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For fans of He Said/She Said and Anatomy of a Scandal, Penny Hancock’s I Thought I Knew You is about secrets and lies – and whose side you take when it really matters.Who do you know better? Your oldest friend? Or your child?And who should you believe when one accuses the other of an abhorrent crime?Jules and Holly have been best friends since university. They tell each other everything, trading revelations and confessions, and sharing both the big moments and the small details of their lives: Holly is the only person who knows about Jules’s affair; Jules was there for Holly when her husband died. And their two children – just four years apart – have grown up together.So when Jules’s daughter Saffie makes a rape allegation against Holly’s son Saul, neither woman is prepared for the devastating impact this will have on their friendship or their families.Especially as Holly, in spite of her principles, refuses to believe her son is guilty.
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2019
130 people are currently reading
1720 people want to read
About the author
Penny Hancock
39 books113 followersPenny grew up in South East London and then did an English degree in Newcastle Upon Tyne. For several years she taught English as a foreign language in Italy, Greece and Morocco. She then took a PGCE, got a job as a Primary school teacher in an inner city London school, and moved into her partner Andy’s short-life house in East London, which is now part of the hardcore under the M11 that links their new home in Cambridge with her birth place in Greenwich!
While bringing up their three children, she continued to teach in primary schools, taught English to asylum seekers, and ran adult education classes in writing. She also wrote articles for various papers (The Independent, The Guardian, The Times Ed, The Sunday Express magazine, and Child Education, amongst others) specialising in family and education. Penny has also written readers for English language learners for Cambridge University Press, and a Primary English course for children published by Longmans. It was an Arvon writing course and an MA in creative writing at Anglia Ruskin University that encouraged her to complete her first novel.
Source: http://pennyhancock.com/bio/
While bringing up their three children, she continued to teach in primary schools, taught English to asylum seekers, and ran adult education classes in writing. She also wrote articles for various papers (The Independent, The Guardian, The Times Ed, The Sunday Express magazine, and Child Education, amongst others) specialising in family and education. Penny has also written readers for English language learners for Cambridge University Press, and a Primary English course for children published by Longmans. It was an Arvon writing course and an MA in creative writing at Anglia Ruskin University that encouraged her to complete her first novel.
Source: http://pennyhancock.com/bio/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
March 1, 2022
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September 18, 2019
How well do you well know your best friend and what they are capable of? How well do you know family members are what they are capable of? How far would you go to protect those you love? These questions are raised in this novel of best friends Jules and Holly, who have been friends since university days. They each have secrets they know about the other that no-one else knows. Their friendship is solidly grounded in trust. Though three years apart in age, their two children have practically grown up together. But when Saffie, Jules’s 13 year old daughter, makes a serious accusation against Holly’s 16 year old son Saul, the friendship that had seemed so strong, starts to unravel. That one accusation starts off a series of events that has the power to change these two families forever. Maybe no-one in this story knows those close to them as well as they thought?
The story is told in alternating chapters from Holly and Jules. That works well as it allows the reader insights into how both women are thinking and feeling and what other things are happening in their lives. I found this a gripping read, as it sets out to explore parenthood and friendship and marriage issues. It also encompasses themes of loneliness, bullying and feeling a misfit as Saul does. Plus how anger and harsh, careless words can affect relationships. It does make the reader think and question who to believe and the consequences of how the situation is handled. Feels a bit like a jigsaw truing to out the picture of the truth together.
This is my first book by this author and it definitely involved me in the drama. At some point I would be keen to read another book by this author. Just not one hundred percent convinced by the way the ending was handled. But overall this is a really good read that brings up some important issues in a highly readable way. Strong characters move the plot along.
The story is told in alternating chapters from Holly and Jules. That works well as it allows the reader insights into how both women are thinking and feeling and what other things are happening in their lives. I found this a gripping read, as it sets out to explore parenthood and friendship and marriage issues. It also encompasses themes of loneliness, bullying and feeling a misfit as Saul does. Plus how anger and harsh, careless words can affect relationships. It does make the reader think and question who to believe and the consequences of how the situation is handled. Feels a bit like a jigsaw truing to out the picture of the truth together.
This is my first book by this author and it definitely involved me in the drama. At some point I would be keen to read another book by this author. Just not one hundred percent convinced by the way the ending was handled. But overall this is a really good read that brings up some important issues in a highly readable way. Strong characters move the plot along.
June 23, 2020
I thought I Knew You is a thought provoking read with a he said, she said premise.
After the death of her husband Holly and her 16 year old son, Saul, move to a small country town to be closer to Holly’s best friend, Jules.
Saul is all dark hair, black clothes and sullen. He is finding it hard to cope with his father’s death 6 years ago. He is not making friends at his new High School and Jules’ 13 year old daughter, Saffie, wants nothing to do with him.
Holly had a secret she was keeping for Jules from her husband but she didn’t know Jules was also keeping a secret from her. Two friends that knew everything about each other, or thought they did. Inseparable since Uni nothing could tear their friendship apart. Until Jules’ daughter makes a serious accusation against Holly’s son.
Jules confronts Holly but Holly doesn’t believe Saul could possibly do this and Jules can’t believe that her daughter would lie.
As more people find out what has happened the situation blows out of control through gossip, conjecture and judgement. Tempers are flared, someone goes missing and people are threatened.
This book is one of those mysteries that you can’t put down. The pages fly by so quickly as the mystery ramps up and the plot thickens. The characters begin asking themselves how well do they really know their best friend, son, daughter or even their husband.
Penny Hancock has used two different narrative styles. Holly’s point of view is in first person whilst Jules’ is in third person. I felt more connected to Holly and more sympathy for her through her first person perspective.
Throughout the book my allegiances were jumping back and forward as tempers flare and accusations are flying.
Penny Hancock includes themes of consent, mother guilt, anger management, loss of a parent and not fitting in.
I Thought I Knew You is a compelling mystery that will have you glued to the book until the very last page.
*I received a copy from the publisher
After the death of her husband Holly and her 16 year old son, Saul, move to a small country town to be closer to Holly’s best friend, Jules.
Saul is all dark hair, black clothes and sullen. He is finding it hard to cope with his father’s death 6 years ago. He is not making friends at his new High School and Jules’ 13 year old daughter, Saffie, wants nothing to do with him.
Holly had a secret she was keeping for Jules from her husband but she didn’t know Jules was also keeping a secret from her. Two friends that knew everything about each other, or thought they did. Inseparable since Uni nothing could tear their friendship apart. Until Jules’ daughter makes a serious accusation against Holly’s son.
Jules confronts Holly but Holly doesn’t believe Saul could possibly do this and Jules can’t believe that her daughter would lie.
As more people find out what has happened the situation blows out of control through gossip, conjecture and judgement. Tempers are flared, someone goes missing and people are threatened.
This book is one of those mysteries that you can’t put down. The pages fly by so quickly as the mystery ramps up and the plot thickens. The characters begin asking themselves how well do they really know their best friend, son, daughter or even their husband.
Penny Hancock has used two different narrative styles. Holly’s point of view is in first person whilst Jules’ is in third person. I felt more connected to Holly and more sympathy for her through her first person perspective.
Throughout the book my allegiances were jumping back and forward as tempers flare and accusations are flying.
Penny Hancock includes themes of consent, mother guilt, anger management, loss of a parent and not fitting in.
I Thought I Knew You is a compelling mystery that will have you glued to the book until the very last page.
*I received a copy from the publisher
August 24, 2019
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I Thought I Knew You by Penny Hancock. (2019).
Who do you know better? Your oldest friend or your child? And who do you believe when one accuses the other of a crime? Jules and Holly have been best friends since university, know each other's secrets and share everything. Their two children are three years apart and have grown up together. So when Jules's daughter Saffie makes a serious accusation against Holly's son Saul, neither woman is prepared for the devastating impact and consequences. Especially because Holly refuses to believe Saffie.
Trigger warning: this novel is about rape so if that is not a topic for you, don't pick this one up.
I think this novel raised some important issues around rape and also about false accusations, and the consequences of both. Where I got a bit confused was that it felt like the reader was supposed to be shocked that Jules and Holly basically turn on one another and are intent on believing their own child. Given the circumstances, I feel like this would be a likely scenario in real life. Putting that aside, I think the author has taken a really tough subject and tried to explore the far reaching implications for everyone involved. I think the confusion and hurt that both mothers felt and the doubts they raised within themselves in trying to deal with everything was portrayed well. I think using the technique of alternating point of views (Holly and Jules) was good as it let the reader into both women's minds. However something about this book just put me off a bit and I think it just came down to certain things being said/certain actions that didn't feel right to me. As always, give it a go if it sounds like your type of book!
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
I Thought I Knew You by Penny Hancock. (2019).
Who do you know better? Your oldest friend or your child? And who do you believe when one accuses the other of a crime? Jules and Holly have been best friends since university, know each other's secrets and share everything. Their two children are three years apart and have grown up together. So when Jules's daughter Saffie makes a serious accusation against Holly's son Saul, neither woman is prepared for the devastating impact and consequences. Especially because Holly refuses to believe Saffie.
Trigger warning: this novel is about rape so if that is not a topic for you, don't pick this one up.
I think this novel raised some important issues around rape and also about false accusations, and the consequences of both. Where I got a bit confused was that it felt like the reader was supposed to be shocked that Jules and Holly basically turn on one another and are intent on believing their own child. Given the circumstances, I feel like this would be a likely scenario in real life. Putting that aside, I think the author has taken a really tough subject and tried to explore the far reaching implications for everyone involved. I think the confusion and hurt that both mothers felt and the doubts they raised within themselves in trying to deal with everything was portrayed well. I think using the technique of alternating point of views (Holly and Jules) was good as it let the reader into both women's minds. However something about this book just put me off a bit and I think it just came down to certain things being said/certain actions that didn't feel right to me. As always, give it a go if it sounds like your type of book!
February 6, 2020
Pensive, intricate, and raw!
I Thought I Knew You is a gripping, domestic drama that delves into the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child and reminds us that when push comes to shove a mother will defend her child to the detriment of all other relationships regardless of how close or enduring.
The prose is eloquent and absorbing. The characters are multilayered, well developed, and troubled. And the plot told from two different perspectives uses an alternating, back-and-forth style to create tension and unease as it subtly unravels all the personalities, behaviours, relationships, and histories within it.
I Thought I Knew You is, ultimately, a novel about parenting, friendship, trust, loyalty, secrets, betrayal, repercussions, scandal, and community fallout. It is certainly an edgy novel by Hancock that is not only thought-provoking but emotionally compelling.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I Thought I Knew You is a gripping, domestic drama that delves into the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child and reminds us that when push comes to shove a mother will defend her child to the detriment of all other relationships regardless of how close or enduring.
The prose is eloquent and absorbing. The characters are multilayered, well developed, and troubled. And the plot told from two different perspectives uses an alternating, back-and-forth style to create tension and unease as it subtly unravels all the personalities, behaviours, relationships, and histories within it.
I Thought I Knew You is, ultimately, a novel about parenting, friendship, trust, loyalty, secrets, betrayal, repercussions, scandal, and community fallout. It is certainly an edgy novel by Hancock that is not only thought-provoking but emotionally compelling.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2020
A quick, enjoyable read about best friends until one's daughter accuses the other's son of rape.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2019
Mixed feelings
To begin with, I really liked this book, but the longer the story went on the more irritating it became. Especially one of the main characters, Holly, who I actively disliked by halfway through the book. It's a shame as I do feel there was the basis of a good story here. I can't say much without spoiling the plot, but Holly's attitude towards a 13 year old girl she supposedly loves as her own is quite nasty. I also found the end of the book to be too neatly tied up. I did like the style of writing, alternating between the two women, and I liked Jules, the other main character. So that's why I still gave three stars.
To begin with, I really liked this book, but the longer the story went on the more irritating it became. Especially one of the main characters, Holly, who I actively disliked by halfway through the book. It's a shame as I do feel there was the basis of a good story here. I can't say much without spoiling the plot, but Holly's attitude towards a 13 year old girl she supposedly loves as her own is quite nasty. I also found the end of the book to be too neatly tied up. I did like the style of writing, alternating between the two women, and I liked Jules, the other main character. So that's why I still gave three stars.
June 6, 2025
o livro ameaçando ser feminista e contra a cultura de estupro
April 2, 2021
Idk, I'd never have read this book if I had chosen it, only read because it arrived in my home. I guess the mystery is interesting, the characters are complex and I can understand all of them. But it's just uncomfortable.
Clearly, it made me think and brought up a lot of feelings, so can't say it's a bad book, but I just... didn't like it.
Clearly, it made me think and brought up a lot of feelings, so can't say it's a bad book, but I just... didn't like it.
April 7, 2019
My first Penny Hancock read but certainly won’t be my last. She has a beautiful writing style and I was intrigued very early in the story and just had to know how events would unfold and the outcomes of all the decisions.
A contemporary tale, told from two POV, that of the mothers Holly and Jules. Lifelong friends, face the day-to-day challenges of life until their children Saul and Saffie become embroiled in life changing events.
The test of family, friendship, parental instincts, duty, loyalty, honesty, resilience, memories, values, morals, ethics, trust and the ability to move forward after life changes irrevocably is captured authentically and realistically. With the two POV, the story dives far deeper, as you keep swaying between seeing things from Holly’s perspective and then Jules’s view. Utterly compelling writing.
I Don’t want to spoil the story by giving anything specific away but it is a great emotional, thought-provoking read.
Must add warning: there are a number of triggers in this novel - just a heads up.
A contemporary tale, told from two POV, that of the mothers Holly and Jules. Lifelong friends, face the day-to-day challenges of life until their children Saul and Saffie become embroiled in life changing events.
The test of family, friendship, parental instincts, duty, loyalty, honesty, resilience, memories, values, morals, ethics, trust and the ability to move forward after life changes irrevocably is captured authentically and realistically. With the two POV, the story dives far deeper, as you keep swaying between seeing things from Holly’s perspective and then Jules’s view. Utterly compelling writing.
I Don’t want to spoil the story by giving anything specific away but it is a great emotional, thought-provoking read.
Must add warning: there are a number of triggers in this novel - just a heads up.
March 23, 2019
For me it dragged on, copped out & left me wondering why I bothered.
April 30, 2021
Jules and Holly. Bestfriends since university. Their two children 3 years apart. Jules daughter, saffi, 13. Holly's son, Saul, 16. After a drunken night where Saffi and Saul are left alone, Saffi accuses Saul of a horrific crime. The effects of this are catastrophic and secrets are brought to the surface that should have stayed buried...
An amazing, twisty story that really makes you think - what would you do in that situation? It's a book that really unleashes so many emotions, so many questions. It's a brilliant book that everyone should read! I didn't see any of the twists coming, and the ending/truth was a huge shock!
An amazing, twisty story that really makes you think - what would you do in that situation? It's a book that really unleashes so many emotions, so many questions. It's a brilliant book that everyone should read! I didn't see any of the twists coming, and the ending/truth was a huge shock!
March 20, 2021
3.5 não tem como dar mais que isso visto que passei o livro inteiro chamando a holly de insuportável
March 20, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Mantle for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Jules and Holly had been best friends since university. Jules was even Holly`s birthing partner when she gave birth to Saul. When Jules gave birth to Saffie three years later the children grew up together and were like brother and sister.
When Holly`s husband Archie died, Jules encouraged Holly and Saul to move to The Fens for a fresh start. Holly met Pete at one of Jules parties and they got married.
Saul however found it hard to fit in at his new school and was bullied which caused him to suffer from school phobia. Now 16 Saul was no longer bullied but was ostracized by his classmates for being an emo. Meanwhile Saffie was 13 but was growing up fast and too much into her appearance.
When Jules and Holly went to a birthday dinner, Saul went to Jules house to use her internet. A few weeks later Saffie told Jules that Saul had raped and she was pregnant. Holly did not believe Saffie and called her a devious trouble maker. Jules turned around and called Saul a misfit. From there the story tells how the news affects the four individuals.
This is my first book by Penny Hancock, I liked this book so much I have bought another of her books to read.
I Thought I Knew You is told from the POV of Jules and Hollie. The plot was compelling and felt sad when the allegation fractured their friendship.
I have to admit I believed Saul from the beginning and frustrated that Saffie could tell such a terrible lie. As the story progressed I realised I had been unfair and that Saffie was just a little girl in a young womans body.
This story will stay with me for sometime. I recommend this raw, thought provoking read.
April 3, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Generally, I have found that an author who has caught the eye of the renowned Richard and Judy Book Club, is well worth investigating and making the commitment to read. I really enjoyed I Thought I Knew You. Fans of domestic fiction will really appreciate this one. It pits two mothers against one another, as they deal with the fallout of a serious allegation involving both their children. I Thought I Knew You is issued based, thought provoking and incredibly addictive.
Delving deep into the world of friendship, loyalty, trust and parenting, I Thought I Knew You considers the fallout of a terrible accusation. Best friends since university, Jules and Holly have shared so much over the years. From loss, to infidelity, birth and career changes, these two women have been stuck together like glue for every moment. Even their children have a sibling style relationship.When an awful accusation is aimed at Holly’s son Saul, by Jules’ daughter Saffie, the friendship these two women have is tested to its very limits. Both rally against one another and each is in denial about the fact that their child might be lying. It is a tough bind, but Penny Hancock examines the repercussions of lies, secrets and false admissions.
Penny Hancock has only just come to my attention through her novel, I Thought I Knew You. I was immediately taken aback by Hancock’s narrative and writing style, there was something incredibly addictive about the prose, it really worked to draw me in to the unfolding tale.
I Thought I Knew You is divided into two distinct character voices, this means that the chapters alternate between Jules and Holly’s point of view. I always enjoy books that are structured in this manner, and I Thought I Knew You is no exception. Dividing and swapping the points of view between the two leads allows us to delve deep into the minds of the main characters. It also charges the reader with the difficult task of trying to decide which team to settle on. I think for the majority of the book I was team Holly, but I did feel moments of sympathy for Jules. I was less enamoured by Jules and her family life, plus a few decisions Jules made didn’t sit too well with me.
As a mother, it is a little too easy to understand the predicament faced by these two female friends. I could completely understand Holly’s tunnel vision and one-sided belief that her dear son Saul could not have committed the said crime that he is accused of. I am not going to mention the crime accusation, as I do not wish to spoil this aspect of the book for any potential readers. What I do know conclusively is that I would defend my son to the moon and back, exactly as Holly did. So, Hancock is on the money with this one, her character responses are realistic, emotionally pulling and compelling.
Back to team Jules. I had a hard time liking Jules’ daughter Saffie, but I feel she was represented accurately on the pages of this novel as a typical teenager. As for Jules’ husband, I found him pretty intolerable. Hancock has managed to combine both skilled storytelling with very good characterisation. I Thought I Knew You is a definite page turner, I just had to know if the allegations that were made against Saul contained any grain of truth. I was also interested in whether or not the two women would be able to repair their broken relationship. I was satisfied by the final turn of events, with the plot twists and diversions that I had to contend with.
I Thought I Knew You is a book defined by themes of truth, lies, betrayal, love, loss, friendship, loyalty and faith. It explores the bonds of motherhood and friendship, within the one involving novel. It will strike a chord with a wide audience range, the mothers and parents out there will find this one particularly eye-opening.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Generally, I have found that an author who has caught the eye of the renowned Richard and Judy Book Club, is well worth investigating and making the commitment to read. I really enjoyed I Thought I Knew You. Fans of domestic fiction will really appreciate this one. It pits two mothers against one another, as they deal with the fallout of a serious allegation involving both their children. I Thought I Knew You is issued based, thought provoking and incredibly addictive.
Delving deep into the world of friendship, loyalty, trust and parenting, I Thought I Knew You considers the fallout of a terrible accusation. Best friends since university, Jules and Holly have shared so much over the years. From loss, to infidelity, birth and career changes, these two women have been stuck together like glue for every moment. Even their children have a sibling style relationship.When an awful accusation is aimed at Holly’s son Saul, by Jules’ daughter Saffie, the friendship these two women have is tested to its very limits. Both rally against one another and each is in denial about the fact that their child might be lying. It is a tough bind, but Penny Hancock examines the repercussions of lies, secrets and false admissions.
Penny Hancock has only just come to my attention through her novel, I Thought I Knew You. I was immediately taken aback by Hancock’s narrative and writing style, there was something incredibly addictive about the prose, it really worked to draw me in to the unfolding tale.
I Thought I Knew You is divided into two distinct character voices, this means that the chapters alternate between Jules and Holly’s point of view. I always enjoy books that are structured in this manner, and I Thought I Knew You is no exception. Dividing and swapping the points of view between the two leads allows us to delve deep into the minds of the main characters. It also charges the reader with the difficult task of trying to decide which team to settle on. I think for the majority of the book I was team Holly, but I did feel moments of sympathy for Jules. I was less enamoured by Jules and her family life, plus a few decisions Jules made didn’t sit too well with me.
As a mother, it is a little too easy to understand the predicament faced by these two female friends. I could completely understand Holly’s tunnel vision and one-sided belief that her dear son Saul could not have committed the said crime that he is accused of. I am not going to mention the crime accusation, as I do not wish to spoil this aspect of the book for any potential readers. What I do know conclusively is that I would defend my son to the moon and back, exactly as Holly did. So, Hancock is on the money with this one, her character responses are realistic, emotionally pulling and compelling.
Back to team Jules. I had a hard time liking Jules’ daughter Saffie, but I feel she was represented accurately on the pages of this novel as a typical teenager. As for Jules’ husband, I found him pretty intolerable. Hancock has managed to combine both skilled storytelling with very good characterisation. I Thought I Knew You is a definite page turner, I just had to know if the allegations that were made against Saul contained any grain of truth. I was also interested in whether or not the two women would be able to repair their broken relationship. I was satisfied by the final turn of events, with the plot twists and diversions that I had to contend with.
I Thought I Knew You is a book defined by themes of truth, lies, betrayal, love, loss, friendship, loyalty and faith. It explores the bonds of motherhood and friendship, within the one involving novel. It will strike a chord with a wide audience range, the mothers and parents out there will find this one particularly eye-opening.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 17, 2019
I’m a HUGE Penny Hancock fan!! If I had a laminated list of my top 5 favourite authors (please say that people do this?!) then she would definitely be on it! Every year I bid on her donation in the Clic Sargent charity auction over on eBay and every year I curse my parents for bringing me up to be sensible with money (know your limit Joanne and NEVER GO OVER IT!) as I’m always outbid. Last year I saw some proof copies of the latest Penny Hancock book over on Twitter and instantly drooled over them asking if any were going to be available for bloggers who were super fans (ie ME!!) and was told that they were unfortunately trade copies bound for the Frankfurt Book Fair. But the lovely Sam Humphreys at Mantle found a spare proof for me and I shall love her forever for it! I read it as soon as it arrived but then thought it too early to share my review. I was sorting through my bookcase last weekend and came across that much treasured copy and realised I’d never written that review! The positive side of this is that within 5 minutes I was sitting on the floor by the bookshelf reading it once again and I have to say that second time around I STILL found this book to be one of the most thought provoking, heartbreaking and utterly compelling books that I’ve read in recent months! Yes, I devoured it TWICE and loved it just as much (if not MORE!) after that repeat reading as I had done the day it arrived in the post last year.
Jules and Holly have been friends since university and know everything about each other. They support each other through their toughest life challenges and talk daily no matter how busy they are. Holly moved to the Fens from London after she was widowed but she’s now happily remarried, although her teenage son Saul seems to get unhappier by the day. Jules is also having teenager troubles with her daughter Saffie but in rather different circumstances. So when Saffie makes a serious allegation about Saul, it blows the relationships between their two families apart and has far reaching consequences that neither woman could ever have foreseen.
We watch with horror as this story unfolds from both Holly’s and Jules perspectives. Be warned that this is a harrowing journey Penny Hancock takes us on as the accusations Saffie makes are difficult to read at times. But the exquisitely detailed relationship between Holly and Jules was what connected me to the narrative and kept me there, transfixed by the unraveling of everything they thought they knew about each other…and their children. As a parent you always want to believe the best in your child but was Holly being naive in her strongly defensive support of her son? I found her difficult to warm to for that very reason but that didn’t stop me feeling sorry for her when she did start to discover some shocking facts about her son. I probably took to Jules more but then again I didn’t like the way she reacted either! I do think that Penny Hancock totally nailed this current trend in helicopter parenting that is always well meant but is raising a generation of young adults scared of failure, less able to adapt to new situations or to take responsibility for their actions.
I Thought I Knew You will make you question your friendships, your relationship and even your own parenting. Do we ever really know those closest to us? When times get tough do those we expect to be there for us stand up to scrutiny or does loyalty only exist when the truth is laid bare? I loved challenging my expectations and beliefs, playing devils advocate with my own opinions on what really occurred that night. This meant that I was gripped from the very first line of this book until the shocking moments that played out in the final denouement but I then wanted the book to continue! These families had become such an integral part of my life for the short time that I was with them that I wanted to continue that contact moving forwards. A strange feeling but one that lifted this book to another level for me, an emotional but insightful one.
Truly a brilliantly emotive and conflicting read that I’ve no hesitation in recommending!
April 1, 2021
Esse livro me surpreendeu de várias formas possíveis, me fez sentir empatia pela Holly, pelo sofrimento extremo desacreditando totalmente da educação que deu ao seu filho.
Jules tbm passou por tanta coisa, ambas saíram muito feridas, mas ao mesmo tempo muito mais maduras. Os conflitos ajudaram a evoluir os personagens.
Quando Safie conta do estrupo, nos acreditamos imediatamente e daí o livro vai mostrando comportamentos divergentes de vários personagens e várias dúvidas começam a surgir e eu me senti no mesmo turbilhão de emoções que as mães estavam sentindo. Acabei desconfiando de todos e de tudo.
Em cada revelação eu me sentia aliviada apesar do tamanho do estresse vivido no livro e como se a verdade trouxesse a libertação, pelo menos foi assim que me senti.
Eu mergulhei nesse livro e a cada página eu tinha mais necessidade de entender de querer descobrir o que ia acontecer.
Eu recomendo muito esse livro e recomendo ainda mais para os homens, porque além de ter uma história maravilhosa e envolvente ainda ensina muito sobre consentimento e postura.
Jules tbm passou por tanta coisa, ambas saíram muito feridas, mas ao mesmo tempo muito mais maduras. Os conflitos ajudaram a evoluir os personagens.
Quando Safie conta do estrupo, nos acreditamos imediatamente e daí o livro vai mostrando comportamentos divergentes de vários personagens e várias dúvidas começam a surgir e eu me senti no mesmo turbilhão de emoções que as mães estavam sentindo. Acabei desconfiando de todos e de tudo.
Em cada revelação eu me sentia aliviada apesar do tamanho do estresse vivido no livro e como se a verdade trouxesse a libertação, pelo menos foi assim que me senti.
Eu mergulhei nesse livro e a cada página eu tinha mais necessidade de entender de querer descobrir o que ia acontecer.
Eu recomendo muito esse livro e recomendo ainda mais para os homens, porque além de ter uma história maravilhosa e envolvente ainda ensina muito sobre consentimento e postura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
A breathtaking, incredibly gripping novel about love and loyalty. Do you believe your daughter or your best friends son when accusations are made. It's one of those books I couldn't put down. I didn't want it to end but wanted the ending as well.I would certainly recommend this book to anyone. Excellent
April 7, 2025
Minha resenha em uma frase: um desserviço às discussões sobre violência sexual. Quando comecei o livro, fiquei bem interessada por ele abordar o tema, mas não imaginava que ele fosse conseguir errar tanto! Na tentativa de sair do óbvio e trazer contrapontos, a obra só conseguiu dar força aos inúmeros clichês que cita repetidas vezes. A construção da narrativa vai claramente contra tudo que é dito. Posicionamentos preconceituosos e danosos são expostos sem que haja nenhum trabalho de fato crítico em cima deles, então para o leitor fica a impressão de que aquilo é sim um argumento válido, mesmo que a intenção tenha sido exatamente o contrário. Denúncias são tratadas de forma leviana, vítimas são constantemente desrespeitadas, preconceitos são repetidos a torto e a direito (e, portanto, reforçados), violências de diferentes tipos são minimizadas... Como se isso não bastasse, as personagens são, obviamente, rasas, irritantes e pateticamente histéricos (o que só foi reforçado na narração do audiolivro), e a narrativa é construída o tempo todo com um tom de inevitabilidade risível, ainda mais quando o desfecho é previsível ainda na primeira metade do livro. Façam um favor pra vocês mesmo e se poupem dessa porcaria.
December 11, 2024
Lendo a premissa do livro fiquei bem cética pois de duas uma, ou seria uma abordagem capenga e sem tato com vítimas de abuso sexual ou seria uma livro incrível. Felizmente, o segundo caso foi o que aconteceu.
Jules e Holly são duas amigas que se conhecem desde a época da faculdade, elas são a rede de apoio de uma da outra. Compartilham segredos, dúvidas quanto a maternidade, e medos sobre o futuro. Apesar disso, não é difícil notar que a relação delas não é perfeita. Fato que se escancara com o conflito do livro, que gira em torno da acusação de estupro que a filha Jules fez contra o filho de Holly.
A presença de dois tipos de narradores, primeira pessoa quando se trata da Holly e terceira quando se trata da Jules, me permitiu ver o maior quantidade de lados, emoções e comportamentos dessa história. Como estudante de psicologia, foi um verdadeiro banquete ver todos esses microconflitos causados por palavras ditas no calor do momento. É realmente interessante ver o quão complexa uma situação é e analisar o que leva uma pessoa a agir de certa forma.
Enfim, o final não me surpreendeu. Porém não vejo isso de forma negativa, acho que o verdadeiro valor desse livro não está na presença ou ausência de reviravoltas mirabolantes, e sim no caminho que foi traçado até o desfecho.
Jules e Holly são duas amigas que se conhecem desde a época da faculdade, elas são a rede de apoio de uma da outra. Compartilham segredos, dúvidas quanto a maternidade, e medos sobre o futuro. Apesar disso, não é difícil notar que a relação delas não é perfeita. Fato que se escancara com o conflito do livro, que gira em torno da acusação de estupro que a filha Jules fez contra o filho de Holly.
A presença de dois tipos de narradores, primeira pessoa quando se trata da Holly e terceira quando se trata da Jules, me permitiu ver o maior quantidade de lados, emoções e comportamentos dessa história. Como estudante de psicologia, foi um verdadeiro banquete ver todos esses microconflitos causados por palavras ditas no calor do momento. É realmente interessante ver o quão complexa uma situação é e analisar o que leva uma pessoa a agir de certa forma.
Enfim, o final não me surpreendeu. Porém não vejo isso de forma negativa, acho que o verdadeiro valor desse livro não está na presença ou ausência de reviravoltas mirabolantes, e sim no caminho que foi traçado até o desfecho.
January 14, 2020
Wow. Before this book I had never even heard of Penny Hancock. But oh how this book has led me to want to read more and more of hers! I devoured this book in less than a 24 hour span, because how her writing absolutely lures you in, is just unbelievable. The twists and turns and heartache in this psychological thriller keep you guessing til the end! 4 BIG stars for this awesome read!
December 15, 2019
This book was hard for me to read at first. I even stopped a few chapters in, deciding it was too disturbing. But revisited it a few weeks later and became engrossed in the story. The tangled lives, the twists and turns, the emotions, the tragedies, and doing everything to overcome, protect their children and rebuild. I couldn’t put it down.
November 3, 2019
I enjoyed this book, lots of twists and turns, trying to decide who to believe. I just wish there was a little more at the end, it seemed to end a little abrupt to me. I will definitely read more by this author.
March 25, 2021
O livro é muito instigante. Você ama e odeia todos os personagens e não sabe em quem acreditar. Não consegui parar de ler até terminar.
March 10, 2019
Wow, what a brilliant book. This is a book that every mother will find moving. Jules and Holly are best friends and their two children Saffie and Saul have grown up together. When Holly’s husband dies she moves out of London to live near Jules, her husband and Saffie. But everything changes one night when Saffie accuses Saul of a terrible crime and the two families are then torn apart. Who do you believe? Jules can’t believe that Saffie would lie and Holly can’t believe that Saul could commit the crime he is accused of. Their friendship then quickly falls apart and I found myself sympathising with both of them as I could understand why both mums thought their child was the innocent one. This is an excellent book, thought provoking, with an excellent ending. Highly recommended..
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 30, 2021
"E entendi que é sobre a morte, sobre como todo mundo morre um pouco quando uma outra pessoa morre" - e essa frase que eu li bem na semana em que a pandemia faz 300.000 mortos no Brasil.
"Preciso tomar alguma coisa que apague a dor de estar acordada"
4.7/5 ⭐
Eu só sou incapaz de dar nota 5 para esse livro pela associação ridícula da mãe Holly com a música "Rape me" do Nirvana, mas é bem verosímil, inclusive conheço mães que fariam igual e também por causa do final "seguro" escolhido pela autora.
O livro me proporcionou horas de assunto e de reflexão, durante boa parte da leitura não soube em quem acreditar e de qual eu lado eu estava. Inicialmente, fiquei do lado do Saul por duvidar da narrativa da Saffie, o que me fez ponderar se eu, ainda que dita feminista, estava culpabilizando a vítima e me questionei o porquê de eu tão rápido ter tomado o lado do possível agressor.
O caso ainda é bem relacionado ao assunto que eu trabalho, o que tornou a discussão ainda mais palpável e complicada.
A autora retrata muito bem, muito fidedigna, a complexidade das relações humanas e consegue escreve-las, em toda sua dificuldade e complicação, com muita fluidez, com boas descrições dos personagens que fazem você imaginá-los, senti-los e por vezes odiá-los. A obra te arranca várias reflexões e suspiros, de forma que a autora não conseguiu abandonar por inteiro o gênero thriller que costuma escrever.
Personagens:
Saffie: Uma criança, pré-adolescente, com todas as dificuldades dessa fase da vida retratadas perfeitamente.
Saul: Some muito cedo e pouco se sabe dele e das ações dele, somente se sabe pela visão questionável da mãe.
Holly: Mãe de Saul, feminista, professora, não aprendeu a bloquear no twitter ainda.
Jules: Como mãe, se culpa muito desnecessariamente. Espero que o marido dela tome jeito.
História:
Conclusão: Recomendaria demais essa leitura, até para quem não é assinante TAG. Foi uma surpresa muito boa, me proporcionou horas de reflexão e toca em um assunto delicadíssimo muito bem. Novamente, na minha opinião, a tag inéditos acertou no seu envio do mês.
May 28, 2023
São tantas coisas pra dizer que eu nem sei se dou conta de colocar tudo aqui. Até a metade do livro eu fiquei completamente vidrada, presa, não conseguia largá-lo de maneira nenhuma. Pela revolta, pelo nojo ou pela sede da verdade, ele me prendeu.
A postura da Holly me incomodou de uma maneira mais profunda do que eu sequer poderia ter imaginado. Uma pessoa no cargo dela, na posição profissional que ocupava, nos feitos do seu passado... A conta não bate de jeito nenhum quando a corda arrebentou pro seu lado mais fraco. Independente do começo, do meio ou do fim do livro; por mais que de muitas maneiras eu me identifique com a personalidade da personagem, esse pano pra ela eu jamais conseguirei passar. O Rowan é problemático em tantos níveis que merecia um livro só dele pra trabalhar todas as camadas de erro que culminam na sua existência.
Da metade pra frente, o rumo que a história segue ficou arrastado pra mim. Entendo que exista um desenvolvimento das duas famílias enquanto "um certo personagem" toma "um certo rumo desconhecido" (creio que quem leu vai entender kkkk), mas não necessitava de tanta demora assim para que as coisas se resolvessem, pra mim poderia ter sido mais enxuto. No último 1/4 do livro, quando as coisas finalmente voltaram a andar, foi quando fui fisgada novamente. A verdade foi revelada. E por mais que eu entenda que o desfecho é extremamente verossímil e faça mais sentido do que a proposta original, algo faltou pra mim. Achei que o personagem que é a chave de tudo para o final do livro não foi nada desenvolvido, me pareceu jogado (da mesma forma quando é revelada a identidade do @Machistinha). Sua posição fez todo o sentido, mas a pessoa não, pelo menos não pra mim. Também queria me expressar sobre a Saffie, mas acredito que ela é a única personagem em que não há nada que eu possa aqui dizer sem revelar o mínimo de spoilers do livro, provavelmente já devo ter revelado até demais kkkkk.
Em suma, na parte em que estava extremamente irritada com a Holly e que a trama não estava mais me pegando, cogitei dar 3 estrelas, mas agora, observando como um todo, dou as 4 que queria dar desde o começo porque ele é exatamente sobre isso: uma montanha russa de emoções. Pelo bem ou pelo mal, ele vai mexer com você. Mesmo que a minha opinião seja água e a sua vinho, ele vai mexer com você. Um assunto extremamente necessário, uma abordagem que talvez não tenha me agradado tanto quanto eu gostaria, mas ainda assim preciso reconhecer que foi uma jornada incrível.
P.S. mais de um ano depois: o número de estrelas deveria ter sido 3 desde o início. Quando penso nesse livro, por mais que me lembre do mix de emoções que senti, a única que me marcou foi a raiva. Você só passa raiva do início ao fim. Entendo o que a autora quis fazer, mas pra mim ela cagou no pau. Pra terminar: pode passar o tempo que for, a Holly sempre vai ser uma egoísta escrota do caralho que só pensa em si mesma. Se bobear, três estrelas ainda é muito.
A postura da Holly me incomodou de uma maneira mais profunda do que eu sequer poderia ter imaginado. Uma pessoa no cargo dela, na posição profissional que ocupava, nos feitos do seu passado... A conta não bate de jeito nenhum quando a corda arrebentou pro seu lado mais fraco. Independente do começo, do meio ou do fim do livro; por mais que de muitas maneiras eu me identifique com a personalidade da personagem, esse pano pra ela eu jamais conseguirei passar. O Rowan é problemático em tantos níveis que merecia um livro só dele pra trabalhar todas as camadas de erro que culminam na sua existência.
Da metade pra frente, o rumo que a história segue ficou arrastado pra mim. Entendo que exista um desenvolvimento das duas famílias enquanto "um certo personagem" toma "um certo rumo desconhecido" (creio que quem leu vai entender kkkk), mas não necessitava de tanta demora assim para que as coisas se resolvessem, pra mim poderia ter sido mais enxuto. No último 1/4 do livro, quando as coisas finalmente voltaram a andar, foi quando fui fisgada novamente. A verdade foi revelada. E por mais que eu entenda que o desfecho é extremamente verossímil e faça mais sentido do que a proposta original, algo faltou pra mim. Achei que o personagem que é a chave de tudo para o final do livro não foi nada desenvolvido, me pareceu jogado (da mesma forma quando é revelada a identidade do @Machistinha). Sua posição fez todo o sentido, mas a pessoa não, pelo menos não pra mim. Também queria me expressar sobre a Saffie, mas acredito que ela é a única personagem em que não há nada que eu possa aqui dizer sem revelar o mínimo de spoilers do livro, provavelmente já devo ter revelado até demais kkkkk.
Em suma, na parte em que estava extremamente irritada com a Holly e que a trama não estava mais me pegando, cogitei dar 3 estrelas, mas agora, observando como um todo, dou as 4 que queria dar desde o começo porque ele é exatamente sobre isso: uma montanha russa de emoções. Pelo bem ou pelo mal, ele vai mexer com você. Mesmo que a minha opinião seja água e a sua vinho, ele vai mexer com você. Um assunto extremamente necessário, uma abordagem que talvez não tenha me agradado tanto quanto eu gostaria, mas ainda assim preciso reconhecer que foi uma jornada incrível.
P.S. mais de um ano depois: o número de estrelas deveria ter sido 3 desde o início. Quando penso nesse livro, por mais que me lembre do mix de emoções que senti, a única que me marcou foi a raiva. Você só passa raiva do início ao fim. Entendo o que a autora quis fazer, mas pra mim ela cagou no pau. Pra terminar: pode passar o tempo que for, a Holly sempre vai ser uma egoísta escrota do caralho que só pensa em si mesma. Se bobear, três estrelas ainda é muito.
March 1, 2022
Odiei
Brincadeira, vamos com calma. Realmente, eu não chegaria a dizer que eu gostei do livro, mas eu não posso deixar de admitir que ele é muito bem escrito. Eu tenho que dar o crédito onde ele é merecido. (Mas acho que ele está mais para 4★ e pouco, não chega a 5★)
As partes em que a Holly descreve o cenário foram as únicas que não me desceram bem, principalmente no comecinho do livro, porque elas soaram muito pretensiosas. Parece que a intenção era que a cidade fosse "uma das personagens da trama", como a gente vê em outras obras de mais pompa, mas pra mim elas não acrescentaram foi em nada.
Do resto eu achei a escrita muito inteligente em diversos pontos. Tudo muito bem pensado e amarradinho, pra que nada existisse sem um motivo. E é nesses detalhes da escrita que é possível ver por A+B o desenvolvimento redondinho das personagens. O próprio padrão de fala delas muda de um jeito simples e direto. No começo do livro, durante os diálogos que se seguem à acusação, a Holly pensa em falar coisas leves para as pessoas, e acaba sendo super agressiva e xingando quem quer que esteja falando com ela. E mais para o final do livro ela tem vontade de xingar, pensa em xingar, e acaba respondendo os outros de maneira calma e racional. Ela não termina o livro como uma pessoa perfeita e reformada (e Deus sabe o quanto ela me fez querer jogar o livro numa lixeira e botar fogo), mas a mudança está lá, ela passa pela jornada quer ela queira ou não.
Minha única crítica mesmo sobre a escrita são algumas repetições que eu achei totalmente desnecessárias, enquanto em outros pontos ficou faltando ressaltar algo que havia sido mencionado antes.
O que eu quero dizer com isso? Alguns elementos a autora faz questão de re-explicar TODA vez que eles aparecem na cena; como o ursinho de pelúcia da Saffie que é descrito toda santa vez como "tendo sido dado a ela de presente por Saul quando eles eram crianças". Sem tirar nem por, essa é a descrição na dúzia de vezes que o urso aparece. Sempre mencionando quem o deu, e quando deu. Todas as vezes.
Em outros momentos, algo que poderia e deveria ser repetido, como por exemplo a identidade de uma personagem terciária que apareceu por menos de uma página no primeiro capítulo do livro, é mencionado como se fosse esperado do leitor saber exatamente quem a pessoa é.
"— Ei! — é Samantha. —(...)" Quem?
Não tem literalmente nenhuma descrição nessa passagem que ajude a saber quem essa personagem é, e depois de repetir a história do ursinho umas 10 vezes essa falta de explicação fica meio discrepante com o resto da escrita. Mas eu vou deixar passar.
No todo o livro traz muitas reflexões e não poupa em mostrar todas as facetas humanas das personagens frente a diversos baques que as fazem reagir de maneiras totalmente inesperadas, mas totalmente plausíveis. Ele realmente leva o tema "não conhecer mais alguém" ao limite.
Brincadeira, vamos com calma. Realmente, eu não chegaria a dizer que eu gostei do livro, mas eu não posso deixar de admitir que ele é muito bem escrito. Eu tenho que dar o crédito onde ele é merecido. (Mas acho que ele está mais para 4★ e pouco, não chega a 5★)
As partes em que a Holly descreve o cenário foram as únicas que não me desceram bem, principalmente no comecinho do livro, porque elas soaram muito pretensiosas. Parece que a intenção era que a cidade fosse "uma das personagens da trama", como a gente vê em outras obras de mais pompa, mas pra mim elas não acrescentaram foi em nada.
Do resto eu achei a escrita muito inteligente em diversos pontos. Tudo muito bem pensado e amarradinho, pra que nada existisse sem um motivo. E é nesses detalhes da escrita que é possível ver por A+B o desenvolvimento redondinho das personagens. O próprio padrão de fala delas muda de um jeito simples e direto. No começo do livro, durante os diálogos que se seguem à acusação, a Holly pensa em falar coisas leves para as pessoas, e acaba sendo super agressiva e xingando quem quer que esteja falando com ela. E mais para o final do livro ela tem vontade de xingar, pensa em xingar, e acaba respondendo os outros de maneira calma e racional. Ela não termina o livro como uma pessoa perfeita e reformada (e Deus sabe o quanto ela me fez querer jogar o livro numa lixeira e botar fogo), mas a mudança está lá, ela passa pela jornada quer ela queira ou não.
Minha única crítica mesmo sobre a escrita são algumas repetições que eu achei totalmente desnecessárias, enquanto em outros pontos ficou faltando ressaltar algo que havia sido mencionado antes.
O que eu quero dizer com isso? Alguns elementos a autora faz questão de re-explicar TODA vez que eles aparecem na cena; como o ursinho de pelúcia da Saffie que é descrito toda santa vez como "tendo sido dado a ela de presente por Saul quando eles eram crianças". Sem tirar nem por, essa é a descrição na dúzia de vezes que o urso aparece. Sempre mencionando quem o deu, e quando deu. Todas as vezes.
Em outros momentos, algo que poderia e deveria ser repetido, como por exemplo a identidade de uma personagem terciária que apareceu por menos de uma página no primeiro capítulo do livro, é mencionado como se fosse esperado do leitor saber exatamente quem a pessoa é.
"— Ei! — é Samantha. —(...)" Quem?
Não tem literalmente nenhuma descrição nessa passagem que ajude a saber quem essa personagem é, e depois de repetir a história do ursinho umas 10 vezes essa falta de explicação fica meio discrepante com o resto da escrita. Mas eu vou deixar passar.
No todo o livro traz muitas reflexões e não poupa em mostrar todas as facetas humanas das personagens frente a diversos baques que as fazem reagir de maneiras totalmente inesperadas, mas totalmente plausíveis. Ele realmente leva o tema "não conhecer mais alguém" ao limite.
February 14, 2019
Holly and Jules are best friends, they confide in each other about everything and are ‘odd’ mothers to each other’s children. Three years apart in age, Saul and Saffie have grown up together until one fateful night their world is irrevocably changed when Saffie accuses Saul of an unforgivable act.
What follows is a haunting and acute exploration of an aftermath of disbelief, remorse and utter sorrow. The repercussions impacting on every part of their lives. Holly and Jules friendship is pushed to the limit as they struggle to make sense of what has happened. The alternate narratives highlighting the parallels between them even as the divide deepens.
All four of the central characters resonated with me deeply, I was unsure who I believed and changed my mind almost as often as I turned the page, even when I struggled to work out who I trusted - my heart broke for each and every one of them.
I Thought I Knew You is a cleverly told, thought-provoking and very moving book. It evoked a myriad of emotions within me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I finished it.
What follows is a haunting and acute exploration of an aftermath of disbelief, remorse and utter sorrow. The repercussions impacting on every part of their lives. Holly and Jules friendship is pushed to the limit as they struggle to make sense of what has happened. The alternate narratives highlighting the parallels between them even as the divide deepens.
All four of the central characters resonated with me deeply, I was unsure who I believed and changed my mind almost as often as I turned the page, even when I struggled to work out who I trusted - my heart broke for each and every one of them.
I Thought I Knew You is a cleverly told, thought-provoking and very moving book. It evoked a myriad of emotions within me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I finished it.
July 3, 2019
This is a very readable psychological thriller focusing on how one accusation dramatically affects the lives of two friends and their families. I liked the characters of both Holly and Jules, though they do make several key decisions that to me make no sense whatsoever. Still, the writing is such that I just had to keep reading to find out what happened.
There are passages that could easily be shortened, especially in the first half of the book, but the mystery of what the actual truth is remains an important focus. I really loved Pete, Holly's husband - he's the character who changes the most, and I was very impressed with him in the latter stages of the story. Speaking of the ending, I'm afraid that final chapter is a let-down - there is too much unnecessary explanation and you can see Hancock desperately trying to make all the ends meet up when there was no need to do so - hence the 4 stars, as up until that last chapter, this was a 5-star read.
There are passages that could easily be shortened, especially in the first half of the book, but the mystery of what the actual truth is remains an important focus. I really loved Pete, Holly's husband - he's the character who changes the most, and I was very impressed with him in the latter stages of the story. Speaking of the ending, I'm afraid that final chapter is a let-down - there is too much unnecessary explanation and you can see Hancock desperately trying to make all the ends meet up when there was no need to do so - hence the 4 stars, as up until that last chapter, this was a 5-star read.
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