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My Lies, Your Lies
For readers of Lisa Jewell, Diane Chamberlain, and Jodi Picoult comes another gripping novel from internationally bestselling author Susan Lewis, about an eccentric old woman, the ghost-writer helping write her memoirs, and the destructive secrets binding them together.
Ghost-writer Joely Foster has been asked to write the memoir of an eccentric old lady with a troubling past. Relieved to have a break from her own marital difficulties, Joely escapes to the woman’s isolated house, where she gets to work writing about a pivotal event in Freda Donahoe’s life. On its surface, the story is of a fifteen-year-old girl being groomed at school by her teacher. But Freda is determined to set the record straight by showing that the girl was complicit in the seduction, and had only called the police when she was spurned. But that’s just half the story…
Joely delves into her work, learning more about the events that happened all those years ago. She is soon surprised to discover that the truth lies much closer to home and is bizarrely connected to her. How can Freda’s past be linked to Joely? Could the teacher be someone near to her?
As the story of Freda’s past unravels, it spins Joely into a dangerous world of secrets and lies she could never have imagined, causing her to question everything she thought she knew about her family.
Breathlessly intriguing from the first page to the last, My Lies, Your Lies is an unforgettable novel that intertwines the fascinating past of one mysterious woman to the present of another woman with a harrowing, unexpected twist.
Ghost-writer Joely Foster has been asked to write the memoir of an eccentric old lady with a troubling past. Relieved to have a break from her own marital difficulties, Joely escapes to the woman’s isolated house, where she gets to work writing about a pivotal event in Freda Donahoe’s life. On its surface, the story is of a fifteen-year-old girl being groomed at school by her teacher. But Freda is determined to set the record straight by showing that the girl was complicit in the seduction, and had only called the police when she was spurned. But that’s just half the story…
Joely delves into her work, learning more about the events that happened all those years ago. She is soon surprised to discover that the truth lies much closer to home and is bizarrely connected to her. How can Freda’s past be linked to Joely? Could the teacher be someone near to her?
As the story of Freda’s past unravels, it spins Joely into a dangerous world of secrets and lies she could never have imagined, causing her to question everything she thought she knew about her family.
Breathlessly intriguing from the first page to the last, My Lies, Your Lies is an unforgettable novel that intertwines the fascinating past of one mysterious woman to the present of another woman with a harrowing, unexpected twist.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2020
447 people are currently reading
5127 people want to read
About the author
Susan Lewis
67 books1,202 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Susan Lewis is the bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband James, stepsons Michael and Luke, and mischievous dogs Coco and Lulu.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Susan Lewis is the bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband James, stepsons Michael and Luke, and mischievous dogs Coco and Lulu.
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March 26, 2022Its a 'No' from me unfortunately. The book opened well and then went off in every way possible and never found its way back. I had already bought this book before reading some of the other Susan Lewis books, otherwise I wouldn't have. This is an author I am not connecting with so best if I continue with other authors.
So no rating but RTC on the plot summary.
So no rating but RTC on the plot summary.
November 10, 2019
I always look forward to a Susan Lewis book, knowing full well to clear my diary as once you start, you won’t be able to put it down.
When Joely’s husband Callum leaves her for her best friend Martha, she is glad to be given a writing assignment in Devon, so she get away from London. She has been asked to be a ghost writer for established author F.M Donahue who wants to tell her story to Joely who can try and rewrite it in a style Mrs Donahue fans will be expecting.
Mrs Freda Donahue is a strange character. Preferring her own company, why does she need a ghost writer and why did she pick Joely? The story she is telling is of a school girl who is in love with her teacher. Freda seems keen to put the blame on the schoolgirl but was she the innocent party taken advantage of?
The story is told over 2 timelines. In 1968 we meet a schoolgirl who falls for her music teacher, she persuades her mother to let her have piano lessons so that she can be alone with him. They begin a passionate affair that must be kept secret but has disastrous consequences when he tries to end things.
As the story progresses, Joely discovers the subject is very close to home and there is a reason why she was chosen to write this.
This had me captivated from the beginning and kept me in its grasp long after finishing this amazing book. Even when I reluctantly put this down I was still thinking about the characters!!
Beautifully written, I love the way Susan Lewis explores her characters emotions, bringing them to life.
I would definitely recommend this. I would go as far as to say this is the best book I’ve read this year and I did not want it to end, oh my what an ending. Will we be reading about Joely again?
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
August 12, 2020
My second Susan Lewis read of the year and whilst there were large sections of the book that held my attention, on the whole it didn't quite hook me like Home Truths had done.
The story follows ghostwriter Joely who's been given the difficult task of telling famous author F.M Donahue memoir in the style that her fans will appreciate.
Most of her recollection focusses on a 15 year old school girl who is besotted by her music teacher.
Even though these parts were set in the late 60's and deemed 'a different time' it still felt uncomfortable reading how the 25 year old David manipulates his student into a love affair.
The middle third was certainly the strongest as I wanted to know how the events would transpire.
Young Freda's love for David seem to be celebrated and left a bad taste, which meant that ultimately how the story unravelled didnt quite work for me.
The ending felt way to forced and implausible to justify the quite unpleasant and unnecessary 'relationship' from 1968.
The structure of the story was really good though as Joely's apprehension of trying to write for a famous novelist was well captured, just like the reader she's also desperate to know the outcome of the couple.
A nugget of a good idea that was poorly executed.
The story follows ghostwriter Joely who's been given the difficult task of telling famous author F.M Donahue memoir in the style that her fans will appreciate.
Most of her recollection focusses on a 15 year old school girl who is besotted by her music teacher.
Even though these parts were set in the late 60's and deemed 'a different time' it still felt uncomfortable reading how the 25 year old David manipulates his student into a love affair.
The middle third was certainly the strongest as I wanted to know how the events would transpire.
Young Freda's love for David seem to be celebrated and left a bad taste, which meant that ultimately how the story unravelled didnt quite work for me.
The ending felt way to forced and implausible to justify the quite unpleasant and unnecessary 'relationship' from 1968.
The structure of the story was really good though as Joely's apprehension of trying to write for a famous novelist was well captured, just like the reader she's also desperate to know the outcome of the couple.
A nugget of a good idea that was poorly executed.
November 3, 2020
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**2.5 stars**
My Lies, Your Lies by Susan Lewis. (2020).
His life was destroyed by a lie. Her life will be ruined by the truth.
Joely is a ghostwriter who is used to telling other people's secrets and scandals for a living but this might be her strangest assignment yet. Freda has never told her story before but now she's ready to set the record straight and to right a wrong that's haunted her. Freda's memoir begins with a 15-year-old falling madly in love with her teacher. It ends in a way Joely could never have imagined. Joely is sure she can uncover the truth but as the story unravels, she is spun deeper and deeper into a world of secret and lies...
I recently read a novel about a schoolgirl and teacher having a sexual relationship which I found to be a really well-written novel so while I was keen to read this particular book I tried to leave some space between so I didn't compare. Alas, it was not long enough apparently because I couldn't help thinking the other novel was much better than this one. I found this book okay but to be quite frank, it was really average. Actions done or things said by particular characters are just really dramatic at times and I felt it was a bit unbelievable because it was over the top. I'm not even referring to the relationship between student and teacher, I'm referring to later events! I did think the big twist reveal in relation to the memoir was clever, I didn't see it coming. I didn't like the end, I can't explain why because of spoilers but I was not keen on the way it ended. The plotline was intriguing enough to keep me reading. Overall I think the best way for me to describe this book is that it had an interesting initial concept but unfortunately just could have been executed better.
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**2.5 stars**
My Lies, Your Lies by Susan Lewis. (2020).
His life was destroyed by a lie. Her life will be ruined by the truth.
Joely is a ghostwriter who is used to telling other people's secrets and scandals for a living but this might be her strangest assignment yet. Freda has never told her story before but now she's ready to set the record straight and to right a wrong that's haunted her. Freda's memoir begins with a 15-year-old falling madly in love with her teacher. It ends in a way Joely could never have imagined. Joely is sure she can uncover the truth but as the story unravels, she is spun deeper and deeper into a world of secret and lies...
I recently read a novel about a schoolgirl and teacher having a sexual relationship which I found to be a really well-written novel so while I was keen to read this particular book I tried to leave some space between so I didn't compare. Alas, it was not long enough apparently because I couldn't help thinking the other novel was much better than this one. I found this book okay but to be quite frank, it was really average. Actions done or things said by particular characters are just really dramatic at times and I felt it was a bit unbelievable because it was over the top. I'm not even referring to the relationship between student and teacher, I'm referring to later events! I did think the big twist reveal in relation to the memoir was clever, I didn't see it coming. I didn't like the end, I can't explain why because of spoilers but I was not keen on the way it ended. The plotline was intriguing enough to keep me reading. Overall I think the best way for me to describe this book is that it had an interesting initial concept but unfortunately just could have been executed better.
April 16, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
A young girl has an affair with her teacher. Joely is a ghost writer who accepts the job writing the memoir of a reclusive writer. As the memoir is being written, secrets start to unfold.
What a mysteriously intriguing read this is. I really liked Fredya and her eccentric ways. The story covers two timelines that are easy to follow once you get past the first third of the book where the storyline is hard to get into. Another e enjoyable read from the author.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Susan Lewis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young girl has an affair with her teacher. Joely is a ghost writer who accepts the job writing the memoir of a reclusive writer. As the memoir is being written, secrets start to unfold.
What a mysteriously intriguing read this is. I really liked Fredya and her eccentric ways. The story covers two timelines that are easy to follow once you get past the first third of the book where the storyline is hard to get into. Another e enjoyable read from the author.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Susan Lewis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2020
This book is best described as a huge disappointment because it started out with such promise and touched on highly emotive issues that need to be discussed openly but then sadly, dissolved into a ridiculous farce. The characters were just so eccentric or idiotic or duplicitous I couldn't relate to any of them. To make matters worse, the book was at least 20% too long with unnecessary padding and utterly ridiculous conversations . 2 Stars.
January 27, 2021
This was probably the most bonkers book I've ever read. BONK. ERS.
SPOILERS
*Also content warning for discussion of paedophilia and abuse*
A ghost writer (Joely) who's husband (Callum) has just left her for her best friend, taking their teenage daughter (Holly) with him, takes a job ghost writing a memoir for a reclusive author who lives in a spooky old house. Ok I thought this is a gothic suspense which could be fun, I go with it even though I thought it was odd Joely was leaving Holly at a time when she'd surely be devastated at her parent's separation (well she should be but Holly seems to be taking it all strangely in stride). Anyhoo Joely gets a ride to her new assignment from a friend (Andee), and we get a whole bunch of Andee's backstory for no reason that I can see. I have to assume Andee has a book written about her somewhere...but that has nothing to do with this story and adding her details in was clunky and distracting. Did we need to know about her boyfriend who appears in only one scene? Did we need to know that they are both vegetarians? So is Joely by the way and the reclusive author, because they 'care about the planet'. Preach much? I KNOW the meat industry is problematic but there are lots of reasons (including financial necessity) that people can't always be vegetarians I don't think we needed to accuse meat eaters of all 'not caring about the planet'.
Anyway, that's a small niggle compared to the book's biggest moral issue.
So Joely gets to the house and the recluse (Freda) is odd, bordering on rude. Then she starts telling 'her' story and it's about a 15yr old girl who 'has an affair' with her 25 yr old music teacher back in the 60s. I use quotes because this terminology that it was an 'affair' continues throughout the book. I know times were different in the 60s but it is never acknowledged that a 15yr old can't have an 'affair' with her teacher, this relationship is abusive and illegal. So the story goes on and I am distinctly uncomfortable with the details. The memoir sections are written like amateur porn and I kept thinking THIS IS ABOUT A 15YR OLD GIRL. THIS IS HER TEACHER. It was like the author was tyring to impress upon the reader how sexy and magical this affair was. I was honestly disturbed and thought about quitting the book but I continued because I figured this had to be going somewhere meaningful...I don't know like maybe an acknowledgment of the wrongness of it all. At least. Or a study of how insidious grooming is.
But no. Freda keeps asking Joely what she thinks of the young her, inviting her to join in a sick kind of slut shaming. Joely doesn't object to this even though she HAS A 15YR OLD HERSELF, the two of them discuss this 'affair' from both sides, constantly representing the student as a seducer and the teacher as a 'man of honour' who 'couldn't resist her'. The student is referred to as 'a Lolita' at one point, the way Lolita is often referred to erroneously as some kind of seductress and not a child who is exploited by a middle aged man. Lolita is, like, NOT A LOVE STORY ffs.
So on it goes like this until it turns out that the story Freda is telling isn't hers at all, but the story of another woman who had an affair with her teacher... *drumroll* and that woman is JOELY'S MOTHER. Freda has brought Joely to her dungeon-like house to tell her that her mother screwed her teacher and her brother is only her half brother because the teacher is her brother's father and her brother's father was FREDA'S BROTHER. And then Freda LOCKS JOELY IN A TOWER WITHOUT FOOD and disappears to confront Freda's mother (Marianne) because she ruined her brother's life 50 years ago.
It's as effed up as it sounds.
Freda has for years blamed Marianne for her brother (David, the paedo teacher) committing suicide in prison. Ya know, because his 'affair' with his 15yr old student was discovered and he was rightly charged with rape and sent to goal, couldn't take how he was treated in there and ultimately topped himself. All this was Marianne's fault because she should have defended David and told the authorities that David 'never raped her', not actually, only in the 'technical sense'.
Hun. The technical sense is still rape, and even if Marianne had defended him to the police he still would have been charged, so how is it her fault? But Freda keeps harping on this idea that David 'never raped' Marianne so should not have been punished in any way and that Marianne 'lied'. Marianne NEVER lied. Her teacher raped her. I'll be clear, Marianne 'consented', she was in love with David (or 'Sir' as he is referred to throughout, like this is an ageplay BDSM novel), but that does not make it ok that David had sex with her. Much is made about the fact Marianne was 'almost sixteen' when the 'affair' took place. But as the old saying goes, almost doesn't count. If he was in love with her he should have waited until she was legally of age to consent to sex. The dick doesn't fall off if it's not attended to by the object of its desire. Patience is a virtue. This 'couldn't help it' crap is a lie rapists tell to excuse their utter disregard for the emotional and physical safety of women.
But of course, this not-yet-fully-formed woman was irresistible and that is somehow ON HER and not on him to keep his dick in his pants, the older person in a position of authority. BULL. SHIT.
As I'm writing this I'm still beyond stunned that this is a published novel that seems to have no self awareness of how utterly wrong and offensive it is. Can you imagine an abuse survivor stumbling upon this book and reading it only to discover the whole thing serves as a defense of paedophilia? Sorry *hebephilia* as Freda calls it, attraction to girls between 11 and 15, which we are supposed to surmise, I think, is not 'as bad' as 'actual' paedophilia. After all, that little slut 15yr old Marianne knew what she was doing *side eye*. I can't even. There are even love letters at the end of the book, from David in prison to Marianne like this is the loviest love affair of all time. VOMIT.
The book just devolves into farce by the end. After locking Joely in a tower to die and acting all menacing toward Marianne AND Holly, Freda is somehow forgiven as though she was just having a bit of a moment. She never intended to leave Joely in the tower for more than a day, she explains, leaving out the detail that she sent her housekeeper away on holidays so even she wouldn't discover Joely. Oh no, silly Freda she's a bit odd isn't she. No need to call the police. Not only does everyone in the book let this dangerous behaviour slide, Freda is welcomed with open arms into the family and she and Marianne become BFFs. She's dying of lymphoma you see so I guess it's all ok...? The f***. And now Freda has forgiven Marianne for her 'lies' even though she still reveres her brother as though he never set a foot wrong in his life? WHAAAAATTT.
And I haven't even gotten onto Callum yet. Callum, who had an affair with Joely's best friend and went to live with her realises he made a mistake and Joely takes him back because it was obvious he was manipulated by that other woman and anyway, Joely slept with someone on a drunken night out and never confessed it. That was what led to her 'turning away' from Callum, sexually speaking, and practically FORCING him to stick his penis in another vagina. Because men, they really can't help themselves and all women are sluts who are at fault for all their wrong doings. The internalised misogyny is strong in this one.
And AND nobody ever seems very concerned about where Holly is even though she is only 15. Freda is out on the loose and they're all like, 'oh she's probably at her friend's house', like don't you want to know for sure??? My daughter is 15. You can bet if there was a mad woman running around threatening my family she would not be out of my sight. Even if there WASN'T a mad woman, I always know where she is and I WOULD NOT BE COOL if she just...didn't come home. WORST. PARENTS. EVER. There's even a twist at the end where Holly has a new boyfriend and he's seventeen. MY KID CAN'T HAVE A SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD BOYFRIEND ARE YOU MAD??? So the book even treats Holly like a grown woman who can date whomever she wants... Holly is jailbait too I guess. Yuck.
I've never 1 starred a book on here before. Like ever. And my policy in the past has been to pretty much say nothing if I hated a book. But I don't ever want to forget that I read this implausible rape apology of a book or forget the name of the author who penned it. I can only conclude this author absolutely detests women so I want to steer clear of her forever and ever and ever, Amen.
SPOILERS
*Also content warning for discussion of paedophilia and abuse*
A ghost writer (Joely) who's husband (Callum) has just left her for her best friend, taking their teenage daughter (Holly) with him, takes a job ghost writing a memoir for a reclusive author who lives in a spooky old house. Ok I thought this is a gothic suspense which could be fun, I go with it even though I thought it was odd Joely was leaving Holly at a time when she'd surely be devastated at her parent's separation (well she should be but Holly seems to be taking it all strangely in stride). Anyhoo Joely gets a ride to her new assignment from a friend (Andee), and we get a whole bunch of Andee's backstory for no reason that I can see. I have to assume Andee has a book written about her somewhere...but that has nothing to do with this story and adding her details in was clunky and distracting. Did we need to know about her boyfriend who appears in only one scene? Did we need to know that they are both vegetarians? So is Joely by the way and the reclusive author, because they 'care about the planet'. Preach much? I KNOW the meat industry is problematic but there are lots of reasons (including financial necessity) that people can't always be vegetarians I don't think we needed to accuse meat eaters of all 'not caring about the planet'.
Anyway, that's a small niggle compared to the book's biggest moral issue.
So Joely gets to the house and the recluse (Freda) is odd, bordering on rude. Then she starts telling 'her' story and it's about a 15yr old girl who 'has an affair' with her 25 yr old music teacher back in the 60s. I use quotes because this terminology that it was an 'affair' continues throughout the book. I know times were different in the 60s but it is never acknowledged that a 15yr old can't have an 'affair' with her teacher, this relationship is abusive and illegal. So the story goes on and I am distinctly uncomfortable with the details. The memoir sections are written like amateur porn and I kept thinking THIS IS ABOUT A 15YR OLD GIRL. THIS IS HER TEACHER. It was like the author was tyring to impress upon the reader how sexy and magical this affair was. I was honestly disturbed and thought about quitting the book but I continued because I figured this had to be going somewhere meaningful...I don't know like maybe an acknowledgment of the wrongness of it all. At least. Or a study of how insidious grooming is.
But no. Freda keeps asking Joely what she thinks of the young her, inviting her to join in a sick kind of slut shaming. Joely doesn't object to this even though she HAS A 15YR OLD HERSELF, the two of them discuss this 'affair' from both sides, constantly representing the student as a seducer and the teacher as a 'man of honour' who 'couldn't resist her'. The student is referred to as 'a Lolita' at one point, the way Lolita is often referred to erroneously as some kind of seductress and not a child who is exploited by a middle aged man. Lolita is, like, NOT A LOVE STORY ffs.
So on it goes like this until it turns out that the story Freda is telling isn't hers at all, but the story of another woman who had an affair with her teacher... *drumroll* and that woman is JOELY'S MOTHER. Freda has brought Joely to her dungeon-like house to tell her that her mother screwed her teacher and her brother is only her half brother because the teacher is her brother's father and her brother's father was FREDA'S BROTHER. And then Freda LOCKS JOELY IN A TOWER WITHOUT FOOD and disappears to confront Freda's mother (Marianne) because she ruined her brother's life 50 years ago.
It's as effed up as it sounds.
Freda has for years blamed Marianne for her brother (David, the paedo teacher) committing suicide in prison. Ya know, because his 'affair' with his 15yr old student was discovered and he was rightly charged with rape and sent to goal, couldn't take how he was treated in there and ultimately topped himself. All this was Marianne's fault because she should have defended David and told the authorities that David 'never raped her', not actually, only in the 'technical sense'.
Hun. The technical sense is still rape, and even if Marianne had defended him to the police he still would have been charged, so how is it her fault? But Freda keeps harping on this idea that David 'never raped' Marianne so should not have been punished in any way and that Marianne 'lied'. Marianne NEVER lied. Her teacher raped her. I'll be clear, Marianne 'consented', she was in love with David (or 'Sir' as he is referred to throughout, like this is an ageplay BDSM novel), but that does not make it ok that David had sex with her. Much is made about the fact Marianne was 'almost sixteen' when the 'affair' took place. But as the old saying goes, almost doesn't count. If he was in love with her he should have waited until she was legally of age to consent to sex. The dick doesn't fall off if it's not attended to by the object of its desire. Patience is a virtue. This 'couldn't help it' crap is a lie rapists tell to excuse their utter disregard for the emotional and physical safety of women.
But of course, this not-yet-fully-formed woman was irresistible and that is somehow ON HER and not on him to keep his dick in his pants, the older person in a position of authority. BULL. SHIT.
As I'm writing this I'm still beyond stunned that this is a published novel that seems to have no self awareness of how utterly wrong and offensive it is. Can you imagine an abuse survivor stumbling upon this book and reading it only to discover the whole thing serves as a defense of paedophilia? Sorry *hebephilia* as Freda calls it, attraction to girls between 11 and 15, which we are supposed to surmise, I think, is not 'as bad' as 'actual' paedophilia. After all, that little slut 15yr old Marianne knew what she was doing *side eye*. I can't even. There are even love letters at the end of the book, from David in prison to Marianne like this is the loviest love affair of all time. VOMIT.
The book just devolves into farce by the end. After locking Joely in a tower to die and acting all menacing toward Marianne AND Holly, Freda is somehow forgiven as though she was just having a bit of a moment. She never intended to leave Joely in the tower for more than a day, she explains, leaving out the detail that she sent her housekeeper away on holidays so even she wouldn't discover Joely. Oh no, silly Freda she's a bit odd isn't she. No need to call the police. Not only does everyone in the book let this dangerous behaviour slide, Freda is welcomed with open arms into the family and she and Marianne become BFFs. She's dying of lymphoma you see so I guess it's all ok...? The f***. And now Freda has forgiven Marianne for her 'lies' even though she still reveres her brother as though he never set a foot wrong in his life? WHAAAAATTT.
And I haven't even gotten onto Callum yet. Callum, who had an affair with Joely's best friend and went to live with her realises he made a mistake and Joely takes him back because it was obvious he was manipulated by that other woman and anyway, Joely slept with someone on a drunken night out and never confessed it. That was what led to her 'turning away' from Callum, sexually speaking, and practically FORCING him to stick his penis in another vagina. Because men, they really can't help themselves and all women are sluts who are at fault for all their wrong doings. The internalised misogyny is strong in this one.
And AND nobody ever seems very concerned about where Holly is even though she is only 15. Freda is out on the loose and they're all like, 'oh she's probably at her friend's house', like don't you want to know for sure??? My daughter is 15. You can bet if there was a mad woman running around threatening my family she would not be out of my sight. Even if there WASN'T a mad woman, I always know where she is and I WOULD NOT BE COOL if she just...didn't come home. WORST. PARENTS. EVER. There's even a twist at the end where Holly has a new boyfriend and he's seventeen. MY KID CAN'T HAVE A SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD BOYFRIEND ARE YOU MAD??? So the book even treats Holly like a grown woman who can date whomever she wants... Holly is jailbait too I guess. Yuck.
I've never 1 starred a book on here before. Like ever. And my policy in the past has been to pretty much say nothing if I hated a book. But I don't ever want to forget that I read this implausible rape apology of a book or forget the name of the author who penned it. I can only conclude this author absolutely detests women so I want to steer clear of her forever and ever and ever, Amen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
I read this book on Pigeonhole. It started so well, The story captivated me, I could not wait to read until about three staves from the end. I dont know what happened! It was as if the author had lost the plot and gone off at a tangent. Such a captivating story ruined, It was ludicrous there is no other word for it. It was a book of two halves a very excellent first half and a dreadful second. Bitterly disappointing after the initial engagement.
July 14, 2020
I’ll be truthfully honest and say, I found the first third of this book a bit slow. Now I have finished it I’m in no doubt I am going to remember it for a long time.
Twists and turns, love and betrayal,
I wanted to dislike a lot of the characters in the book but by the end, it all come together and made me feel apart of their lives and understand their past.
Susan Lewis, you should feel proud of this book.
Twists and turns, love and betrayal,
I wanted to dislike a lot of the characters in the book but by the end, it all come together and made me feel apart of their lives and understand their past.
Susan Lewis, you should feel proud of this book.
April 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book until about halfway through when it seemed to me that a different person was finishing the story. The characters all suddenly seemed to have a personality transplant and some of the scenarios were frankly absurd. The premise of the book was good but the end result left a lot to be desired.
April 17, 2020
This had all the promise of a great book. Great characters, a heartbroken Joely on a train ride to a virtually unknown ghostwriting assignment. A broken marriage and an absent daughter. The opening and a substantial portion of the book was of intrigue and kept you reading.
It carried on being interesting with the introduction of Freda, a formidable elderly woman, virtually living as a recluse in the Valley of Rocks at Dimmett House. A husband and wife housekeeper and gardener/maintenance man working at the residence all set the reader up for mystery and more intrigue.
The descriptions of the house and local landscape were brilliant. Very evocative and they gave a real sense of remoteness so you just know something unexpected and untoward will happen.
The challenging working relationship between Freda and Joely was tense and fascinating, as were the musical references and hints at long gone family relationships.
I loved the timeline too, delving back to a past time, to a female narrator whose reliability is questionable and whose identity is unknown.
A real page turner, with so many questions to be answered and secrets to be revealed because as the title of the book suggests, who is telling the truth?
Unfortunately though, after some menacing and cliffhanger type chapters, the book seemed to teeter on the cliff edge before eventually plummeting to the rocks below and then of course the ending was shattered. This is because the plot line dragged on and therefore lost impact. I felt that there were several points at which the book could have ended and it would have been a brilliant read. Instead, I had to clamber through remaining chapters which had descended into a faintly ridiculous madness, with too many abrupt changes in characters and too many beautifully packaged but unrealistic resolutions, hence the 3 stars.
It carried on being interesting with the introduction of Freda, a formidable elderly woman, virtually living as a recluse in the Valley of Rocks at Dimmett House. A husband and wife housekeeper and gardener/maintenance man working at the residence all set the reader up for mystery and more intrigue.
The descriptions of the house and local landscape were brilliant. Very evocative and they gave a real sense of remoteness so you just know something unexpected and untoward will happen.
The challenging working relationship between Freda and Joely was tense and fascinating, as were the musical references and hints at long gone family relationships.
I loved the timeline too, delving back to a past time, to a female narrator whose reliability is questionable and whose identity is unknown.
A real page turner, with so many questions to be answered and secrets to be revealed because as the title of the book suggests, who is telling the truth?
Unfortunately though, after some menacing and cliffhanger type chapters, the book seemed to teeter on the cliff edge before eventually plummeting to the rocks below and then of course the ending was shattered. This is because the plot line dragged on and therefore lost impact. I felt that there were several points at which the book could have ended and it would have been a brilliant read. Instead, I had to clamber through remaining chapters which had descended into a faintly ridiculous madness, with too many abrupt changes in characters and too many beautifully packaged but unrealistic resolutions, hence the 3 stars.
May 4, 2020
A Susan Lewis book is always a pleasure to read as I know there would be a twist when I least expect. The book ticked all the cool points in the way it led me into the lives of an author and a ghostwriter and their shocking revelations.
Joely was the ghostwriter and Freda was the elusive author and the story wound around the years in the past when a fifteen year old student had a love affair with her teacher.
One of my favorite authors, I got the audiobook too so that I could listen/read the story. The book kept me enthralled as each chapter told me the past love story and the present lives of the characters. The writing flowed smoothly with a sense of an impending shocker to be revealed. The author kept me on the edge with gentle teasing.
With each chapter, my curiosity increased until the reveal exploded the story and turned it upside down. I had to re-read the chapter as I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing in the aidiobook. It was that kind of a story where the truth was so shocking that I needed visible proof. Wow.
It changed my complete perspective about the characters and their lives. The only niggle was that last few chapters could have been made sharper.
Overall, it felt great to read a Susan Lewis book as the author had kept me captivated over the years with her compulsive stories.
Joely was the ghostwriter and Freda was the elusive author and the story wound around the years in the past when a fifteen year old student had a love affair with her teacher.
One of my favorite authors, I got the audiobook too so that I could listen/read the story. The book kept me enthralled as each chapter told me the past love story and the present lives of the characters. The writing flowed smoothly with a sense of an impending shocker to be revealed. The author kept me on the edge with gentle teasing.
With each chapter, my curiosity increased until the reveal exploded the story and turned it upside down. I had to re-read the chapter as I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing in the aidiobook. It was that kind of a story where the truth was so shocking that I needed visible proof. Wow.
It changed my complete perspective about the characters and their lives. The only niggle was that last few chapters could have been made sharper.
Overall, it felt great to read a Susan Lewis book as the author had kept me captivated over the years with her compulsive stories.
April 19, 2020
This started so well. Good characters, though not very likeable, good plot and plenty of intrigue.
I was really enjoying the writing and storyline, which had me guessing again and again.
However 2/3 of the way through, it was as though a different author was writing. The characters all had frontal lobotomies and started behaving in a totally incredible way which had me shouting at the screen at the sheer absurdity of it. The story became implausible and dragged on and on. I must admit to skim reading the last three staves to find out what unbelievable thing would happen next.
The so called twist at the end was a damp squib for me and didn't redeem the book, but may well be a set up for a sequel.
Some beautiful writing in parts, but the story lost any sense of reality.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Susan Lewis.
I was really enjoying the writing and storyline, which had me guessing again and again.
However 2/3 of the way through, it was as though a different author was writing. The characters all had frontal lobotomies and started behaving in a totally incredible way which had me shouting at the screen at the sheer absurdity of it. The story became implausible and dragged on and on. I must admit to skim reading the last three staves to find out what unbelievable thing would happen next.
The so called twist at the end was a damp squib for me and didn't redeem the book, but may well be a set up for a sequel.
Some beautiful writing in parts, but the story lost any sense of reality.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Susan Lewis.
August 14, 2020
A Susan Lewis book is always going to be a great read, generally highly emotive with a river of suspense flowing through it. And usually with a twist thrown in when we least expect it. MY LIES, YOUR LIES had all this and yet it didn't quite live up to the expectations one would have of a Susan Lewis book. It was still enjoyable...but there were parts that were also bordering on the ridiculous as well.
The story begins with Joely, a former journalist who is dealing with the fact that her husband has moved in with her best friend, Martha the meat-eating man stealer. Reeling from her grief and her husband's betrayal, Joely accepts a job as ghostwriter to reclusive author, F.M. Donohoe, to undertake the task of ghostwriting a memoir. She travels from London to a remote area in North Devon to Dimmett House, riddled with secret rooms, towers and turrets and darkened halls. Freda is the reclusive writer and she is as eccentric as they come. Her manner is aloof and even arrogant. One minute she is full of memories she regales Joely with, the next she takes to her room and doesn't speak to her for a day. Joely doesn't know what to make of her or her behaviour, other than to undertake the task at hand.
Upon arriving, Joely discovers that Freda has already begin the memoir, having written the first two chapters already, and it is her firm wish that Joely continue in the vein with which she began. Their conversations about the memoir lead Joely to pondering many things but none of them would prepare her for where it would lead. Freda had her own agenda with this memoir. She wanted to right the wrongs that had taken place previously as a result of the outcome to the story Joely now transcribes.
It is 1968 and the story of a 15 year old schoolgirl who embarks on an affair with her music teacher. It is explicit in all its naked glory. Their secret assignations, their trip to Paris, their plans and promises for the future...as they parade around naked in the confines of a secluded cottage, soaking up their love for one another. She was 15, he was 25. Not a huge age gap by any means, but still unacceptable by society's standard...even in the age of free love. But where was this love to go, given their age difference? And the fact he was a teacher and she was a student? Surely this could not end well.
Freda drip-feeds information while Joely begins to make assumptions. Is the girl in the story a young Freda? And is the music teacher the husband she lost three years ago? And why does she feel that Freda s watching her and listening in on her phone conversations? It is obvious that Freda is manipulating Joely to tell the story as she wants it perceived. So what was it Freda truly wants out of this?
Joely could not foresee what was to come. The twist that came that threw her whole world into disarray, and left her questioning everything she had ever known? What did it all mean? And where did Freda, and Joely, fit into it all?
MY LIES, YOUR LIES is an eccentric tale to say the least. It was mysterious, duplicitous and intriguing in a strange way. It did promise to be so much more but it really dissolved into a ridiculous caricature. Freda was meant to be a formidable woman but was more eccentric and aloof. Joely should have scarpered when she had the chance but she too went on to prove how idiotic she could be. Her big secret that she wallowed over the entire book, when she wasn't presuming what was to come in the memoir, wasn't that great after all...more a run of the mill kind of secret. Everyone else played so little part you couldn't really connect with them. Holly is a precocious 15 year old that should be taught a little more respect than the way she spoke to her parents, grandmother and even Freda. I think she was given a little too much free reign that would never have been allowed when I was her age. Times may change, but boys and hormones don't. And considering what the basis of this story is about, I would have thought she would have been reigned in a little more.
The story is told primarily through Joely's eyes in the third person, as as occasionally Freda and Joely's mum, Marianne. Peppered throughout are the memoir entries written in the first person narrative, leaving the reader pondering who she may well be.
I do love how the author approached and introduced an illicit affair between a 15 year old schoolgirl and her music teacher. It broke all the rules and crossed many boundaries. But it gave us as readers, food for thought that there is more to the story than one might at first think. Firstly the difference between paedophilia and haebophilia, when all interest in anyone underage is simply considered to be the former. The case here is obviously haebophilia and while it is still a disturbing thought to most, it is quite often an accepted practice in many cultures. Including our own many centuries ago. But that is not the case here. It is a little disturbing and uncomfortable read in parts but does that make it wholly excusable?
So is the relationship supposed to be acceptable or not? It's not so much the age thing, as there were only 10 years between them, it was the fact he was in a position of authority and trust. He has to take responsibility because he was the adult in the scenario. But we all know what 14 and 15 year olds are like. They can turn it on with the best of them. That doesn't make it right but it doesn't make her innocent or blameless either. She set out to seduce him. She wanted him. While in the eyes of the law she is still a child, there is so much about her that isn't. Both are equally to blame because it takes two. She knew what she was doing as did he. They were both complicit. They were both to blame. And there are always two sides to every story.
In my opinion, MY LIES, YOUR LIES took a little too long for interest to take hold - at nearly 30% in, which is a bit too long in my opinion - but then it did admittedly get rather interesting. And then it didn't. The climatic twist came 20% too soon or rather the ending was dragged out a little too long. As a result, it did become slightly ridiculous. I'm not sure how the past and the present were supposed to entwine but didn't seem entirely real. I'm not entirely sure what the author was trying to say in bringing such a story to light.Society certainly wouldn't accept it, so what is she saying? Did I miss something? Is she romanticising it? Or is it a warning?
Overall, not a bad read but not the Author's best. Still, I give it 3 stars for being middle of the road. It's not a book I can decide whether I like it or not.
But one this is for sure...there are two sides to every story. Not just the one you think you know.
I would like to thank #SusanLewis, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #MyLiesYourLies in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The story begins with Joely, a former journalist who is dealing with the fact that her husband has moved in with her best friend, Martha the meat-eating man stealer. Reeling from her grief and her husband's betrayal, Joely accepts a job as ghostwriter to reclusive author, F.M. Donohoe, to undertake the task of ghostwriting a memoir. She travels from London to a remote area in North Devon to Dimmett House, riddled with secret rooms, towers and turrets and darkened halls. Freda is the reclusive writer and she is as eccentric as they come. Her manner is aloof and even arrogant. One minute she is full of memories she regales Joely with, the next she takes to her room and doesn't speak to her for a day. Joely doesn't know what to make of her or her behaviour, other than to undertake the task at hand.
Upon arriving, Joely discovers that Freda has already begin the memoir, having written the first two chapters already, and it is her firm wish that Joely continue in the vein with which she began. Their conversations about the memoir lead Joely to pondering many things but none of them would prepare her for where it would lead. Freda had her own agenda with this memoir. She wanted to right the wrongs that had taken place previously as a result of the outcome to the story Joely now transcribes.
It is 1968 and the story of a 15 year old schoolgirl who embarks on an affair with her music teacher. It is explicit in all its naked glory. Their secret assignations, their trip to Paris, their plans and promises for the future...as they parade around naked in the confines of a secluded cottage, soaking up their love for one another. She was 15, he was 25. Not a huge age gap by any means, but still unacceptable by society's standard...even in the age of free love. But where was this love to go, given their age difference? And the fact he was a teacher and she was a student? Surely this could not end well.
Freda drip-feeds information while Joely begins to make assumptions. Is the girl in the story a young Freda? And is the music teacher the husband she lost three years ago? And why does she feel that Freda s watching her and listening in on her phone conversations? It is obvious that Freda is manipulating Joely to tell the story as she wants it perceived. So what was it Freda truly wants out of this?
Joely could not foresee what was to come. The twist that came that threw her whole world into disarray, and left her questioning everything she had ever known? What did it all mean? And where did Freda, and Joely, fit into it all?
MY LIES, YOUR LIES is an eccentric tale to say the least. It was mysterious, duplicitous and intriguing in a strange way. It did promise to be so much more but it really dissolved into a ridiculous caricature. Freda was meant to be a formidable woman but was more eccentric and aloof. Joely should have scarpered when she had the chance but she too went on to prove how idiotic she could be. Her big secret that she wallowed over the entire book, when she wasn't presuming what was to come in the memoir, wasn't that great after all...more a run of the mill kind of secret. Everyone else played so little part you couldn't really connect with them. Holly is a precocious 15 year old that should be taught a little more respect than the way she spoke to her parents, grandmother and even Freda. I think she was given a little too much free reign that would never have been allowed when I was her age. Times may change, but boys and hormones don't. And considering what the basis of this story is about, I would have thought she would have been reigned in a little more.
The story is told primarily through Joely's eyes in the third person, as as occasionally Freda and Joely's mum, Marianne. Peppered throughout are the memoir entries written in the first person narrative, leaving the reader pondering who she may well be.
I do love how the author approached and introduced an illicit affair between a 15 year old schoolgirl and her music teacher. It broke all the rules and crossed many boundaries. But it gave us as readers, food for thought that there is more to the story than one might at first think. Firstly the difference between paedophilia and haebophilia, when all interest in anyone underage is simply considered to be the former. The case here is obviously haebophilia and while it is still a disturbing thought to most, it is quite often an accepted practice in many cultures. Including our own many centuries ago. But that is not the case here. It is a little disturbing and uncomfortable read in parts but does that make it wholly excusable?
So is the relationship supposed to be acceptable or not? It's not so much the age thing, as there were only 10 years between them, it was the fact he was in a position of authority and trust. He has to take responsibility because he was the adult in the scenario. But we all know what 14 and 15 year olds are like. They can turn it on with the best of them. That doesn't make it right but it doesn't make her innocent or blameless either. She set out to seduce him. She wanted him. While in the eyes of the law she is still a child, there is so much about her that isn't. Both are equally to blame because it takes two. She knew what she was doing as did he. They were both complicit. They were both to blame. And there are always two sides to every story.
In my opinion, MY LIES, YOUR LIES took a little too long for interest to take hold - at nearly 30% in, which is a bit too long in my opinion - but then it did admittedly get rather interesting. And then it didn't. The climatic twist came 20% too soon or rather the ending was dragged out a little too long. As a result, it did become slightly ridiculous. I'm not sure how the past and the present were supposed to entwine but didn't seem entirely real. I'm not entirely sure what the author was trying to say in bringing such a story to light.Society certainly wouldn't accept it, so what is she saying? Did I miss something? Is she romanticising it? Or is it a warning?
Overall, not a bad read but not the Author's best. Still, I give it 3 stars for being middle of the road. It's not a book I can decide whether I like it or not.
But one this is for sure...there are two sides to every story. Not just the one you think you know.
I would like to thank #SusanLewis, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #MyLiesYourLies in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 11, 2020
This book has some good qualities, I can’t lie. It’s gripping in parts and the twist was one I hadn’t seen coming. But it also portrays a relationship between a 15 year old school girl and a 25 year old music teacher as a good and pure thing. And I cannot get on board with that. I don’t care that it was consensual, or that the teacher was a young man himself, I just cannot support this kind of overview of a relationship of this kind.
May 13, 2020
This was my first read from Lewis but honestly, once I picked it up, I found it hard to put down. And even though I read it a few week's back, it remains fresh in my mind.
Joely has had her share of personal problems so when she gets a chance to take a job away from home, she jumps at it. Freda Donahue, an established writer in her own right, wants to tell her own story this time around. And she has chosen Joely to ghostwrite it for her. Freda has led a colorful life and as a teen, fell in love with her music teacher. However, was she the victim or the seductress? Also, Freda has chosen Joely for a reason and finding out that reason kept me quickly turning the pages, eager to discover how everything falls together.
This book is told in alternating timelines which is a writing style I always seem to enjoy. And Freda is truly an eccentric character and I never did quite decided if I liked her or not. However, that didn't make it any less enjoyable to read about her. There's also Holly, a teen who adds some comedic relief, and for a change, it's nice to have some witty teenage comments thrown in a fairly serious book.
If you like books with a larger-than-life character and enjoy unraveling family intrigue and drama, then I suggest you consider My Lies, Your Lies. My only issue was that this was a fairly lengthy read and I think it could have been a tad shorter but hey, it just gave us more time to spend with some interesting people and mystery that keeps you guessing.
Joely has had her share of personal problems so when she gets a chance to take a job away from home, she jumps at it. Freda Donahue, an established writer in her own right, wants to tell her own story this time around. And she has chosen Joely to ghostwrite it for her. Freda has led a colorful life and as a teen, fell in love with her music teacher. However, was she the victim or the seductress? Also, Freda has chosen Joely for a reason and finding out that reason kept me quickly turning the pages, eager to discover how everything falls together.
This book is told in alternating timelines which is a writing style I always seem to enjoy. And Freda is truly an eccentric character and I never did quite decided if I liked her or not. However, that didn't make it any less enjoyable to read about her. There's also Holly, a teen who adds some comedic relief, and for a change, it's nice to have some witty teenage comments thrown in a fairly serious book.
If you like books with a larger-than-life character and enjoy unraveling family intrigue and drama, then I suggest you consider My Lies, Your Lies. My only issue was that this was a fairly lengthy read and I think it could have been a tad shorter but hey, it just gave us more time to spend with some interesting people and mystery that keeps you guessing.
April 29, 2020
I fell into the same trap as Joely and kept trying to guess ahead where the story was going. I did not see it coming at all. When we found out where the memoir was going, that could have been the end of it, but I loved that we saw how it all panned out. I really don't want to give spoilers so am restricted in what I say, but you are in for a great read - ditch your expectations!! #netgalley #MyLiesYourLies
April 15, 2020
This book started off great but then forme it started to fall apart. A lot of things happened that to me were just ridiculous and I started to lose interest in the story. 2.5 stars
April 28, 2020
4.5 stars
I’m a huge fan of this author so you can imagine how excited I was to learn she had a new book out. This was another fantastic, captivating read which pulled me in from the first page and found it very difficult to put down as I wanted the mystery to be resolved.
One of the things this author does really well is create complex situations which are incredibly realistic and very easy to feel involved in. This book was no exception and I soon found myself drawn into all the drama and feeling a lot of sympathy with Joely. As a mum myself I can imagine how hard it must hit you to have your daughter want to move out.
The mystery part of the story was very intriguing and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. It read a bit like an autobiography at times but I liked getting to know the character and their background more. There was lots of suspense and twists to keep me thoroughly intrigued. I found myself completely unsure about what was going to happen next and the author managed to keep me in suspense until the end which I thought was very clever. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Harper Collins for my copy of this book via Netgalley. If you are looking for a gripping read to distract you from everything then I thoroughly recommend this one!
I’m a huge fan of this author so you can imagine how excited I was to learn she had a new book out. This was another fantastic, captivating read which pulled me in from the first page and found it very difficult to put down as I wanted the mystery to be resolved.
One of the things this author does really well is create complex situations which are incredibly realistic and very easy to feel involved in. This book was no exception and I soon found myself drawn into all the drama and feeling a lot of sympathy with Joely. As a mum myself I can imagine how hard it must hit you to have your daughter want to move out.
The mystery part of the story was very intriguing and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. It read a bit like an autobiography at times but I liked getting to know the character and their background more. There was lots of suspense and twists to keep me thoroughly intrigued. I found myself completely unsure about what was going to happen next and the author managed to keep me in suspense until the end which I thought was very clever. I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Harper Collins for my copy of this book via Netgalley. If you are looking for a gripping read to distract you from everything then I thoroughly recommend this one!
November 10, 2020
This book started out so well with a surprising twist, a really strong start. However for me the second half of the book fell apart, like it was written by two different people. The characters made increasingly irrational decisions, swept over the actions and consequences of other characters that had life changing results. It became increasingly farcical. I also felt increasingly uncomfortable with how the relationship between a 15 year old student and her 25 year old teacher was handled by the end. A disappointing end to a book with a great start.
November 22, 2019
My Lies, Your Lies by Susan Lewis a five-star read that will lie to you. Susan Lewis always tells us a great story, but this time she told a great story, the intrigue, the mystery and twists will keep you guessing and wondering if you know left from right. Keep going with this story if like me the first chunk feels a little draggy and droll like, do not give up. As it just gets better and better till boom, you have been reading for hours without a drink or anything to eat and you finish feeling wrung out and wondering where you are. If you enjoy a good story, and great writing then pick this one up.
August 12, 2020
This author has a ton of books published but somehow this is my first of hers! I loved the format of two timelines, switching back and forth between past and present, as the story unfolds. Given the subject matter, some parts were uncomfortable to read, but overall the book was captivating. I really liked how well-developed all of the characters were as well. However, the ending was just… odd. It felt forced and didn’t sit well with me. I think most of the novel was intriguing and kept my attention, however there were a lot of unnecessary parts (or even just responses from characters) that felt a bit too implausible or unrealistic. I think it had a great start and then derailed at some point and I’m not sure what happened from there. Although, it was a quick read that kept my attention and I wanted to know what happened next. So in the end I’m undecided on this one.
I think you’ll enjoy 'My Lies, Your Lies' if you can suspend disbelief and go in expecting this as more of a “suspense for part one and then it turns into a family drama for part two” book!
Thank you so much to TLC Book Tours for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think you’ll enjoy 'My Lies, Your Lies' if you can suspend disbelief and go in expecting this as more of a “suspense for part one and then it turns into a family drama for part two” book!
Thank you so much to TLC Book Tours for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 25, 2021
A book with lots of twists that keep you intrigued as the story unfolds with very strong characters. A good read.
April 26, 2020
I've read a few of Susan Lewis novels now and the characterisation she puts into these novels are lovely. It's like you know them and can feel them. This story is very emotive and I did shed a tear, I'm not afraid to admit. Young love and its pitfalls exposed. Heartache and pain along with a few twists to boot. I really enjoyed this book, thank you Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2020
Just an ok read for me. Don’t think it’s a book that’ll stay with me.
April 6, 2021
I loved this book but wasn’t so keen in the last third. Just seemed too far fetched as Freda became more unbelievable .
April 17, 2020
I don’t normally start my review while still reading a book but I feel I must in case I forget how I felt at this time. Two thirds of the way through and I am totally confused. I no longer know who is who and what is what. Young Freda is really Joely’s mum Marianne (Linda) and Sir is Freda’s brother. Sir ( who is really David Martin and not David Michaels) left Marianne for Linda – his girlfriend travelling round India for three months – but Linda and Marianne are really the same person so how can that be? Joely is locked in a tower and her hair isn’t long enough I assume to do a Rapunzel so who will save her?
So how does Freda know the intimate details of what her brother got up to in Paris or in his uncle’s back garden, unless he told his sister, which would be really creepy. Is anyone who they say they are? How far will Freda go in order to defend her brother’s name apart from distinguishing a paedophile from a hebophile? And do we consider Marianne to be totally innocent as she was only 15? Oh boy.
Nearly there and things have changed dramatically. I know a lot of people won’t like this but it appears that the love between David (Sir) and Marianne (Linda) was real. Even though she was only 15. I think maybe the fact that he was her teacher is what makes it indefensible. He had a duty to his pupils and he let his desire overcome that. However 10 years seems a long sentence ( from what I have read about sentencing Laws in the UK).
It’s the end now and I have to admit that I thoroughly loved reading this book. I love the characters, especially Joely, Marianne, Holly and Freda. Just the women – funny that. But it is bonkers in places and there will always be that questions of statutory rape and teacher-pupil relationships and is there ever any excuse. I’ve known this happen twice (only one was regarded as Statutory rape) and in both cases the couples ended up married. The first was in about 1968 or 69. The boy was 17 and she was 13 – in the US they call this the Romeo and Juliet Laws. Yes he went to prison for about two years (this is because he was under 18). I was told later that when he came out they waited and got married just after her 16th birthday. The second was a teacher who had an affair with his pupil but she was 18 so no rape in this case. It was a scandal at the time because he was her teacher, but they are still married today and have two children now in their thirties.
For Sir and Marianne neither of these apply. He was a lot older than 17 and she was below the age of consent. I cried at the end, feeling sorry for all of them but then feeling guilty because I felt sorry for Sir and shouldn’t have. I feel that the author intentionally left us with this quandary and I know some of my fellow Pigeonhole readers thought that Sir deserved everything he got. I even felt sorry for Freda even though she locked Joely in a tower and was bat-shit crazy.
Then there’s Joely and Callum’s marriage. I know some readers were shocked that she took him back. But not everyone ends their marriage when things go wrong, especially under the circumstances. We only usually hear about the ones that do. However there are two problems here. It won’t be solved overnight. It may take years for the trust to be regained. But it’s mainly the fact that Callum chose Joely’s best friend, rather than a quick fling with a stranger. There’s the rub.
Finally, just before starting this book I watched Julia Bradbury on TV doing one of her Britain’s Best Walks on the Exmoor coast visiting Lynton and Lynmouth which made it even easier to picture the beautiful places described. And of course there’s the funicular railway! I adore these – they take me back to my first overseas holiday to Austria when I was 12 and we rode the funicular in Salzburg. If there’s one near I have to ride it. Even the dog loves it. I’m a bit obsessed. I’ve even considered touring the country from funicular to funicular, writing the history of each – but that makes me sound like those people who write about Britain’s best roundabouts… and we are not talking funfairs.
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole and my fellow Pigeons for making this such and enjoyable read. I shall be reading more of Susan Lewis’s work very soon.
So how does Freda know the intimate details of what her brother got up to in Paris or in his uncle’s back garden, unless he told his sister, which would be really creepy. Is anyone who they say they are? How far will Freda go in order to defend her brother’s name apart from distinguishing a paedophile from a hebophile? And do we consider Marianne to be totally innocent as she was only 15? Oh boy.
Nearly there and things have changed dramatically. I know a lot of people won’t like this but it appears that the love between David (Sir) and Marianne (Linda) was real. Even though she was only 15. I think maybe the fact that he was her teacher is what makes it indefensible. He had a duty to his pupils and he let his desire overcome that. However 10 years seems a long sentence ( from what I have read about sentencing Laws in the UK).
It’s the end now and I have to admit that I thoroughly loved reading this book. I love the characters, especially Joely, Marianne, Holly and Freda. Just the women – funny that. But it is bonkers in places and there will always be that questions of statutory rape and teacher-pupil relationships and is there ever any excuse. I’ve known this happen twice (only one was regarded as Statutory rape) and in both cases the couples ended up married. The first was in about 1968 or 69. The boy was 17 and she was 13 – in the US they call this the Romeo and Juliet Laws. Yes he went to prison for about two years (this is because he was under 18). I was told later that when he came out they waited and got married just after her 16th birthday. The second was a teacher who had an affair with his pupil but she was 18 so no rape in this case. It was a scandal at the time because he was her teacher, but they are still married today and have two children now in their thirties.
For Sir and Marianne neither of these apply. He was a lot older than 17 and she was below the age of consent. I cried at the end, feeling sorry for all of them but then feeling guilty because I felt sorry for Sir and shouldn’t have. I feel that the author intentionally left us with this quandary and I know some of my fellow Pigeonhole readers thought that Sir deserved everything he got. I even felt sorry for Freda even though she locked Joely in a tower and was bat-shit crazy.
Then there’s Joely and Callum’s marriage. I know some readers were shocked that she took him back. But not everyone ends their marriage when things go wrong, especially under the circumstances. We only usually hear about the ones that do. However there are two problems here. It won’t be solved overnight. It may take years for the trust to be regained. But it’s mainly the fact that Callum chose Joely’s best friend, rather than a quick fling with a stranger. There’s the rub.
Finally, just before starting this book I watched Julia Bradbury on TV doing one of her Britain’s Best Walks on the Exmoor coast visiting Lynton and Lynmouth which made it even easier to picture the beautiful places described. And of course there’s the funicular railway! I adore these – they take me back to my first overseas holiday to Austria when I was 12 and we rode the funicular in Salzburg. If there’s one near I have to ride it. Even the dog loves it. I’m a bit obsessed. I’ve even considered touring the country from funicular to funicular, writing the history of each – but that makes me sound like those people who write about Britain’s best roundabouts… and we are not talking funfairs.
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole and my fellow Pigeons for making this such and enjoyable read. I shall be reading more of Susan Lewis’s work very soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
This had me gripped from about 25% in. Joely goes to stay with Freda to ghost write a memoir, but lots of long hidden secrets start coming to the surface.
I didn't expect the twist in all honesty. It was a good storyline and kept me intrigued.
I didn't expect the twist in all honesty. It was a good storyline and kept me intrigued.
October 26, 2020
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. Lots of interesting twists and turns.
April 6, 2022
Excellent story. Twists and turns kept coming. Really enjoyed it.
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