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Can You See Me ?
Would you know if someone was watching you?
In the dark days since the sudden death of her surgeon husband, Julia’s main worry has always been Tash. Her student daughter was broken—she worshipped her father. But six months on, Julia thinks the light is returning. She is about to find out that she’s wrong.
When she saves the life of a boy who’s been hanging around her beach cottage, the questions start. All she has to go on is the butterfly tattoo on his wrist, but who is he? What was he doing there? And why was her late husband’s watch in his bag? Julia wants to believe it’s a casual theft, but an ominous arrival in the post confirms her suspicion that there is more to it than meets the eye.
As Tash remembers a string of strange incidents she had previously brushed off, Julia realises they are both being watched. Someone’s been toying with them, trying to frighten them, but why?
Determined to protect her daughter, Julia races to discover the boy’s identity. But what she doesn’t realise is that the truth is right in front of her. Will she see it before it’s too late?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 17, 2022
Such a sad but beautifully written book. Opens your eyes to yourself and others around you and to stop taking things so important to you for granted. It has a great story line with twists to keep you turning the pages. I suspected the ending, so it didn't catch me off guard. It was a great book all in all! Make sure to read the epilogue at the end, it will shock you!
January 1, 2020
Can You See Me? by Lynne Barrett-Lee is a psychological thriller that has a bit of a twist on it’s style. The story is mainly told from the point of view of the main character, Julia, however there are also little chapters told from the point of view of the antagonist in the unique way of comparing themselves to different species of moths.
Julia is now a single mother after the sudden passing of her husband six months before and is not only recovering from the sudden loss herself but concerned for her teenage daughter. When visiting their beach house Julia sees a young man watching in the distance but before she knows it he falls and Julia has to help administer first aid waiting for an ambulance. After the boy is rushed to the hospital Julia begins looking into who he is and why he would have been near her home when a watch that belonged to her husband is found in his things.
First, the author did a great job making this one unique in the style with the moth chapters giving a new take on the “mysterious voice” in the story. The book was one that kept me engaged throughout and was also full of twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. And while I thought I knew of a few twists it actually kept me on my toes for the biggest part of the outcome to the story which is nice for the amount I read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Julia is now a single mother after the sudden passing of her husband six months before and is not only recovering from the sudden loss herself but concerned for her teenage daughter. When visiting their beach house Julia sees a young man watching in the distance but before she knows it he falls and Julia has to help administer first aid waiting for an ambulance. After the boy is rushed to the hospital Julia begins looking into who he is and why he would have been near her home when a watch that belonged to her husband is found in his things.
First, the author did a great job making this one unique in the style with the moth chapters giving a new take on the “mysterious voice” in the story. The book was one that kept me engaged throughout and was also full of twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. And while I thought I knew of a few twists it actually kept me on my toes for the biggest part of the outcome to the story which is nice for the amount I read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 25, 2020
Julia's husband is dead. It was unexpected, leaving her reeling and her daughter, Tash, broken. She had always been a daddy's girl. What the daughter doesn't know is that Julia and her husband had planned on divorcing before his untimely death.
Beginning to see the light, the two spend some time at theri beach cottage. That's when things begin to happen.
Julia spot a young boy peeking into their cottage. When she approaches him, he takes off running, and falls leaving him with serious injuries. Being a doctor, she saves his life. But what she discovers leads to a lot of questions.
Why was he watching them? Why does he have her husband's watch in his bag? Julia wants to believe it must have been a simple theft .... but an ominous arrival in the post confirms her suspicion that there is more to it than meets the eye.
The storyline is mysterious, a little scary, with deftly drawn characters. There are chapters told by an unknown person, leaving one to wonder what was really happening.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Beginning to see the light, the two spend some time at theri beach cottage. That's when things begin to happen.
Julia spot a young boy peeking into their cottage. When she approaches him, he takes off running, and falls leaving him with serious injuries. Being a doctor, she saves his life. But what she discovers leads to a lot of questions.
Why was he watching them? Why does he have her husband's watch in his bag? Julia wants to believe it must have been a simple theft .... but an ominous arrival in the post confirms her suspicion that there is more to it than meets the eye.
The storyline is mysterious, a little scary, with deftly drawn characters. There are chapters told by an unknown person, leaving one to wonder what was really happening.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 5, 2020
Can You See Me by Lynne Lee is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon Publishing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Julia's husband has recently died, and her focus has been on seeing her daughter Tash through this devastating time. Although she had plans to divorce David, no one knew, so she's keeping that a secret. Turns out he had some secrets too.
When Julia sees a strange young man hanging around the cottage, she gives chase, only to have him fall and end up in a coma. She saves his life, but feeling somewhat responsible, she is determined to find out who he is, especially when she finds her husband's watch in his bag. At this point, Tash starts telling her of other strange things that have been happening to her, and Julia starts to wonder if her daughter is being stalked.
Julia is determined to get to the bottom of this.
My Opinions:
The story is told from Julia's perspective, as well as another voice which talks about moths.....yes, moths. I was over 50% into the book before I became at all interested in what was happening. Yes, I should have quit much sooner, but I didn't. In for a pound....
If only I had been able to like one or two of the main characters, it would have helped. Julia kept secrets, David kept secrets, Tash was only really into herself and very happy with her privileged lifestyle. Kane was an immature idiot with blinders on, and Rachel was .... well mentally ill doesn't really cut it. Rachel was a drug addict, but she knew what she was doing most of the time, so I wouldn't say that mental illness was a big factor. She felt entitled, and hatred and revenge was going to be sweet.
The actual plot, when you look at the whole thing, was interesting. The writing was fine. The twist was really good. So at 50% it started getting interesting, and at 75%, I really wanted to keep reading. So this one was hard for me to rate. It started at 1 or 2 stars, but ended at 4 really late in the game, so I'm going with a comfortable 3. I never read other reviews before writing my own, but I bet I'm going to be in the minority here. But every book can't be for everyone.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and some additional insights), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I bought it on kindle on a whim, despite usually reading mostly romance, scf-fi and fantasy. Fortunately, my impulse purchase worked out well.
I really enjoyed the story as it unfolded and I liked Julia a lot, she was so real and very easy to empathise with. Her feelings seemed very real and I enjoyed the slow progression of the romance.
I had half guessed the twist at the end but I still really enjoyed it.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you feel like you'd enjoy a mystery.
I really enjoyed the story as it unfolded and I liked Julia a lot, she was so real and very easy to empathise with. Her feelings seemed very real and I enjoyed the slow progression of the romance.
I had half guessed the twist at the end but I still really enjoyed it.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you feel like you'd enjoy a mystery.
January 7, 2020
Can You See Me by Lynne Lee was a brilliant read and I was hooked from the very first few pages. This book is a psychological thriller that has lots of twists and turns throughout which I love in a book. I loved the way Lynne threw in a few red herrings within the book Very Clever! Didn't see them coming!!!
Can You See Me is beautifully written and is very addictive that will have you glued to your kindle or book.
I highly recommend this book. Its Just Brilliant!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Can You See Me is beautifully written and is very addictive that will have you glued to your kindle or book.
I highly recommend this book. Its Just Brilliant!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
March 3, 2020
I loved this book. Lynne Lee is now one of my top authors of 2020, and I will be reading more of her books, which by the way, are written under the name Lynne Barrett-Lee. [Lynne Lee is a pen name.]
First up, one of my fave lines from the book: ‘… it hits me that our past is all so much debris clinging to the tideline; ..’
I connected with each and every character in this book. I could relate. They were all real and believable. The narrative hooked me and pulled me right in, much as a moth to a flame … and there are a lot of moths in this book, which made my skin crawl. But that was the whole point.
I guessed–tentatively–who the main agressor was by about the 60% area of the book, but I still couldn’t be a hundred percent sure until later on. And, then, of course, there was still a big shocker involved in that denouement. The author did such a skillful job, I even felt sorry for the antagonist as well as all the protagonists. And the MC felt real and sensible and didn’t do stupid things, even though a lot of the time she had no clue what was going on or why–she used her head and analytical skills.
I find myself not wanting to say too much more because I don’t want to put in any spoilers. All I can say is, Go Read This Book!
As you’ve probably guessed by now … Can You See Me? gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
First up, one of my fave lines from the book: ‘… it hits me that our past is all so much debris clinging to the tideline; ..’
I connected with each and every character in this book. I could relate. They were all real and believable. The narrative hooked me and pulled me right in, much as a moth to a flame … and there are a lot of moths in this book, which made my skin crawl. But that was the whole point.
I guessed–tentatively–who the main agressor was by about the 60% area of the book, but I still couldn’t be a hundred percent sure until later on. And, then, of course, there was still a big shocker involved in that denouement. The author did such a skillful job, I even felt sorry for the antagonist as well as all the protagonists. And the MC felt real and sensible and didn’t do stupid things, even though a lot of the time she had no clue what was going on or why–she used her head and analytical skills.
I find myself not wanting to say too much more because I don’t want to put in any spoilers. All I can say is, Go Read This Book!
As you’ve probably guessed by now … Can You See Me? gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
December 2, 2019
Can You See Me opens like a familiar scent of cookies wafting through empty halls of your childhood home. A bittersweet memory of something lost, and the acknowledgement of moving on. Julia has recently lost her husband and she and her daughter Tash are moving on, tragically interrupted by a sudden turn of events when a strange young man need saving.
It is a brilliant book which managed to throw a good few red herrings at me - not at all an easy task. Lynne Lee opens a whole new world of introspective into a mind of a person broken by the world around them and a series of awful mishaps in the system, fluttering by the reader like the soft wings of a moth. It's always there and comes together in a lovely conclusion.
My thanks to the publisher and author for allowing me read the ARC via NetGalley. This has not influenced my opinion!
It is a brilliant book which managed to throw a good few red herrings at me - not at all an easy task. Lynne Lee opens a whole new world of introspective into a mind of a person broken by the world around them and a series of awful mishaps in the system, fluttering by the reader like the soft wings of a moth. It's always there and comes together in a lovely conclusion.
My thanks to the publisher and author for allowing me read the ARC via NetGalley. This has not influenced my opinion!
February 1, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this book. Enjoyed the way the relationships of the characters was highlighted by the end passages about the moths. Who knew there were so many different moths. I didn't see the end coming and ended up staying up very late so that I could finish it. Excellent.
November 30, 2019
A seemingly familiar trope of love, lies and betrayal. As the protagonist uncovers deep seated secrets, she finds herself and her daughter in the midst of formidable danger. What Lynne Lee does though to push her narrative past the familiar is add an alternative perspective. One that, once the reader can look past what is being handed over at surface level, digs deep into a dark side of character development. Lee has used another level of creativity to express perspective here and it brings so much to the book.. Love when authors force a bit of deep thinking on the reader. 5 stars.
Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #CanYouSeeMe. It was read and reviewed voluntarily by Tarrah Marie (@wayward_readers)
Thank you to #NetGalley for this ARC of #CanYouSeeMe. It was read and reviewed voluntarily by Tarrah Marie (@wayward_readers)
February 11, 2023
A complicated mystery.
September 27, 2022
2.75/5 ⭐️
This was just so boring
This was just so boring
April 26, 2020
Very well written, loved it!
February 2, 2020
Captured, brilliant and now see moths in a whole new light. (Oops)
Really good story , brilliant narrators, great imagination and worth reading again and again. just look out for Lynne Lee's other books.
Really good story , brilliant narrators, great imagination and worth reading again and again. just look out for Lynne Lee's other books.
January 4, 2020
I loved this book!! Great story!! 1st book I have read by this author!! Received this book from Amazon uk from netgally!!
January 19, 2020
Julia Young is a doctor and is staying for a few days at her beach home in Wales. Her professor husband, David, died from a stroke about six months ago. Shortly before his death, they had been planning to get a divorce. However, their daughter, Tash, is now a freshman at university and they didn’t want to upset her so they had been holding off telling her.
Coming up from the beach, Julia sees a young boy hanging around her cottage. When he spots her, he starts running and she chases him. She wants to know what he is doing on her property. At the top of a cliff, he falls and tears his femoral artery. Julia stops the bleeding and is soon rescued by a helicopter to take the boy to the hospital. The boy is in critical condition for severals days as they try to locate his family.
The police finally find that the young boy is Kane whose single mother has multiple sclerosis and will have difficulty caring for him. But Julia remains concerned for Kane and can’t stop wondering why he was hanging around her house.
When some creepy events occur, Julia is unsure if someone is playing games with her or truly trying to frighten her.
The book has separate chapters written by an unknown person or thing about moths. This totally gave me the creeps because I cannot stand moths! They freak me out! Of course, I’m sure it was written to that way to frighten the reader. Well done at that, author.
As creepy as it was for me, the moth chapters seemed to be the most compelling and informative parts of the book which is why it earned 4 stars. Julia didn’t necessarily appeal to me and I found a lot of the book to be not that great. Crazy people do crazy things.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Coming up from the beach, Julia sees a young boy hanging around her cottage. When he spots her, he starts running and she chases him. She wants to know what he is doing on her property. At the top of a cliff, he falls and tears his femoral artery. Julia stops the bleeding and is soon rescued by a helicopter to take the boy to the hospital. The boy is in critical condition for severals days as they try to locate his family.
The police finally find that the young boy is Kane whose single mother has multiple sclerosis and will have difficulty caring for him. But Julia remains concerned for Kane and can’t stop wondering why he was hanging around her house.
When some creepy events occur, Julia is unsure if someone is playing games with her or truly trying to frighten her.
The book has separate chapters written by an unknown person or thing about moths. This totally gave me the creeps because I cannot stand moths! They freak me out! Of course, I’m sure it was written to that way to frighten the reader. Well done at that, author.
As creepy as it was for me, the moth chapters seemed to be the most compelling and informative parts of the book which is why it earned 4 stars. Julia didn’t necessarily appeal to me and I found a lot of the book to be not that great. Crazy people do crazy things.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 13, 2020
This is about a woman that lost her husband and her only concern now is about protecting her child. When she thought she didn't have to worry about anything other than her child things started happening. One day she met this boy hanging around her cottage and she chased after him and he ended up in an accident falling over the cliff and she saved his life and she realized that the boy had her husband's watch which led her to discovering things about her husband. Realising that she she was being watched and the answers was basically right in front of her eyes.
I gave this book 3 stars because to me it was a good story but there was a lack of connection to the characters. The characters was just not reachable enough to form a humanly connection and the reveal coming down to the end was not really surprising. It all made sense it was kind of creepy the way the mysterious person was into Mott's and the way the main character which is a mother knew the different types of moths also.
It was really hard to get through with this book I pushed through in other to give this review instead of dnf'n it but in all it was a good story but not a story for me.
I gave this book 3 stars because to me it was a good story but there was a lack of connection to the characters. The characters was just not reachable enough to form a humanly connection and the reveal coming down to the end was not really surprising. It all made sense it was kind of creepy the way the mysterious person was into Mott's and the way the main character which is a mother knew the different types of moths also.
It was really hard to get through with this book I pushed through in other to give this review instead of dnf'n it but in all it was a good story but not a story for me.
November 21, 2019
Julia, mom to a teenage daughter Tash, is surfing when she sees a boy near her home. As she goes near him, he takes off running and seriously injuring himself. Julia, being a physician, saves him until they are rescued by helicopter. Julia has no idea who the boy is, and why he is near her home. The only identifier on him is a butterfly tattoo on his wrist. Things get even stranger for Julia when she find's her late husband's watch in the boy;s bag. Tash and Julia then realize a series of strange events, and realize they are being watched. But why? Are they in danger?
I enjoyed this book. It started a little slow, but then really picked up and pulled me in. I thought Julia was a refreshing female protagonist. She's smart, strong, and successful, which makes the reader root for her. The inclusion of the moths and their scientific classification also added some originality to this story. The ending is twisty and not predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to review and read.
I enjoyed this book. It started a little slow, but then really picked up and pulled me in. I thought Julia was a refreshing female protagonist. She's smart, strong, and successful, which makes the reader root for her. The inclusion of the moths and their scientific classification also added some originality to this story. The ending is twisty and not predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to review and read.
December 5, 2019
I am torn about this review.
I loved so many things about this book:
I loved the writing style, which really drew me in
I loved the way that the story was going in one direction, and then suddenly there were some surprises
I loved how this was different from anything I've read in a while
I loved the main characters and their stories
So why am I torn?
There was a big "twist" that I saw coming a mile away. There was too much foreshadowing. But maybe it wasn't supposed to be a twist?
There were a few other things about the characters that kind of annoyed me. However, I can't detail them without giving anything away.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the advance copy, which did not impact my review. I'm really glad I read this, and will look for more books from this author.
I loved so many things about this book:
I loved the writing style, which really drew me in
I loved the way that the story was going in one direction, and then suddenly there were some surprises
I loved how this was different from anything I've read in a while
I loved the main characters and their stories
So why am I torn?
There was a big "twist" that I saw coming a mile away. There was too much foreshadowing. But maybe it wasn't supposed to be a twist?
There were a few other things about the characters that kind of annoyed me. However, I can't detail them without giving anything away.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for the advance copy, which did not impact my review. I'm really glad I read this, and will look for more books from this author.
December 11, 2019
Set in the hills and beaches of Wales alongside the cityscape of London, this mystery / crime story really is like none I have read before.
Julia saves a boys life after she found him lurking outside of her Welsh cottage seemingly up to no good. This leaves Julia with many unanswered questions. Not only around the boys unknown identity, but also about her late husband buried secrets.
Thank you to the author for the advanced kindle copy. This didn't influence my opinion in anyway and I was very happy with this read and with the ending.
It is a very well written book which included a lot of technical research around a certain subject that was totally unexpected and unique.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys this genre as it is a great read! I will be keeping my eye out for other books by this author for sure.
Julia saves a boys life after she found him lurking outside of her Welsh cottage seemingly up to no good. This leaves Julia with many unanswered questions. Not only around the boys unknown identity, but also about her late husband buried secrets.
Thank you to the author for the advanced kindle copy. This didn't influence my opinion in anyway and I was very happy with this read and with the ending.
It is a very well written book which included a lot of technical research around a certain subject that was totally unexpected and unique.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys this genre as it is a great read! I will be keeping my eye out for other books by this author for sure.
December 13, 2019
Julia, a doctor, had recently lost her husband, David (also a doctor) in an accident. Now, at Julia's summer home, she catches a "kid" looking into her window and then running away. She finds him on the cliffs where he is bleeding out. However, a good Samaritan hears Julia's cries for help and a helicopter rushes both Julia and the "kid" (identity still unknown) to the hospital in Cardiff.
The "kid" survives surgery but is placed into an induced coma. The reader also senses that there may be a link between Julia's daughter, Tasha (a student at uni), and the unidentified boy.
Butterflies and moths introduce an unknown character who remains anonymous - yet you keep trying to figure out who, if anyone already in the story, is THEIR identity, also.
An interesting, fast-paced book - Recommend.
Many Thanks to Amazon UK, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a good read!
The "kid" survives surgery but is placed into an induced coma. The reader also senses that there may be a link between Julia's daughter, Tasha (a student at uni), and the unidentified boy.
Butterflies and moths introduce an unknown character who remains anonymous - yet you keep trying to figure out who, if anyone already in the story, is THEIR identity, also.
An interesting, fast-paced book - Recommend.
Many Thanks to Amazon UK, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a good read!
May 4, 2020
I really struggled to keep going with this book. I wasn't fond of the writing style and the story moves very slowly for the first half of the book. It does get more interesting after the halfway point but I think because I was so disinterested during the first half I didn't really feel the tension or care about the characters during the second half. I only persevered with getting to the end as I read so many reviews saying the second half of the book was worth reading but I only found the second half mildly more exciting than the first.
December 30, 2019
A great thriller full of twists
I haven't read anything by the author, Lynne Lee before,but I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the beginning.
I also really liked authors style of writing . And felt drawn in to the story straightaway.I
A psychological thriller with many twists and turns.
I high!y recommend Can You See Me?
I haven't read anything by the author, Lynne Lee before,but I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the beginning.
I also really liked authors style of writing . And felt drawn in to the story straightaway.I
A psychological thriller with many twists and turns.
I high!y recommend Can You See Me?
January 8, 2020
Highly recommended
I read all sorts of novels although many do not stay with me for long. This one is quite the opposite. Not only is there a completely shocking climax but the characterisation is well drawn and utterly convincing. The "moth" interludes only gradually make sense but the way that voice develops is masterful. One to relish !!
I read all sorts of novels although many do not stay with me for long. This one is quite the opposite. Not only is there a completely shocking climax but the characterisation is well drawn and utterly convincing. The "moth" interludes only gradually make sense but the way that voice develops is masterful. One to relish !!
February 20, 2020
A great page turner
I really enjoyed the main chapters. The additional parts discussing the moths, I didn't enjoy so much... At least not until the second half of the book, when the jigsaw started to come together. That I know the areas where much of the book was set was an added bonus.
I really enjoyed the main chapters. The additional parts discussing the moths, I didn't enjoy so much... At least not until the second half of the book, when the jigsaw started to come together. That I know the areas where much of the book was set was an added bonus.
December 5, 2019
I loved this book; beautifully written with a great story and believable characters. I read it in a couple of days because I couldn't put it down. Will definitely be looking for more by this author.
December 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this though she almost lost her 5* because of a really dumb mistake, though, since there really weren't many more throughout, she got a pass........and Christmas is coming ! This was my Kindle First selection for December.
It was a fascinating story full of secrets, lies and omissions and I was sure I'd sussed it all out in my head and........I hadn't ! I was woefully wrong yet again. It was nice to read of a likeable protagonist as most of the females I've read about recently have been quite the opposite and pretty annoying and insipid characters, not so Julia. She is sparky and I liked her humour and I liked her Tash, too, along with the pals she knocked around with. It was nice to see how well they got along with Julia.
Now, I'm no fan of moths as I can't bear anything flying around my head. I will never, ever visit a butterfly farm, either, but I Googled each of those used in chapter headings here and there are some real beauties to be found along with their interesting habits. Just as long as I don't encounter them for real, they're quite fascinating creatures. So we get an education here, too.
She raises a subject in this book that I often think about as I don't think it's a moral thing to do and personally don't like the idea of. I believe that in some years it's going to cause allsorts of issues nobody has foreseen or selfishly really doesn't care about and for me it's just wrong.
I liked her helicopter analogy though I didn't "get" her hawk reference further in ! It wasn't explained what happened to David's phone that I could find, either.
I'd have inserted a hyphen in 'box ticking' and I was at a loss as to why a character was always Ollie apart from the once when he turned into an Oliver......I wonder too where the author lives where she gets referred to as lovely as lovey has always been the term I'm more likely to hear. I stand with David on skimmed milk, however, it's just coloured water !!! Revolting stuff. I'd have capitalised facetime, too.
Now THAT mistake was using bought and not brought and she'd known the difference elsewhere so I'd like to think it's a proofreading or editing fault.
However, I'll certainly read her again (or perhaps I already have, who knows ?)
It was a fascinating story full of secrets, lies and omissions and I was sure I'd sussed it all out in my head and........I hadn't ! I was woefully wrong yet again. It was nice to read of a likeable protagonist as most of the females I've read about recently have been quite the opposite and pretty annoying and insipid characters, not so Julia. She is sparky and I liked her humour and I liked her Tash, too, along with the pals she knocked around with. It was nice to see how well they got along with Julia.
Now, I'm no fan of moths as I can't bear anything flying around my head. I will never, ever visit a butterfly farm, either, but I Googled each of those used in chapter headings here and there are some real beauties to be found along with their interesting habits. Just as long as I don't encounter them for real, they're quite fascinating creatures. So we get an education here, too.
She raises a subject in this book that I often think about as I don't think it's a moral thing to do and personally don't like the idea of. I believe that in some years it's going to cause allsorts of issues nobody has foreseen or selfishly really doesn't care about and for me it's just wrong.
I liked her helicopter analogy though I didn't "get" her hawk reference further in ! It wasn't explained what happened to David's phone that I could find, either.
I'd have inserted a hyphen in 'box ticking' and I was at a loss as to why a character was always Ollie apart from the once when he turned into an Oliver......I wonder too where the author lives where she gets referred to as lovely as lovey has always been the term I'm more likely to hear. I stand with David on skimmed milk, however, it's just coloured water !!! Revolting stuff. I'd have capitalised facetime, too.
Now THAT mistake was using bought and not brought and she'd known the difference elsewhere so I'd like to think it's a proofreading or editing fault.
However, I'll certainly read her again (or perhaps I already have, who knows ?)
October 18, 2022
I did not enjoy the writing style. It was too complex and analogous for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy metaphoric writing for illustrative purposes and what not. But this? This was too much. I found myself wanting to skip over many paragraphs. Second half of the book was better, but not by much. As for the ending, what was that? This had potential to be so much better.
May 24, 2023
Took a few chapters to understand what was going on. Then it clicked.
It was quite a sad story about 2 siblings who had 2 different upbringing. And didn't know about each other till a certain age and then how it affected one of them.
It was quite a sad story about 2 siblings who had 2 different upbringing. And didn't know about each other till a certain age and then how it affected one of them.
December 8, 2019
I didn’t see you
Very relatable with contemporary setting in Wales and London. Compelled though the pages, guessing, satisfying full conclusion. Totally worth a go.
Very relatable with contemporary setting in Wales and London. Compelled though the pages, guessing, satisfying full conclusion. Totally worth a go.
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