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I Looked Away
Alternate title "I Looked Away" / "Child of Mine"
THE GRIPPING NEW THRILLER FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MY HUSBAND'S WIFE AND THE DEAD EX
Every Monday, 49-year-old Ellie looks after her grandson Josh. She loves him more than anything else in the world. The only thing that can mar her happiness is her husband's affair. But he swore it was over, and Ellie has decided to be thankful for what she's got.
Then one day, while she's looking after Josh, her husband gets a call from that woman. And for just a moment, Ellie takes her eyes off her grandson. The accident that happens will change her life forever.
Because Ellie is hiding something in her past.
And what looks like an accident could start to look like murder...
THE GRIPPING NEW THRILLER FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MY HUSBAND'S WIFE AND THE DEAD EX
Every Monday, 49-year-old Ellie looks after her grandson Josh. She loves him more than anything else in the world. The only thing that can mar her happiness is her husband's affair. But he swore it was over, and Ellie has decided to be thankful for what she's got.
Then one day, while she's looking after Josh, her husband gets a call from that woman. And for just a moment, Ellie takes her eyes off her grandson. The accident that happens will change her life forever.
Because Ellie is hiding something in her past.
And what looks like an accident could start to look like murder...
512 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2019
460 people are currently reading
5823 people want to read
About the author
Jane Corry
16 books1,704 followersJane Corry is a Sunday Times and Washington Post best-seller. After working as a journalist for many years, she took a job as a writer in residence of a high-security male prison out of financial necessity. But she became hooked.
Novels include MY HUSBAND'S WIFE, BLOOD SISTERS, THE DEAD EX, I MADE A MISTAKE, I LOOKED AWAY, THE LIES WE TELL, WE ALL HAVE OUR SECRETS,COMING TO FIND YOU and I DIED ON A TUESDAY. Her next novel come out in June 2025. Title to be announced soon!
She is published by Penguin in the UK and Doubleday in Canada and the US.
You can find Jane on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Threads and Facebook . Also on www.janecorryauthor.com
Novels include MY HUSBAND'S WIFE, BLOOD SISTERS, THE DEAD EX, I MADE A MISTAKE, I LOOKED AWAY, THE LIES WE TELL, WE ALL HAVE OUR SECRETS,COMING TO FIND YOU and I DIED ON A TUESDAY. Her next novel come out in June 2025. Title to be announced soon!
She is published by Penguin in the UK and Doubleday in Canada and the US.
You can find Jane on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Threads and Facebook . Also on www.janecorryauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
February 15, 2020
Jane Corry can do no wrong in my eyes!
Her novels are so well constructed, such intricate and complex characters.
Ellie loves her grandson, she would do anything for him. One day while she is babysitting she glances away for two seconds and something terrible happens.
We get frequent flashbacks to the early days of Ellie's childhood and then marriage to her University Professor. Her husband proves nasty and disloyal. Their marriage is not a good one.
Meanwhile we follow Jo in separate chapters. A homeless woman Ellie often helped out. We watch her travels from Oxford to Bristol to Cornwall.
Eventually certain events in Ellie's past come to light and when they do they are absolutely gripping. Once again Jane Corry has hit the nail on the head with her depictions of struggling women, the prison system and the terrors people face while living on the streets.
4 stars.
***************
Jane Corry is publishing another book.
Sign me up!!!
She is one of my go to authors 😊
Her novels are so well constructed, such intricate and complex characters.
Ellie loves her grandson, she would do anything for him. One day while she is babysitting she glances away for two seconds and something terrible happens.
We get frequent flashbacks to the early days of Ellie's childhood and then marriage to her University Professor. Her husband proves nasty and disloyal. Their marriage is not a good one.
Meanwhile we follow Jo in separate chapters. A homeless woman Ellie often helped out. We watch her travels from Oxford to Bristol to Cornwall.
Eventually certain events in Ellie's past come to light and when they do they are absolutely gripping. Once again Jane Corry has hit the nail on the head with her depictions of struggling women, the prison system and the terrors people face while living on the streets.
4 stars.
***************
Jane Corry is publishing another book.
Sign me up!!!
She is one of my go to authors 😊
July 4, 2019
Attrition
I Looked Away is a wonderfully crafted and absorbing psychological thriller from the very talented Jane Corry. The novel is cleverly plotted where you know there’s a major twist coming and it teases in the background as you become immediately captivated by the personal accounts of the two main characters, Ellie and Jo. The narrative is developed from each of their points of view, plus a little snippet of another relationship that hangs around the plot as a looming shadow.
This is a fascinating thriller that illustrates how precariously people can live on the edge of constant uncertainty, in home and family. We witness personalities being unveiled and their mental angsts being shrewdly exposed. The full array of characters is diverse and the many relationships are unique with such an impressive range of striking interactions.
The opening scene is a heart-breaking family tragedy, and four months later Ellie is in prison, reflecting back on her childhood. Since Ellie was 5 years old and witnessing her mother’s death she has felt everything good in her life gets taken away. She had to grow up with her father remarrying a neighbour, the addition of a brother, Michael, and her stepmother, Sheila Greenway, who openly detests Ellie and demonstrates clear choices between the two children. We know that an incident is coming that will result in Ellie committing an offence and spending 4 years in Highbridge prison.
Jo has her own prison experiences and is living homeless, travelling from Bristol to Devon and Cornwall, and encountering various characters during her travels. We very subtly learn a little bit about Jo but she keeps her past hidden. The sense of authenticity for the lives of the homeless must have been passionately researched.
Both Ellie and Jo have major traits in common, the psychological turmoil, the sense of undeserved happiness, the caution and vulnerability when a new person is kind but history tells you that people bring disappointment and danger. Better to part now that things are good, rather than wait for the customary dashed promise and suffering. The two women are outwardly soft and pleasant but the whispering suspicion of risk and danger is wonderfully threaded through the narrative.
The book is almost 500 pages and it literally (haha) flew by, as I was so obsessed by the characters and the plot. The emotional energy plied by Jane and consumed by the reader is intense. I would highly recommend reading this book and I’d like to thank Jane Corry and Penguin UK for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I Looked Away is a wonderfully crafted and absorbing psychological thriller from the very talented Jane Corry. The novel is cleverly plotted where you know there’s a major twist coming and it teases in the background as you become immediately captivated by the personal accounts of the two main characters, Ellie and Jo. The narrative is developed from each of their points of view, plus a little snippet of another relationship that hangs around the plot as a looming shadow.
This is a fascinating thriller that illustrates how precariously people can live on the edge of constant uncertainty, in home and family. We witness personalities being unveiled and their mental angsts being shrewdly exposed. The full array of characters is diverse and the many relationships are unique with such an impressive range of striking interactions.
The opening scene is a heart-breaking family tragedy, and four months later Ellie is in prison, reflecting back on her childhood. Since Ellie was 5 years old and witnessing her mother’s death she has felt everything good in her life gets taken away. She had to grow up with her father remarrying a neighbour, the addition of a brother, Michael, and her stepmother, Sheila Greenway, who openly detests Ellie and demonstrates clear choices between the two children. We know that an incident is coming that will result in Ellie committing an offence and spending 4 years in Highbridge prison.
Jo has her own prison experiences and is living homeless, travelling from Bristol to Devon and Cornwall, and encountering various characters during her travels. We very subtly learn a little bit about Jo but she keeps her past hidden. The sense of authenticity for the lives of the homeless must have been passionately researched.
Both Ellie and Jo have major traits in common, the psychological turmoil, the sense of undeserved happiness, the caution and vulnerability when a new person is kind but history tells you that people bring disappointment and danger. Better to part now that things are good, rather than wait for the customary dashed promise and suffering. The two women are outwardly soft and pleasant but the whispering suspicion of risk and danger is wonderfully threaded through the narrative.
The book is almost 500 pages and it literally (haha) flew by, as I was so obsessed by the characters and the plot. The emotional energy plied by Jane and consumed by the reader is intense. I would highly recommend reading this book and I’d like to thank Jane Corry and Penguin UK for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
March 26, 2019
I have to say I’ve read the Killing Type by Jane Cory, which I thoroughly enjoyed, so I could not wait to start this book!!
We first meet Ellie in prison, we do not know why she is there.
Ellie has been married to Roger for 28 years and they have recently gone through marriage counselling as he has had numerous affairs. They have 2 grown up children Amy and Luke and She lives for the days when she looks after her grandson Josh. One day whilst looking after Josh she takes her eyes of him for a moment which causes disastrous consequences for all the family.
Jo is a homeless woman who has had a hard life and is selling The Big Issue to get by.
The story is told through the eyes of Jo and Ellie, there is a connection between the 2 of them but you will have to read this book to find out what!!
This is an emotional story that will capture you’re heart, it touches on mental health, loss, despair and makes you think about the difficulties travellers and homeless people have. I was touched by the kindness of people out there who gave when they didn’t have much themselves whilst other walked on by!!
A must read book that I couldn’t put down. Definitely not one to miss out on.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
We first meet Ellie in prison, we do not know why she is there.
Ellie has been married to Roger for 28 years and they have recently gone through marriage counselling as he has had numerous affairs. They have 2 grown up children Amy and Luke and She lives for the days when she looks after her grandson Josh. One day whilst looking after Josh she takes her eyes of him for a moment which causes disastrous consequences for all the family.
Jo is a homeless woman who has had a hard life and is selling The Big Issue to get by.
The story is told through the eyes of Jo and Ellie, there is a connection between the 2 of them but you will have to read this book to find out what!!
This is an emotional story that will capture you’re heart, it touches on mental health, loss, despair and makes you think about the difficulties travellers and homeless people have. I was touched by the kindness of people out there who gave when they didn’t have much themselves whilst other walked on by!!
A must read book that I couldn’t put down. Definitely not one to miss out on.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
June 25, 2019
This book follows Ellie from being a young girl right through until she becomes a grandmother. Ellie has not had much luck and she has had to endure some awful things in her life. Ellie loves her grandson,Josh. She takes care of him on a Monday afternoon. Her husband is having an affair. But when Ellie looks away one Monday afternoon, the consequences are dramatic. It brings things from Ellie's past to the fore.
This is one emotional roller coaster ride you won't want to get off. It deals with bullying, danger, homelessness, deception and much much more. The story has a duel timeline which gradually converges as we near the end of the book. This is a fantastic read that's gripping and it will make you think how other people have to cope day to day. The characters are realistic and believable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Book (UK) and the author Jane Corry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one emotional roller coaster ride you won't want to get off. It deals with bullying, danger, homelessness, deception and much much more. The story has a duel timeline which gradually converges as we near the end of the book. This is a fantastic read that's gripping and it will make you think how other people have to cope day to day. The characters are realistic and believable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin Book (UK) and the author Jane Corry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2019
There is a hell of a lot more to this emotionally charged,enthralling story than the synopsis suggests. It's a heart string pulling story that covers a number of realistic issues that affects millions of people every day. Depending on their circumstances some of the issues that feature in this book might upset some readers but the subject matter is written realistically and with care and sensitivity.
I Looked Away is the story of two women from completely different social classes. There is Ellie,who is married to ex University lecturer Roger,they have two children and a young grandson named Josh. Then there is Jo,who has no family,is a Big Issue seller and is homeless. We follow both women's stories in chapters that alternate between the two characters. For various reasons,neither woman has had an easy life. Ellie had been mistreated by her cruel,manipulative stepmother and her manipulative,adulterous husband and it now appears as if her beloved Grandson has had a tragic accident whilst in her care. Every day of Jo's life was a battle to survive,the homeless face discrimination,deception and danger,but there was also heart warming moments of kindness and generosity from total strangers and other homeless people.
This is a well written story about vivid,realistic characters,that held my attention throughout and had me frantically turning the pages,desperately wanting to know what was going to happen next. There was a number of unexpected twists and turns including a twist that almost caused me to drop my kindle in shock. I loved this book,very highly recommended by little old me.
Many thanks to Penguin Books UK and Jane Corry for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
I Looked Away is the story of two women from completely different social classes. There is Ellie,who is married to ex University lecturer Roger,they have two children and a young grandson named Josh. Then there is Jo,who has no family,is a Big Issue seller and is homeless. We follow both women's stories in chapters that alternate between the two characters. For various reasons,neither woman has had an easy life. Ellie had been mistreated by her cruel,manipulative stepmother and her manipulative,adulterous husband and it now appears as if her beloved Grandson has had a tragic accident whilst in her care. Every day of Jo's life was a battle to survive,the homeless face discrimination,deception and danger,but there was also heart warming moments of kindness and generosity from total strangers and other homeless people.
This is a well written story about vivid,realistic characters,that held my attention throughout and had me frantically turning the pages,desperately wanting to know what was going to happen next. There was a number of unexpected twists and turns including a twist that almost caused me to drop my kindle in shock. I loved this book,very highly recommended by little old me.
Many thanks to Penguin Books UK and Jane Corry for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
April 11, 2019
I Looked Away by Jane Corry was a very emotional story of Ellie who has been hiding from a traumatic incident she was involved in as a child. She is now married to a controlling husband who cheats on her. She has two grown up children and a small grandson. Whilst babysitting her grandson one afternoon he disappears and Ellie's life is changed forever.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Books (UK) for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Books (UK) for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2021
Ech, kaip aš mėgavausi skaitydama! Pykau, gailėjausi, siutau, ir retkarčiais džiaugiausi. Tokia gausa sumišusių jausmų užgriuvo mane lyg lavina. Vietomis atrodė per daug neįtikėtina, jau net pradėdavau burbėti, kad ne, to jau per daug , o po to, aprimus emocijoms ir viską gerai apgalvojus, vis dėl to suvokdavau, kad pati žinau panašių atvejų. Taip kad jei norit tikrai įtraukiančio psichologinio trilerio, kur kartais nesigaudysit kas yra kas ir prie ko čia, kur jausmų banga nutėkš jus į pykčio, nevilties, neteisybės ir gailesčio sūkurį, griebkit šią knygą, tikiuosi mėgausitės taip pat, kai ir aš 🙂Puiki pažintis su autore!
August 3, 2019
This book was told in 3 parts. The first part I just felt like I was not connecting to the characters. But I kept going. Part 2 seemed to pick up speed. And then by Part 3 things started making more sense. Holy cow! What a ride! 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as a ARC for my honest review.
I received this book as a ARC for my honest review.
April 29, 2023
Eilės likimas nelepino, likimas jai skyrė nelengva gyvenimą. Vaikystėje anksti neteko mamos, jos mylima mama mirė. Jos mylimas tėvas vedė antrą kartą, Eilės pamotė prieš ją naudojo psichologinį smurtą, ją visaip žemino. Vieną dieną įvyko nelaimingas atsitikimas ir jos brolis paskendo, dėl to kalta liko sesuo. Po šių įvykių Elė turi psichologinių sutrikimų kurie ją lyti visą gyvenima, net kai ji turi savo anūką patiria daug neteisybės ir nemalonumų.
February 5, 2022
I didn't think this was quite as strong as Corry's other novels, but I was still curious to know the connection between the two women that the books narrative switches between.
An explosive start sees Ellie take her eye of her grandson Josh for just a moment, which devastating implications leds her to resurface old memories.
The jarring flashback took a little while to get use to as we learn of the horrors that Ellie had to face in the past, whilst also following homeless Jo's plight.
It took a whole to get use to the switching between both perspectives - but the book tackles some difficult topics and had an overall satisfying conclusion.
An explosive start sees Ellie take her eye of her grandson Josh for just a moment, which devastating implications leds her to resurface old memories.
The jarring flashback took a little while to get use to as we learn of the horrors that Ellie had to face in the past, whilst also following homeless Jo's plight.
It took a whole to get use to the switching between both perspectives - but the book tackles some difficult topics and had an overall satisfying conclusion.
June 21, 2019
I looked away by Jane Corry is the third book from the author I have read, and her books keep getting better and better.
Ellie loves her grandson Josh. She looks after him on a Monday afternoon. She takes her eyes of him for a moment as she finds her Husband Rodger is speaking to the woman he is cheating with on the phone. When an accident happens, and Ellie finds a red t-shirt floating in next door neighbours’ pond. She thinks history is repeating itself. She has never got over the death of her brother Michael when she was a schoolgirl and always blames herself for his death.
Then there is Jo a homeless woman, who meets Ellie when she has run away after what happened to Josh. The lives intertwine throughout the story, but it only comes clear how, when you get to the end of the story.
This is a very emotional and well written story with strong subjects regarding PTSD, Homeless. Mental health and abuse. I couldn’t put this down. It also enlightened me more about the subject of homelessness and what kind of circumstances that people have, that makes them end up in this way and how they deal with it day to day. I highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for a copy of this book.
Ellie loves her grandson Josh. She looks after him on a Monday afternoon. She takes her eyes of him for a moment as she finds her Husband Rodger is speaking to the woman he is cheating with on the phone. When an accident happens, and Ellie finds a red t-shirt floating in next door neighbours’ pond. She thinks history is repeating itself. She has never got over the death of her brother Michael when she was a schoolgirl and always blames herself for his death.
Then there is Jo a homeless woman, who meets Ellie when she has run away after what happened to Josh. The lives intertwine throughout the story, but it only comes clear how, when you get to the end of the story.
This is a very emotional and well written story with strong subjects regarding PTSD, Homeless. Mental health and abuse. I couldn’t put this down. It also enlightened me more about the subject of homelessness and what kind of circumstances that people have, that makes them end up in this way and how they deal with it day to day. I highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for a copy of this book.
June 29, 2019
This book certainly pulls at your heartstrings. You can not help but feel compassion for the main characters.
Jane Corry certainly has a hit on her hands with I Looked Away.
Jane Corry certainly has a hit on her hands with I Looked Away.
July 11, 2019
Best thriller I've read so far. The story is gripping from start to finish. It kept me guessing and I like not knowing what is going to happen in a book (without it getting too confusing and swapping characters all the time). Two story tellers Ellie and Jo, who both make me want to keep reading.
17th August 2019 a date that Ellie won't forget, but why?
Ellie the main character, I liked how she was a grandma, different to characters often being much younger. Ellie didn't have the best of childhoods with her step mum being such a cow. Micheal didn't deserve that cow as his mother either. I also hate Roger and think he thoroughly deserved everything he got. I like Ellie's son Luke, who is not like his dad.
Jo the secondary character is equally interesting to read about. The places she ends up when she is on the streets. It's interesting how she takes to Ellie having used her name. Until the end I had been kept guessing how the two had met and related to each other.
Set into three parts; Part 1 before the accident, Part 2 after the accident and Part 3 the trial. I couldn't pick a favourite part they all kept my interest. The writer has picked a variety of current topics including mental health and homelessness. The story is extremely well written.
17th August 2019 a date that Ellie won't forget, but why?
Ellie the main character, I liked how she was a grandma, different to characters often being much younger. Ellie didn't have the best of childhoods with her step mum being such a cow. Micheal didn't deserve that cow as his mother either. I also hate Roger and think he thoroughly deserved everything he got. I like Ellie's son Luke, who is not like his dad.
Jo the secondary character is equally interesting to read about. The places she ends up when she is on the streets. It's interesting how she takes to Ellie having used her name. Until the end I had been kept guessing how the two had met and related to each other.
Set into three parts; Part 1 before the accident, Part 2 after the accident and Part 3 the trial. I couldn't pick a favourite part they all kept my interest. The writer has picked a variety of current topics including mental health and homelessness. The story is extremely well written.
February 9, 2020
This book made absolutely no sense. The description, that bit about you committed a mistake, but they're saying it's murder? Nothing to do with the book. The title? Nothing to do with the book. The reviews? Really nothing to do with the book. I mean really, keep you up all night? I placed all my will into trying to finish this. Fabulous twists? It was transparent quite quickly.
Plus, the story in itself has 2 parts - the first 3 pages and the last 50 and the rest of the book, which don't seem to be connected at all and when the author shows the connection you're left feeling "that's why I've been reading about this random characters and past memories for so long?". There is so much as too much context and background for a character and this book has it and then some.
Plus, the story in itself has 2 parts - the first 3 pages and the last 50 and the rest of the book, which don't seem to be connected at all and when the author shows the connection you're left feeling "that's why I've been reading about this random characters and past memories for so long?". There is so much as too much context and background for a character and this book has it and then some.
September 18, 2020
Issue-led psychological suspense novel that tackles some hard-hitting topics sensitively.
I Looked Aways is perhaps the most hard-hitting of Jane Corry’s novels to date and tackles a number of weighty issues, including coercive control, PTSD, homelessness and mental health in general. As with previous novels by this author that I have read it is engaging and easily readable but where the story excels is in explaining the realities of living with PTSD and deconstructing some of the myths around ‘convenient’ mental health explanations for misdemeanours. The strong ending alone make this one of the worthier novels in the psychological thriller and domestic noir arena.
The story begins with forty-nine-year-old Ellie Halls trying to keep her mind busy and off her husband’s serial infidelity as she walks through the Oxfordshire town where she lives with retired university lecturer, Roger. Her first person narrative is enough to get a sense of her nervy disposition and default anxiety as she talks to forty-something Big Issue seller and homeless woman, Jo. A chance meeting with her husband’s mistress sends her home distraught and sees her take her eyes off her precious four-year-old grandson, Josh, for one moment too long. The novel is then split into before and after the accident sections, with Ellie now on remand ahead of trial (for what exactly is not specified) and provides her backstory starting from childhood to date, including her marriage to a bullying and manipulative man.
A second narrative of Jo, the Big Issue seller who Ellie looks out for in town also features and alternates with Ellie’s. Travelling to Bristol, trusting nobody and trying to find a place to sleep, Jo’s first person story shows the adversity and danger that comes with being homeless. Jo’s story was every bit as grim as I would have expected and it was Ellie’s story that I found most emotionally involving with damaged Ellie a vulnerable and sympathetic character. What isn’t clear from the start is how the stories of Ellie and Jo will marry up and despite having my suspicions (and not really warming to Jo) I was intrigued enough to keep reading. When it came the reveal was satisfying and meaningful enough to prove an adequate reward for sticking with the novel and paved the way for a strong denouement that was well explained and sensitively explored.
At nearly 500 pages the novel could certainly have been a little more succinct and on occasions Ellie’s naivety and susceptibility to manipulation feels overdone, but having read Jane Corry’s previous books she does have a tendency for overly sentimental observation! Overall a sobering reminder of the effects of psychological trauma and a thought-provoking read.
I Looked Aways is perhaps the most hard-hitting of Jane Corry’s novels to date and tackles a number of weighty issues, including coercive control, PTSD, homelessness and mental health in general. As with previous novels by this author that I have read it is engaging and easily readable but where the story excels is in explaining the realities of living with PTSD and deconstructing some of the myths around ‘convenient’ mental health explanations for misdemeanours. The strong ending alone make this one of the worthier novels in the psychological thriller and domestic noir arena.
The story begins with forty-nine-year-old Ellie Halls trying to keep her mind busy and off her husband’s serial infidelity as she walks through the Oxfordshire town where she lives with retired university lecturer, Roger. Her first person narrative is enough to get a sense of her nervy disposition and default anxiety as she talks to forty-something Big Issue seller and homeless woman, Jo. A chance meeting with her husband’s mistress sends her home distraught and sees her take her eyes off her precious four-year-old grandson, Josh, for one moment too long. The novel is then split into before and after the accident sections, with Ellie now on remand ahead of trial (for what exactly is not specified) and provides her backstory starting from childhood to date, including her marriage to a bullying and manipulative man.
A second narrative of Jo, the Big Issue seller who Ellie looks out for in town also features and alternates with Ellie’s. Travelling to Bristol, trusting nobody and trying to find a place to sleep, Jo’s first person story shows the adversity and danger that comes with being homeless. Jo’s story was every bit as grim as I would have expected and it was Ellie’s story that I found most emotionally involving with damaged Ellie a vulnerable and sympathetic character. What isn’t clear from the start is how the stories of Ellie and Jo will marry up and despite having my suspicions (and not really warming to Jo) I was intrigued enough to keep reading. When it came the reveal was satisfying and meaningful enough to prove an adequate reward for sticking with the novel and paved the way for a strong denouement that was well explained and sensitively explored.
At nearly 500 pages the novel could certainly have been a little more succinct and on occasions Ellie’s naivety and susceptibility to manipulation feels overdone, but having read Jane Corry’s previous books she does have a tendency for overly sentimental observation! Overall a sobering reminder of the effects of psychological trauma and a thought-provoking read.
February 27, 2022
Knygos pradžia tikrai patiko ir įtraukė, bet vėliau man kažkaip viskas pasirodė per daug ištęsta, kažko vis trūko, bet pabaiga gana gera. 😀
February 11, 2022
Totally engrossing read about a young woman who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time. As her life unfolds she is blamed, victimised and coerced until disaster occurs.
Loved this book - Jane Corry is becoming a favourite author!
Loved this book - Jane Corry is becoming a favourite author!
August 22, 2021
Labai patiko istorija. Viskas susuka Ir susideda is detaliu. Aisku Ir galas ne toks koki jau nusistatai pradejus skaityt. Rekomenduoju
August 25, 2019
I’ve enjoyed all of Jane’s previous thrillers but I Looked Away is probably the most hard hitting in that it tackles some tough subjects woven into a tense story line but also capturing emotional depth and compassion.
Focusing on two main characters, Ellie and Jo, it covers many themes including mental health issues, manipulation and control and homelessness.
Ellie is married to Roger and has two children. Her marriage has its problems but she adores her grandson Josh and loves looking after him until one day something dreadful happens.
Jo is homeless, trying to find a safe place to sleep and digging out food from bins when she doesn’t have any money. Some people she meets show her nothing but kindness whilst others treat her like dirt and take advantage. It becomes clear from early on in her story that she is frightened of someone or something.
The one thing you can always expect from Jane Corry is a story with surprises. As well as the two main narratives from Ellie and Jo, there is also an unknown voice briefly telling their story. Who was this person and where did they fit in?
The story moves between the past and the present with Ellie’s childhood being told in detail up the present day. Ellie’s story was extremely sad and moving and at times my heart broke for her but it was Jo who made the most emotional impact on me and the hardships she faced on the streets.
I Looked Away is both suspenseful and emotional in equal measures featuring psychological trauma and the effects it has on mental health. Having read Jane’s books before, there were certain aspects that I had correctly guessed but others that came as a complete surprise. The characters and situations are authentic and the storyline had me hooked from the first page. It’s an intense and powerful read and possibly one of her best thrillers yet.
Focusing on two main characters, Ellie and Jo, it covers many themes including mental health issues, manipulation and control and homelessness.
Ellie is married to Roger and has two children. Her marriage has its problems but she adores her grandson Josh and loves looking after him until one day something dreadful happens.
Jo is homeless, trying to find a safe place to sleep and digging out food from bins when she doesn’t have any money. Some people she meets show her nothing but kindness whilst others treat her like dirt and take advantage. It becomes clear from early on in her story that she is frightened of someone or something.
The one thing you can always expect from Jane Corry is a story with surprises. As well as the two main narratives from Ellie and Jo, there is also an unknown voice briefly telling their story. Who was this person and where did they fit in?
The story moves between the past and the present with Ellie’s childhood being told in detail up the present day. Ellie’s story was extremely sad and moving and at times my heart broke for her but it was Jo who made the most emotional impact on me and the hardships she faced on the streets.
I Looked Away is both suspenseful and emotional in equal measures featuring psychological trauma and the effects it has on mental health. Having read Jane’s books before, there were certain aspects that I had correctly guessed but others that came as a complete surprise. The characters and situations are authentic and the storyline had me hooked from the first page. It’s an intense and powerful read and possibly one of her best thrillers yet.
July 4, 2019
The story is told in two parts, one by Ellie, a married grandmother, who absolutely adores her grandson. She has some issues in her marriage, but she loves her family. One day she is looking after her grandson, Josh, and she takes her eyes off him for a moment and an accident happens that changes their lives.
The other part of the story is told by Jo, a homeless woman and Big Issue seller. She tells of her time on the streets, combined with flashbacks from her past.
The blurb states that Ellie is hiding something from her past, and you will just have to read this to find out what it was! This was an emotional family drama, one filled with mystery and suspense at times and it left you wondering how all of the stories intertwined throughout. Jane did such a magnificent job of portraying Jo's time on the streets and the reality of that situation, something I've not personally seen much of in novels I have read. Although the start was a little confusing keeping up with the characters, once I was a few chapters in things became clearer and I was able to really enjoy the story. It canvassed mental health issues, abuse, love and loss and really made me reflect upon the issues raised. So enjoyable.
The other part of the story is told by Jo, a homeless woman and Big Issue seller. She tells of her time on the streets, combined with flashbacks from her past.
The blurb states that Ellie is hiding something from her past, and you will just have to read this to find out what it was! This was an emotional family drama, one filled with mystery and suspense at times and it left you wondering how all of the stories intertwined throughout. Jane did such a magnificent job of portraying Jo's time on the streets and the reality of that situation, something I've not personally seen much of in novels I have read. Although the start was a little confusing keeping up with the characters, once I was a few chapters in things became clearer and I was able to really enjoy the story. It canvassed mental health issues, abuse, love and loss and really made me reflect upon the issues raised. So enjoyable.
August 30, 2019
After reading all the hype about this one, plus the blurb on the back which is pretty alarming, I was a little concerned that I wasn’t going to gel with it at all. In fact, it wasn’t until I reached the very end that I realised just how very good it is.
The plot is original and the format interesting. The way that all the many issues of ptsd & homelessness are interwoven through the novel really add depth to the story and turn it from an average thriller into a riveting page turner. Whilst the writing style is fairly simple, the story telling is really clever. The link between the two main characters is really skilfully camouflaged & although I did join the dots before the end it wasn’t at all predictable.
There were parts of the story I found really irritating (such as Ellie’s ineffectual father) & moments which actually made me really quite cross (homeless Jo leaving all her newly acquired items on the bus for example which is unlikely in the extreme given her circumstances) but the final neat summing up of the final chapters which tie in all the loose ends with its satisfactory conclusion made it for me.
The plot is original and the format interesting. The way that all the many issues of ptsd & homelessness are interwoven through the novel really add depth to the story and turn it from an average thriller into a riveting page turner. Whilst the writing style is fairly simple, the story telling is really clever. The link between the two main characters is really skilfully camouflaged & although I did join the dots before the end it wasn’t at all predictable.
There were parts of the story I found really irritating (such as Ellie’s ineffectual father) & moments which actually made me really quite cross (homeless Jo leaving all her newly acquired items on the bus for example which is unlikely in the extreme given her circumstances) but the final neat summing up of the final chapters which tie in all the loose ends with its satisfactory conclusion made it for me.
September 19, 2019
There is a hell of a lot more to this emotionally charged, enthralling story than the synopsis suggests. It's a heart string pulling story that covers a number of realistic issues that affects millions of people every day. Depending on their circumstances some of the issues that feature in this book might upset some readers but the subject matter is written realistically and with care and sensitivity.
I Looked Away is the story of two women from completely different social classes. There is Ellie,who is married to ex University lecturer Roger, they have two children and a young grandson named Josh. Then there is Jo, who has no family, is a Big Issue seller and is homeless. We follow both women's stories in chapters that alternate between the two characters. For various reasons, neither woman has had an easy life. Ellie had been mistreated by her cruel, manipulative stepmother and her manipulative, adulterous husband and it now appears as if her beloved Grandson has had a tragic accident whilst in her care. Every day of Jo's life was a battle to survive, the homeless face discrimination, deception and danger, but there was also heart warming moments of kindness and generosity from total strangers and other homeless people.
This is a well written story about vivid, realistic characters,that held my attention throughout and had me frantically turning the pages, desperately wanting to know what was going to happen next. There was a number of unexpected twists and turns. I loved this book, very highly recommended.
I Looked Away is the story of two women from completely different social classes. There is Ellie,who is married to ex University lecturer Roger, they have two children and a young grandson named Josh. Then there is Jo, who has no family, is a Big Issue seller and is homeless. We follow both women's stories in chapters that alternate between the two characters. For various reasons, neither woman has had an easy life. Ellie had been mistreated by her cruel, manipulative stepmother and her manipulative, adulterous husband and it now appears as if her beloved Grandson has had a tragic accident whilst in her care. Every day of Jo's life was a battle to survive, the homeless face discrimination, deception and danger, but there was also heart warming moments of kindness and generosity from total strangers and other homeless people.
This is a well written story about vivid, realistic characters,that held my attention throughout and had me frantically turning the pages, desperately wanting to know what was going to happen next. There was a number of unexpected twists and turns. I loved this book, very highly recommended.
October 3, 2021
Domestic Fiction / Psychological Thriller / Family Drama / Contemporary
This is an emotional story about love, mistakes, mental health, motherhood, adultery, loss, redemption. Written in alternating POVs and timeline. At first it was a little confusing but once I got hold of who's who and timelines, it was easy to follow and I couldn't read fast enough.
"Marriages should have no secrets."
At the beginning of the story we meet Ellie, a woman in her late 40s, proud grandmother but unhappy wife because of her husband's infidelity. Something bad happens and Ellie ends up in a prison. We follow Ellie from the young age. We see her loosing her mother to a cancer. Then her father remarries, but instead of getting herself a loving and caring new mom, her stepmother treats her badly and makes her life even more miserable and lonely.
"I mustn't trust anyone. Especially myself."
We also follow Jo, a homeless woman Ellie has helped in the past and who tries to stay alive and find safe place to stay.
So what Ellie did?
Who is Jo to Ellie?
Are Ellie and Jo somehow connected?
Another emotional, unique, poignant, insightful, complex, thought-provoking, well-written story by Jane Corry. I enjoy her books and can't wait for her next one, I Made a Mistake in 2020.
"If you give to people, you get back. Goodness creates goodness."
This is an emotional story about love, mistakes, mental health, motherhood, adultery, loss, redemption. Written in alternating POVs and timeline. At first it was a little confusing but once I got hold of who's who and timelines, it was easy to follow and I couldn't read fast enough.
"Marriages should have no secrets."
At the beginning of the story we meet Ellie, a woman in her late 40s, proud grandmother but unhappy wife because of her husband's infidelity. Something bad happens and Ellie ends up in a prison. We follow Ellie from the young age. We see her loosing her mother to a cancer. Then her father remarries, but instead of getting herself a loving and caring new mom, her stepmother treats her badly and makes her life even more miserable and lonely.
"I mustn't trust anyone. Especially myself."
We also follow Jo, a homeless woman Ellie has helped in the past and who tries to stay alive and find safe place to stay.
So what Ellie did?
Who is Jo to Ellie?
Are Ellie and Jo somehow connected?
Another emotional, unique, poignant, insightful, complex, thought-provoking, well-written story by Jane Corry. I enjoy her books and can't wait for her next one, I Made a Mistake in 2020.
"If you give to people, you get back. Goodness creates goodness."
July 3, 2019
Without doubt one of my best reads this year - a real emotional rollercoaster and intriguing mystery. I found the two narratives equally compelling and authentic. Although I was confused in places at the start about the identity of one of the characters in the story it all began to make sense as it unfolded. I highly recommend this book!
May 16, 2021
Puiki apie potrauminio asmenybės susidvejinimo ir gyvenimo gatvėje istorija.
January 5, 2025
2.75 ⭐ // Chyba nie zostanę fanem autorki. Z jednej strony byłam ciekawa, w jaki sposób się to w końcu połączy i do czego to zmierza, ale jednak bardziej mnie to wszystko po prostu irytowało (łącznie z lektorką). Nie polubiłam się ze stylem pisania i bohaterami. Serio, nie znalazłam ani jednej osoby, którą darzyłabym sympatią, każda była strasznie wkurzająca. Nie przeczę, że autorka nie stworzyła wielowarstwowej powieści, ale totalnie to do mnie nie trafiło.
April 20, 2019
Powerful, emotional...I couldn’t put it down!!
February 4, 2020
Awful book. The synopsis sounded intriguing but the book was depressing, the characters uninteresting and in the end I gave up.
December 6, 2021
Labai geras trileris. Įtraukianti, įdomi ir greitai skaitoma istorija.
August 24, 2019
I’m stuck between giving this a 4 or a 5, if half stars existed it would be a definite 4.5. I feel like I’m slightly short changing it by giving it a 4 because it was a wonderfully captivating and addictive read. However, I had a few niggles so couldn’t commit fully to a 5.
There has been a lot of hype about this book and it is thoroughly deserved. I couldn’t put it down. It was well written, I loved how the story went between the two different characters and the past and present. The characterisation was also brilliant I felt every single emotion that Ellie felt. I have a few niggles of annoyance at her dad and how he didn’t stand up for her like he should have but apart from that it was a great read. Unique, refreshing and a definite recommendation.
There has been a lot of hype about this book and it is thoroughly deserved. I couldn’t put it down. It was well written, I loved how the story went between the two different characters and the past and present. The characterisation was also brilliant I felt every single emotion that Ellie felt. I have a few niggles of annoyance at her dad and how he didn’t stand up for her like he should have but apart from that it was a great read. Unique, refreshing and a definite recommendation.
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