di portarla in luoghi specializzati dove possono gestire la cosa.
Peggy invece dimostra la pazienza di una santa, anche se, giustamente, a volte dimostra di essere stanca.
Quello che mi ha rattristata di più però è che Marjorie, a volte, è cosciente, e quando le spiegano quello che ha fatto, sia una cosa un po' sciocca che una cosa più grave, è consapevole dei possibili danni e si sente una stupida.
L'altra cosa molto grossa riguarda la disabilità, e in particolare bambini nati estremamente disabili, come Peter. C'è una scena particolarmente forte nel libro che riguarda come venivano trattati i ragazzini disabili neglia anni '80 (e anche se ora va un po' meglio, non è che si sono fatti grossi progressi...).
Però per questa parte penso che questa cosa non sia stata trattata a dovere, come se mancasse qualcosa. Mi ha lasciato un po' con l'amaro in bocca.
Rispetto ai personaggi, mi sono trovata a gravitare più verso Marjorie e Peggy che non verso Eleanor, che sicuramente non è un brutto personaggio ma che a volte ho trovato pesante e irritante, sopratutto per certi atteggiamenti verso la madre.
Peggy, come ho detto, è molto paziente con Marjorie, e adoro la loro amicizia e il loro rapporto stretto, rapporto che Peggy ha anche con Eleanor.
Marjorie ha molti segreti, è una donna depressa e provata dalla vita a causa di ciò che è successo a Peter e alla rottura con suo marito, per non parlare del suo rapporto quasi inesistente con Eleanor. Mi è piaciuto vedere i punti di vista di entrambe le donne, che mi hanno aiutato a capire di più il contesto della loro relazione tormentata, cosa su cui si concentra questo romanzo.
Forse quello che non mi è piaciuto è un po' lo stile dell'autrice, che ho trovato a tratti pesante e poco fluido, ma la storia e l'argomento trattato mi sono piaciuti molto.
3 1/5 su 5
I libro mi è stato inviato dalla casa editrice in cambio di una recensione
Una cosa era scegliere quali ricordi
spiacevoli spazzare via, un'altra era non riuscire a recuperarli
del tutto, anche se lo volevi.
Questo non è il tipo di libro che leggo di solito, ma devo dire che mi è piaciuto abbastanza ed è stata una lettura particolare.
Le cose che abbiamo perso è la storia di Marjorie ed Eleanor, madre e figlia, divise a causa di qualcosa di importante accaduto nel loro passato. Eleanor non lo ricorda bene, e Marjorie non vuole parlarne ed evita in tutti i modi l'argomento. Pian piano questa cosa le porta a dividersi sempre di più, tanto che la figlia non vede la madre da anni. Ma quanto l'Alzheimer di Marjorie inizia a peggiorare, Eleanor si sente in colpa e decide di provare a riallacciare i rapporti, consapevole che questa è la sua ultima possibilità.
È davvero difficile mettere in ordine i miei pensieri su questo libro. In particolare perché tratta di argomenti che sono piuttosto... pesanti, da un certo punto di vista.
Molto importante per la storia in sé è l'Alzheimer di Marjorie. L'autrice ha fatto molte ricerche ma non so quanto siano accurate perché non mi sono mai trovata a dover affrontare una situazione del genere. Nel romanzo ci sono molti episodi relativi alla malattia, riguardanti non solo la perdita di memoria ma anche momenti di aggressività. E per quanto riguarda la memoria, non sono solo piccole cose, ma anche cose che potrebbero causare danni alla casa e alle persone, e a volte Marjorie non riesce neanche a riconoscere sua figlia.
Personalmente ho trovato questa cosa molto triste e da un lato posso capire anche le reazioni dei personaggi, sopratutto Eleanor, che si stanca e a volte si irrita per le azione della madre. Ci vuole molta pazienza, sicuramente, e a volte Eleanor non la dimostra.
È una cosa che mi ha irritata, perché nessuno la costringe a prendersi cura della madre se le dà fastidio, tanto che molte volte gli altri personaggi le dicono di portarla in luoghi specializzati dove possono gestire la cosa.
Peggy invece dimostra la pazienza di una santa, anche se, giustamente, a volte dimostra di essere stanca.
Quello che mi ha rattristata di più però è che Marjorie, a volte, è cosciente, e quando le spiegano quello che ha fatto, sia una cosa un po' sciocca che una cosa più grave, è consapevole dei possibili danni e si sente una stupida.
L'altra cosa molto grossa riguarda la disabilità, e in particolare bambini nati estremamente disabili, come Peter. C'è una scena particolarmente forte nel libro che riguarda come venivano trattati i ragazzini disabili neglia anni '80 (e anche se ora va un po' meglio, non è che si sono fatti grossi progressi...).
Però per questa parte penso che questa cosa non sia stata trattata a dovere, come se mancasse qualcosa. Mi ha lasciato un po' con l'amaro in bocca.
Rispetto ai personaggi, mi sono trovata a gravitare più verso Marjorie e Peggy che non verso Eleanor, che sicuramente non è un brutto personaggio ma che a volte ho trovato pesante e irritante, sopratutto per certi atteggiamenti verso la madre.
Peggy, come ho detto, è molto paziente con Marjorie, e adoro la loro amicizia e il loro rapporto stretto, rapporto che Peggy ha anche con Eleanor.
Marjorie ha molti segreti, è una donna depressa e provata dalla vita a causa di ciò che è successo a Peter e alla rottura con suo marito, per non parlare del suo rapporto quasi inesistente con Eleanor. Mi è piaciuto vedere i punti di vista di entrambe le donne, che mi hanno aiutato a capire di più il contesto della loro relazione tormentata, cosa su cui si concentra questo romanzo.
Forse quello che non mi è piaciuto è un po' lo stile dell'autrice, che ho trovato a tratti pesante e poco fluido, ma la storia e l'argomento trattato mi sono piaciuti molto.
July 12, 2020
Eleanor and her mother Marjorie have always had a strained relationship but now Marjorie has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and keeps ringing Ellie to tell her something important but then can’t quite remember what.
This novel explores both women’s troubled backgrounds and their efforts to rebuild their relationship.
Moving and honest, with good character development and lots of hidden secrets to be discovered
This novel explores both women’s troubled backgrounds and their efforts to rebuild their relationship.
Moving and honest, with good character development and lots of hidden secrets to be discovered
August 8, 2019
I didn’t want to put this book down. I loved the structure moving between characters and time. As a retired counsellor I have had first hand experience of what can happen when children are not given permission to share their thoughts and feelings and this story rang true.
March 8, 2018
Super sad story about Marjorie and her daughter Eleanor, their stilted relationship and many missed opportunities for bonding. I like the title, how it alludes to losses of the mother and daughter both: of children, childhood, time, intimacy, confidence, and ultimately, brain cells. The author deftly switches back and forth from time and place and points of view, foreshadowing with a very light touch, and artfully revealing mysteries only incrementally; the pacing is excellent. Without giving too much away, I will say that this ending is the one I wanted for Still Alice.
May 7, 2020
Slow and frustrating, but also intriguing. I knew there was going to be a twist at the end so that was the one thing that kept me reading. Eleanor doesn't have a good relationship with her mother due to the life-long depression because of her son's death. Eleanor knows she had a part to play in her brother's death but the memories are vague. Her mother now has Alzheimer's so time is running out for the truth to be found. It's not badly written as such, it just lacked pace and complexity and I just wanted it to be over with.
May 31, 2025
I found this book terribly sad! When I first started it, I really enjoyed it as I felt it really had promise, but after about 100 pages I started to lose interest, it seemed to drag! Marjorie the mother clearly had no ability to express any emotion at all and had no connection with her daughter Eleanor in any sense of the word, she also allowed her neighbour above Peggy to literally take over bringing up her daughter. If only in those days there was Counselling for situations like theirs! Marjorie was clearly traumatised when she visited her brother Morris in hospital all clamped down, as he was disabled he later died due to his disabilities. When she had her own child Peter she was determined to care for him alone but she clearly wasn’t coping, she had Eleanor as well! She was tired and when Eleanor accidentally put him in a paddling pool, not killing him, Marjorie took her chances and ended Peter‘s life! She never told anyone and put all the blame onto Eleanor or she would have gone to prison! A really tragic book which did drag on! I didn’t really gel with either of their characters as they appeared cold, which is not surprising! It was well written, a bit too long but just terribly sad! Both ladies were carrying so much emotional baggage, pent-up anger, There really was never going to be a happy ending! Although Peggy got married, moved away and finally got a life! Eleanor joins her male friend abroad and we suppose they stay together, who knows!
# What She Lost
# 10/05/2025 ~ 23/05/2025
# 3.0 / 5.0
# What She Lost
# 10/05/2025 ~ 23/05/2025
# 3.0 / 5.0
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2020
This is an insightful and compelling story about a devastating family tragedy and its bitter, decades-long consequences: an unyielding wedge between a mother, Marjorie, and her only daughter, Eleanor, which neither woman seems able to shift. After years of limited, strained contact, the two are forced together when Marjorie is struck down with Alzheimer’s, and Ellie reluctantly puts her own life on hold to be the dutiful daughter. Can they finally reach out to each other and heal old wounds, or is there simply so much gone unsaid for so long that the rift is unbridgeable?
Exploring themes like grief, guilt, rejection, secrecy and mental illness, Marjorie and Eleanor’s story is an emotional rollercoaster. The narrative is revealed through three different timelines, which are effortlessly woven together to gradually paint a picture of the tragedy that has defined their personalities and their lives. Both women command compassion: the mother who’s failed her child but cannot breach the wall she’s erected between them; and the daughter so paralyzed by guilt and rejection she cannot find a way to connect.
I must admit the story took a while to draw me in, but it picked up about half way through, aided by some unexpected twists. I do enjoy a novel that explores the complexities of female relationships, and this certainly gives some serious pause for thought. The ending, which I couldn’t have guessed in a month of Sundays, left a lump in my throat.
Exploring themes like grief, guilt, rejection, secrecy and mental illness, Marjorie and Eleanor’s story is an emotional rollercoaster. The narrative is revealed through three different timelines, which are effortlessly woven together to gradually paint a picture of the tragedy that has defined their personalities and their lives. Both women command compassion: the mother who’s failed her child but cannot breach the wall she’s erected between them; and the daughter so paralyzed by guilt and rejection she cannot find a way to connect.
I must admit the story took a while to draw me in, but it picked up about half way through, aided by some unexpected twists. I do enjoy a novel that explores the complexities of female relationships, and this certainly gives some serious pause for thought. The ending, which I couldn’t have guessed in a month of Sundays, left a lump in my throat.
December 3, 2017
CN: death (perhaps murder) of disabled children. Serious spoilers ahead too.
I loved almost everything about this book. It is beautifully written, the characters are well-drawn and believable, and it was incredibly moving.
I was very frustrated by Marjorie killing/not saving Peter, though. I felt a little bit like she was let off the hook too easily for allowing her disabled son to die, and I also felt like we’re expected to be sympathetic to her because of her son’s serious disability.
I’m disabled myself, and have spent the last eleven years - since I first got ill - feeling like a huge burden to those around me and regularly contemplating that it might be better for everyone if I was dead. I think I’m encouraged to think like this because there are messages everywhere that I am a burden and I am a waste of valuable resources. I think Susan Elliot Wright is a fantastic writer, but I feel like the way she made Eleanor say ‘there’s nothing to forgive’ is suggestive of an understanding that disabled children dying is not something to lose sleep over - that they’re so hard to cope with, it’s better for everyone if they die.
It’s such a shame that this wasn’t addressed - even with just a sentence or two of Eleanor questioning her mother’s actions.
I loved almost everything about this book. It is beautifully written, the characters are well-drawn and believable, and it was incredibly moving.
I was very frustrated by Marjorie killing/not saving Peter, though. I felt a little bit like she was let off the hook too easily for allowing her disabled son to die, and I also felt like we’re expected to be sympathetic to her because of her son’s serious disability.
I’m disabled myself, and have spent the last eleven years - since I first got ill - feeling like a huge burden to those around me and regularly contemplating that it might be better for everyone if I was dead. I think I’m encouraged to think like this because there are messages everywhere that I am a burden and I am a waste of valuable resources. I think Susan Elliot Wright is a fantastic writer, but I feel like the way she made Eleanor say ‘there’s nothing to forgive’ is suggestive of an understanding that disabled children dying is not something to lose sleep over - that they’re so hard to cope with, it’s better for everyone if they die.
It’s such a shame that this wasn’t addressed - even with just a sentence or two of Eleanor questioning her mother’s actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
Just about scraped a 4 star rating!
Interesting and engaging tale about Eleanor and her mother who have always had a difficult relationship. This spans several decades, has lots of tragedy, family secrets, difficult relationships etc. And interesting characters (the first novel I recall that featured a young woman who had lost all her hair dies to shock) ... quite a broad canvas of settings including Greenham common and an idyllic sounding Community Farm. but mostly based at Margery's home, a maisonette with another family upstairs ... the woman upstairs is more like a mother figure to Eleanor and plays an important part in all aspects of the timeline. As I read this, my own mother with dementia is entering end of life stage, so I could definitely relate to lots of what Eleanor experiences.
The audiobook had the same narrator as another of this authors books that I had been unhappy with. In this one she's slightly better, but still many sentences are intoned incorrectly which does not aid understanding, and mars enjoyment of the book.
Interesting and engaging tale about Eleanor and her mother who have always had a difficult relationship. This spans several decades, has lots of tragedy, family secrets, difficult relationships etc. And interesting characters (the first novel I recall that featured a young woman who had lost all her hair dies to shock) ... quite a broad canvas of settings including Greenham common and an idyllic sounding Community Farm. but mostly based at Margery's home, a maisonette with another family upstairs ... the woman upstairs is more like a mother figure to Eleanor and plays an important part in all aspects of the timeline. As I read this, my own mother with dementia is entering end of life stage, so I could definitely relate to lots of what Eleanor experiences.
The audiobook had the same narrator as another of this authors books that I had been unhappy with. In this one she's slightly better, but still many sentences are intoned incorrectly which does not aid understanding, and mars enjoyment of the book.
October 9, 2018
I have read a couple of this authors novels and enjoyed them, but I'm not so sure about What She Lost.
The story skips back and forth in time and I usually don't mind that but found the way that this was done to be unnecessarily confusing.
I really, really failed to engage with any of the characters with the possible exception of Marjorie, who had my sympathy and who I feel was underdeveloped.
Eleanor was just not very interesting, Peggy and Jill too good to be true.
Dylan was creepy and I really don't understand the point of him. What did he add to the story ?
The trouble is there is a good story at the heart of this but the telling of it is so messy and confusing and drawn out that I honestly felt like giving up.
I just kept thinking, oh for goodness sake get on with it !
Not really for me, this one.
The story skips back and forth in time and I usually don't mind that but found the way that this was done to be unnecessarily confusing.
I really, really failed to engage with any of the characters with the possible exception of Marjorie, who had my sympathy and who I feel was underdeveloped.
Eleanor was just not very interesting, Peggy and Jill too good to be true.
Dylan was creepy and I really don't understand the point of him. What did he add to the story ?
The trouble is there is a good story at the heart of this but the telling of it is so messy and confusing and drawn out that I honestly felt like giving up.
I just kept thinking, oh for goodness sake get on with it !
Not really for me, this one.
November 4, 2019
This book is what I would call a slow burner. I read the first third and found it slow going and I wasn’t that engaged with the story or the characters. Then I decided to put it away for a while whilst I read a couple of other books. I came back to it 3 months later and I’m so glad I did. The story picked up almost immediately on my second attempt at reading it. It covers some very challenging and emotive subjects but deals with them sympathetically. A small plot twist about 2/3 of the way in keeps you intrigued as to the outcome for the main characters. I ended up finishing the book in just a couple of days. This could be a raw read for some, particularly anyone which might be going through the same personal circumstances within their family but worth a read as it gives insights of how to handle difficult parent / child relationships.
March 4, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for providing an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this novel that explores a troubled mother/daughter relationship that is complicated even more by Alzheimer's disease. Although this is not a new topic in fiction, I found this particular novel compelling because it allowed us to see the mother as a multi-dimensional person, not just a parent. I find this perspective rare, as even in real life, most find it difficult to think of their parents as more than the one dimension of "parent." This was a solid read, with a bit of mystery to keep things moving. I will be looking for more from this author!
September 25, 2018
The topics of this novel are such difficult ones to write about, and I admire the author for tackling it; she does a really good job with both grief and dementia. However, I struggled to maintain interest in the central characters' relationship and found the storyline particularly melancholic which made it a challenge to continue picking it up. I didn't feel there was enough pace to it to sustain reading for any length of time, and so whereas I usually read books within a few days this one took well over a week. While I can't fault the writing itself, and I don't think there is anything wrong with the novel as such, it just wasn't for me.
January 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book, as always, SEL writes with passion and authenticity. However I did struggle this time with the subject matter. This being the third book that tackles an unwanted/unexpected pregnancy or the birth of a child that is a secret or links to a character's past trauma. I would have liked to have read something a little different, though of course the theme fit with the story and did not hinder my enjoyment of the book. SEW's novels are so true-to-life because they merge fictional psychological content with realistic family drama, flawlessly. Another great read from one of my top-shelf authors.
January 3, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially upon finding out that it was based in my hometown. I found the story imaginative and the characters well formed and likeable despite exploring the complexities of a dysfunctional family life. I especially loved the friendship between two of the main characters. I have to admit to shedding a few tears towards the end of the book, which I credit to the authenticity of the storyline and the beautiful way that the author has with words. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
March 25, 2018
Thank you Ms Elliot Wright. I found the whole book very moving and thought provoking and I have to say I am in awe of and fascinated by the structure - still not quite worked out in my head how you pulled it off. On a personal level, I loved that it was set in Lewisham. It felt like coming home especially with the mention of Hither Green cemetery where both my grand parents are buried. Also the language - your use of the word - sod as an affection term, something they don't do up North. Congratulations on pulling off yet another fantastic read
August 14, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was intrigued from the first word.
I was desperate to find out what happened and happens in the story. I loved the main character and was fascinated by her childhood and her growth into adulthood. The relationship between her and her mother, and her mother's friend, and her own friend is fascinating and really complex.
I'm now looking for more books by Ms Wright!
I was desperate to find out what happened and happens in the story. I loved the main character and was fascinated by her childhood and her growth into adulthood. The relationship between her and her mother, and her mother's friend, and her own friend is fascinating and really complex.
I'm now looking for more books by Ms Wright!
May 9, 2017
I love books where the story is told by different characters. The main characters Marjorie (mother) and Eleanor (daughter) go back and forth in time giving us insights into how and why they are where they are currently. A sad and emotional tale. Easy to read yet thought provoking. It's never good to try and forget past events no matter how traumatic
February 11, 2024
Liked the back ~ and ~ forth timeline of the book which isn't new nowadays though is still interesting as a technique...Made it a little confusing at times too in certain parts: possibly because I was galloping to reach the end as I wanted to find out the inevitable twist that was looming throughout ....
June 5, 2017
Beautiful book. Really pulls you in to the story told by different characters .. sad and happy all rolled together. Leaves you with a lovely warm feeling deep in your heart. This is the first Susan Elliot Wright book I've read but it definitely won't be the last
May 29, 2017
Absolutely beautiful book. Susan Elliot Wright is such a fabulous author. I've read all her books now and thoroughly recommend them.
June 5, 2017
Lovely moving story
March 5, 2018
I liked this book. I like the author in general but I called this one very early on, so it lost a star. I like to be surprised.
August 16, 2018
Good summer read - deals with a fractured mother and daughter relationship.
June 17, 2019
An amazing author.
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