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O Silêncio da Minha Mãe
Regressar a casa não é fácil, principalmente quando tudo aquilo em que acreditávamos parece não ser verdade.
Skye devia ter estado lá na noite em que Ginny caiu dos rochedos, devia ter sido capaz de impedir a morte da irmã, mas falhou, e a sua família não voltou a ser a mesma. Acreditando que a mãe a culpava pelo acidente, Skye abandonou a terra natal, nas Terras Altas escocesas, e quase deixou de falar com a família durante 15 anos. Até ao dia em que recebe um pedido da mãe para regressar, a oportunidade por que tanto esperara para reconstruir a relação entre as duas.
Contudo, assim que chega a casa, percebe que algo não está bem. A mãe mantivera o quarto de Ginny intocado, como se esperasse o regresso da fi lha a qualquer momento. Como se não bastasse, Skye começa a ouvir rumores sobre a noite em que Ginny morreu. Sempre acreditara que a morte da irmã havia sido um acidente, mas começa a aperceber-se de que nem toda a gente disse a verdade sobre aquela noite fatídica, e que todos parecem ter algo a esconder.
Determinada a descobrir a verdade, Skye começa a desenterrar os segredos ocultos ao longo dos anos e descobre que a teia de mentiras é tão densa que poderá levar à destruição da sua família para sempre.
Uma leitura altamente viciante, com a capacidade de manter a curiosidade do leitor até ao fim, que mereceu a nomeação para Melhor thriller Romântico pela conceituada Romanctic Novelists’ Association.
Skye devia ter estado lá na noite em que Ginny caiu dos rochedos, devia ter sido capaz de impedir a morte da irmã, mas falhou, e a sua família não voltou a ser a mesma. Acreditando que a mãe a culpava pelo acidente, Skye abandonou a terra natal, nas Terras Altas escocesas, e quase deixou de falar com a família durante 15 anos. Até ao dia em que recebe um pedido da mãe para regressar, a oportunidade por que tanto esperara para reconstruir a relação entre as duas.
Contudo, assim que chega a casa, percebe que algo não está bem. A mãe mantivera o quarto de Ginny intocado, como se esperasse o regresso da fi lha a qualquer momento. Como se não bastasse, Skye começa a ouvir rumores sobre a noite em que Ginny morreu. Sempre acreditara que a morte da irmã havia sido um acidente, mas começa a aperceber-se de que nem toda a gente disse a verdade sobre aquela noite fatídica, e que todos parecem ter algo a esconder.
Determinada a descobrir a verdade, Skye começa a desenterrar os segredos ocultos ao longo dos anos e descobre que a teia de mentiras é tão densa que poderá levar à destruição da sua família para sempre.
Uma leitura altamente viciante, com a capacidade de manter a curiosidade do leitor até ao fim, que mereceu a nomeação para Melhor thriller Romântico pela conceituada Romanctic Novelists’ Association.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2019
777 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Westwood
21 books125 followersLauren Westwood is my pen name for writing women's fiction. Thanks for taking the time to look me up and I hope you enjoy my books, which are a blend of romance, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 94 reviews
November 13, 2019
Last year during the holidays, I was introduced to Lauren Westwood's work through her novel Midnight on the Thames. It was one of my most loved books of the season and afterward I read all of the books she had written to date! This year Westwood is back with another incredible story, My Mother's Silence. Set during the holiday season, it is a cross-genre book about family, the bonds of love, forgiveness and the power of forgiveness.
Skye had no recollection of the night her twin sister, Ginny, died. All she was aware of was her inability to forgive herself for Ginny's death and the belief that her mother blamed Skye for Ginny's death as well. Fifteen years later, their mother is frail and in need of someone to be with her. Skye returns home to the secrets, the blame, the gossip of what really happened the night Ginny vanished. As Skye searches for answers to the questions her memories refuse to answer, the horrors of that night reveal secrets this family may not be able to cope with.
My Mother's Silence is a story of three women: a mother and her twin daughters. It's a tale of unspoken anger, resentment, jealousy but, above all, it is a story of love, forgiveness and hope. What I love most about Westwood's writing is that she creates characters that are so realistically flawed so that we, the reader, are able to relate to them. Through their story line we come to know everything about them, including the thoughts and feelings that they would like to forget. As Skye delves into her sister's past with the help of long forgotten journals, we see how emotionally fraught her sister was, the secrets that she was keeping from Skye and, ultimately what happened that fateful night. As Skye then attempts to deal with the lies, the whispers and betrayal, we see her emotional growth as she finally makes reconciliations with members of her family. This is a powerful, emotional, tense book through which I laughed, cried and got angry right along side Skye. Westwood, as always, drew me into their lives from the beginning and I did not stop reading until the very end - and then I wanted MORE!! And yes, this book is centered around the holidays, but it is far more about relationships than it is about the holidays. It easily could be read any time, any day of the year - and you should do just that. Now, do I really have to wait another entire year for the next fabulous book by Lauren Westwood!?
Skye had no recollection of the night her twin sister, Ginny, died. All she was aware of was her inability to forgive herself for Ginny's death and the belief that her mother blamed Skye for Ginny's death as well. Fifteen years later, their mother is frail and in need of someone to be with her. Skye returns home to the secrets, the blame, the gossip of what really happened the night Ginny vanished. As Skye searches for answers to the questions her memories refuse to answer, the horrors of that night reveal secrets this family may not be able to cope with.
My Mother's Silence is a story of three women: a mother and her twin daughters. It's a tale of unspoken anger, resentment, jealousy but, above all, it is a story of love, forgiveness and hope. What I love most about Westwood's writing is that she creates characters that are so realistically flawed so that we, the reader, are able to relate to them. Through their story line we come to know everything about them, including the thoughts and feelings that they would like to forget. As Skye delves into her sister's past with the help of long forgotten journals, we see how emotionally fraught her sister was, the secrets that she was keeping from Skye and, ultimately what happened that fateful night. As Skye then attempts to deal with the lies, the whispers and betrayal, we see her emotional growth as she finally makes reconciliations with members of her family. This is a powerful, emotional, tense book through which I laughed, cried and got angry right along side Skye. Westwood, as always, drew me into their lives from the beginning and I did not stop reading until the very end - and then I wanted MORE!! And yes, this book is centered around the holidays, but it is far more about relationships than it is about the holidays. It easily could be read any time, any day of the year - and you should do just that. Now, do I really have to wait another entire year for the next fabulous book by Lauren Westwood!?
October 22, 2019
Fifteen years ago, Skye's twin sister Ginny died in a suspicious drowning. Skye has no memory of that horrible night. But what she does remember is her mother blaming her for Ginny's death. She left her rural Scottish village the next day and has never looked back. Now she's back in her hometown to spend time with her sick mother and is determined to find out what really happened to her sister all those years ago. My Mother's Silence is a gripping and emotional story about the impact a young woman's death can have on a grieving family and a tight-knit community. It's a story of lies, secrets, and the lengths some will go to to protect the people that they love. The plot was engaging and nicely paced. My heart broke for Skye and her family, and my desire to see her uncover the truth kept me turning the pages well into the night. Skye was a likable and well developed main character. But is she a reliable narrator? After all, she got into a pretty bad accident and doesn't remember anything from that night. All she has are flashbacks which suggest that there is way more to the story than what was originally told to her by her boyfriend and his two cousins. I really liked how the truth slowly started to unravel and I was unable to guess the twist. The ending was very satisfying and bittersweet. I look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
‘What you got in there, lass?’ the driver says, bowing under the weight of my wheelie case… He sets my case on the pavement. ‘In my day, all we needed was a toothbrush and a change of knickers.’
I shut my eyes until the irrational sense of despair ebbs away. Regroup, start again. I’m good at making new starts. Not so good at making them last.
Somewhere in that deep, ever-changing water, there is a part of my sister: the atoms of her body, the life force that was Ginny.
She was like the child captured by fairies. There was a part of her that none of us could reach.
First rule of policing... No one wants to talk and everyone lies.
My Review:
This book was a stellar read! My Mother’s Silence was expertly plotted, shrewdly paced, and cunningly crafted from the first person POV of Skye, the sister who lived as opposed to her twin Ginny, who did not. The storylines were varied yet engaging and kept my interest keenly honed. I was immediately pulled into Skye’s vortex where I remained, absorbed, transfixed, and riveted to Ms. Westwood’s powerful and evocative arrangements of words. The writing was moody, swirling with atmosphere, lushly detailed, and densely packed with insightful observations and emotive inner musings. I was taut with tension with my shoulders near my ears and suspected each secondary character at some point in reading. I was unwilling to put my Kindle down and deeply resented any interruption to my perusal. Lauren Westwood has strong word voodoo and a lifelong fan… unless she starts writing about zombies – I just can’t do zombies.
‘What you got in there, lass?’ the driver says, bowing under the weight of my wheelie case… He sets my case on the pavement. ‘In my day, all we needed was a toothbrush and a change of knickers.’
I shut my eyes until the irrational sense of despair ebbs away. Regroup, start again. I’m good at making new starts. Not so good at making them last.
Somewhere in that deep, ever-changing water, there is a part of my sister: the atoms of her body, the life force that was Ginny.
She was like the child captured by fairies. There was a part of her that none of us could reach.
First rule of policing... No one wants to talk and everyone lies.
My Review:
This book was a stellar read! My Mother’s Silence was expertly plotted, shrewdly paced, and cunningly crafted from the first person POV of Skye, the sister who lived as opposed to her twin Ginny, who did not. The storylines were varied yet engaging and kept my interest keenly honed. I was immediately pulled into Skye’s vortex where I remained, absorbed, transfixed, and riveted to Ms. Westwood’s powerful and evocative arrangements of words. The writing was moody, swirling with atmosphere, lushly detailed, and densely packed with insightful observations and emotive inner musings. I was taut with tension with my shoulders near my ears and suspected each secondary character at some point in reading. I was unwilling to put my Kindle down and deeply resented any interruption to my perusal. Lauren Westwood has strong word voodoo and a lifelong fan… unless she starts writing about zombies – I just can’t do zombies.
November 8, 2019
Fifteen years ago, Skye left Scotland to live in America after the tragic death of her twin sister Ginnys death. But Skye returns to the remote Eilean Sheil when she learned that her mother was ill. She needed to find out the truth behind Ginnys death. Skye has no memory of the accident.
This tragic story is full of lies and secrets. Its ot only the place she used to call her home that has changed, the story behind Ginnys death has also changed. Skys mother seems to be holding something back. This is a beautifully written and emotional read. The characters are well rounded and true to life. A story of the love between family members. How you will try and spare your child further pain unknowing that you might be causing more. Loved this page turning story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Lauren Westwood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This tragic story is full of lies and secrets. Its ot only the place she used to call her home that has changed, the story behind Ginnys death has also changed. Skys mother seems to be holding something back. This is a beautifully written and emotional read. The characters are well rounded and true to life. A story of the love between family members. How you will try and spare your child further pain unknowing that you might be causing more. Loved this page turning story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Lauren Westwood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2021
Man patiko 🙂👍 Nors iš pradžių skaitėsi sunkokai,bet poto įsiskaičiau ir norėsi sužinoti kas gi vis dėl to nutiko šioje šeimoje. Istorija niūri, tamsi, jautri, klampi, bet turbūt šiuo rudens laikotarpiu ji man puikiai tiko ir patiko.
October 9, 2019
"If it hurts when it's over, then it must have been good."
A line from the book was exactly how I felt when I came to the last page. The emotions hidden in the pages told me the present with the force of the past, a story about the lost sister, so far untold, left in the unsaid words of half-truths.
The waves hitting the rocks of Eilean Shiel had nothing on them compared to the force of the feelings I was left with. There was an inner pain knowing what I knew now. Lauren Westwood brought this all out when she wrote this book, a tale of 3 women bound by love and connected by secrets.
Ginny died 15 years ago. Skye was the twin left behind in more ways than one. A road accident left her with amnesia, her mother's whispered accusation left her with guilt, and a need to escape her pain all the way to America left her with a lie. Skye came back when her mum wasn't well. And decided to get to the truth of what happened that night.
Lauren Westwood has smashed it out of the park with a roaring whack!! Her writing was muted, but the power behind behind it ravaged my soul. There were moments I was angry, irritated with the to and fro of Skye's emotions, the way she wanted to know the truth, yet didn't really want to. But that's true for all of us. We are the same. Skye was one of us.
Her relationship with her mum had so many layers that it was extremely bittersweet when each came up. I liked how they found the strength in knowing the truth. There was a depth to the story, more than the half-truths that were told by the witnesses. There was something hushed in between the lines, as if they wanted me to listen to its silent words.
Silence speaks, and this book spoke to me.
This book affected me in a lot of ways telling me a story not only of the written words but a hidden one behind the unstated ones. I was left with a pain deep inside me, pain of the unshed tears for the mother and daughter who had lost so much but found each other.
I could write pages, but I have to stop here with a tear rolling down my cheek.
A line from the book was exactly how I felt when I came to the last page. The emotions hidden in the pages told me the present with the force of the past, a story about the lost sister, so far untold, left in the unsaid words of half-truths.
The waves hitting the rocks of Eilean Shiel had nothing on them compared to the force of the feelings I was left with. There was an inner pain knowing what I knew now. Lauren Westwood brought this all out when she wrote this book, a tale of 3 women bound by love and connected by secrets.
Ginny died 15 years ago. Skye was the twin left behind in more ways than one. A road accident left her with amnesia, her mother's whispered accusation left her with guilt, and a need to escape her pain all the way to America left her with a lie. Skye came back when her mum wasn't well. And decided to get to the truth of what happened that night.
Lauren Westwood has smashed it out of the park with a roaring whack!! Her writing was muted, but the power behind behind it ravaged my soul. There were moments I was angry, irritated with the to and fro of Skye's emotions, the way she wanted to know the truth, yet didn't really want to. But that's true for all of us. We are the same. Skye was one of us.
Her relationship with her mum had so many layers that it was extremely bittersweet when each came up. I liked how they found the strength in knowing the truth. There was a depth to the story, more than the half-truths that were told by the witnesses. There was something hushed in between the lines, as if they wanted me to listen to its silent words.
Silence speaks, and this book spoke to me.
This book affected me in a lot of ways telling me a story not only of the written words but a hidden one behind the unstated ones. I was left with a pain deep inside me, pain of the unshed tears for the mother and daughter who had lost so much but found each other.
I could write pages, but I have to stop here with a tear rolling down my cheek.
October 12, 2023
Skaičiau su dideliu susidomėjimu ir knyga patiko, palietė visas jusles.. Man nereikėjo laiko įsijausti, pagavau iš kart. Atšiaurus oras, didelis stūgaujantis vėjas. Nedidelis Škotijos kaimelis, kur visi vieni kitus pažįsta. Paslaptis - kas iš ties įvyko tą naktį prieš 15 metų? Sklinda gandai. Stiprus ir slegiantis netekties skausmas, su kuriuo nesugebi susitaikyti. Lyg praradus dalelę savęs. Įvykis sukrėtęs ir išbarstęs šeimą. Prisiminimai, kas tikra? Po vieną detalę renki to vakaro įvykius. Ar išties pažinojai savo artimiausią žmogų? Jautri atomazga. Labai patiko, kad mintys nešokinėja, tik pagalvoji kas toliau, pateikiama detalė, užsikabini už jos ir nereikia laukti, autorė tuoj pat dėsto tolimesnius veiksmus, sklandus pasakojimas. Man pasirodė ypač rudeniška knyga, tamsiems vakarams.
🖋 Išvynioju prisiminimus po vieną ir apžiūrinėju lyg vaikas dovanas Kalėdų rytą.
🖋 ..nepatyręs sunkių laikų, niekada nesuprasi, kaip gerai gyveni.
🖋 Koks žiaurus gyvenimas - niekada negalime žinoti, kada sekundės ims skaičiuoti laiką, likusį iki negrįžtamai mus pakeisiančių įvykių.
🖋 Vienintelis užtikrintas būdas pralaimėti - tai nieko nedaryti.
🖋 Palyginti su jūros ir dangaus platybėmis, mano gyvenimas atrodo toks menkas, mažutės mano dramos bei kovos - tokios nereikšmingos. Tai guodžia.
🖋 ..nelabai smagu švęsti Kalėdas vienam, bet galima išgyventi. Juk tai - tik dar viena prabėgusi diena.
🖋 Išvynioju prisiminimus po vieną ir apžiūrinėju lyg vaikas dovanas Kalėdų rytą.
🖋 ..nepatyręs sunkių laikų, niekada nesuprasi, kaip gerai gyveni.
🖋 Koks žiaurus gyvenimas - niekada negalime žinoti, kada sekundės ims skaičiuoti laiką, likusį iki negrįžtamai mus pakeisiančių įvykių.
🖋 Vienintelis užtikrintas būdas pralaimėti - tai nieko nedaryti.
🖋 Palyginti su jūros ir dangaus platybėmis, mano gyvenimas atrodo toks menkas, mažutės mano dramos bei kovos - tokios nereikšmingos. Tai guodžia.
🖋 ..nelabai smagu švęsti Kalėdas vienam, bet galima išgyventi. Juk tai - tik dar viena prabėgusi diena.
November 8, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Skye's level of guilt after her twin sister Ginny died was so overwhelming that she left home and didn't return for years. She has returned home and is now facing her mother, and cannot believe how much her mother has changed. What is more is the fact that her mother then - and now - blamed Skye for Ginny's death.
With an unpacked bag, Skye tries to work through the past and tries to find answers. Their teenage bedroom is pretty much a shrine to Ginny, but Skye wants the past buried once and for all. Finding old journals is key to her efforts. Meanwhile, her brother and family visit, and Skye's mother rather hopes this is enough to bring the family together again. But, not for Skye. She wants answers, and digs deep.
What an excellent book by Lauren Westwood! I was drawn into the the drama of the past, the secrets, lies and family connections. I couldn't put this book down. Equally emotional and cathartic. It truly was a riveting read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Skye's level of guilt after her twin sister Ginny died was so overwhelming that she left home and didn't return for years. She has returned home and is now facing her mother, and cannot believe how much her mother has changed. What is more is the fact that her mother then - and now - blamed Skye for Ginny's death.
With an unpacked bag, Skye tries to work through the past and tries to find answers. Their teenage bedroom is pretty much a shrine to Ginny, but Skye wants the past buried once and for all. Finding old journals is key to her efforts. Meanwhile, her brother and family visit, and Skye's mother rather hopes this is enough to bring the family together again. But, not for Skye. She wants answers, and digs deep.
What an excellent book by Lauren Westwood! I was drawn into the the drama of the past, the secrets, lies and family connections. I couldn't put this book down. Equally emotional and cathartic. It truly was a riveting read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 12, 2021
Koks fainas viršelis! Taip ir norisi paimti knygą į rankas. Panūdau išsiaiškinti kas gi nutinka, kuomet slepiame tiesą nuo brangiausių žmonių.
Skaja prieš penkioliką metų paliko savo gimtąjį miestelį. Tuo metu jauna mergina tetroško įgyvendinti savo bei savo dvynės sesers svajonę. Tapti įžymiomis muzikantėmis. Deja, bet šios svajonės Skajai teko siekti vienai, nes Džinė nelaimingo atsitikimo metu žuvo.
Daugelį metų Skaja kaltino save ir net nesiruošė sugrįžti į gimtąjį Škotijos miestelį. Tačiau suprastėjusi motinos sveikata, paskatino Skają grįžti. Nori to ar ne, bet moterį vis aplanko prisiminimai apie Džinę. Skaja nusprendžia, jog net ir po tiek metų, jai rūpi kas nutiko jos seseriai. Ir ji ras būdų kaip tai išsiaiškinti.
Didelių lūkesčių šiai knygai neturėjau, tačiau šį kartą teko truputį nusivilti. Pasirodė, jog autorė norėjo tiek daug visko į šią istoriją sudėti, tačiau pats istorijos pateikimas manęs vis dėlto neįtikino. Man pritrūko cinkelio. Norėjosi daugiau siužeto vingių, trupučio įtampos. Personažai taip pat pasirodė paviršitiniški.Tikrai netrūko šioje knygoje kraštovaizdžio aprašymų, kurie manęs netrigdė, tačiau imdavo atrodyti, jog su jais yra truputį persistengta.
Nepaisant to, knyga tikrai nebuvo prasta ir ją perskaičiau gana greitai. Manyčiau, jog ji patiks tiems, kuriems norisi neįpareigojančio, lengvai skaitomo romano. "Motinos tyla" - apipinta melu, paslaptimis bei nutylėta tiesa.
Skaja prieš penkioliką metų paliko savo gimtąjį miestelį. Tuo metu jauna mergina tetroško įgyvendinti savo bei savo dvynės sesers svajonę. Tapti įžymiomis muzikantėmis. Deja, bet šios svajonės Skajai teko siekti vienai, nes Džinė nelaimingo atsitikimo metu žuvo.
Daugelį metų Skaja kaltino save ir net nesiruošė sugrįžti į gimtąjį Škotijos miestelį. Tačiau suprastėjusi motinos sveikata, paskatino Skają grįžti. Nori to ar ne, bet moterį vis aplanko prisiminimai apie Džinę. Skaja nusprendžia, jog net ir po tiek metų, jai rūpi kas nutiko jos seseriai. Ir ji ras būdų kaip tai išsiaiškinti.
Didelių lūkesčių šiai knygai neturėjau, tačiau šį kartą teko truputį nusivilti. Pasirodė, jog autorė norėjo tiek daug visko į šią istoriją sudėti, tačiau pats istorijos pateikimas manęs vis dėlto neįtikino. Man pritrūko cinkelio. Norėjosi daugiau siužeto vingių, trupučio įtampos. Personažai taip pat pasirodė paviršitiniški.Tikrai netrūko šioje knygoje kraštovaizdžio aprašymų, kurie manęs netrigdė, tačiau imdavo atrodyti, jog su jais yra truputį persistengta.
Nepaisant to, knyga tikrai nebuvo prasta ir ją perskaičiau gana greitai. Manyčiau, jog ji patiks tiems, kuriems norisi neįpareigojančio, lengvai skaitomo romano. "Motinos tyla" - apipinta melu, paslaptimis bei nutylėta tiesa.
December 3, 2021
Este foi um livro que gostei, mas acho que ficou alguma história por contar, eu como romântica que sou queria ter visto mais desenvolvimentos na história de Skye e do misterioso inspector/pintor!
Foi uma leitura conjunta do nosso grupo Livrólicos de Cá e de lá, com uma grande adesão e com metas definidas e discussão diária! É uma leitura perfeita para esta época, sim é um thriller, mas passa-se na época natalícia, com paisagens magníficas, com música típica das terras altas que fazem com que a nossa imaginação por vezes fuja da história... ah os escoceses! A autora escreve de uma forma muito envolvente, descreve detalhes e por vezes sentimos que estamos mesmo lá com Skye.
Skye, é uma mulher, que abandonou tudo e todos há 15 anos, e passado todo este tempo, a pedido do irmão volta a casa para ajudar a sua mãe doente. Mas isto é apenas a ponta do icebergue, Skye vai finalmente confrontar-se com o passado que regressa aos poucos e que faz com que Skye enfrente finalmente a morte da sua irmã gémea e reconstruir a relação com a sua família.
A cada capítulo que passa estamos mais próximos de conhecer a verdadeira história dos acontecimentos, que na fatídica noite, deu origem à fuga de Skye, ao afastamento da família e à pouca constância que a sua vida teve até aí. Será com a ajuda de um ex-inspector que Skye vai descobrir toda a verdade e perceber apesar de não poder voltar ao passado, pode resolver o seu presente e unir a sua família!
Foi um livro que me surpreendeu, que apreciei e se me perguntassem que recomendaria!
Mais opiniões em Aromas de Cor!
Foi uma leitura conjunta do nosso grupo Livrólicos de Cá e de lá, com uma grande adesão e com metas definidas e discussão diária! É uma leitura perfeita para esta época, sim é um thriller, mas passa-se na época natalícia, com paisagens magníficas, com música típica das terras altas que fazem com que a nossa imaginação por vezes fuja da história... ah os escoceses! A autora escreve de uma forma muito envolvente, descreve detalhes e por vezes sentimos que estamos mesmo lá com Skye.
Skye, é uma mulher, que abandonou tudo e todos há 15 anos, e passado todo este tempo, a pedido do irmão volta a casa para ajudar a sua mãe doente. Mas isto é apenas a ponta do icebergue, Skye vai finalmente confrontar-se com o passado que regressa aos poucos e que faz com que Skye enfrente finalmente a morte da sua irmã gémea e reconstruir a relação com a sua família.
A cada capítulo que passa estamos mais próximos de conhecer a verdadeira história dos acontecimentos, que na fatídica noite, deu origem à fuga de Skye, ao afastamento da família e à pouca constância que a sua vida teve até aí. Será com a ajuda de um ex-inspector que Skye vai descobrir toda a verdade e perceber apesar de não poder voltar ao passado, pode resolver o seu presente e unir a sua família!
Foi um livro que me surpreendeu, que apreciei e se me perguntassem que recomendaria!
Mais opiniões em Aromas de Cor!
June 30, 2023
Po penkiolikos metų Skaja grįžta į mažą Škotijos miestuką, kuriame vaikystę praleido su savo dvyne sese. Tačiau Skajos grįžimas sudrumsčia visus įmanomus vandenis – prieš penkiolika metų jos dvynė Džinė dingo. Vandeny. Ramaus miestelio gyventojai pasiilgę kalbų ir dramos, tad Skajos grįžimas netruko užkurti tikrą vakarėlę. O kur dar motina, kuri su grįžusia dukra tiesiog nesikalba.
Ar tai yra vienas iš romanų, kurių siužeto problemas išspręstų nuoširdus, atviras pokalbis? Be abejonės. Bet juk mes ir gyvenime taip dažnai elgiamės, kai bijome pasakyti, kažką atskleisti, ar tiesiog pradėti tą skausmingą pokalbį, kuris, jau iš anksto galime numanyti – išlaisvins. Arba patys to nežinodami atsiduriame kitoje barikadų pusėje, kai toji tiesa mūsų nepasiekia, mes apie ją nenumanome, nes kažkas bijo mus įskaudinti.
Prisireikė laiko, kad įsijausčiau į šį romaną. Jis man nuo pat pradžių pasirodė kiek per daug ištęstas. Kiek per daug smulkmeniškas, kai autorė aprašo kiekvieną smulkmeną ir veikėjų krustelėjimą. Dar vis nesu tikra, ar tai visada yra reikalinga ir prasminga. O aš apie tai kalbu, nes tai vietomis iš tiesų trukdė ir neleido greitai įsijausti į istoriją.
Vis tik be motinos nenoro elgtis kaip suaugusiam žmogui ir viso smulkmeniškumo, man knyga patiko. Priminė Chamberlain kūrybą ir net patį Sparks (gal dėl miestuko, gal dėl smulkmeniškumo – o gal – abiejų). Įdomiausias man šiame romane pasirodė seserų ryšys, kurio... nebuvo, arba jis buvo ne toks, kokio mes įprastai tikimės. Juk įprasta skaityti apie mistika ir sutapimais grįstą dvynių ryšį, kai jie jaučia vienas kitą per atstumą, tai šito čia nebuvo. Kad seserys skirtingos, nestebino, o štai ryšio nebuvimas ir nuolat į paviršių kylantis pavydas ir pyktis – jau kas kita.
Knyga smegenų pravėdinimui, kai visos čia vyraujančios dramos leidžia atsikvėpti nuo realybės problemų. O siužeto vingiuose nėra itin sudėtingų socialinių problemų, kurios jauktų veikėjų gyvenimus ar apverstų skaitytojo mąstymą aukštyn kojomis.
Ar tai yra vienas iš romanų, kurių siužeto problemas išspręstų nuoširdus, atviras pokalbis? Be abejonės. Bet juk mes ir gyvenime taip dažnai elgiamės, kai bijome pasakyti, kažką atskleisti, ar tiesiog pradėti tą skausmingą pokalbį, kuris, jau iš anksto galime numanyti – išlaisvins. Arba patys to nežinodami atsiduriame kitoje barikadų pusėje, kai toji tiesa mūsų nepasiekia, mes apie ją nenumanome, nes kažkas bijo mus įskaudinti.
Prisireikė laiko, kad įsijausčiau į šį romaną. Jis man nuo pat pradžių pasirodė kiek per daug ištęstas. Kiek per daug smulkmeniškas, kai autorė aprašo kiekvieną smulkmeną ir veikėjų krustelėjimą. Dar vis nesu tikra, ar tai visada yra reikalinga ir prasminga. O aš apie tai kalbu, nes tai vietomis iš tiesų trukdė ir neleido greitai įsijausti į istoriją.
Vis tik be motinos nenoro elgtis kaip suaugusiam žmogui ir viso smulkmeniškumo, man knyga patiko. Priminė Chamberlain kūrybą ir net patį Sparks (gal dėl miestuko, gal dėl smulkmeniškumo – o gal – abiejų). Įdomiausias man šiame romane pasirodė seserų ryšys, kurio... nebuvo, arba jis buvo ne toks, kokio mes įprastai tikimės. Juk įprasta skaityti apie mistika ir sutapimais grįstą dvynių ryšį, kai jie jaučia vienas kitą per atstumą, tai šito čia nebuvo. Kad seserys skirtingos, nestebino, o štai ryšio nebuvimas ir nuolat į paviršių kylantis pavydas ir pyktis – jau kas kita.
Knyga smegenų pravėdinimui, kai visos čia vyraujančios dramos leidžia atsikvėpti nuo realybės problemų. O siužeto vingiuose nėra itin sudėtingų socialinių problemų, kurios jauktų veikėjų gyvenimus ar apverstų skaitytojo mąstymą aukštyn kojomis.
November 13, 2019
Although I haven’t read anything by Lauren Westwood before, I thought this book had a fascinating synopsis, so I grasped the opportunity to read it with both hands! I am so pleased I did as there were no disappointments here!
Twenty-year-old Skye Turner’s world fell apart around her on the night that her twin sister, Ginny, died. Skye left her home-town of Eilean Shiel in the Scottish Highlands after the funeral, believing her mother held her responsible for Ginny’s death. Skye should have taken care of Ginny and prevented her fall from the cliffs that night. Over the years, she’s barely spoken to her mother, until the day she receives a phone call asking her to return home.
Everyone in their tiny community accepted it was an accident, but more than one person in the town is haunted by a secret from that night...
Lauren Westwood delivers an unrestrained story with a compelling blend of unimaginable grief, harboured secrets, miscommunication and long-buried memories. My Mother's Silence is beautifully plotted, a cracking story and a book I revelled in all the way through. The author did a brilliant job of slowly drawing me into the plot, capturing and commanding my attention with her superbly drawn characters and their secrets, while adding in a clever twist. It brought no let-downs and everything was well-wrapped up in the very satisfying and bittersweet finale.
A riveting, stellar and exemplary novel that I'm delighted to recommend.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Twenty-year-old Skye Turner’s world fell apart around her on the night that her twin sister, Ginny, died. Skye left her home-town of Eilean Shiel in the Scottish Highlands after the funeral, believing her mother held her responsible for Ginny’s death. Skye should have taken care of Ginny and prevented her fall from the cliffs that night. Over the years, she’s barely spoken to her mother, until the day she receives a phone call asking her to return home.
Everyone in their tiny community accepted it was an accident, but more than one person in the town is haunted by a secret from that night...
Lauren Westwood delivers an unrestrained story with a compelling blend of unimaginable grief, harboured secrets, miscommunication and long-buried memories. My Mother's Silence is beautifully plotted, a cracking story and a book I revelled in all the way through. The author did a brilliant job of slowly drawing me into the plot, capturing and commanding my attention with her superbly drawn characters and their secrets, while adding in a clever twist. It brought no let-downs and everything was well-wrapped up in the very satisfying and bittersweet finale.
A riveting, stellar and exemplary novel that I'm delighted to recommend.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 12, 2021
Foi um livro que dividiu a minha opinião sobre se gostei ou não. Achei-o um bocado maçudo e que enrolou um bocado. A história não avançava e parecia que estávamos sempre no mesmo sitio. O final foi mais interessante, não era bem o que eu estava a espera e como tal, foi o que salvou um pouco o livro. Provavelmente há que goste mas não fez o meu género
June 2, 2021
"Nepatinka Škotijos oras? Luktelkit penkias minutes, ir jis pasikeis!"
Romano veiksmas vyksta atokiame miestelyje Eilin Šilyje, kurį autorė pasirinko įkvėpta Škotijos aukštumose plytinčio Lochaberio regiono grožio. Tačiau gamtos aprašymų čia nėra per daug ir jie puikiai papildo istoriją. Ir būtent tai kilstelėjo šios knygos įvertinimą, nes be šių aprašymų, pati istorija būtų niekuo neišsiskirianti.
Skaja, pablogėjus mamos sveikatai, po penkiolikos metų grįžta į gimtuosius namus. Jų santykiai įtempti, nes mama Skają netiesiogiai kaltina dėl dvynės sesers mirties. Nors seserys ir dvynės, tačiau visiškai nepanašios nei išvaizda, nei charakteriais. Tarp jų buvo ir konkurencijos, ir pavydo, ir paslapčių.
Palengva "valtis įsisiūbuoja", įvykių mozaika susidėlioja ir paaiškėja Skajos sesers mirties aplinkybės, kurios buvo visai ne tokios, kaip manė šio mažo miestelio gyventojai. Dar kartą pasitvirtino gerai žinoma mintis, jog geriau skaudi tiesa, nei melas ir išaiškėjusi tiesa atneša savotišką ramybę Skajos šeimai. Tik vietoj autorės, aš būčiau šiek tiek pakeitus pabaigą, nes man ji pasirodė per daug paprasta.
O apibendrinant, tai lengvai skaitoma, neįpareigojanti knyga po darbo ar savaitgaliui. Rekomenduočiau tiems, kurie mėgsta skaityti neskubėdami ir narplioti šeimynines paslaptis. Be to, ši istorija labai tinkama skaityti prieškalėdiniu laikotarpiu, nes tamsūs vakarai puikiai atskleis romano nuotaiką.
Daugiau įspūdžių apie perskaitytas knygas: www.profesionalimama.wordpress.com
Romano veiksmas vyksta atokiame miestelyje Eilin Šilyje, kurį autorė pasirinko įkvėpta Škotijos aukštumose plytinčio Lochaberio regiono grožio. Tačiau gamtos aprašymų čia nėra per daug ir jie puikiai papildo istoriją. Ir būtent tai kilstelėjo šios knygos įvertinimą, nes be šių aprašymų, pati istorija būtų niekuo neišsiskirianti.
Skaja, pablogėjus mamos sveikatai, po penkiolikos metų grįžta į gimtuosius namus. Jų santykiai įtempti, nes mama Skają netiesiogiai kaltina dėl dvynės sesers mirties. Nors seserys ir dvynės, tačiau visiškai nepanašios nei išvaizda, nei charakteriais. Tarp jų buvo ir konkurencijos, ir pavydo, ir paslapčių.
Palengva "valtis įsisiūbuoja", įvykių mozaika susidėlioja ir paaiškėja Skajos sesers mirties aplinkybės, kurios buvo visai ne tokios, kaip manė šio mažo miestelio gyventojai. Dar kartą pasitvirtino gerai žinoma mintis, jog geriau skaudi tiesa, nei melas ir išaiškėjusi tiesa atneša savotišką ramybę Skajos šeimai. Tik vietoj autorės, aš būčiau šiek tiek pakeitus pabaigą, nes man ji pasirodė per daug paprasta.
O apibendrinant, tai lengvai skaitoma, neįpareigojanti knyga po darbo ar savaitgaliui. Rekomenduočiau tiems, kurie mėgsta skaityti neskubėdami ir narplioti šeimynines paslaptis. Be to, ši istorija labai tinkama skaityti prieškalėdiniu laikotarpiu, nes tamsūs vakarai puikiai atskleis romano nuotaiką.
Daugiau įspūdžių apie perskaitytas knygas: www.profesionalimama.wordpress.com
March 11, 2022
Knyga tikrai įtraukianti, ėjo palengva, vis darėsi įdomiau kaip ir kas, bet...
Pati pagrindinė veikėja, siaubingai erzino, tokia keista maniera ir per didelis "aukos" vaidmuo...
O pačiam gale gal tikėjausi kažko jspūdingesnio...
Vertinu 7/10.
Pati pagrindinė veikėja, siaubingai erzino, tokia keista maniera ir per didelis "aukos" vaidmuo...
O pačiam gale gal tikėjausi kažko jspūdingesnio...
Vertinu 7/10.
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up.
Following the tragic death of her twin sister Ginny, Skye Turner fled Scotland to America and never wanted to look back. Not only was Skye riddled with grief, she knew that her mother blamed her for not protecting Ginny that night, and she couldn’t face the disappointment. It’s now been 15 years since she was home, and she gets a note from her brother saying that their mom has been asking for Skye. Since life in America isn’t all that it was cracked up to be, Skye packs up and heads back home.
Once Skye is home, she realizes that her mother hurt her ankle in a nasty fall, and her mother’s memory seems off. Skye’s mother is guarded and the tension between mother and daughter is palpable. Skye’s mother makes the mistake of referring to Skye as Ginny upon several occasions, and alludes to Ginny’s death not being the tragic accident that everyone thought. Skye is determined to find out what actually happened to her sister as well as rebuild her relationship with her mother before it’s too late.
If you love a slow-burn familial drama then no look further because My Mother’s Silence is it. There were definitely times in the story that I was transported to the difficult times of my own relationship with my mother, which made me feel for both Skye and her mother. It was so tough to watch Skye’s mother, the iron stronghold of the family, become so fragile and suffer from memory slippages. My heart definitely broke for Skye. That being said, I loved the progression of their relationship throughout the story and watching them break down the barriers that they had both built up.
Overall, this is a great story that really highlights the complications of mother-daughter relationships as well as the fact that family will always be there no matter the circumstances.
Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Following the tragic death of her twin sister Ginny, Skye Turner fled Scotland to America and never wanted to look back. Not only was Skye riddled with grief, she knew that her mother blamed her for not protecting Ginny that night, and she couldn’t face the disappointment. It’s now been 15 years since she was home, and she gets a note from her brother saying that their mom has been asking for Skye. Since life in America isn’t all that it was cracked up to be, Skye packs up and heads back home.
Once Skye is home, she realizes that her mother hurt her ankle in a nasty fall, and her mother’s memory seems off. Skye’s mother is guarded and the tension between mother and daughter is palpable. Skye’s mother makes the mistake of referring to Skye as Ginny upon several occasions, and alludes to Ginny’s death not being the tragic accident that everyone thought. Skye is determined to find out what actually happened to her sister as well as rebuild her relationship with her mother before it’s too late.
If you love a slow-burn familial drama then no look further because My Mother’s Silence is it. There were definitely times in the story that I was transported to the difficult times of my own relationship with my mother, which made me feel for both Skye and her mother. It was so tough to watch Skye’s mother, the iron stronghold of the family, become so fragile and suffer from memory slippages. My heart definitely broke for Skye. That being said, I loved the progression of their relationship throughout the story and watching them break down the barriers that they had both built up.
Overall, this is a great story that really highlights the complications of mother-daughter relationships as well as the fact that family will always be there no matter the circumstances.
Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2019
(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
1.5 stars rounded up
Ugh how do I start with this book.
First, the premise was alright, enough to rise your curiosity and read the book.
Second, the plot was so thin, more than 50% of the book was just a fluff of Skye's feelings. Skye was doing this, she was doing that, she met this man/woman, but these scenes didn't further advance the plot.
Third, Skye was unlikeable. But then again, none was likeable here.
Fourth, the cover? It doesn't reflect the story whatsoever or did I miss something?
I wouldn't even touch the ending. It answered the big question, so there's that. But with meh plot comes meh ending. And who needs an epilogue after all that?
1.5 stars rounded up
Ugh how do I start with this book.
First, the premise was alright, enough to rise your curiosity and read the book.
Second, the plot was so thin, more than 50% of the book was just a fluff of Skye's feelings. Skye was doing this, she was doing that, she met this man/woman, but these scenes didn't further advance the plot.
Third, Skye was unlikeable. But then again, none was likeable here.
Fourth, the cover? It doesn't reflect the story whatsoever or did I miss something?
I wouldn't even touch the ending. It answered the big question, so there's that. But with meh plot comes meh ending. And who needs an epilogue after all that?
November 12, 2019
Oh what a beautiful and poignant tale this was! From the first page to the last, this beautifully written story captured my heart. With unforgettable characters and a story that is at once believable and heart wrenching this is a tale that will stay with me for a very long time. Truly stunning- an assured and magnificent work of art. Highly recommended.
Read
January 13, 2025Andei a enrolar, enrolar, enrolar. Aborrecido de morte. Não tem absolutamente nada de surpreendente (percebi logo o final com uma ou outra dica nada subtil) e a maioria do tempo andamos ao sabor dos dramas adolescentes da protagonista que já tem 35 anos, mas continua a pensar como se tivesse 15. Não há diferença nas vozes. Não há empatia. Achei mesmo um livro chato e foi difícil não desistir.
March 16, 2020
As a fan of Lauren's book, I was very excited to read this book given that the author has written a story in a different genre to what she usually does.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from start to finish, and it was entertaining trying to piece all of the pieces of the puzzle together so as to establish what really happened to Ginny. Despite having a few ideas as to what the outcome would be come the final chapters, I was very much wrong, so this is definitely not a predictable story at all.
As always with this author, the story was very well written and the characters were well developed and believable in all scenarios.
I'll be looking forward to reading her next book as always, regardless of what genre it will be.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from start to finish, and it was entertaining trying to piece all of the pieces of the puzzle together so as to establish what really happened to Ginny. Despite having a few ideas as to what the outcome would be come the final chapters, I was very much wrong, so this is definitely not a predictable story at all.
As always with this author, the story was very well written and the characters were well developed and believable in all scenarios.
I'll be looking forward to reading her next book as always, regardless of what genre it will be.
October 28, 2019
I agree with several other reviewers that this is a very well-written story, full of interesting characters, a great atmosphere and some unexpected twists and turns. Personally, I thought it would be more of a psychological thriller or mystery. It is all there but the main thing here is the love between family members, and how to restore this love if things go awfully wrong.
It took Skye fifteen years to come back but once she starts feeling something is wrong, she really wants to solve the mystery. Of course there are some suspects, and some handsome men, but Westwood is not overdoing it and thus all characters have their own voice.
This was the first book I read from Lauren Westwood but I'd love to read more of her work.
Thanks Boukoture and Netgalley for this digital review copy.
It took Skye fifteen years to come back but once she starts feeling something is wrong, she really wants to solve the mystery. Of course there are some suspects, and some handsome men, but Westwood is not overdoing it and thus all characters have their own voice.
This was the first book I read from Lauren Westwood but I'd love to read more of her work.
Thanks Boukoture and Netgalley for this digital review copy.
November 20, 2019
Wonderful story of family, regrets and finally finding the truth.
April 28, 2024
8!
Un romanzo sui complicati legami familiari, sul legame tra madre e figlia e su cosa succede quando nascondiamo le cose a coloro che amiamo di più.
Sorellanza, famiglia, perdita e segreti.
Esplora le dinamiche di una famiglia
Ha un ritmo alto, e ti tiene in tensione fino alla fine e perdoni anche il finale un po' mieloso.
Due sorelle gemelle Ginny e Skye, la morte di una della due, il non detto, la fuga per cercare di dimenticare.
“ Tolgo il coperchio. È come se, aprendo questo contenitore, stessi lasciando andare l’amore, i ricordi e l’altra metà della mia anima. Finalmente sto imparando ad amare e a essere amata.”
Un romanzo sui complicati legami familiari, sul legame tra madre e figlia e su cosa succede quando nascondiamo le cose a coloro che amiamo di più.
Sorellanza, famiglia, perdita e segreti.
Esplora le dinamiche di una famiglia
Ha un ritmo alto, e ti tiene in tensione fino alla fine e perdoni anche il finale un po' mieloso.
Due sorelle gemelle Ginny e Skye, la morte di una della due, il non detto, la fuga per cercare di dimenticare.
“ Tolgo il coperchio. È come se, aprendo questo contenitore, stessi lasciando andare l’amore, i ricordi e l’altra metà della mia anima. Finalmente sto imparando ad amare e a essere amata.”
September 2, 2021
Já terminei este livro há alguns dias, mas ainda não tinha tido a oportunidade de vir aqui deixar a minha opinião. Dei ⭐⭐⭐ estrelas e meia, não porque não tivesse gostado do livro. Gostei até bastante da história, no entanto considero que tinha potencial para ser um bom livro . Foi um livro que me soube a pouco. No entanto não deixem de ler
August 15, 2021
,,Energija iš niekur neatsiranda ir niekur neinyksta,tik peteina į kitą būvį.Žmogaus gyvybinė energija gyvena toliau ją branginusių žmonių širdusr bei mintyse."
June 2, 2020
This book took me forever to read. It was not as described a thrilling read, but more of a painful slow burn family saga which neither captured my imagination nor held my attention. 2 and a half stars.
June 29, 2021
O kas būtų, jei skaudančios širdies nemarintume tyla?
Knyga apie šeimą, jos santykius ir kaip tobulas šeimos gyvenimas vos vienu mostu, vienu sakiniu ir vienu įvykiu gali virsti tragiškos šeimos pavyzdžiu. Apie tai, kad tyla kainuoja laimę, o tai yra gerokai per brangu - apie tai, kad bandymas "tyliai" užglaistyti skaudulius ne visada yra geriausias problemos sprendimo būdas. Knyga papasakos, kad visi kenčia ir sielvartą įsileidžia skirtingai ir primins, kad liūdesį galima perduoti net ir tada, kai stipriai stengiesi artimuosius nuo jo apsaugoti. Ypač, jei darai tai netinkamai.
REKOMENDUOJU, jei norite nukeliauti į Škotijos oru įtaigiai alsuojančius puslapius. Svajojat pSvajojateasivaikščioti vėjuota, uolėta pakrante, ten sutikti herojus, spėlioti, kas čia įvyko prieš 15 metų bei tuo pat metu stebėti, kas vyksta šiandien. Matyti, k. Pamatyti, kaip vienas įvykis gali pakeisti gyvenimą ir svarstyti, kas galėtų būti kitaip, jeivienodai skaudžiaitaip pat ir labai tik tylą įveiktų nuoširdumas. Siūlau ieškantiems priminimo, kad nuo savęs ir savo minčių nepabėgsi, o bandymai kainuoja per daug - tik tuščiai iššvaistytą laiką. Ieškantiems ramaus, bet lengvos įtampos ir šeimos santykių persmelkto romano. Ir, žinoma, norintiems dramos su vasariška "meilė nutinka netikėtai" linija 😉.
NEREKOMENDUOJU, jei mėgstate įtampą, kuri nepaleidžia iki paskutinio puslapio, o ir tą dar gaubia rūkas bei sutemos - na, motina tyli, bet ta tyla gana paviršutiniška, įtampa išgaruoja anksčiau, nei autorė nustoja rašyti. Nemanau, kad patiks tiems, kurie mėgsta šeimų santykius aiškintis atvirai, "ūkiškai", dar su pagaliuku pamaišant pūliuojančias žaizdas - čia, kaip ir pavadinime, vyrauja tyla, nenoras pažvelgti tiesai į akis, šiokios tokios slėpynės su realybe, o viską dar pasaldina Škotijos glūdumon kelią atradusi holivudiškos meilės linija.
O man patiko. Negaliu sakyti, kad buvo vau, kad širdį suspaudė žavesys - ne, tikrai ne. Bet perskaičiau smagiai ir nuoširdžiai pakerėjo gamtos aprašymai, kas išties retai pasitaiko. Svarstau ir bijau, kad tik ar ir nebus tai pati geriausia knygos dalis. Ta škotiškų uolėtų kraštų nuotaika įsigėrė į mane iki paskutinės raidės ir dar ilgai nepaleido - buvo šalta, šlapia ir tamsu, bet tuo pačiu ir savotiškai jauku. Norėjosi kartu su herojais pavaikščioti vėjuota pakrante atgręžus veidą į vandenyną, o kai kūnas sustirs, kartu nulėkti į vietinį barą ir šildytis prisiminimuose. Bet, tiesa, prisiminimai čia ne itin šildantys. Ir pati istorija ne itin romantiška (bet gi ir neturėjo tokia būti?). Viena sesuo žuvo (tik niekas nežino kaip), kita pabėgo gyventi savo gyvenimo (visi viską žino), o namuose liko viena gedinti tyli mama ir jaunėlis brolis, per 15 metų užaugęs į solidų vyrą. Šeimos drama. Skaičiau, jutau lengvą įtampą, tik, deja, nesulaukus nė pabaigos, jau buvo aišku, kaip pasibaigs - staigmenos neliko, net nuliūdau. O paskui prisiminiau, kad ne trileris čia, tai kokių siaubų ir stebuklų laukiau? 😁 Tad, jei čia būtų trileris - per saldu, jei drama - norėtųsi aštresnių kampų, bet kaip kasdienybės, pasirinkimų ir šeimos bėdomis apšlakstytas romanas - man įtiko. Motina TIKRAI tylėjo ☺️
Knyga apie šeimą, jos santykius ir kaip tobulas šeimos gyvenimas vos vienu mostu, vienu sakiniu ir vienu įvykiu gali virsti tragiškos šeimos pavyzdžiu. Apie tai, kad tyla kainuoja laimę, o tai yra gerokai per brangu - apie tai, kad bandymas "tyliai" užglaistyti skaudulius ne visada yra geriausias problemos sprendimo būdas. Knyga papasakos, kad visi kenčia ir sielvartą įsileidžia skirtingai ir primins, kad liūdesį galima perduoti net ir tada, kai stipriai stengiesi artimuosius nuo jo apsaugoti. Ypač, jei darai tai netinkamai.
REKOMENDUOJU, jei norite nukeliauti į Škotijos oru įtaigiai alsuojančius puslapius. Svajojat pSvajojateasivaikščioti vėjuota, uolėta pakrante, ten sutikti herojus, spėlioti, kas čia įvyko prieš 15 metų bei tuo pat metu stebėti, kas vyksta šiandien. Matyti, k. Pamatyti, kaip vienas įvykis gali pakeisti gyvenimą ir svarstyti, kas galėtų būti kitaip, jeivienodai skaudžiaitaip pat ir labai tik tylą įveiktų nuoširdumas. Siūlau ieškantiems priminimo, kad nuo savęs ir savo minčių nepabėgsi, o bandymai kainuoja per daug - tik tuščiai iššvaistytą laiką. Ieškantiems ramaus, bet lengvos įtampos ir šeimos santykių persmelkto romano. Ir, žinoma, norintiems dramos su vasariška "meilė nutinka netikėtai" linija 😉.
NEREKOMENDUOJU, jei mėgstate įtampą, kuri nepaleidžia iki paskutinio puslapio, o ir tą dar gaubia rūkas bei sutemos - na, motina tyli, bet ta tyla gana paviršutiniška, įtampa išgaruoja anksčiau, nei autorė nustoja rašyti. Nemanau, kad patiks tiems, kurie mėgsta šeimų santykius aiškintis atvirai, "ūkiškai", dar su pagaliuku pamaišant pūliuojančias žaizdas - čia, kaip ir pavadinime, vyrauja tyla, nenoras pažvelgti tiesai į akis, šiokios tokios slėpynės su realybe, o viską dar pasaldina Škotijos glūdumon kelią atradusi holivudiškos meilės linija.
O man patiko. Negaliu sakyti, kad buvo vau, kad širdį suspaudė žavesys - ne, tikrai ne. Bet perskaičiau smagiai ir nuoširdžiai pakerėjo gamtos aprašymai, kas išties retai pasitaiko. Svarstau ir bijau, kad tik ar ir nebus tai pati geriausia knygos dalis. Ta škotiškų uolėtų kraštų nuotaika įsigėrė į mane iki paskutinės raidės ir dar ilgai nepaleido - buvo šalta, šlapia ir tamsu, bet tuo pačiu ir savotiškai jauku. Norėjosi kartu su herojais pavaikščioti vėjuota pakrante atgręžus veidą į vandenyną, o kai kūnas sustirs, kartu nulėkti į vietinį barą ir šildytis prisiminimuose. Bet, tiesa, prisiminimai čia ne itin šildantys. Ir pati istorija ne itin romantiška (bet gi ir neturėjo tokia būti?). Viena sesuo žuvo (tik niekas nežino kaip), kita pabėgo gyventi savo gyvenimo (visi viską žino), o namuose liko viena gedinti tyli mama ir jaunėlis brolis, per 15 metų užaugęs į solidų vyrą. Šeimos drama. Skaičiau, jutau lengvą įtampą, tik, deja, nesulaukus nė pabaigos, jau buvo aišku, kaip pasibaigs - staigmenos neliko, net nuliūdau. O paskui prisiminiau, kad ne trileris čia, tai kokių siaubų ir stebuklų laukiau? 😁 Tad, jei čia būtų trileris - per saldu, jei drama - norėtųsi aštresnių kampų, bet kaip kasdienybės, pasirinkimų ir šeimos bėdomis apšlakstytas romanas - man įtiko. Motina TIKRAI tylėjo ☺️
February 14, 2022
After her twin sister, Ginny, died in what everyone assumed was a tragic accident, Skye Turner knew she couldn’t stay in the Scottish Highlands. Not when her mother blamed her for what happened. Fifteen years and a music career in the U.S. later, though, she returns, dredging up the same old secrets and gossip. But soon she hears rumblings of moments that don’t quite fit into her memory of that night. Unsure of whether she can trust her memory or the people around her, she begins an investigation that could finally reveal some answers—or pull her already fractured family even further apart.
Lauren Westwood knows how to twist a story. Sure, she knows how to weave one, too—and there’s no doubt this is a superbly crafted novel. But in My Mother’s Silence, much like in her haunting Moonlight on the Thames, she tugs at convention, dropping her characters into an atmospheric world filled with mystery, a bit of thrills, a heavy dose of family drama, and a hint of romance for good measure.
Thankfully, her characters are up for the literary challenge. Skye bounds onto the scene, a little timid in the return to her past, but steadfast in the painful decisions she had to make so many years ago. These early moments vacillate between the strength and confidence she’s managed in forming her own life away from home to the cutting shame that can only come from family. Westwood immediately makes Skye relatable and sympathetic, and this energy carries through the rest of the book. Ultimately, I wanted her to uncover the real truth surrounding her sister’s death not just because of my own curiosity, but because Skye needs to know—to patch the strained relationship with her mother? To find closure? To make an excuse to leave again? Who knows. But she has to have something good happen.
Of course, good is relative, and Westwood takes her time plotting in plotting plenty of resistance to the traditional happy ending. There’s a mysterious neighbor who may be more help than she thinks. A cadre of locals looking worried about Skye dredging up the buried past. And then there’s memory. Skye went through a lot of trauma. With all the facts laid out, does everything really add up?
With a lesser writer, all of this together might feel a bit confused. With a talent like Lauren Westwood, it’s another knockout book.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Lauren Westwood knows how to twist a story. Sure, she knows how to weave one, too—and there’s no doubt this is a superbly crafted novel. But in My Mother’s Silence, much like in her haunting Moonlight on the Thames, she tugs at convention, dropping her characters into an atmospheric world filled with mystery, a bit of thrills, a heavy dose of family drama, and a hint of romance for good measure.
Thankfully, her characters are up for the literary challenge. Skye bounds onto the scene, a little timid in the return to her past, but steadfast in the painful decisions she had to make so many years ago. These early moments vacillate between the strength and confidence she’s managed in forming her own life away from home to the cutting shame that can only come from family. Westwood immediately makes Skye relatable and sympathetic, and this energy carries through the rest of the book. Ultimately, I wanted her to uncover the real truth surrounding her sister’s death not just because of my own curiosity, but because Skye needs to know—to patch the strained relationship with her mother? To find closure? To make an excuse to leave again? Who knows. But she has to have something good happen.
Of course, good is relative, and Westwood takes her time plotting in plotting plenty of resistance to the traditional happy ending. There’s a mysterious neighbor who may be more help than she thinks. A cadre of locals looking worried about Skye dredging up the buried past. And then there’s memory. Skye went through a lot of trauma. With all the facts laid out, does everything really add up?
With a lesser writer, all of this together might feel a bit confused. With a talent like Lauren Westwood, it’s another knockout book.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
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