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The Girl I Used to Know
A beautiful, emotive and spell-binding story of two women who find friendship and second chances when they least expect it. Perfect for the fans of Patricia Scanlan.
Amanda King and Tess Cuffe are strangers who share the same Georgian house, but their lives couldn't be more different.
Amanda seems to have it all, absolute perfection. She projects all the accoutrements of a lady who lunches. Sadly, the reality is a soulless home, an unfaithful husband and a very lonely heart.
By comparison, in the basement flat, unwanted tenant Tess has spent a lifetime hiding and shutting her heart to love.
It takes a bossy doctor, a handsome gardener, a pushy teenager and an abandoned cat to show these two women that sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward and new friendships can come from the most unlikely situations.
'A beautiful love story – full of a warmth and redemption' KATE KERRIGAN.
'I absolutely loved this perfect autumn-y read – Faith Hogan really is a name to watch out for' CLAUDIA CARROLL.
'An engaging and emotive story of unlikely friendships and second chances' CARMEL HARRINGTON, Sunday Times Bestseller.
'The perfect Christmas Gift!' Ballina Community Radio.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
5676 people are currently reading
2556 people want to read
About the author
Faith Hogan
12 books687 followersFaith Hogan is a bestselling author of nine novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favorites, Net Galley Hot Reads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women's fiction which is unashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.
She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway.
Her latest novel is The Guest House By The Sea - set in the west of Ireland - it has been described as a book to fall in love with.
She also writes crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Her Corbally series is out now.
You can find out more about Faith on her website www.faithhogan.com
www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com
@gerhogan
She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway.
Her latest novel is The Guest House By The Sea - set in the west of Ireland - it has been described as a book to fall in love with.
She also writes crime fiction as Geraldine Hogan. Her Corbally series is out now.
You can find out more about Faith on her website www.faithhogan.com
www.Facebook/FaithHogan.com
@gerhogan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
December 12, 2017
5☆ Compelling, A journey of self discovery, friendships and Second Chances!
The Girl I Used to Know is a beautiful story of two very different women living in virtually the same house as strangers but come together to form an unlikely friendship.
It's a beautifully Heartwarming and compelling read. It's about friendship, Family, Relationships and a second chance at happiness.
Amanda seems to have it all. The gorgeous Four storey Georgian House, with 2 teenage children and a husband that gives her everything!
Ok now as everyone knows,
no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors.....
how I see Amanda is....
she's down trodden, she dotes on Richard her husband, yet he just uses her as a trophy wife and really has no appreciation or time for her, he makes her attend all the coffee afternoons with his colleagues wives just to keep up with the jones!
Nothing Amanda owns is hers!!
Even her children disrespect her and talk to her like she is dirt!
She has lost all her passion and Zest for life!
Ok so now we meet Tess.
Tess is a very interesting character.
She came to Dublin to study music with her older sister.
Their Father is extremely controlling and only allows Tess to leave if her sister goes too. In turn forcing her sister into a career she has no interest in.
She fears her sister will become just like her mother. A doormat for her husband, who isn't allowed any opinions or thoughts!
A Little like Amanda!
Tess is in her 60s and has been living in Amanda's basement Flat of her house since she was about 17/18ish.
Richard sees her as an inconvenience and wants her OUT! But the law says different!
Amanda and Tess really despise each other. Sniping whenever they can.
Although I can't help thinking Amanda was only like that because of her pig of a husband!
However it takes a gorgeous cat to help ease the women's tension towards each other, and the hate turns to respect which in turn ends up with them actually liking each other.
Both women are equally as stubborn, yet full of pain, sadness and anguish from their past and current relationships.
It was so beautiful and uplifting seeing Amanda and Tess both very different in age and personality come together in friendship.
I adored Tess and Amanda's back story. It was so lovely to get an insight into their lives and it makes sense why they are the way they are. Particularly Tess who's past is emotional.
The Girl I Used to Know is the Perfect title for this gorgeous Gem of a book.
It really is a story of looking in the mirror and realising what is happening and setting about changing it. A story of new beginnings and second chances.
Faith Hogan writes with such passion and ease, she had me enthralled with the storyline and characters. She had me investing my heart into caring for them and wanting them to be happy!
After all we are all seeking that Happy Ending!
If you are looking for a compelling, uplifting read that will warm your heart, have you giggling in places, and will leave you reading just one page more, then this is one for you! The Perfect Winter Cosy read.
I would like to Thank Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this gem of a book, in which I voluntarily reviewed.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
The Girl I Used to Know is a beautiful story of two very different women living in virtually the same house as strangers but come together to form an unlikely friendship.
It's a beautifully Heartwarming and compelling read. It's about friendship, Family, Relationships and a second chance at happiness.
Amanda seems to have it all. The gorgeous Four storey Georgian House, with 2 teenage children and a husband that gives her everything!
Ok now as everyone knows,
no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors.....
how I see Amanda is....
she's down trodden, she dotes on Richard her husband, yet he just uses her as a trophy wife and really has no appreciation or time for her, he makes her attend all the coffee afternoons with his colleagues wives just to keep up with the jones!
Nothing Amanda owns is hers!!
Even her children disrespect her and talk to her like she is dirt!
She has lost all her passion and Zest for life!
Ok so now we meet Tess.
Tess is a very interesting character.
She came to Dublin to study music with her older sister.
Their Father is extremely controlling and only allows Tess to leave if her sister goes too. In turn forcing her sister into a career she has no interest in.
She fears her sister will become just like her mother. A doormat for her husband, who isn't allowed any opinions or thoughts!
A Little like Amanda!
Tess is in her 60s and has been living in Amanda's basement Flat of her house since she was about 17/18ish.
Richard sees her as an inconvenience and wants her OUT! But the law says different!
Amanda and Tess really despise each other. Sniping whenever they can.
Although I can't help thinking Amanda was only like that because of her pig of a husband!
However it takes a gorgeous cat to help ease the women's tension towards each other, and the hate turns to respect which in turn ends up with them actually liking each other.
Both women are equally as stubborn, yet full of pain, sadness and anguish from their past and current relationships.
It was so beautiful and uplifting seeing Amanda and Tess both very different in age and personality come together in friendship.
I adored Tess and Amanda's back story. It was so lovely to get an insight into their lives and it makes sense why they are the way they are. Particularly Tess who's past is emotional.
The Girl I Used to Know is the Perfect title for this gorgeous Gem of a book.
It really is a story of looking in the mirror and realising what is happening and setting about changing it. A story of new beginnings and second chances.
Faith Hogan writes with such passion and ease, she had me enthralled with the storyline and characters. She had me investing my heart into caring for them and wanting them to be happy!
After all we are all seeking that Happy Ending!
If you are looking for a compelling, uplifting read that will warm your heart, have you giggling in places, and will leave you reading just one page more, then this is one for you! The Perfect Winter Cosy read.
I would like to Thank Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this gem of a book, in which I voluntarily reviewed.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
December 7, 2017
Uplifting, absorbing, and delightfully inspiring!
The Girl I Used To Know is a heartwarming story that immerses you in a tale about letting go of the past, embracing the future and discovering one’s true self at any age.
The prose is effortless and fluid. The plot is a wonderful blend of heart, humour, and hope. And the characterization is spot on with a memorable cast of characters, including two strong, determined, resilient women who learn through compassion and friendship how to move on, find true happiness and be unconditionally loved.
The Girl I Used To Know is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, dreams, heartache, infidelity, family, and romance. It is a beautifully written, beguiling novel by Hogan that highlights just how meaningful and powerful friendships can truly be.
Thank you to Faith Hogan and Aria Fiction for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
The Girl I Used To Know is a heartwarming story that immerses you in a tale about letting go of the past, embracing the future and discovering one’s true self at any age.
The prose is effortless and fluid. The plot is a wonderful blend of heart, humour, and hope. And the characterization is spot on with a memorable cast of characters, including two strong, determined, resilient women who learn through compassion and friendship how to move on, find true happiness and be unconditionally loved.
The Girl I Used To Know is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, dreams, heartache, infidelity, family, and romance. It is a beautifully written, beguiling novel by Hogan that highlights just how meaningful and powerful friendships can truly be.
Thank you to Faith Hogan and Aria Fiction for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
November 12, 2017
This is based around a four storey Georgian house in a lovely Dublin square.
The women I meet very soon become part of my “life” as the author makes them 3D almost immediately and you cannot help but feel connected to all of them.
Amanda and Richard King purchase this house but it has a sitting tenant named Tess. They think they can eventually get her to move on. But it’s not the case.
Amanda and Richard being owners occupy the top three storeys with they’re children.
Amanda seems to have it all, if you were looking on, you would feel that way too.
Tess who lives in the basement is a lonely lady, but in some ways she’s brought this upon herself, but I did fully understand how and why.
Tess trips over Amanda’s cat one day and ends up at the hospital.
It’s her wake up call on her health.
Amanda is a 45 year old woman who appears down trodden by Richard her husband.
They have everything. Money, comfortable style and she’s in with a coffee morning with the elite husbands.
A wake up call comes to Amanda one day in the detail of a flavoured condom.
Both women separately start to take stock of their lives.
Amanda and Tess roads cross at times but in opposite directions.
A cat has a hand in bringing these two women together where they find they have lots in common.
I love how the chapters went back in time so we could see and get a rounded picture on the past.
What was Tess life like when she was younger.
What was her home life like.
Did she have a family.
Why is she alone.
Did or can she ever find happiness.
The chapters had date headings so it was easy to follow.
They were short and crisp so I found myself flipping through this read faster than I thought.
Carlos.......hmmmmmm lush.
It’s a fab “curl up book” that takes the reader on several surprises.
This read was much more than I expected, it was full bodied and had hidden gems.
My thanks to Aria for my copy via Net Galley
The women I meet very soon become part of my “life” as the author makes them 3D almost immediately and you cannot help but feel connected to all of them.
Amanda and Richard King purchase this house but it has a sitting tenant named Tess. They think they can eventually get her to move on. But it’s not the case.
Amanda and Richard being owners occupy the top three storeys with they’re children.
Amanda seems to have it all, if you were looking on, you would feel that way too.
Tess who lives in the basement is a lonely lady, but in some ways she’s brought this upon herself, but I did fully understand how and why.
Tess trips over Amanda’s cat one day and ends up at the hospital.
It’s her wake up call on her health.
Amanda is a 45 year old woman who appears down trodden by Richard her husband.
They have everything. Money, comfortable style and she’s in with a coffee morning with the elite husbands.
A wake up call comes to Amanda one day in the detail of a flavoured condom.
Both women separately start to take stock of their lives.
Amanda and Tess roads cross at times but in opposite directions.
A cat has a hand in bringing these two women together where they find they have lots in common.
I love how the chapters went back in time so we could see and get a rounded picture on the past.
What was Tess life like when she was younger.
What was her home life like.
Did she have a family.
Why is she alone.
Did or can she ever find happiness.
The chapters had date headings so it was easy to follow.
They were short and crisp so I found myself flipping through this read faster than I thought.
Carlos.......hmmmmmm lush.
It’s a fab “curl up book” that takes the reader on several surprises.
This read was much more than I expected, it was full bodied and had hidden gems.
My thanks to Aria for my copy via Net Galley
August 18, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
Maureen Cuffe was a mouse of a woman, forever playing small to augment her husband’s supremacy… her mother talked of his impending retirement with a sense of doom worthy of an undertaker. ‘Not long now,’ she would say when he left the house.
She actually nodded towards the dumpy little woman, with absurd copper rouge hair piled too high on her head. She stood transfixed, once she realised it was her own reflection. She studied the woman staring back at her with her expensive clothes and too much make-up. Amanda King was under there, somewhere. Her breath caught in her throat, she had been lovely, once. Where was that girl she used to know?
Nicola thought all teenagers should be sent away to boarding school. Nicola’s kids were packed off as soon as there was the danger of a negligent hormone ripening to make her perfect life appear untidy.
‘I’ve started exercising, just gently until I’m fully mobile,’ she whispered. Somehow, it didn’t seem right to add that she had only started to want to live longer so she could spite her neighbours.
Well, I’ll tell you this for nothing, if he so much as winked at me, I’d have my best linen on the bed and I’d be inviting him in for a stiff one before we got down to business…
My Review:
I found The Girl I Used To Know to be a captivating and resonant story – I adored it, but I might not have fully grasped the brilliance and depth of the insightful narrative when I was in my roaring 20s, but I’m older, and thankfully, much wiser now. Ms. Hogan turned out wryly humorous, craftily paced, well-written, and engaging tale that frequently had me smirking yet also squeezed my heart and stung my eyes. Although I have never been to Ireland and would love to, it didn’t matter where this story had been based as these women’s transformative tales were universal; betrayal, regret, loneliness, missed opportunities, heartbreak, infidelity, losing oneself – these unfortunate events happen everywhere and in every culture. I adored the clever juxtapositions and parallels drawn between the upstairs occupant and basement tenant who had always been at odds and had at first glance appeared so different. Ms. Hogan is an observant and cunning scribe; I greedily want all her clever words.
Maureen Cuffe was a mouse of a woman, forever playing small to augment her husband’s supremacy… her mother talked of his impending retirement with a sense of doom worthy of an undertaker. ‘Not long now,’ she would say when he left the house.
She actually nodded towards the dumpy little woman, with absurd copper rouge hair piled too high on her head. She stood transfixed, once she realised it was her own reflection. She studied the woman staring back at her with her expensive clothes and too much make-up. Amanda King was under there, somewhere. Her breath caught in her throat, she had been lovely, once. Where was that girl she used to know?
Nicola thought all teenagers should be sent away to boarding school. Nicola’s kids were packed off as soon as there was the danger of a negligent hormone ripening to make her perfect life appear untidy.
‘I’ve started exercising, just gently until I’m fully mobile,’ she whispered. Somehow, it didn’t seem right to add that she had only started to want to live longer so she could spite her neighbours.
Well, I’ll tell you this for nothing, if he so much as winked at me, I’d have my best linen on the bed and I’d be inviting him in for a stiff one before we got down to business…
My Review:
I found The Girl I Used To Know to be a captivating and resonant story – I adored it, but I might not have fully grasped the brilliance and depth of the insightful narrative when I was in my roaring 20s, but I’m older, and thankfully, much wiser now. Ms. Hogan turned out wryly humorous, craftily paced, well-written, and engaging tale that frequently had me smirking yet also squeezed my heart and stung my eyes. Although I have never been to Ireland and would love to, it didn’t matter where this story had been based as these women’s transformative tales were universal; betrayal, regret, loneliness, missed opportunities, heartbreak, infidelity, losing oneself – these unfortunate events happen everywhere and in every culture. I adored the clever juxtapositions and parallels drawn between the upstairs occupant and basement tenant who had always been at odds and had at first glance appeared so different. Ms. Hogan is an observant and cunning scribe; I greedily want all her clever words.
December 7, 2017
This is a highly original story of two women who live in the same house, Tess being the unwanted tenant of the ground floor flat and Amanda living with her husband, Richard, and their children in the other floors of the house. Initially the story fills in background information on how the two came to live there and their somewhat confrontational relationship. After very different triggers, these two lonely women start to re-evaluate their lives, making personal discoveries en route. Events from different eras in the lives of both ladies are shared through date headed chapters, making it easy for readers to understand when these events occurred. It is a renaissance experience for both ladies and a cat has a significant role in helping them discover more about themselves and that true friendship can develop with the most unexpected people!
The story is filled with surprises and is a real emotional roller coaster. There are unexpected highs and lows for both ladies. Relationships with others are also explored and it is mostly an entertaining read. Neither lady is initially appealing or likeable but, as you learn more about them, they grow on you so it is easier to empathise with them. It is a poignant, hopeful story with some humorous interludes that demonstrates the power of true friendship.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The story is filled with surprises and is a real emotional roller coaster. There are unexpected highs and lows for both ladies. Relationships with others are also explored and it is mostly an entertaining read. Neither lady is initially appealing or likeable but, as you learn more about them, they grow on you so it is easier to empathise with them. It is a poignant, hopeful story with some humorous interludes that demonstrates the power of true friendship.
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
August 12, 2019
I love dipping my toes into different genres as you never quite know what you might find, and occasionally you find a beautiful little gem and that is what I found right here.
Two stories are told, Tess’ story spanning forty-eight years and Amanda’s spanning twenty-two years. Both women are on a journey, heartaches and pain, love and loss both trying to return to The Girl (They) used to know. Both women looking past the facade of life and finally seeing each other for who they truly are, not who they pretend to be. Knocking down walls that have been placed there by other people and their disapprovals.
I warmed to both women quickly. Both are headstrong and determined women and until a man comes into their lives and things change. Tess suffers betrayal and heartache and struggles to move on. I mean if I went through what she did I think I would spiral out of control. She was poised but she shut herself off and became bitter. Slowly but surely, in cahoots with Amanda’s daughter Robyn, looking after a cat brings her out her shells and forms bonds with both Robyn and Amanda.
Amanda, at face level, has it all, perfect house, marriage, kids, husband going to get the all-important promotion. Somewhere in life, Amanda lost herself, and through stupid behaviour of her husband, she starts to see how cocooned her life is. I did feel satisfied with Amanda when she started smashing up glass ornaments!!
I really did love this story of second chances. Watching two women grow and realise that they have so much more to give and to live for. It’s definitely a book for anyone who has been wondering if life has passed you by without saying hi. It hasn’t! This book literally tells you it does not matter how old you are, you deserve your dreams and happiness and I love a book that gives you the warm and fuzzies. I have watched these two women take a look at their lives and demand more. It gives you the strength to review your life the same.
I loved this book, I sat there smiling and chuckling a lot. It made my heart soar for them both as I watched them grow. It just shows you how much negativity in your life can seriously damage not just you but to everyone around you. When you smile they smile.
Two stories are told, Tess’ story spanning forty-eight years and Amanda’s spanning twenty-two years. Both women are on a journey, heartaches and pain, love and loss both trying to return to The Girl (They) used to know. Both women looking past the facade of life and finally seeing each other for who they truly are, not who they pretend to be. Knocking down walls that have been placed there by other people and their disapprovals.
I warmed to both women quickly. Both are headstrong and determined women and until a man comes into their lives and things change. Tess suffers betrayal and heartache and struggles to move on. I mean if I went through what she did I think I would spiral out of control. She was poised but she shut herself off and became bitter. Slowly but surely, in cahoots with Amanda’s daughter Robyn, looking after a cat brings her out her shells and forms bonds with both Robyn and Amanda.
Amanda, at face level, has it all, perfect house, marriage, kids, husband going to get the all-important promotion. Somewhere in life, Amanda lost herself, and through stupid behaviour of her husband, she starts to see how cocooned her life is. I did feel satisfied with Amanda when she started smashing up glass ornaments!!
I really did love this story of second chances. Watching two women grow and realise that they have so much more to give and to live for. It’s definitely a book for anyone who has been wondering if life has passed you by without saying hi. It hasn’t! This book literally tells you it does not matter how old you are, you deserve your dreams and happiness and I love a book that gives you the warm and fuzzies. I have watched these two women take a look at their lives and demand more. It gives you the strength to review your life the same.
I loved this book, I sat there smiling and chuckling a lot. It made my heart soar for them both as I watched them grow. It just shows you how much negativity in your life can seriously damage not just you but to everyone around you. When you smile they smile.
August 24, 2018
Told in two time-lines over forty years apart.
Over forty years ago:
This lovely story begins with two sisters from rural Ireland. On the cusp of adulthood, they travel together to Dublin where one sister will attend Trinity College's prestigious College of Music, and the other sister will attend secretarial school. Tess Cuffe, the more passionate and vibrant of the two, is a singer. Nancy is more demure and wants the traditional life of husband and children, preferably back in Ballycove, the small Irish village she grew up in. Full of hopeful ambition and joie de vivre, the sisters embark on a new life in the city.
Just a short time after they move into their Dublin basement flat, Tess falls in love with Douglas Buckley. This will profoundly change her life forever.
"It was a love that cost too much in the end."
Present day:
Amanda and Richard King live at 4 Swift Square, Dublin. This is a prestigious address as befits the ambitious banker that Richard is. They have two teenage children. They bought the Georgian house years ago and have since totally remodeled it to the show-home condition it is today. There has only ever been one drawback... when they bought the house it had a sitting tenant in the basement flat. A tenant who will not be moved through bribery or any other means. Her name is Tess Cuffe and she is now sixty-six years of age.
Bitter, regretful, and lonelier than she ever could have imagined, Tess Cuffe hasn't one friend to call her own. Still working, she temps at various offices around the city of Dublin. When a neighbour's cat gets under her feet, she had a fall which broke her wrist. This event will begin what is a drastic turnabout to Tess's lot in life. For starters, she becomes friends with the doctor who treats her injury, as well as the King's teenage daughter Robyn, AND, at first reluctantly, she takes in the troublesome cat which she names Matt.
"Amanda had signed up for happy ever after
and suddenly it was being snatched from her."
Forty-six year old Amanda King is lonely also. Her husband is distant and constantly critical. He works longer and longer hours. Her children are uncommunicative. Her female 'friends' are not really friends, rather they are catty, duplicitous socialites. She turns to high carb foods for comfort and gains weight. When her 'perfect' life turns sour, Amanda takes stock of her miserable situation and finds herself wondering just where is "the girl she used to know"...
MY THOUGHTS
A prime example of 'women's fiction', "The girl I used to know" was a joy to read. Just the tonic a reader craves after a reading slump, or, as a genre palate cleanser. The strong characterization makes you form a bond with the strong and resilient women at its core.
The novel explores the themes of loneliness, betrayal, second chances, and, most importantly, female friendship. The overriding message of the book is summed up in the following quote:
"It's never too late to be happy."
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Aria (a digital imprint of Head of Zeus) via NetGalley. I chose to review it because I thoroughly enjoyed another of her novels.
Over forty years ago:
This lovely story begins with two sisters from rural Ireland. On the cusp of adulthood, they travel together to Dublin where one sister will attend Trinity College's prestigious College of Music, and the other sister will attend secretarial school. Tess Cuffe, the more passionate and vibrant of the two, is a singer. Nancy is more demure and wants the traditional life of husband and children, preferably back in Ballycove, the small Irish village she grew up in. Full of hopeful ambition and joie de vivre, the sisters embark on a new life in the city.
Just a short time after they move into their Dublin basement flat, Tess falls in love with Douglas Buckley. This will profoundly change her life forever.
"It was a love that cost too much in the end."
Present day:
Amanda and Richard King live at 4 Swift Square, Dublin. This is a prestigious address as befits the ambitious banker that Richard is. They have two teenage children. They bought the Georgian house years ago and have since totally remodeled it to the show-home condition it is today. There has only ever been one drawback... when they bought the house it had a sitting tenant in the basement flat. A tenant who will not be moved through bribery or any other means. Her name is Tess Cuffe and she is now sixty-six years of age.
Bitter, regretful, and lonelier than she ever could have imagined, Tess Cuffe hasn't one friend to call her own. Still working, she temps at various offices around the city of Dublin. When a neighbour's cat gets under her feet, she had a fall which broke her wrist. This event will begin what is a drastic turnabout to Tess's lot in life. For starters, she becomes friends with the doctor who treats her injury, as well as the King's teenage daughter Robyn, AND, at first reluctantly, she takes in the troublesome cat which she names Matt.
"Amanda had signed up for happy ever after
and suddenly it was being snatched from her."
Forty-six year old Amanda King is lonely also. Her husband is distant and constantly critical. He works longer and longer hours. Her children are uncommunicative. Her female 'friends' are not really friends, rather they are catty, duplicitous socialites. She turns to high carb foods for comfort and gains weight. When her 'perfect' life turns sour, Amanda takes stock of her miserable situation and finds herself wondering just where is "the girl she used to know"...
MY THOUGHTS
A prime example of 'women's fiction', "The girl I used to know" was a joy to read. Just the tonic a reader craves after a reading slump, or, as a genre palate cleanser. The strong characterization makes you form a bond with the strong and resilient women at its core.
The novel explores the themes of loneliness, betrayal, second chances, and, most importantly, female friendship. The overriding message of the book is summed up in the following quote:
"It's never too late to be happy."
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Aria (a digital imprint of Head of Zeus) via NetGalley. I chose to review it because I thoroughly enjoyed another of her novels.
May 13, 2019
I went blind into this book because it was written by author Faith Hogan. I don’t need to read the blurb to know the women in this novel would be strong and brave, they would face life and inspire me to find the girl I used to know too.
The first half of the book was slow where the author laid down the foundations of both the main characters. 35 year old Amanda with her husband and kids had a great, well-settled life where the 66 year old Tess, her tenant at the basement, was the only thorn on her side. The women lived in the same house but hated each other with a vengeance. Life was good and moving like a well-oiled machine.
But every bright picture had a darker tinge if you looked closely. One day, Amanda too looked closely into her husband’s pockets and came out knowing a fact which shattered her. Tess tripped on a cat, and with a fractured hand, came to know how lonely she was. Slowly, Amanda’s daughter Robyn became her friend along with the doctor who treated her. Amanda too had to take some important decisions regarding her life.
Approximately, at the mid-half of the book, the story took a deep breath and settled down over me, enveloping me like a warm, cozy blanket as if these characters were a part of my life. I saw myself in them. I saw my fears reflected in their stories. Their dreams had been lost like mine. Their loneliness seemed exactly like the one in my heart.
Faith’s writing took me to a place deep into myself where my wishes had once taken flight. Her portrayal of these brave women who forged a tentative friendship, then became each other’s staunchest support, saw my courage seeping into me. Their determination to live their lives on their terms made me believe in mine. Their emotions simply became mine. Such was the power of Faith’s words.
I had forgotten who I had been when I started my life
I had forgotten the tiny buds of hope my dreams had been
I had forgotten the courage I showed when I faced abuse
I had forgotten the wishes that once flew the skies…
I remembered them all when I read the book
I heard them all when I looked at the words
I felt them all like the promises they were
I knew them all like the girl I once had been…
The poem above has no ending because my dreams are just beginning…
I love Faith’s stories as every word speaks of strength, every sentence talks of a hope. The emotions conveyed touch my heart, the feelings in them calms my mind. Her stories are like long lost friends and the new ones, both bringing joy and happiness.
The first half of the book was slow where the author laid down the foundations of both the main characters. 35 year old Amanda with her husband and kids had a great, well-settled life where the 66 year old Tess, her tenant at the basement, was the only thorn on her side. The women lived in the same house but hated each other with a vengeance. Life was good and moving like a well-oiled machine.
But every bright picture had a darker tinge if you looked closely. One day, Amanda too looked closely into her husband’s pockets and came out knowing a fact which shattered her. Tess tripped on a cat, and with a fractured hand, came to know how lonely she was. Slowly, Amanda’s daughter Robyn became her friend along with the doctor who treated her. Amanda too had to take some important decisions regarding her life.
Approximately, at the mid-half of the book, the story took a deep breath and settled down over me, enveloping me like a warm, cozy blanket as if these characters were a part of my life. I saw myself in them. I saw my fears reflected in their stories. Their dreams had been lost like mine. Their loneliness seemed exactly like the one in my heart.
Faith’s writing took me to a place deep into myself where my wishes had once taken flight. Her portrayal of these brave women who forged a tentative friendship, then became each other’s staunchest support, saw my courage seeping into me. Their determination to live their lives on their terms made me believe in mine. Their emotions simply became mine. Such was the power of Faith’s words.
I had forgotten who I had been when I started my life
I had forgotten the tiny buds of hope my dreams had been
I had forgotten the courage I showed when I faced abuse
I had forgotten the wishes that once flew the skies…
I remembered them all when I read the book
I heard them all when I looked at the words
I felt them all like the promises they were
I knew them all like the girl I once had been…
The poem above has no ending because my dreams are just beginning…
I love Faith’s stories as every word speaks of strength, every sentence talks of a hope. The emotions conveyed touch my heart, the feelings in them calms my mind. Her stories are like long lost friends and the new ones, both bringing joy and happiness.
December 5, 2017
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan is an entertaining, and lively read about second chances, taking control of your life, and the power of friendship. Which is exactly the kind of inspiring and uplifting read that I love to snuggle up with.
First Line of The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan
My Thoughts on The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan
This book features 2 very different women. both living unfulfilled lives. At first glance Amanda’s life seems glossy and perfect, but on deeper investigation that all falls apart. She reveals just how lonely she is, how shallow her friendships are, and how little her husband appreciates. Tess, her neighbour who is in her sixties (some twenty years older than Amanda) mirrors her loneliness. But she hides it behind a bitter tongue, and a prickly attitude.
They are unlikely allies after crossing swords in the past. However, a lovely inspiring friendship blossoms between them, and I loved watching it develop. Friendship between women remains one of my favourite themes in books, and it fills my heart with joy to see just what the right friendship can achieve.
Learning how both women ended up the way they did was heart-breaking to discover. Their descent in to mundane lives was a bit soul-destroying. But equally watching them rise up and chase their second chances was so sweet. I love that the book balanced the sad with the feel-good.
One thing I really appreciated was that neither woman blamed others for derailing their lives. Really they didn’t even overly reflect on the decisions of the past. Instead they choose to unpack their old hopes, chase down their dreams and seize the second chances offered to them.
Overall this is an emotional, realistic read. The plot, and plight of the characters sucked me right in. And as a result, I devoured this book over a 24 hour period. Now I’m asking myself, why I’ve never read one of Faith Hogan’s books before. Somehow I missed them. But now that I know how emotionally satisfying they are, I fully intend to rectify that.
Who should read The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan
I’d highly recommend this to you if you love books about second chances, empowering friendships, and realistic life issues. I also think fans of Patricia Scanlan, Rachael English and Sheila O’Flanagan would enjoy.
Thanks to Aria Fiction for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan is an entertaining, and lively read about second chances, taking control of your life, and the power of friendship. Which is exactly the kind of inspiring and uplifting read that I love to snuggle up with.
First Line of The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan
“The sun began to empty its rays across the bay earlier each morning now.”
My Thoughts on The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan
This book features 2 very different women. both living unfulfilled lives. At first glance Amanda’s life seems glossy and perfect, but on deeper investigation that all falls apart. She reveals just how lonely she is, how shallow her friendships are, and how little her husband appreciates. Tess, her neighbour who is in her sixties (some twenty years older than Amanda) mirrors her loneliness. But she hides it behind a bitter tongue, and a prickly attitude.
They are unlikely allies after crossing swords in the past. However, a lovely inspiring friendship blossoms between them, and I loved watching it develop. Friendship between women remains one of my favourite themes in books, and it fills my heart with joy to see just what the right friendship can achieve.
Learning how both women ended up the way they did was heart-breaking to discover. Their descent in to mundane lives was a bit soul-destroying. But equally watching them rise up and chase their second chances was so sweet. I love that the book balanced the sad with the feel-good.
One thing I really appreciated was that neither woman blamed others for derailing their lives. Really they didn’t even overly reflect on the decisions of the past. Instead they choose to unpack their old hopes, chase down their dreams and seize the second chances offered to them.
Overall this is an emotional, realistic read. The plot, and plight of the characters sucked me right in. And as a result, I devoured this book over a 24 hour period. Now I’m asking myself, why I’ve never read one of Faith Hogan’s books before. Somehow I missed them. But now that I know how emotionally satisfying they are, I fully intend to rectify that.
Who should read The Girl I Used to Know by Faith Hogan
I’d highly recommend this to you if you love books about second chances, empowering friendships, and realistic life issues. I also think fans of Patricia Scanlan, Rachael English and Sheila O’Flanagan would enjoy.
Thanks to Aria Fiction for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
November 28, 2017
Amanda and Tess don't like each other very much. They share the same house, but Amanda would love to get rid of Tess, who's an unwelcome tenant she and her husband Richard can't evict. Amanda and Tess have something in common though, they're both lonely. Tess's heart was broken a long time ago and she hasn't been able to let anyone come close ever since. Amanda's marriage is loveless and cold, her so called friends don't really care about her and her children aren't that nice to her either. Wouldn't it be beneficial for Tess and Amanda to get to know each other?
Amanda and Tess are both stubborn and taking the first step towards reconciliation isn't an easy thing to do. Fortunately they get help from a cheeky cat and Amanda's worried daughter. Slowly a connection is being formed, but will they be able to actually like each other after many years of animosity and what will change in both of their lives when Amanda and Tess start to let people in again?
The Girl I Used to Know is a fantastic original story. Tess and Amanda are completely different people and it was fun to see their interactions. At first they're hostile. While they shared the same house for many years they never tried to find out anything about one another, they just existed in the same place without the effort of getting to know each other. However, situations can change and when they do in this story things become incredibly interesting. Tess has a fantastic way of expressing herself and her comments often made me laugh. Amanda has a lot more to offer than she's showing people and I was curious to find out more about the person she was behind the superficial facade she's given herself to please her husband. I was intrigued from the start because of the dynamics between the main characters, the hostility, the hope and promise the situation offers and the large number of possible outcomes of the story. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out where it would lead.
Faith Hogan has a wonderful warm writing style. Her stories are filled with surprises, she doesn't make it easy for her main characters and she knows how to effortlessly explain complex emotional situations. She skillfully writes about feelings and I love how she always knows the exact right thing to say. The Girl I Used to Know is a story about betrayal, friendship, love and choosing to live. It's a fantastic inspiring story. I was entertained, charmed and compelled and I highly recommend this beautiful book.
Amanda and Tess are both stubborn and taking the first step towards reconciliation isn't an easy thing to do. Fortunately they get help from a cheeky cat and Amanda's worried daughter. Slowly a connection is being formed, but will they be able to actually like each other after many years of animosity and what will change in both of their lives when Amanda and Tess start to let people in again?
The Girl I Used to Know is a fantastic original story. Tess and Amanda are completely different people and it was fun to see their interactions. At first they're hostile. While they shared the same house for many years they never tried to find out anything about one another, they just existed in the same place without the effort of getting to know each other. However, situations can change and when they do in this story things become incredibly interesting. Tess has a fantastic way of expressing herself and her comments often made me laugh. Amanda has a lot more to offer than she's showing people and I was curious to find out more about the person she was behind the superficial facade she's given herself to please her husband. I was intrigued from the start because of the dynamics between the main characters, the hostility, the hope and promise the situation offers and the large number of possible outcomes of the story. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out where it would lead.
Faith Hogan has a wonderful warm writing style. Her stories are filled with surprises, she doesn't make it easy for her main characters and she knows how to effortlessly explain complex emotional situations. She skillfully writes about feelings and I love how she always knows the exact right thing to say. The Girl I Used to Know is a story about betrayal, friendship, love and choosing to live. It's a fantastic inspiring story. I was entertained, charmed and compelled and I highly recommend this beautiful book.
December 6, 2017
Tess and Amanda are at loggerheads and hate each other. However, they may have more in common than they thought.
Never having read Faith Hogan before, I was amazed at how much reading The Girl I Used to Know felt like returning to a favourite author. The writing felt familiar, loved and welcome. Faith Hogan has a style that is smooth and effective, drawing in the reader to the story without them actually realising they are reading a work of fiction. I loved the way in which events from the past were threaded through, providing insight into the lives and characters of Tess and Amanda and helping me understand them as people.
In fact, I was instantly invested in Tess and Amanda’s stories, even though I didn’t much like Tess to begin with as I thought she was too self-centred and delusional. The intense sadness of their later lives touched me so that I was desperate for each to have a happy outcome. I think there are aspects of both their characters that anyone could relate to as life doesn’t always pan out as we hope or expect. Although both Douglas and Richard are unpleasant men, they too felt real and three dimensional and their negative personalities were well complemented by the characters of Stephen and Carlos giving very balanced perspectives in men’s behaviour through highly skilful writing.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story in its own right and found it very entertaining, particularly because I cared so much what happened to Tess and Amanda, it was the themes of The Girl I Used To Know that gave me the greatest satisfaction. Our routine lives can make us lose sight of who we really are or who we wanted to be when we were young and the way in which Faith Hogan wove in the subtle changes we can make so that all is not lost was beautifully handled. Reading The Girl I Used To Know restored my belief that age is just a frame of mind and that anyone can fulfil a dream. I thought that friendship, materialism and relationships were brilliantly explored, giving real prescience and understanding for the reader to apply in their own life.
It has been far too long for me to discover Faith Hogan’s writing. The Girl I Used To Know has shown me just what I have been missing. It’s a lovely book.
Never having read Faith Hogan before, I was amazed at how much reading The Girl I Used to Know felt like returning to a favourite author. The writing felt familiar, loved and welcome. Faith Hogan has a style that is smooth and effective, drawing in the reader to the story without them actually realising they are reading a work of fiction. I loved the way in which events from the past were threaded through, providing insight into the lives and characters of Tess and Amanda and helping me understand them as people.
In fact, I was instantly invested in Tess and Amanda’s stories, even though I didn’t much like Tess to begin with as I thought she was too self-centred and delusional. The intense sadness of their later lives touched me so that I was desperate for each to have a happy outcome. I think there are aspects of both their characters that anyone could relate to as life doesn’t always pan out as we hope or expect. Although both Douglas and Richard are unpleasant men, they too felt real and three dimensional and their negative personalities were well complemented by the characters of Stephen and Carlos giving very balanced perspectives in men’s behaviour through highly skilful writing.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story in its own right and found it very entertaining, particularly because I cared so much what happened to Tess and Amanda, it was the themes of The Girl I Used To Know that gave me the greatest satisfaction. Our routine lives can make us lose sight of who we really are or who we wanted to be when we were young and the way in which Faith Hogan wove in the subtle changes we can make so that all is not lost was beautifully handled. Reading The Girl I Used To Know restored my belief that age is just a frame of mind and that anyone can fulfil a dream. I thought that friendship, materialism and relationships were brilliantly explored, giving real prescience and understanding for the reader to apply in their own life.
It has been far too long for me to discover Faith Hogan’s writing. The Girl I Used To Know has shown me just what I have been missing. It’s a lovely book.
November 16, 2017
Old wounds and new beginnings …
A beautiful story of two women living under one roof – albeit Tess is a sitting tenant living in the basement and Amanda is the lady of the rest of this rather splendid, Georgian house. Neither are happy, and both feel locked into lives that leave them feeling lonely and unfulfilled for very different reasons.
You will find yourself drawn into their respective lives and hoping that, somehow, they will both find what they are looking for; can Amanda learn to love herself and can Tess ever let go of the past?
Sometimes you need to stop looking back on your life and focus on looking forward. Change is daunting but when you are unhappy do you really a choice?
Heart-warming, poignant and uplifting. And you will find yourself smiling at some of the antics and the conflict of personalities involved. A fabulous read!
A beautiful story of two women living under one roof – albeit Tess is a sitting tenant living in the basement and Amanda is the lady of the rest of this rather splendid, Georgian house. Neither are happy, and both feel locked into lives that leave them feeling lonely and unfulfilled for very different reasons.
You will find yourself drawn into their respective lives and hoping that, somehow, they will both find what they are looking for; can Amanda learn to love herself and can Tess ever let go of the past?
Sometimes you need to stop looking back on your life and focus on looking forward. Change is daunting but when you are unhappy do you really a choice?
Heart-warming, poignant and uplifting. And you will find yourself smiling at some of the antics and the conflict of personalities involved. A fabulous read!
July 24, 2019
The Girl I Used to Know is a wonderful story centered around the occupants of a particular house in Dublin, Ireland. This is the first book by Faith Hogan that I've read and I can happily say I plan on reading more by this author. Her characters are multidimensional, with rich lives that are entertaining to escape to even if at times they are mired in heartbreak.
Tess Cuffe and Amanda King are living their lives under the same roof, but with very opposite circumstances (and separate front doors). I was slow to warm up to either woman but I couldn't stop myself from getting absorbed in their relationships with family and friends and to see the changes that came out of the many obstacles in front of them. They both have great backstories but I found myself drawn to the curmudgeonly Tess' history. For Amanda, the trajectory of her relationship with her husband is front and center as her family unravels.
Ultimately the story is about family and the power of authentic friendships. There's a strong message about finding oneself and offering forgiveness. 4 Stars and recommendation!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Tess Cuffe and Amanda King are living their lives under the same roof, but with very opposite circumstances (and separate front doors). I was slow to warm up to either woman but I couldn't stop myself from getting absorbed in their relationships with family and friends and to see the changes that came out of the many obstacles in front of them. They both have great backstories but I found myself drawn to the curmudgeonly Tess' history. For Amanda, the trajectory of her relationship with her husband is front and center as her family unravels.
Ultimately the story is about family and the power of authentic friendships. There's a strong message about finding oneself and offering forgiveness. 4 Stars and recommendation!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 19, 2019
Bastante bueno.
January 4, 2018
I admit to being a huge Faith Hogan fan so I couldn't wait to get my hands on her new book; she writes such emotive and compelling fiction with strong female characters who you think of as friends as the book goes on. The Girl I Used to Know is so perfectly named as it describes the journey our two main characters are on. In this case, both women must shed the masks they have worn for so long in order to find their very own girl they used to know.
Amanda lives in a beautiful Georgian house and her life revolves around her husband and children. Amanda gets quite a wake up call when she catches sight of her reflection in a window and doesn't recognise the person she sees. With her husband spending more and more time 'at work', Amanda can spend some time reconnecting with the girl buried beneath the excess pounds.
Tess is a sitting tenant in Amanda's basement and the pair can barely say a civil word to each other. Amanda always imagined that she would include the basement as part of her home but Tess has no intention of moving out. With Tess getting older, she has no intention of popping her clogs too soon and making it easy for Amanda to get her hands on the basement flat.
When fate plays a hand and the two women find themselves spending time with each other, they find that the other isn't the person they thought she was. Amanda appears to have had an easy life, being given everything she ever wanted and dreamed of, whereas life has not been kind to Tess leaving her bitter and unhappy. They are each other's perfect medicine, along with a drop of whiskey and Matt the cat, of course.
I do love dual storyline books as you unravel the threads of a person's life to find out why and how they are the person they are now. As prickly as she was, I warmed to Tess straight away and was pinning my colours to her mast in the fight with Amanda, who I found to be one of those personality-free women...at first, I hasten to add. Then I started to feel so sorry for Amanda as she hadn't done anything to deserve what she was going through, but my pity turned to triumph as Amanda the beautiful butterfly emerged from her comfy old chrysalis.
This is another amazing book by Faith Hogan, one that leaves your heart fit to burst but is actually so thought-provoking that you can't help but examine your own life to see if you can reveal your happier true self from years ago. Pick it up today and maybe you will find the girl YOU used to know.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Amanda lives in a beautiful Georgian house and her life revolves around her husband and children. Amanda gets quite a wake up call when she catches sight of her reflection in a window and doesn't recognise the person she sees. With her husband spending more and more time 'at work', Amanda can spend some time reconnecting with the girl buried beneath the excess pounds.
Tess is a sitting tenant in Amanda's basement and the pair can barely say a civil word to each other. Amanda always imagined that she would include the basement as part of her home but Tess has no intention of moving out. With Tess getting older, she has no intention of popping her clogs too soon and making it easy for Amanda to get her hands on the basement flat.
When fate plays a hand and the two women find themselves spending time with each other, they find that the other isn't the person they thought she was. Amanda appears to have had an easy life, being given everything she ever wanted and dreamed of, whereas life has not been kind to Tess leaving her bitter and unhappy. They are each other's perfect medicine, along with a drop of whiskey and Matt the cat, of course.
I do love dual storyline books as you unravel the threads of a person's life to find out why and how they are the person they are now. As prickly as she was, I warmed to Tess straight away and was pinning my colours to her mast in the fight with Amanda, who I found to be one of those personality-free women...at first, I hasten to add. Then I started to feel so sorry for Amanda as she hadn't done anything to deserve what she was going through, but my pity turned to triumph as Amanda the beautiful butterfly emerged from her comfy old chrysalis.
This is another amazing book by Faith Hogan, one that leaves your heart fit to burst but is actually so thought-provoking that you can't help but examine your own life to see if you can reveal your happier true self from years ago. Pick it up today and maybe you will find the girl YOU used to know.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 17, 2017
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it was completing inspiring and really made me think about some of my current friendships!
The plot was brilliant and the characters worked really well to bring the story to life - the writing style was superb and I flew through the pages not wanting to put it down.
I was completely wrapped up in the stories of Tess and Amanda - both were such interesting characters and I loved how the plot moved around them.
Five stars from me, really, really enjoyed it, a well thought out story with hidden depths - a treat to read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it was completing inspiring and really made me think about some of my current friendships!
The plot was brilliant and the characters worked really well to bring the story to life - the writing style was superb and I flew through the pages not wanting to put it down.
I was completely wrapped up in the stories of Tess and Amanda - both were such interesting characters and I loved how the plot moved around them.
Five stars from me, really, really enjoyed it, a well thought out story with hidden depths - a treat to read!
January 6, 2018
The Girl I Used To Know
By
Faith Hogan
What it's all about...
This is a lovely book about two women who have been lost to themselves and are in great need of finding themselves. Tess and Amanda...neighbors by default... who have lived practically side by side without really knowing each other...for years. They have been unfriendly for so long that it seems as though they can never really be friendly. However...circumstances bring them together...or if not together at least on a path that might bring them together.
Why I wanted to read it...
Sometimes a book about lost and found friendships is just the thing for a cold blustery winter day. Tess was so curmudgeonly...she was mean to everything and everyone...even Matt the Cat. Her life just got meaner and meaner and smaller and smaller. She needed a big hard push to make her change her ways. Then there was Amanda...sweet Amanda...who tried to make her family happy 24/7. The result was two surly silent teenagers and an unfaithful husband.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I truly enjoyed watching Tess and Amanda change and grow.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love well written women’s fiction should enjoy the adventures of Tess and Amanda.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
July 12, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW by Faith Hogan is a compelling story that will grip you by your heart as you travel alongside these two very different women as they navigate their lives.
Amanda has the perfect life with her husband, in her beautiful home, and has everything she desires at her fingertips. Except she doesn't. She discovers her husband is unfaithful, her house may look designer-perfect but it lacks love and that sense of home. And her relationships are all strained, including the one with Tess, who rents the basement part of her home. Everything is a mess and Amanda needs to figure out her future. But when Tess and Amanda's lives are brought together, they may just learn something from each other, and help each other see themselves in a different light.
This story will make you smile, make your eyes mist, and make you feel it all as you watch Tess and Amanda change and grow as they begin to figure out their futures.
THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW by Faith Hogan is a complex story about new friendships, moving on, and being happy, and I highly recommend it to all fiction fans.
THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW by Faith Hogan is a compelling story that will grip you by your heart as you travel alongside these two very different women as they navigate their lives.
Amanda has the perfect life with her husband, in her beautiful home, and has everything she desires at her fingertips. Except she doesn't. She discovers her husband is unfaithful, her house may look designer-perfect but it lacks love and that sense of home. And her relationships are all strained, including the one with Tess, who rents the basement part of her home. Everything is a mess and Amanda needs to figure out her future. But when Tess and Amanda's lives are brought together, they may just learn something from each other, and help each other see themselves in a different light.
This story will make you smile, make your eyes mist, and make you feel it all as you watch Tess and Amanda change and grow as they begin to figure out their futures.
THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW by Faith Hogan is a complex story about new friendships, moving on, and being happy, and I highly recommend it to all fiction fans.
November 20, 2017
Amanda and her husband Richard own a beautiful Georgian town house in Dublin and live on the top 3 floors - the basement is rented out to Tess, who as a sitting tenant they cannot get rid of. The two women have nothing in common, Amanda in her mid forties appears to be a woman with everything - beautiful house, successful husband, two children - but is everything as it seems are her circle truly her friends and does she just go along with everything that her selfish husband wants. Tess on the other hand is in her mid sixties and all alone.
When Amanda finds out that her husband is cheating on her and Tess ends up in hospital after falling over a cat they start to review their lives.......could they have more in common than they thought and end up being friends?
A lovely heartwarming story, but I am always a sucker for the Irish books, I loved the way the back stories were filled in and the book definitely left you with a warm glow
When Amanda finds out that her husband is cheating on her and Tess ends up in hospital after falling over a cat they start to review their lives.......could they have more in common than they thought and end up being friends?
A lovely heartwarming story, but I am always a sucker for the Irish books, I loved the way the back stories were filled in and the book definitely left you with a warm glow
February 11, 2022
I first discovered Faith Hogan by reading “The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club” which I also highly recommend reading. Again, kudos to author Ms. Faith Hogan for this great read.
Isn’t money the key to happiness? Amanda is rich so she’s happy??
Then there’s Tess, the tenant. The man she loved married her sister. She’s bitter. She’s built a thick wall around herself and she’s not letting anyone in. Looks can be deceiving. Amanda and Tess despise each other. Bring in Amanda’s daughter and a cat and the dynamics change. A little something that brings them together, chipping away at the thick wall, to slowly form a beautiful friendship. A second chance at life, love and friendships.
The story is just beautiful. I found myself immersed in “The Girl I Used to Know” and not wanting it to end. I found that the author, Ms. Hogan, is an amazing storyteller. I embraced her soothing and relaxing tone in the telling of this incredible story.
Isn’t money the key to happiness? Amanda is rich so she’s happy??
Then there’s Tess, the tenant. The man she loved married her sister. She’s bitter. She’s built a thick wall around herself and she’s not letting anyone in. Looks can be deceiving. Amanda and Tess despise each other. Bring in Amanda’s daughter and a cat and the dynamics change. A little something that brings them together, chipping away at the thick wall, to slowly form a beautiful friendship. A second chance at life, love and friendships.
The story is just beautiful. I found myself immersed in “The Girl I Used to Know” and not wanting it to end. I found that the author, Ms. Hogan, is an amazing storyteller. I embraced her soothing and relaxing tone in the telling of this incredible story.
December 19, 2017
Amanda thinks she has it all. Once upon a time she was an upcoming artist, but she turned her back on her talent when she married Richard. Richard works hard and brings in lots of money. This makes them able to live comfortably in a picture perfect house. Amanda is always busy keeping up appearances with her fake friends, because she doesn't want to be the main subject of their gossip. Her two teenage children know that something isn't right and their behavior is only making the already bad situation worse. Will Amanda ever be able to go back to that stress-free girl she used to be?
Tess has been renting Amanda's basement flat for a long time. She already lived there before they moved in and Richard and Amanda have had it in for her ever since they bought the place. Their bickering slowly turned into ugly fights, which even led to a court hearing. Richard wants nothing more than to throw Tess out of the only place she ever truly called home. Tess has been badly hurt in the past and has been on her own ever since. She keeps everyone at bay with her bad attitude and her hateful words. Tess was a promising singer with a voice that could mesmerize any audience. She lost the pleasure to sing, but will she eventually find it in herself to change the tune of her life?
Amanda knew that Richard was a player when she first met him and she played hard to get. In the beginning they had wonderful years, but Richard has always been very cold towards Amanda. Her marriage changed her and she kept her true feelings to herself, because she didn't want to stir up any unwanted negative attention. I loved to read about how she slowly realises what has become of her. She needs to find herself again and I was rooting for her to succeed.
Tess grew up in a strict household. Her father decided everything and controlled their day-to-day life, soTess was very happy to leave their small town behind. Her sister Nancy went with her to Dublin, but both of them always knew that Nancy would return home someday. Tess never expected that Nancy would take Tess's heart and soul with her, leaving Tess devastated and alone. Tess is such a feisty old lady and her comments made me laugh out loud so many times. She has a strong will and can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I wished for Tess to find happiness again and I couldn't wait to find out what she would do next.
The Girl I Used to Know is a heart-wrenching gripping story about two women who have lost theirselves due to the circumstances of their lives. The Girl I Used to Know also showed me hope. Everybody can change if they really want or need to. Both Amanda and Tess are so much stronger than they think they are and I loved to read about their individual journeys. I found myself glued to my seat because I wanted to find out so badly where Amanda and Tess would end up. Tess is an older woman and I liked how Faith Hogan shows her readers that age is nothing but a number. Love and happiness can be found at any time and at any age. The Girl I Used to Know is bittersweet, it moved me to tears, but it also put a big smile on my face. Faith Hogan is a new author for me and I can't thank Suze enough for introducing me to her books.
Tess has been renting Amanda's basement flat for a long time. She already lived there before they moved in and Richard and Amanda have had it in for her ever since they bought the place. Their bickering slowly turned into ugly fights, which even led to a court hearing. Richard wants nothing more than to throw Tess out of the only place she ever truly called home. Tess has been badly hurt in the past and has been on her own ever since. She keeps everyone at bay with her bad attitude and her hateful words. Tess was a promising singer with a voice that could mesmerize any audience. She lost the pleasure to sing, but will she eventually find it in herself to change the tune of her life?
Amanda knew that Richard was a player when she first met him and she played hard to get. In the beginning they had wonderful years, but Richard has always been very cold towards Amanda. Her marriage changed her and she kept her true feelings to herself, because she didn't want to stir up any unwanted negative attention. I loved to read about how she slowly realises what has become of her. She needs to find herself again and I was rooting for her to succeed.
Tess grew up in a strict household. Her father decided everything and controlled their day-to-day life, soTess was very happy to leave their small town behind. Her sister Nancy went with her to Dublin, but both of them always knew that Nancy would return home someday. Tess never expected that Nancy would take Tess's heart and soul with her, leaving Tess devastated and alone. Tess is such a feisty old lady and her comments made me laugh out loud so many times. She has a strong will and can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I wished for Tess to find happiness again and I couldn't wait to find out what she would do next.
The Girl I Used to Know is a heart-wrenching gripping story about two women who have lost theirselves due to the circumstances of their lives. The Girl I Used to Know also showed me hope. Everybody can change if they really want or need to. Both Amanda and Tess are so much stronger than they think they are and I loved to read about their individual journeys. I found myself glued to my seat because I wanted to find out so badly where Amanda and Tess would end up. Tess is an older woman and I liked how Faith Hogan shows her readers that age is nothing but a number. Love and happiness can be found at any time and at any age. The Girl I Used to Know is bittersweet, it moved me to tears, but it also put a big smile on my face. Faith Hogan is a new author for me and I can't thank Suze enough for introducing me to her books.
September 20, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by Faith Hogan and really enjoyed it. I liked how the characters perceptions of each other changed throughout the story and how past and present were woven together.
December 16, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Have you ever had an opinion about someone, despite not knowing their true personality?
Have you ever disregarded someone as a friend because a spouse, family member or friend, didn't like them?
Have you ever been stuck in a rut so deep, you lost sight of who you truly were?
Have you ever thought 'enough is enough' and felt empowered to change all of the above?
Yes? Me too. Amanda and Tess too, funnily enough.
Tess Cuffe has always believed that her life was destined for stardom. However, even a well thought out idea doesn't always go to plan and, instead of Tess rubbing shoulders with singers from all walks of life, she has spent many years being too afraid to live her own life.
And then there's Amanda King. A woman who, from the outside, has everything she could ever dream of; an endless pot of gold in the bank, a pigeon pair (boy and a girl), and a life of luxury. Although is it REALLY a life of luxury? From spending her time painting, to being married and surrounding herself with two-faced, backstabbing people, Amanda starts to question her choices in life.
What a jam-packed, thought-provoking novel! We wouldn't be human if we hadn't spent a little time stuck in a rut at some point in our lifetime, right? It's never too late to get ourselves out of that particular rut, but often we find that we need a little bit of help to do so, even if we aren't aware of it at the time. As far as Tess Cuffe is concerned, Amanda King lives a life most people could only dream of and, as far as Amanda King's husband is concerned, Tess Cuffe is a waste of space who is ruining the look of their house. Of course, just like the house, nothing is ever quite what it seems, is it?
Firstly, Amanda's husband, Richard, needs his nether regions taken off. From the first moment he appeared in the storyline, I knew straight away that I would have an issue with the character. He just oozed arrogance and came across as the biggest end of a bell I have ever met. Seriously. A little piece of me felt sorry for Amanda, but then another piece of me felt a little bit miffed that she didn't kick him from here to kingdom come. But I can say that, obviously, I'm not in the situation like Amanda is.
Secondly, I had a feeling that there was more to Tess Cuffe that met the eye. She really was like a diamond in the rough who just needed a little bit of TLC to realise that she does, in fact, deserve her spot on this Earth. I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that everything was okay. It was clear that this character had spent many, many years building a wall for herself, she had absolutely no idea how to act anymore.
Thirdly, Faith Hogan has written her best book yet. Fact. Even though I found the first couple of chapters a little on the slow side, I soon fell in love with the message which the author was able to put across via her characters. I guess I found it a little emotional because just like Amanda, I have spent years living in people's shadows, being afraid to bring the real me out again in case it didn't live up to other people's expectations. Whilst part of me felt that Amanda should have told her husband where to go, I can fully appreciate how low her self-esteem was and having being 'safe' in a marriage for so many years, living the life that Richard wanted was all Amanda has ever known. From the outside looking in, it is far too easy to sit and judge a situation without knowing all of the facts, yet having a smidgen of faith in someone can mean more than you could ever realise. For Amanda, Tess was that faith. For Tess, Amanda and her daughter, Robyn, was that faith. They just had to make themselves known to each other.
I would be lying if I said that I didn't find parts of this storyline a little emotional, because I did. I felt like each of the characters were talking to my soul, being that faith for me like they are to each other. I loved watching the characters find their wings and fly in a life which they believed in with every ounce of their being.
'The Girl I Used To Know' is a poignant, life affirming tale of faith, belief and being true to yourself. Taking that leap to say 'you know what, I do believe in my self' takes more courage than anyone could ever imagine, which from the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that Faith Hogan has conveyed with every ounce of her being. I adored this book and everything it stands for. Everyone needs a Tess and Amanda in their lives, and everyone needs to read this book as it truly is beautifully.
Faith Hogan's best book ever, 'The Girl I Used To Know' is a beautifully written, heart-warming and touching novel which is guaranteed to stay in your heart for a very, very long time.
Thanks Aria.
Have you ever had an opinion about someone, despite not knowing their true personality?
Have you ever disregarded someone as a friend because a spouse, family member or friend, didn't like them?
Have you ever been stuck in a rut so deep, you lost sight of who you truly were?
Have you ever thought 'enough is enough' and felt empowered to change all of the above?
Yes? Me too. Amanda and Tess too, funnily enough.
Tess Cuffe has always believed that her life was destined for stardom. However, even a well thought out idea doesn't always go to plan and, instead of Tess rubbing shoulders with singers from all walks of life, she has spent many years being too afraid to live her own life.
And then there's Amanda King. A woman who, from the outside, has everything she could ever dream of; an endless pot of gold in the bank, a pigeon pair (boy and a girl), and a life of luxury. Although is it REALLY a life of luxury? From spending her time painting, to being married and surrounding herself with two-faced, backstabbing people, Amanda starts to question her choices in life.
What a jam-packed, thought-provoking novel! We wouldn't be human if we hadn't spent a little time stuck in a rut at some point in our lifetime, right? It's never too late to get ourselves out of that particular rut, but often we find that we need a little bit of help to do so, even if we aren't aware of it at the time. As far as Tess Cuffe is concerned, Amanda King lives a life most people could only dream of and, as far as Amanda King's husband is concerned, Tess Cuffe is a waste of space who is ruining the look of their house. Of course, just like the house, nothing is ever quite what it seems, is it?
Firstly, Amanda's husband, Richard, needs his nether regions taken off. From the first moment he appeared in the storyline, I knew straight away that I would have an issue with the character. He just oozed arrogance and came across as the biggest end of a bell I have ever met. Seriously. A little piece of me felt sorry for Amanda, but then another piece of me felt a little bit miffed that she didn't kick him from here to kingdom come. But I can say that, obviously, I'm not in the situation like Amanda is.
Secondly, I had a feeling that there was more to Tess Cuffe that met the eye. She really was like a diamond in the rough who just needed a little bit of TLC to realise that she does, in fact, deserve her spot on this Earth. I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that everything was okay. It was clear that this character had spent many, many years building a wall for herself, she had absolutely no idea how to act anymore.
Thirdly, Faith Hogan has written her best book yet. Fact. Even though I found the first couple of chapters a little on the slow side, I soon fell in love with the message which the author was able to put across via her characters. I guess I found it a little emotional because just like Amanda, I have spent years living in people's shadows, being afraid to bring the real me out again in case it didn't live up to other people's expectations. Whilst part of me felt that Amanda should have told her husband where to go, I can fully appreciate how low her self-esteem was and having being 'safe' in a marriage for so many years, living the life that Richard wanted was all Amanda has ever known. From the outside looking in, it is far too easy to sit and judge a situation without knowing all of the facts, yet having a smidgen of faith in someone can mean more than you could ever realise. For Amanda, Tess was that faith. For Tess, Amanda and her daughter, Robyn, was that faith. They just had to make themselves known to each other.
I would be lying if I said that I didn't find parts of this storyline a little emotional, because I did. I felt like each of the characters were talking to my soul, being that faith for me like they are to each other. I loved watching the characters find their wings and fly in a life which they believed in with every ounce of their being.
'The Girl I Used To Know' is a poignant, life affirming tale of faith, belief and being true to yourself. Taking that leap to say 'you know what, I do believe in my self' takes more courage than anyone could ever imagine, which from the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that Faith Hogan has conveyed with every ounce of her being. I adored this book and everything it stands for. Everyone needs a Tess and Amanda in their lives, and everyone needs to read this book as it truly is beautifully.
Faith Hogan's best book ever, 'The Girl I Used To Know' is a beautifully written, heart-warming and touching novel which is guaranteed to stay in your heart for a very, very long time.
Thanks Aria.
April 24, 2018
I. Can't. Even. (Finish.) Few things make me madder than downloading a book with great reviews, to then begin reading, and reading, and continuing to read, waiting for the plot to take shape, the characters to develop into people I can feel some emotion for -- in other words, for some magic to occur which transports me into a fictional world -- and, BOOM! Absolutely nothing happens.
The book starts off well enough. After the prologue, however, it's downhill. The only interesting parts are those Forty-Eight Years Ago flashback chapters. (Perhaps Ms. Hogan should stick with period genre, since she obviously CAN write that decently.) If I had to read one more sentence describing Tess Cuffe as a decrepit, frail, elderly, bitter crone at the age of 66 years, I would have screamed and thrown my Fire 8 HD against a brick wall. I'm 61, and found this description particularly uninformed, inaccurate and offensive. Nor did I care a quarter way through this poor excuse of a story how Tess became so bitter, how the animosity between her and her pathetic one-note neighbors developed, or how they would predictably become friends and find a new outlook and lease on life by the end.
Getting there was too slow and painful, and at the advanced age of 61, I apparently am on death's door, so I need to spend my remaining time on this earth reading stuff I actually like.
The book starts off well enough. After the prologue, however, it's downhill. The only interesting parts are those Forty-Eight Years Ago flashback chapters. (Perhaps Ms. Hogan should stick with period genre, since she obviously CAN write that decently.) If I had to read one more sentence describing Tess Cuffe as a decrepit, frail, elderly, bitter crone at the age of 66 years, I would have screamed and thrown my Fire 8 HD against a brick wall. I'm 61, and found this description particularly uninformed, inaccurate and offensive. Nor did I care a quarter way through this poor excuse of a story how Tess became so bitter, how the animosity between her and her pathetic one-note neighbors developed, or how they would predictably become friends and find a new outlook and lease on life by the end.
Getting there was too slow and painful, and at the advanced age of 61, I apparently am on death's door, so I need to spend my remaining time on this earth reading stuff I actually like.
March 28, 2018
This is one of the many books I have bought for £0.99 by an author who is new to me, some have joined my favourite authors and others have been consigned to the DNF pile, sadly this one has fallen into the latter category. Although the premise sounded promising it failed to deliver, even after reading 15 chapters (39%) I just wasn’t connecting to the characters. I didn’t like Tess or Amanda from the outset but accepted that my opinion might change as I grew to understand how they became the people they were, but it wasn’t happening. This is the sort of book where the plot is usually fairly unremarkable the interest is in, or should be in, the characters. They ought to be people you empathise with and consequently care about, ones you want to know how it all turn out, do they find some happiness. The story also felt very dated, this is my generation, but it felt more like that of the previous one.
Part of me feels guilty for abandoning the book but I am simply not enjoying it and I have plenty of others in my “to read” pile that I am confident I will find far more rewarding. My first and last by this author.
Part of me feels guilty for abandoning the book but I am simply not enjoying it and I have plenty of others in my “to read” pile that I am confident I will find far more rewarding. My first and last by this author.
May 16, 2018
It took me a month to read this book, which is an unusually long time for me, but it shows how hard I found it to get into. I loved the concept of the story, but I found it painfully slow, and just didn't feel that "pull" to pick it up and read/read for longer. However - I didn't consider giving up on it, so however ploddy I found it, there was just enough interest to continue. I would say that it wasn't until over half way through that I finally got interested ("gripped"? - no).... although the thing that happened to Tess was obvious from pretty early on, there were a couple of tiny twists that I didn't predict. I enjoyed the ending, and thought the ends were nicely tied up, but there was not enough pace to make me want to try another of the author's books.
July 16, 2022
I really love the storyline between two women who live under the same building but each of them have their own secret that buried inside. They've rarely known each other until one day their lives cross path.
Amanda's husband started to cheat on her with another girl at his office and that was when she realized that she had lived a life that caused her to forget her real self because she was so busy to follow her husband's way of life. She thought by making her husband happy, she will be loved even though she had to forget about what she truly wanted in life. She forgot about a girl who was really attempt to be an artist and used to enjoy herself with drawing. She withdrew herself from arts as Richard said that drawing was a lackluster. She felt that throughout her marital life with Richard, she had lived in delusions. She's not being her true self. Pretense.
While Tess, who lived at the basement of the apartment, had hid herself for such a long time after being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend and also her sister. She felt as though there's no purpose of enjoying life anymore until she met Dr. Kilker. He was the one that brought her life back when he brought her to one of the chapel that he used to attend every weekend and he had made her sing again by joining the choir. And he was also the one that rejoined the heartbreak relationship between two sisters. Forgiveness.
There's so much to say about this book as they both started with not-so-good neighborhood relationship but ended up with a happy ending. Those poignant life before had taught them a lot. They are like two lonely women in need of a good friend and they found it. As per said in the book on page 304, "It's never too late to be happy."
As a conclusion, I will say that it is a tale about letting go of the past, embracing the future and rediscovering one's true self.
Amanda's husband started to cheat on her with another girl at his office and that was when she realized that she had lived a life that caused her to forget her real self because she was so busy to follow her husband's way of life. She thought by making her husband happy, she will be loved even though she had to forget about what she truly wanted in life. She forgot about a girl who was really attempt to be an artist and used to enjoy herself with drawing. She withdrew herself from arts as Richard said that drawing was a lackluster. She felt that throughout her marital life with Richard, she had lived in delusions. She's not being her true self. Pretense.
While Tess, who lived at the basement of the apartment, had hid herself for such a long time after being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend and also her sister. She felt as though there's no purpose of enjoying life anymore until she met Dr. Kilker. He was the one that brought her life back when he brought her to one of the chapel that he used to attend every weekend and he had made her sing again by joining the choir. And he was also the one that rejoined the heartbreak relationship between two sisters. Forgiveness.
There's so much to say about this book as they both started with not-so-good neighborhood relationship but ended up with a happy ending. Those poignant life before had taught them a lot. They are like two lonely women in need of a good friend and they found it. As per said in the book on page 304, "It's never too late to be happy."
As a conclusion, I will say that it is a tale about letting go of the past, embracing the future and rediscovering one's true self.
November 8, 2017
I absolutely loved this engrossing book about two women living in the same house, both at crossroads in their lives.
Tess and Amanda both live in the same four storey Georgian house on a lovely Dublin square with a shared gated garden in the middle for all the residents. Amanda and her husband Richard own the house and live in the top three storeys with their two children, and Tess is their (unwanted) sitting tenant in the basement flat.
Tess is a 66 year old, strong-willed, single, cranky woman, and Amanda is a bit of a downtrodden 45 year old wife who's just gone along with everything her husband wanted. But then they both get a bit of a wake-up call, Tess through her health and Amanda through her cheating husband, and things slowly start to change as their outlook on life changes and they start to interact more with each other, helped along by various things, including a cat, Amanda's lovely daughter Robyn, Carlos the handsome gardener, and the lovely Dr. Kilker.
The story flips back and forth between both women to when they were younger, Tess arriving in Dublin from a small rural village and Amanda marrying Richard, and how certain choices got them to the point they're at now. I really liked the way the chapters were fairly short and were dated, so you knew exactly where in time you were and it never got confusing, just kept your interest to read 'just one more chapter'.
This was one of those books that I kept thinking about even when I wasn't reading it, because I wanted to know what happened next and what the final outcome would be. Really lovely, inspiring read reminding you that it's never too late to change what's not right in your life, whatever your age, and change it for the better, making new friends along the way. Such a really lovely, happy, romantic ending too. Very highly recommended.
Tess and Amanda both live in the same four storey Georgian house on a lovely Dublin square with a shared gated garden in the middle for all the residents. Amanda and her husband Richard own the house and live in the top three storeys with their two children, and Tess is their (unwanted) sitting tenant in the basement flat.
Tess is a 66 year old, strong-willed, single, cranky woman, and Amanda is a bit of a downtrodden 45 year old wife who's just gone along with everything her husband wanted. But then they both get a bit of a wake-up call, Tess through her health and Amanda through her cheating husband, and things slowly start to change as their outlook on life changes and they start to interact more with each other, helped along by various things, including a cat, Amanda's lovely daughter Robyn, Carlos the handsome gardener, and the lovely Dr. Kilker.
The story flips back and forth between both women to when they were younger, Tess arriving in Dublin from a small rural village and Amanda marrying Richard, and how certain choices got them to the point they're at now. I really liked the way the chapters were fairly short and were dated, so you knew exactly where in time you were and it never got confusing, just kept your interest to read 'just one more chapter'.
This was one of those books that I kept thinking about even when I wasn't reading it, because I wanted to know what happened next and what the final outcome would be. Really lovely, inspiring read reminding you that it's never too late to change what's not right in your life, whatever your age, and change it for the better, making new friends along the way. Such a really lovely, happy, romantic ending too. Very highly recommended.
December 18, 2017
This was one of those books that you’d like to go on for ever – I just couldn’t carve out any concentrated reading time this week (which would have been my idea of reading heaven), but every time I was forced to set this book aside I couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to pick it up, and it was constantly in my thoughts. The author’s writing is several notches more accomplished than it was in the earlier books (and I do distinctly remember using the word “accomplished” about them too), and the way this book succeeded in engaging my every emotion was quite exceptional.
The two women at this book’s heart are perfectly drawn. At the start you may just find them “interesting”, as their past and present is laid out before you – you might not even like either of them very much, even wonder how they can sustain a story. But it doesn’t take very long until you feel for them both with every fibre of your being – when a book moves you to tears (and several times), has you laughing out loud, brings a lump to your throat, and then makes you cry again with sheer joy, you know you’re reading something rather special.
Tess – in the present – is in her sixties, lonely (although she’d never admit it) and cantankerous, and you’ll wonder how you could ever grow to love her, but you will. The author herself is a great deal younger, but her insight into the mind and feelings of her creation absolutely took my breath away. It’s not difficult to find a lot you’ll recognise in Amanda too – and I just loved the strength she shows as she transforms her life and discovers those things that are most important for her happiness. And the relationship between the two women is just perfectly handled as they both feel their way forward. The supporting cast are excellent too – Tess’s mousy sister Nancy (and their interesting sibling relationship), Amanda’s obnoxious husband, her teenage daughter Robyn, gorgeous gardener Carlos, and the wonderful Kilker. And as for Matt… well, what a character he is! And then there’s the house, the flat and the square itself – almost characters in their own right.
The pacing – the ebb and flow – of the story is absolutely faultless, and its unfolding an absolute joy. Without a shadow of doubt, this is one of my favourite books of the year.
The two women at this book’s heart are perfectly drawn. At the start you may just find them “interesting”, as their past and present is laid out before you – you might not even like either of them very much, even wonder how they can sustain a story. But it doesn’t take very long until you feel for them both with every fibre of your being – when a book moves you to tears (and several times), has you laughing out loud, brings a lump to your throat, and then makes you cry again with sheer joy, you know you’re reading something rather special.
Tess – in the present – is in her sixties, lonely (although she’d never admit it) and cantankerous, and you’ll wonder how you could ever grow to love her, but you will. The author herself is a great deal younger, but her insight into the mind and feelings of her creation absolutely took my breath away. It’s not difficult to find a lot you’ll recognise in Amanda too – and I just loved the strength she shows as she transforms her life and discovers those things that are most important for her happiness. And the relationship between the two women is just perfectly handled as they both feel their way forward. The supporting cast are excellent too – Tess’s mousy sister Nancy (and their interesting sibling relationship), Amanda’s obnoxious husband, her teenage daughter Robyn, gorgeous gardener Carlos, and the wonderful Kilker. And as for Matt… well, what a character he is! And then there’s the house, the flat and the square itself – almost characters in their own right.
The pacing – the ebb and flow – of the story is absolutely faultless, and its unfolding an absolute joy. Without a shadow of doubt, this is one of my favourite books of the year.
April 11, 2018
Tess Cuffe and Amanda King share the same house but their lives are poles apart. Amanda and husband Richard have lovingly restored their Georgian home in Swift Square. The only fly in the ointment is Tess, a sixty something sitting tenant they have so far been unable to evict. Amanda is the wife who lunches, a woman whose husband’s banking job means she has no need to work. Her young hopes of an art career were shelved when she married him but Richard has made it clear it is not a pastime he wants her to resurrect any time soon. Instead, Amanda has concentrated her energies on transforming their garden and then turning her attention to the Square’s park. Currently her life is one of charity work, coffee mornings and an on-going struggle with her weight.
Tess who arrived in Dublin as an eighteen year old student at Trinity’s College of Music, has lived in the basement flat for nearly fifty years and is determined not to be moved. She has no time for either Richard King or his wife, who have never ceased in their determination to reclaim the basement of their home. But life upstairs isn’t as perfect as it seems because on New Year’s Eve Amanda makes discovery that will trigger huge changes in her life.
The book is written from both Tess and Amanda’s points of view. Although years apart in age, their lives have many similarities. The story moves back and forth not only between the two women, but between past and present. It’s a tale of youthful aspirations, disappointment, betrayal, unexpected friendships and second chances. A wonderful cast of characters and two great entwined stories make it one of the most enjoyable books I’ve experienced in a long time
Tess who arrived in Dublin as an eighteen year old student at Trinity’s College of Music, has lived in the basement flat for nearly fifty years and is determined not to be moved. She has no time for either Richard King or his wife, who have never ceased in their determination to reclaim the basement of their home. But life upstairs isn’t as perfect as it seems because on New Year’s Eve Amanda makes discovery that will trigger huge changes in her life.
The book is written from both Tess and Amanda’s points of view. Although years apart in age, their lives have many similarities. The story moves back and forth not only between the two women, but between past and present. It’s a tale of youthful aspirations, disappointment, betrayal, unexpected friendships and second chances. A wonderful cast of characters and two great entwined stories make it one of the most enjoyable books I’ve experienced in a long time
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