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Два дня в апреле
Трагическая, ничем не оправданная гибель Финна Дарлинга стала своеобразной точкой отсчета для трех главных женщин его жизни - жены, матери и приемной дочери. Как ни странно, связующим звеном в этом трио оказалась семнадцатилетняя Уна, пережившая за свою недолгую жизнь достаточно, чтобы, несмотря на горести, идти вперед с высоко поднятой головой. Мо, Уне и Дафнии предстоит непростой год, но даже в самых тяжелых обстоятельствах можно отыскать луч надежды. То, ради чего стоит жить и творить добрые дела. Но кому из них удастся разглядеть этот свет? И кто сможет им в этом помочь?
Эта книга о том, что даже в самых трагических обстоятельствах человек должен оставаться человеком, способным на прощение и на "спонтанные проявления доброты", выражаясь словами самого Финна Дарлинга, чья судьба и определила ход этого мудрого, вдумчивого романа.
Эта книга о том, что даже в самых трагических обстоятельствах человек должен оставаться человеком, способным на прощение и на "спонтанные проявления доброты", выражаясь словами самого Финна Дарлинга, чья судьба и определила ход этого мудрого, вдумчивого романа.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2015
191 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Roisin Meaney
44 books386 followersBorn on 3rd September.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 28, 2017
I have read every one of Roisin Meaney's books to my knowledge and enjoyed them all. "Two Fridays in April" was no exception. Meaney's style is so readable, her characters real, warm, flawed and well developed and the story flows along at a pace that I am always sucked in from page one. Can't wait for the next book, which, as luck would have it, is out in a few weeks!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
October 2, 2015
One Friday in April, Daphne’s husband Finn is killed coming home with his daughter’s birthday present. A year later and it is Daphne’s stepdaughter’s birthday but also the first anniversary of Finn’s death. How is it possible to celebrate Una’s birthday when Una, Daphne and Mo, Finn’s mother are all still grieving? But they attempt to. Except plans do not work out at all as Daphne expects. This is a story of loss and grief, guilt and forgiveness, love and family, told from four points of view. The reader learns more about Daphne, Mo, Una and Daphne’s mother, Isobel. Isobel left her husband Jack and Daphne when she was a young child. As a result the relationship between Isobel and Daphne is very strained. I liked the way we saw different aspects of the relationships and life events from the four different perspectives.
There were a couple of things in the course of the story that seemed too co-incidental to me, but I was prepared to overlook them because the story and characters captivated me. And yes, there were a few tears at times. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story with likeable characters that are easy to relate to. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who likes a feel good read. A charming book.
There were a couple of things in the course of the story that seemed too co-incidental to me, but I was prepared to overlook them because the story and characters captivated me. And yes, there were a few tears at times. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story with likeable characters that are easy to relate to. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who likes a feel good read. A charming book.
June 25, 2024
Updated: June 25, 2024. Re-read wasn't that great. I actually put this down and didn't finish the full re-read. Not a great book to revisit.
I was surprised to find this book just okay. It's not bad or anything, I just didn't find it very gripping considering the subject matter. I think Meaney has done a better job of showcasing the same characters over a period of days/week before (see "Last Week of May"). I think the main issue is that we shuffle between four characters, then we get the stories broken into duos, and then we revisit the same characters more than a year later and though one character goes through something life changing, it feels a bit samey which is weird.
"Two Fridays in April" has the Darling family dealing with recovering from the one year anniversary of the death of Finn Darling. The book shows the POV of Daphne Darling (Finn's widow), Mo Darling (Finn's mother), Isobel Franklin (Daphne's mother) and Una Darling (Finn's stepdaughter).
Daphne still feels adrift after losing her husband and doesn't know what to do with regards to her stepdaughter Una. Daphne's mother in law Mo isn't much help. Daphne's mother Isobel is nearby, but the two of them rarely talk about "real things." I was interested in Isobel more than the other characters though she felt like a secondary character to me even though we get her POV. Daphne I thought was a bit much though at times. She's still harboring resentment towards her mother for abandoning her for a few months when she was 6. You find out later that her mother came back after her affair exploded in her face. But from then on she saw her on scheduled visits. So I guess I just don't get why they had not talked about it before now and or why she would be holding it against her? It just felt odd.
Mo is dealing with not only losing her husband, but coming to grips that her husband she loved is dealing with the affects of Alzheimer's disease. Mo is pretty bitter about the fact that Daphne and Finn didn't have children since she doesn't feel as close to Una since she's not Finn's "real daughter." Such a mess. I was not a fan of Mo by the way at all while reading her sections. She tries to bully Daphne into quitting her job to reopen Finn's shop with her and doesn't care that Daphne doesn't want to. Whether she has a bustling career or not, it's still her life.
Isobel's POV felt like it could be her own book. She has a lot of regrets that she is dealing with now that she is almost 60. One of them is leaving her first husband for another man due to how that affected her relationship with her daughter Daphne. Isobel realizes too late how foolish it was to run from her first marriage to a man who ended up dumping her soon after to return to his own family. She is now married to 10 years to a man she realizes that she doesn't love and who doesn't love her. Isobel is determined though to get a bit of passion in her life and you get to read about her trying her best to meet men (yep still married) on a dating site.
Una feels more lost. Finn is her father (not her real father) her birth mother died when she was small and now she is left with her father's widow who she feels really doesn't want her around. Una goes around making a ton of mistakes throughout the book, but her story-line felt very real to me. I wish that it had been the second POV in the book or maybe the book should have really focused on just her and Daphne's POV. I would not have missed Mo's POV at all and as I already said, Isobel's read as weird to include here.
The writing was okay. I think the main issue was the flow was not that great. We go from the different POVs and then we are also jumping around in timelines. So if you start reading about Una, we have her going into what she has been up to almost for a year and going up to the present day in her POV chapter. It made things a bit confusing to read I found. The latter section (Friday, 29, April (A Year and a Bit Later) wraps things up nicely though (a bit too nicely). Meaney tries for a twist with a character and I thought that something else happened, but we get a surprise with her.
I was surprised to find this book just okay. It's not bad or anything, I just didn't find it very gripping considering the subject matter. I think Meaney has done a better job of showcasing the same characters over a period of days/week before (see "Last Week of May"). I think the main issue is that we shuffle between four characters, then we get the stories broken into duos, and then we revisit the same characters more than a year later and though one character goes through something life changing, it feels a bit samey which is weird.
"Two Fridays in April" has the Darling family dealing with recovering from the one year anniversary of the death of Finn Darling. The book shows the POV of Daphne Darling (Finn's widow), Mo Darling (Finn's mother), Isobel Franklin (Daphne's mother) and Una Darling (Finn's stepdaughter).
Daphne still feels adrift after losing her husband and doesn't know what to do with regards to her stepdaughter Una. Daphne's mother in law Mo isn't much help. Daphne's mother Isobel is nearby, but the two of them rarely talk about "real things." I was interested in Isobel more than the other characters though she felt like a secondary character to me even though we get her POV. Daphne I thought was a bit much though at times. She's still harboring resentment towards her mother for abandoning her for a few months when she was 6. You find out later that her mother came back after her affair exploded in her face. But from then on she saw her on scheduled visits. So I guess I just don't get why they had not talked about it before now and or why she would be holding it against her? It just felt odd.
Mo is dealing with not only losing her husband, but coming to grips that her husband she loved is dealing with the affects of Alzheimer's disease. Mo is pretty bitter about the fact that Daphne and Finn didn't have children since she doesn't feel as close to Una since she's not Finn's "real daughter." Such a mess. I was not a fan of Mo by the way at all while reading her sections. She tries to bully Daphne into quitting her job to reopen Finn's shop with her and doesn't care that Daphne doesn't want to. Whether she has a bustling career or not, it's still her life.
Isobel's POV felt like it could be her own book. She has a lot of regrets that she is dealing with now that she is almost 60. One of them is leaving her first husband for another man due to how that affected her relationship with her daughter Daphne. Isobel realizes too late how foolish it was to run from her first marriage to a man who ended up dumping her soon after to return to his own family. She is now married to 10 years to a man she realizes that she doesn't love and who doesn't love her. Isobel is determined though to get a bit of passion in her life and you get to read about her trying her best to meet men (yep still married) on a dating site.
Una feels more lost. Finn is her father (not her real father) her birth mother died when she was small and now she is left with her father's widow who she feels really doesn't want her around. Una goes around making a ton of mistakes throughout the book, but her story-line felt very real to me. I wish that it had been the second POV in the book or maybe the book should have really focused on just her and Daphne's POV. I would not have missed Mo's POV at all and as I already said, Isobel's read as weird to include here.
The writing was okay. I think the main issue was the flow was not that great. We go from the different POVs and then we are also jumping around in timelines. So if you start reading about Una, we have her going into what she has been up to almost for a year and going up to the present day in her POV chapter. It made things a bit confusing to read I found. The latter section (Friday, 29, April (A Year and a Bit Later) wraps things up nicely though (a bit too nicely). Meaney tries for a twist with a character and I thought that something else happened, but we get a surprise with her.
July 16, 2015
Once started I devoured this book and couldn't put it down.
A really enjoyable drama with lots going on with each character separated and together.
Really liked the way you got the story from the 4 main characters own perspectives, Daphne, Isobel, Mo and Una, all suffering in their own way with the loss of Finn a year ago.
Some little twists and turns thrown in there and you have a great wee read.
A really enjoyable drama with lots going on with each character separated and together.
Really liked the way you got the story from the 4 main characters own perspectives, Daphne, Isobel, Mo and Una, all suffering in their own way with the loss of Finn a year ago.
Some little twists and turns thrown in there and you have a great wee read.
July 27, 2015
Also available on http://chicklitpad.blogspot.co.uk
MY SYNOPSIS
Imagine This: Your husband died on his daughters’ birthday. He was getting back from his way to pick up a present for her. And well, he died.
Now a exactly a year later, you all are not looking forward to celebrating a birthday. Because that would mean celebrating his one-year anniversary. You are not meant to celebrate his anniversary. You are still mourning. He wasn’t meant to die, how can fate be so cruel?
Apparently, you are not the only one not looking to celebrate a birthday. The daughter cannot, will not get over the fact that, her father died on his way to pick-up a present for her. He was supposed to return on her seventeenth. He wasn’t supposed to die and leave her lost and alone in this world, how the hell does anyone get over survivor’s guilt?
But guess who seems pretty upbeat and is ready to throw up a dinner, get a cake and sing happy birthday? Your unbearable mother-in-law. Well, at least, there’s someone looking up to eating your cake. But all this doesn’t feel right. Why doesn’t that woman own a sympathetic bone in her? Why can she not understand if she’s fecking fantastic and so over her son’s death, you lot are not over his death too? Why does she have to suggest a minor-gathering on a day you’d rather spend staring aimlessly at a headstone and bawling your eyes out?
Unfortunately, you have no idea today, would lead to a chain of events that would teach you to move on, celebrate, and get a fucking life even if your fate has said good riddance to your husband.
Daphne Darling’s life summed up for your delight.
MY REVIEW
I loved, loved this book! So, it’s so obvious I’d be yelling at you to go buy it!
First of all, terrific storyline. I love the whole dark themes this book explores in a very engaging way. A book about loss and dying and mourning could be boring. But not this title. In a day, Woman has rather been flitting through routines without performing them with zest since her husband’s death. And why the hell did he have to be buried in the same grave as his first wife? Why did he have to leave her with a teenager she’s finding hard to connect with? And a mother-in-law who’s as cold, and heartless as, um, a serial killer? Anyway, amazing storyline!── ★
The main characters are fantastic. It’s told in the point of view of four women who need to pick up the pieces after the death of a son, a husband, a father, and a son-in-law. You’d love Daphne for being so… dull (but really, who isn’t after losing their husband), you’d find her relatable if you’ve had to lose someone you love! (Like how I lost my dog and my life would never be the same again!) You’d love Mo, the mother-in-law who’s harsh on the outside, but on the interior she’s warm and does everything with a good thought, but really, who loves an old woman over eighty finding it hard to show remorse and complaining every darn time? You’d also love Una, the daughter who’s grieving her dad’s death, and in my opinion, the boldest of all three women. Isobel is the mother of Daphne who left her when she was only six, she’s worried she’s turning sixty and wondering why she spends her life with the most emotionless man on earth. A star to all these main characters.── ★★
Other main characters are just a delight. There’s Finn, the dead husband who’s ever present in past accounts. There’s Theo, the son of the man who took away Una’s father. There’s the whole bunch related to the man who took away Una’s father you’d absolutely adore. You’d also love Dolly, the dog who someone has to hold on to when another is leaving the house because she’d jump on them and begin licking. There’s Alex, Isobel’s second husband who probably doesn’t have the right signals that send emotions to the brain, hence is bare. There’s George, Daphne’s stepbrother who’s considerate and sweet with kids. You’d also love Jack, Daphne’s father who backs out of an argument even before it starts whose wife left him for his predictability. A star to all these characters. None redundant, all enjoyable!── ★★★
This is excellent literary piece. It’s hard to find a title that demonstrates literary prowess and experience of the author and still be appealing. This book was all stretched out in a day, yet not boring! You’d love how Roisin connects the dots in each characters’ account explaining your whys and hows to give more depth and understanding to the story. You’d love how Roisin is such a tease, cutting off information, witholding it and supplying it at a later time (in that same chapter, mind you), when she feels it’s most paramount to bring up! Only a writer could admire these attributes of Roisin Meaney. Surprisingly, no backstory is left out, engaging as the present day account.── ★★★★
So this book is not big on OMG-moments, yet it’s hard to put down. You’d find the story engaging, moving and delightful. A star.── ★★★★★
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a few tricks on how to be an amazing storyteller as well as good writer. Anyone who wants something that explores dense themes yet ends on a satisfying note should get this book.
Anyone who wants a title to steal away their summer hours without noticing (because it all happens in a day!) should go pick this title.
MY SYNOPSIS
Imagine This: Your husband died on his daughters’ birthday. He was getting back from his way to pick up a present for her. And well, he died.
Now a exactly a year later, you all are not looking forward to celebrating a birthday. Because that would mean celebrating his one-year anniversary. You are not meant to celebrate his anniversary. You are still mourning. He wasn’t meant to die, how can fate be so cruel?
Apparently, you are not the only one not looking to celebrate a birthday. The daughter cannot, will not get over the fact that, her father died on his way to pick-up a present for her. He was supposed to return on her seventeenth. He wasn’t supposed to die and leave her lost and alone in this world, how the hell does anyone get over survivor’s guilt?
But guess who seems pretty upbeat and is ready to throw up a dinner, get a cake and sing happy birthday? Your unbearable mother-in-law. Well, at least, there’s someone looking up to eating your cake. But all this doesn’t feel right. Why doesn’t that woman own a sympathetic bone in her? Why can she not understand if she’s fecking fantastic and so over her son’s death, you lot are not over his death too? Why does she have to suggest a minor-gathering on a day you’d rather spend staring aimlessly at a headstone and bawling your eyes out?
Unfortunately, you have no idea today, would lead to a chain of events that would teach you to move on, celebrate, and get a fucking life even if your fate has said good riddance to your husband.
Daphne Darling’s life summed up for your delight.
MY REVIEW
I loved, loved this book! So, it’s so obvious I’d be yelling at you to go buy it!
First of all, terrific storyline. I love the whole dark themes this book explores in a very engaging way. A book about loss and dying and mourning could be boring. But not this title. In a day, Woman has rather been flitting through routines without performing them with zest since her husband’s death. And why the hell did he have to be buried in the same grave as his first wife? Why did he have to leave her with a teenager she’s finding hard to connect with? And a mother-in-law who’s as cold, and heartless as, um, a serial killer? Anyway, amazing storyline!── ★
The main characters are fantastic. It’s told in the point of view of four women who need to pick up the pieces after the death of a son, a husband, a father, and a son-in-law. You’d love Daphne for being so… dull (but really, who isn’t after losing their husband), you’d find her relatable if you’ve had to lose someone you love! (Like how I lost my dog and my life would never be the same again!) You’d love Mo, the mother-in-law who’s harsh on the outside, but on the interior she’s warm and does everything with a good thought, but really, who loves an old woman over eighty finding it hard to show remorse and complaining every darn time? You’d also love Una, the daughter who’s grieving her dad’s death, and in my opinion, the boldest of all three women. Isobel is the mother of Daphne who left her when she was only six, she’s worried she’s turning sixty and wondering why she spends her life with the most emotionless man on earth. A star to all these main characters.── ★★
Other main characters are just a delight. There’s Finn, the dead husband who’s ever present in past accounts. There’s Theo, the son of the man who took away Una’s father. There’s the whole bunch related to the man who took away Una’s father you’d absolutely adore. You’d also love Dolly, the dog who someone has to hold on to when another is leaving the house because she’d jump on them and begin licking. There’s Alex, Isobel’s second husband who probably doesn’t have the right signals that send emotions to the brain, hence is bare. There’s George, Daphne’s stepbrother who’s considerate and sweet with kids. You’d also love Jack, Daphne’s father who backs out of an argument even before it starts whose wife left him for his predictability. A star to all these characters. None redundant, all enjoyable!── ★★★
This is excellent literary piece. It’s hard to find a title that demonstrates literary prowess and experience of the author and still be appealing. This book was all stretched out in a day, yet not boring! You’d love how Roisin connects the dots in each characters’ account explaining your whys and hows to give more depth and understanding to the story. You’d love how Roisin is such a tease, cutting off information, witholding it and supplying it at a later time (in that same chapter, mind you), when she feels it’s most paramount to bring up! Only a writer could admire these attributes of Roisin Meaney. Surprisingly, no backstory is left out, engaging as the present day account.── ★★★★
So this book is not big on OMG-moments, yet it’s hard to put down. You’d find the story engaging, moving and delightful. A star.── ★★★★★
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a few tricks on how to be an amazing storyteller as well as good writer. Anyone who wants something that explores dense themes yet ends on a satisfying note should get this book.
Anyone who wants a title to steal away their summer hours without noticing (because it all happens in a day!) should go pick this title.
April 21, 2019
I love her books and this one did not disappoint. Her characters are all likeable in their own way & their stories immensely realistic and poignant. On to the next RM on my list!
May 16, 2021
Loved every page
September 1, 2017
This is one of the best novels I have read in 2017. Roisin Meaney has become one of my favorite Irish authors. Her characterization is impeccable, her writing is beautiful, and her plot is addictive. Every time I had to stop reading, my hands were itching to get back to the novel.
You have two main characters, Daphne and Una. There are also two secondary characters, Isobel and Mo. This is where Meaney shines. All of the characters were extremely flawed, but extremely lovable as well. Daphne clocked out on her step daughter, Una, but her grief over the loss of her husband and her love for Una were unquestionable. Even through her grief, she managed to hold her family together. Mo is Daphne's mother in law. In the first chapter she seemed callous and even cruel to Daphne. It is a sign of excellent craftmanship that Mo was ultimately lovable. Mo had to withstand hardship after hardship and was roughened by them. Despite my initial dislike, I saw Mo's fortitude and loyalty, and I loved her for it. Isobel, Daphne's mother, was on the periphery of Daphne's life. It was a pleasure to be able to understand the perspective of a character I would normally dislike (who would desert their family?). Regardless of her flaws, she loved Daphne deeply. Una is Daphne's stepdaughter . So many teenagers are portrayed as dumb, reckless, fickle,and wild. It was refreshing to come across a teenager raised well and with a good head on her shoulders. She was compassionate, loving, forgiving, and caring. I just wanted to protect her.
As for the plot, it includes all of the characters' perspectives. Usually, many pov's tend to make the story messy. Meaney,however, made the multiple perspectives enriching and enjoyable. All the perspectives weave together, and, in the end, the reader gets a 360 view of the situation.
I LOVED the book and cannot recommend it more.
You have two main characters, Daphne and Una. There are also two secondary characters, Isobel and Mo. This is where Meaney shines. All of the characters were extremely flawed, but extremely lovable as well. Daphne clocked out on her step daughter, Una, but her grief over the loss of her husband and her love for Una were unquestionable. Even through her grief, she managed to hold her family together. Mo is Daphne's mother in law. In the first chapter she seemed callous and even cruel to Daphne. It is a sign of excellent craftmanship that Mo was ultimately lovable. Mo had to withstand hardship after hardship and was roughened by them. Despite my initial dislike, I saw Mo's fortitude and loyalty, and I loved her for it. Isobel, Daphne's mother, was on the periphery of Daphne's life. It was a pleasure to be able to understand the perspective of a character I would normally dislike (who would desert their family?). Regardless of her flaws, she loved Daphne deeply. Una is Daphne's stepdaughter . So many teenagers are portrayed as dumb, reckless, fickle,and wild. It was refreshing to come across a teenager raised well and with a good head on her shoulders. She was compassionate, loving, forgiving, and caring. I just wanted to protect her.
As for the plot, it includes all of the characters' perspectives. Usually, many pov's tend to make the story messy. Meaney,however, made the multiple perspectives enriching and enjoyable. All the perspectives weave together, and, in the end, the reader gets a 360 view of the situation.
I LOVED the book and cannot recommend it more.
May 11, 2015
Review also posted on my blog here: http://www.gobookyourself.info/2015/0...
Thanks to Hachette Ireland for the review copy
Roisin does it again! Another brilliant read full of wonderful characters!
Two Fridays In the same month. but what a difference a year can make.
It's the second of April and its Una's birthday but no one feels like celebrating. Why? Because its also a year to the day since Una's dad was knocked from his bike and killed.
Since then nothings been the same. A rift has been created in the family. Daphne is not Una's biological mother so she now feels like a liability.
Daphne adores Una but feels unsure around her. She wants her to feel safe and loved but she doesn't know how to do it. She cant turn to her own mother, who is distant and seemingly uncaring.
Mo feels totally alone in the world. Her husband was gone long before he died due to dementia and now then her only son was taken from her. She feels like she has no part left to play.
In the end it takes Una to realize that one of them needs to act in order to save what they have left. Throughout the course of the day they discover that all the ever needed was right in front of them. They just needed to open there eyes and see it.
The character development in Two Fridays is fantastic. You really fall for the characters and you as a reader go on the same journey as they do. You feel what they feel. It takes a really talented author to evoke such empathy.
As always I hate to turn the last page but I loved every minute of the journey.
Thanks to Hachette Ireland for the review copy
Roisin does it again! Another brilliant read full of wonderful characters!
Two Fridays In the same month. but what a difference a year can make.
It's the second of April and its Una's birthday but no one feels like celebrating. Why? Because its also a year to the day since Una's dad was knocked from his bike and killed.
Since then nothings been the same. A rift has been created in the family. Daphne is not Una's biological mother so she now feels like a liability.
Daphne adores Una but feels unsure around her. She wants her to feel safe and loved but she doesn't know how to do it. She cant turn to her own mother, who is distant and seemingly uncaring.
Mo feels totally alone in the world. Her husband was gone long before he died due to dementia and now then her only son was taken from her. She feels like she has no part left to play.
In the end it takes Una to realize that one of them needs to act in order to save what they have left. Throughout the course of the day they discover that all the ever needed was right in front of them. They just needed to open there eyes and see it.
The character development in Two Fridays is fantastic. You really fall for the characters and you as a reader go on the same journey as they do. You feel what they feel. It takes a really talented author to evoke such empathy.
As always I hate to turn the last page but I loved every minute of the journey.
July 30, 2023
Two Fridays in April by Roisin Meaney is a poignant family story about four women. A year ago, Daphne's husband Finn got killed in a bicycle accident, leaving behind his devoted wife, a stepdaughter called Una, and his mother, Mo. Twelve months later, everyone's still grieving, and nobody feels like celebrating Una's seventeenth birthday. But when Una doesn't come to her birthday dinner, Daphne, her mother, and Mo have to face some hard truths and work together to rebuild trust.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author's writing style is engaging and unique, and the switching narrators make the story like a puzzle the reader slowly solves. Each time the perspective changes, we get to hear about the same day but in a completely different way. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thoughtful and engrossing story, and I will be looking out for other books from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author's writing style is engaging and unique, and the switching narrators make the story like a puzzle the reader slowly solves. Each time the perspective changes, we get to hear about the same day but in a completely different way. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thoughtful and engrossing story, and I will be looking out for other books from this author.
March 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I think the author has an art for capturing the voice of various characters and making them really believable and relatable. The only downside for me...and it's a big one unfortunately..... was the abduction part of the story: A 17 year old gets assaulted and basically has to fight for her life. This is a pretty massive deal and it was so downplayed afterwards....she doesn't tell her boyfriend about it! Why? I don't understand the secrecy as there was no explanation of it and that didn't sit well with me. She doesn't get counselling for it either. She just carries on as if getting abducted and sexually assaulted is just a small hiccup in life that she can get over so easily. It was a pretty major flaw to me in this otherwise great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
Beautiful story telling
This is a beautifully crafted book, with characters that come alive on the page. The main characters are all female, and all likeable. The central character is Daphne, in her thirties, recently widowed. Una, her teenage stepdaughter. Mo, her mother in law. And Isobel, her mother who left her when she was six years old. The book portrays the threads of each relationship, alternating between the women. This is done very well, and I felt sympathy towards all of them. Daphne is trying to cope with her grief, and the story starts on Una’s birthday, a year after their bereavement. Daphne has an awful day at work, and then Una doesn’t turn up for her birthday dinner. The story that follows is interesting and honest, and I enjoyed it very much.
This is a beautifully crafted book, with characters that come alive on the page. The main characters are all female, and all likeable. The central character is Daphne, in her thirties, recently widowed. Una, her teenage stepdaughter. Mo, her mother in law. And Isobel, her mother who left her when she was six years old. The book portrays the threads of each relationship, alternating between the women. This is done very well, and I felt sympathy towards all of them. Daphne is trying to cope with her grief, and the story starts on Una’s birthday, a year after their bereavement. Daphne has an awful day at work, and then Una doesn’t turn up for her birthday dinner. The story that follows is interesting and honest, and I enjoyed it very much.
June 3, 2018
What a difference a year makes
I loved the timelines in the book. It was really poignant, yet full of hope. It was really interesting to see the connections with the characters. Another great read.😃
I loved the timelines in the book. It was really poignant, yet full of hope. It was really interesting to see the connections with the characters. Another great read.😃
February 10, 2019
Engaging and varied characters
A little slow in the beginning but I enjoyed that the perspective of each of the four major characters was presented. Each of the characters were multidimensional and experienced growth .
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A little slow in the beginning but I enjoyed that the perspective of each of the four major characters was presented. Each of the characters were multidimensional and experienced growth .
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April 20, 2019
Two Fridays in April
A very enjoyable book dealing with events and relationships in family members and how complicated they can become. Many coincidences affect these relationships but all is well in the end
A very enjoyable book dealing with events and relationships in family members and how complicated they can become. Many coincidences affect these relationships but all is well in the end
August 31, 2020
Another Winner from Roisin Meaney!
Who’s one of my favorite authors? This one. Such a pleasant experience to read any of Meaney’s books. Well-crafted tales with true-to-life characters. Each book a gem.
Who’s one of my favorite authors? This one. Such a pleasant experience to read any of Meaney’s books. Well-crafted tales with true-to-life characters. Each book a gem.
May 23, 2017
Absolutely lovely
Another fan read from Roisin. Believable and likeable characters and storylines. Loved it. Can't wait to choose the next read.
Another fan read from Roisin. Believable and likeable characters and storylines. Loved it. Can't wait to choose the next read.
May 26, 2017
A surprisingly beautiful story
Beautifully written, this is a sad story that rises to an extremely happy ending - I thoroughly enjoyed the journey!
Beautifully written, this is a sad story that rises to an extremely happy ending - I thoroughly enjoyed the journey!
July 10, 2017
Thought the beginning was slow. Never expected the middle part. Ending seemed quick.
August 10, 2017
Good read
The book was good, abit slow but I got in to it eventually. I would try another by the author.
The book was good, abit slow but I got in to it eventually. I would try another by the author.
September 14, 2017
An ok book, nothing special at first but got better towards the end.
April 23, 2018
Good read
Enjoyed this book a lot read it on holiday would recommend it to others not my usual type of book nice change
Enjoyed this book a lot read it on holiday would recommend it to others not my usual type of book nice change
February 2, 2019
Loved this book. Great characters. I love Roisin 's books
April 22, 2019
Very relatable characters
Easy to read lovely story and cleverly woven together a great book. Will be looking for more books by this author .
Easy to read lovely story and cleverly woven together a great book. Will be looking for more books by this author .
May 8, 2019
2.5 stars
May 22, 2019
Good read
Emotional travel of family following grief. Good one for the holiday read or curled up in bed. The love and lose of a son, husband and father.
Emotional travel of family following grief. Good one for the holiday read or curled up in bed. The love and lose of a son, husband and father.
August 3, 2019
Another great read!
I love all of her books. Wonderful stories and great character development. When I finish one of her nooks, I feel like I am leaving good friends
I love all of her books. Wonderful stories and great character development. When I finish one of her nooks, I feel like I am leaving good friends
September 13, 2019
Sweet but forgettable. Probably 350 pages were not needed to tell this story. Nothing happens in the last third.
November 20, 2019
wow Roisin Meaney, you have done it again, a wonderful read thoroughly enjoyed, you are one of my favourite writers, I love your storytelling, please give me more :)
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