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Shadow Child
Eighteen-year-old Emma has loving parents, a happy home life, and a promising future ahead of her.So why, one morning, does she leave home without a trace?Her parents Cath and Jim are devastated. They have no idea why Emma left, where she is - or even whether she is still alive.A year passes, and the couple are still coping with Emma's absence, not to mention all of the unanswered questions she left behind.What Cath and Jim cannot know is that, close by, Emma is also struggling with her new life - in particular, with the trauma that caused her to run away in the first place.But the three of them must realise that, in order to trust each other once again, they have to come to terms with the secrets of their pasts; secrets that have been hidden for years ...Secrets that have the power to destroy them.The Shadow Child is a book of hope and reconciliation, of coming to terms with trauma and learning to love again. Most of all, it's about how you can never quite escape from the shadows of your past - especially when one of those shadows is a child ...
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hancox
2 books9 followersRachel Hancox read Medicine and Social and Political Science at Cambridge, qualified as a doctor three months after getting married, and has juggled her family, her career and a passion for writing ever since. She worked in Pediatrics and Public Health for twenty years, writing short stories alongside NHS policy reports, and drafting novels during successive bouts of maternity leave. Rachel loves singing, cooking, gardening and pottery, and has five children, three dogs and a cat. As someone once said, she thrives on chaos.
She lives in Oxford with her husband and youngest children.
She lives in Oxford with her husband and youngest children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 5, 2022
This was a gut-wrenching, emotional read that portrays the heartbreak and agony of a daughter going missing, and how the parents adjust to life wondering what happened to their child. Cath and Jim's experiences are very different, and I definitely sympathised more with Cath's situation. Their relationship was extremely difficult to read, and it broke my heart.
The reasons surrounding Emma's disappearance do take some time to come to light, and just when I was feeling frustrated, the author throws a curveball and I am right there with them, understanding every little nuance.
I did like Lara and Nick's story, although at times I struggled to see the relevance in their inclusion, but I did enjoy the contrasting relationships and themes between them and Cath and Jim, and I loved them as characters.
The characters were likeable on the whole, and while I didn't agree with some decisions, I can sympathise with why they made them.
A book full of emotion, and a really great read.
The reasons surrounding Emma's disappearance do take some time to come to light, and just when I was feeling frustrated, the author throws a curveball and I am right there with them, understanding every little nuance.
I did like Lara and Nick's story, although at times I struggled to see the relevance in their inclusion, but I did enjoy the contrasting relationships and themes between them and Cath and Jim, and I loved them as characters.
The characters were likeable on the whole, and while I didn't agree with some decisions, I can sympathise with why they made them.
A book full of emotion, and a really great read.
March 30, 2022
Cath and Jim are a happily married couple whose lives were completely upended when their daughter, Emma, walks out and never contacts them again. They have no idea where she is, or why she left, nor even whether she is safe. The authorities are sympathetic but Emma is turning eighteen, so there are limits to the help they can offer. Cath and Jim are shipwrecked, but somehow they have to continue living. As they attempt to rebuild themselves, and their relationship with each other, they use an inheritance to buy a small rental property - an almost perfect little house so unlike anything they ever had when young.
Cath and Jim are parents of twins, one was born healthy, the other had serious disabilities. Emma, the healthy twin grew up with survivors guilt and one day she just ups and leaves home. The story covers some sensitive issues making this a heartbreaking read in places. The characters were well developed and believable. The pace went from being steady, to slow, to steady throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone and the author #RachelHancox for my ARC of #TheShadowChild in exchange for an honest review.
Cath and Jim are parents of twins, one was born healthy, the other had serious disabilities. Emma, the healthy twin grew up with survivors guilt and one day she just ups and leaves home. The story covers some sensitive issues making this a heartbreaking read in places. The characters were well developed and believable. The pace went from being steady, to slow, to steady throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone and the author #RachelHancox for my ARC of #TheShadowChild in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2023
Jim and Cath are a happily married couple who have been struggling to cope after their eighteen year old daughter Emma left home a year ago, without telling them why or where she went.
They use an inheritance to buy a small rental property which brings back memories of their first house together, although it was not as perfect as this rental property.
The new tenants Ruth and Nick remind Cath and Jim of themselves when they were full of hope, before life took a turn for the worse. And so begins a friendship that has the power to heal or destroy them.
This was an emotional read that portrayed the agony and despair of a daughter going missing and how it would feel to try and move on when you are constantly wondering where your child is and if they are safe.
The characters were likeable and well rounded to make them believable.
This was such a great emotional read. I will definitely be looking out for this author's next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
They use an inheritance to buy a small rental property which brings back memories of their first house together, although it was not as perfect as this rental property.
The new tenants Ruth and Nick remind Cath and Jim of themselves when they were full of hope, before life took a turn for the worse. And so begins a friendship that has the power to heal or destroy them.
This was an emotional read that portrayed the agony and despair of a daughter going missing and how it would feel to try and move on when you are constantly wondering where your child is and if they are safe.
The characters were likeable and well rounded to make them believable.
This was such a great emotional read. I will definitely be looking out for this author's next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2022
This is a story about average, everyday, normal people. In as much as anyone is average and normal. These people are harboring secrets, secrets that impact others, secrets that impact their own emotional happiness, and secrets that can destroy their lives.
The characters are well developed and the settings are described with eloquence. The narrative is somewhat slow moving, yet I was engrossed in what was taking place. Parts of the writing almost took on a philosophical slant, making you think.
"...if she could turn the clock back - if she could start over - would she choose again the life she's had, or pick a different one?"
The title could refer to Emma's twin sister Rose. Emma always felt as though Rose's spirit was still with her - a sort of shadow. Or, alternatively it could refer to another aspect of the story which I won't divulge as it might ruin the reading experience for you. I refuse to include spoilers in my reviews.
"The Shadow Child" is a novel about imperfect people, striving to cope with their lives the only way they know how - trying to cope with everything life throws at them. Their actions are portrayed with empathy and tenderness. The novel explores the themes of grief, loss, betrayal, hope, despair, and love. Mostly though, it tells of how we, as humans, thrive best when we are needed.
Whether you call it literary fiction or women's fiction is up to you, but I know it is quality fiction and I will be seeking out more work by this author.
The characters are well developed and the settings are described with eloquence. The narrative is somewhat slow moving, yet I was engrossed in what was taking place. Parts of the writing almost took on a philosophical slant, making you think.
"...if she could turn the clock back - if she could start over - would she choose again the life she's had, or pick a different one?"
The title could refer to Emma's twin sister Rose. Emma always felt as though Rose's spirit was still with her - a sort of shadow. Or, alternatively it could refer to another aspect of the story which I won't divulge as it might ruin the reading experience for you. I refuse to include spoilers in my reviews.
"The Shadow Child" is a novel about imperfect people, striving to cope with their lives the only way they know how - trying to cope with everything life throws at them. Their actions are portrayed with empathy and tenderness. The novel explores the themes of grief, loss, betrayal, hope, despair, and love. Mostly though, it tells of how we, as humans, thrive best when we are needed.
Whether you call it literary fiction or women's fiction is up to you, but I know it is quality fiction and I will be seeking out more work by this author.
March 28, 2022
A family drama about love, loss, separation, grief, adultery and murder. Cath and Jim are couple in their fifties, who lose their twin daughters, Rose through childhood death, and Emily who leaves home without an explanation, but after a devastating tragedy. Started well but became more slow moving in the middle as it progressed. Overall an interesting read. I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author, publisher and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 2, 2022
A family drama about love, loss, separation, grief, adultery and murder. Cath and Jim are couple in their fifties, who lose their twin daughters, Rose through childhood death, and Emily who leaves home without an explanation, but after a devastating tragedy. Started well but became more slow moving in the middle as it progressed. Overall an interesting read. I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author, publisher and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 20, 2022
#bookrecommendations #bookreview #books #theshadowchild #RachelHancox #booklover #booksuggestion #bookstagram
This novel tells the story of Cath and Jim, a middle aged couple whose only child Emma disappeared 12 months before the novel's inception. Emma had been best friends with Julianne, a girl killed in a gruesome murder just weeks before she vanished. Cath and Jim are devastated by Emma's disappearance. Where has she gone? Does it have anything to do with Julianne's grizzly end? They receive two postcards in Emma's unmistakable handwriting telling them she is okay and for them not to look for her. Because of this, and the fact Emma is turning 18, the police put it down to a simple runaway and refuse to help them locate her. Cath and Jim buy a second house and let it out to young couple Lara and Nick and Cath attaches herself to Lara (herself estranged from her parents) clearly looking for a replacement daughter. The novel is split between the narrating voices of Cath, Jim, Lara and Nick and follows them as they look for the missing puzzle pieces in their lives. We are told in the book's blurb Emma is actually only streets away, but it isn't until the middle that Emma takes over as protagonist and we're allowed insight into her sheltered half-life existence.
I thought it was fairly well written but something was missing for me. I don't feel the blurb should have told us Emma's location as Hancox missed the opportunity to up the mystery element and really draw us in. I also didn't find it original in its premise or execution; it wasn't one I was dying to read in every moment of my spare time. Having said that, Hancox deals with some tricky themes such as child loss, infidelity, grief and familial estrangement in a sensitive and touching manner. We grow to care about the characters, and her portrayal of maternal love alongside longing and despair was well handled. The ending was satisfactory (if a little convenient) but I was left with some burning questions as it all came together at the conclusion. I would give it 2.5 stars and, although it didn't set my world on fire, I would recommend it as an easy read with some dark and disturbing themes.
This novel tells the story of Cath and Jim, a middle aged couple whose only child Emma disappeared 12 months before the novel's inception. Emma had been best friends with Julianne, a girl killed in a gruesome murder just weeks before she vanished. Cath and Jim are devastated by Emma's disappearance. Where has she gone? Does it have anything to do with Julianne's grizzly end? They receive two postcards in Emma's unmistakable handwriting telling them she is okay and for them not to look for her. Because of this, and the fact Emma is turning 18, the police put it down to a simple runaway and refuse to help them locate her. Cath and Jim buy a second house and let it out to young couple Lara and Nick and Cath attaches herself to Lara (herself estranged from her parents) clearly looking for a replacement daughter. The novel is split between the narrating voices of Cath, Jim, Lara and Nick and follows them as they look for the missing puzzle pieces in their lives. We are told in the book's blurb Emma is actually only streets away, but it isn't until the middle that Emma takes over as protagonist and we're allowed insight into her sheltered half-life existence.
I thought it was fairly well written but something was missing for me. I don't feel the blurb should have told us Emma's location as Hancox missed the opportunity to up the mystery element and really draw us in. I also didn't find it original in its premise or execution; it wasn't one I was dying to read in every moment of my spare time. Having said that, Hancox deals with some tricky themes such as child loss, infidelity, grief and familial estrangement in a sensitive and touching manner. We grow to care about the characters, and her portrayal of maternal love alongside longing and despair was well handled. The ending was satisfactory (if a little convenient) but I was left with some burning questions as it all came together at the conclusion. I would give it 2.5 stars and, although it didn't set my world on fire, I would recommend it as an easy read with some dark and disturbing themes.
April 20, 2022
“Almost a year, she says to herself, shaping the phrase carefully, so that it sounds decorous and dignified, a thing you could share without making people wince. Not that she does share it. In one sense there’s nothing to share: no news, no announcement; no painful moral to be drawn. Just nothing, since Emma’s … vanishing, might it be called?”
The story:
Cath and Jim have had their share of heartbreak. They lost a child, Rose, when she was very young; a child who had absorbed their time during her short life with care and hospital trips, and who left behind her twin Emma, and a hole in all their lives.
Now Emma is grown up, and the worst has happened — in the aftermath of a terrible event, she has gone too; vanished, leaving behind only a postcard entreating them not to look for her. A devastated Cath and Jim struggle to come to terms with their loss — was it something they did? Will Emma come home? Is she even still alive?
A year later, trying to carry on with their lives as best the can, Cath and Jim acquire a small house, and become landlords to young couple Nick and Lara. But although seemingly a perfect couple, they too have family secrets that threaten to drive them apart…
My thoughts:
“The Shadow Child”, by Rachel Hancox begins with the aftermath of Emma’s ‘vanishing’, and we meet Cath and Jim attempting to carry on with their lives. Both are sad and bewildered by what has happened, trying to understand what could have driven their beloved daughter from their home, and both carrying the weight of guilt that they should have done something, seen something. Did they not show her enough that they loved her? Did they give too much time to her weaker twin when the girls were young? Did they not explain her loss to Emma in the right way? The story of what happened to the young family after Cath becomes pregnant with the twins is beautifully and simply told via a series of flashbacks, through which we meet a young Emma and get to see the place that her twin Rose held in all their hearts.
As the book progressed I became increasingly anxious to hear from the point of view of the vanished Emma — what had she felt about what had happened to her family, and to her? Where was she? Why had she gone? In the second part of the book her story gradually reveals itself, and we learn of the event that pushed Emma to run from her seemingly happy life.
The parallel story of Nick and Lara was also an intriguing one. Where Cath is a mother without a daughter, Lara is a daughter without a mother, and her gratitude and growing bond with Cath is touching. The events that befall Nick and Lara also give Cath some sense that she can still be valued by others. And Nick and Lara’s story further emphasises a recurring theme in the book, about how little you really know about what those around you are experiencing, thinking, feeling…
When ‘something bad’ has happened to a book’s characters in the past, a great deal of my enjoyment of it depends on what this is and how it’s revealed, and I think the author does an excellent job of rewarding the reader while avoiding being sensational and remaining believable. The resolution to “The Shadow Child” is both satisfying and hopeful, and overall I thought this was an excellent read, and one I couldn’t put down!
The story:
Cath and Jim have had their share of heartbreak. They lost a child, Rose, when she was very young; a child who had absorbed their time during her short life with care and hospital trips, and who left behind her twin Emma, and a hole in all their lives.
Now Emma is grown up, and the worst has happened — in the aftermath of a terrible event, she has gone too; vanished, leaving behind only a postcard entreating them not to look for her. A devastated Cath and Jim struggle to come to terms with their loss — was it something they did? Will Emma come home? Is she even still alive?
A year later, trying to carry on with their lives as best the can, Cath and Jim acquire a small house, and become landlords to young couple Nick and Lara. But although seemingly a perfect couple, they too have family secrets that threaten to drive them apart…
My thoughts:
“The Shadow Child”, by Rachel Hancox begins with the aftermath of Emma’s ‘vanishing’, and we meet Cath and Jim attempting to carry on with their lives. Both are sad and bewildered by what has happened, trying to understand what could have driven their beloved daughter from their home, and both carrying the weight of guilt that they should have done something, seen something. Did they not show her enough that they loved her? Did they give too much time to her weaker twin when the girls were young? Did they not explain her loss to Emma in the right way? The story of what happened to the young family after Cath becomes pregnant with the twins is beautifully and simply told via a series of flashbacks, through which we meet a young Emma and get to see the place that her twin Rose held in all their hearts.
As the book progressed I became increasingly anxious to hear from the point of view of the vanished Emma — what had she felt about what had happened to her family, and to her? Where was she? Why had she gone? In the second part of the book her story gradually reveals itself, and we learn of the event that pushed Emma to run from her seemingly happy life.
The parallel story of Nick and Lara was also an intriguing one. Where Cath is a mother without a daughter, Lara is a daughter without a mother, and her gratitude and growing bond with Cath is touching. The events that befall Nick and Lara also give Cath some sense that she can still be valued by others. And Nick and Lara’s story further emphasises a recurring theme in the book, about how little you really know about what those around you are experiencing, thinking, feeling…
When ‘something bad’ has happened to a book’s characters in the past, a great deal of my enjoyment of it depends on what this is and how it’s revealed, and I think the author does an excellent job of rewarding the reader while avoiding being sensational and remaining believable. The resolution to “The Shadow Child” is both satisfying and hopeful, and overall I thought this was an excellent read, and one I couldn’t put down!
April 27, 2022
Since the day their eighteen-year-old daughter, Emma, left home and never returned a year ago, Cath and Jim have been struggling to cope, unable to understand why their precious daughter would walk out of their life or even if she is still alive. Every day they are caught between feelings of guilt, despair and helplessness, clinging to the hope that they will see her again one day soon.
Cath begins to channel her maternal feelings into their tenants Lara and Nick, hoping to fill the void that threatens to break her. But Lara and Nick are facing their own secret traumas that they are unable to even voice to one another, trying to live up to a version of themselves that isn’t real.
Meanwhile, Emma is trying to adapt to her new life and struggling to deal with a traumatic event that shattered her entire world.
The Shadow Child is a story about relationships, loss, trauma and hope. A story filled with secrets that threaten to break hearts and shatter already fragile relationships. The author explores difficult topics such as miscarriage and grief, writing with honesty and empathy. She also asks if it is ever acceptable to keep secrets in a relationship and examines how those relationships can be affected when a secret is revealed.
Cath, Jim, Lara, Nick and Emma each narrate their story, allowing us a glimpse into their psyche and the opportunity to connect with them on a deeper level. Each of them are trying to find a way to live life while also trying to come to terms with trauma, grief and heartache. The author also examines how events in our childhood can shape who we become and the massive impact that seemingly insignificant events can have on our lives.
Steadily paced, emotionally resonant and intriguing, The Shadow Child is a compelling debut about the complexities and nuances that make us human.
Rating: ✮✮✮.5
Cath begins to channel her maternal feelings into their tenants Lara and Nick, hoping to fill the void that threatens to break her. But Lara and Nick are facing their own secret traumas that they are unable to even voice to one another, trying to live up to a version of themselves that isn’t real.
Meanwhile, Emma is trying to adapt to her new life and struggling to deal with a traumatic event that shattered her entire world.
The Shadow Child is a story about relationships, loss, trauma and hope. A story filled with secrets that threaten to break hearts and shatter already fragile relationships. The author explores difficult topics such as miscarriage and grief, writing with honesty and empathy. She also asks if it is ever acceptable to keep secrets in a relationship and examines how those relationships can be affected when a secret is revealed.
Cath, Jim, Lara, Nick and Emma each narrate their story, allowing us a glimpse into their psyche and the opportunity to connect with them on a deeper level. Each of them are trying to find a way to live life while also trying to come to terms with trauma, grief and heartache. The author also examines how events in our childhood can shape who we become and the massive impact that seemingly insignificant events can have on our lives.
Steadily paced, emotionally resonant and intriguing, The Shadow Child is a compelling debut about the complexities and nuances that make us human.
Rating: ✮✮✮.5
May 5, 2022
A new author for me to become obsessed with! My favourite part of book blogging finding more books I love. The Shadow Child is a story of family, love, loss, trauma and the hope we all hold onto. Cath and Jim have struggled after their eighteen year old daughter, Emma, left home and never returned a year ago. They can't come to terms with losing her, not knowing if she is even alive.
Cath attempts to deal with the hole in her life by mothering their tenants Lara and Nick. Unknown to her they are struggling themselves, each in their own hell, not even able to tell one another. At the same time Emma is trying to get used to her lifewhile she struggles to deal with a traumatic event that blew her world apart.
The story is told from the points of view of Cath, Jim, Emma,Lara and Nick. The story is told in three parts, Cath and Jim's story is told first, then we read Emma's story and in the final third, Rachel Hancox weaves the various stories together in such a beautiful way.
It's a very well written story that engaged me immediately. The way it's told really let's you get to know the characters. They aren't perfect and you see they are human, each with flaws and each uniquely themselves. I was absorbed in their stories and was soon in my own book world with these characters.
Rachel Hancox brings subjects that aren't always easy ones, but she deals with them very well. She puts relationships under a microscope and how they alter after any type of trauma. She highlights how people deal with trauma and how they change.
I did find it a moving and emotional book that tugged at my heart as I read. A touching and engaging read for me. I highly recommended read from me.
Cath attempts to deal with the hole in her life by mothering their tenants Lara and Nick. Unknown to her they are struggling themselves, each in their own hell, not even able to tell one another. At the same time Emma is trying to get used to her lifewhile she struggles to deal with a traumatic event that blew her world apart.
The story is told from the points of view of Cath, Jim, Emma,Lara and Nick. The story is told in three parts, Cath and Jim's story is told first, then we read Emma's story and in the final third, Rachel Hancox weaves the various stories together in such a beautiful way.
It's a very well written story that engaged me immediately. The way it's told really let's you get to know the characters. They aren't perfect and you see they are human, each with flaws and each uniquely themselves. I was absorbed in their stories and was soon in my own book world with these characters.
Rachel Hancox brings subjects that aren't always easy ones, but she deals with them very well. She puts relationships under a microscope and how they alter after any type of trauma. She highlights how people deal with trauma and how they change.
I did find it a moving and emotional book that tugged at my heart as I read. A touching and engaging read for me. I highly recommended read from me.
March 14, 2022
This debut is a beautifully written story about family, relationships, and loss. After 18-year-old Emma leaves home without letting her parents, Jim and Cath, know where or how she is, they question how and why the daughter they love so much can cut them off so suddenly. It leaves them drifting apart and having to find different ways in which to cope in the aftermath.
Emma is a twin but her sister, Rose, died when she was five years old. The impact of the loss of Rose is far-reaching for the whole family, in particular Emma, as indeed is the murder of her best friend shortly before she leaves home. Cath and Jim rent out a small house to a young couple, Nick and Lara, and Cath grows close to Lara who has lost contact with her own parents.
The story is told first from the point of view of Jim and Cath and halfway through moves to Emma. The characters are realistic and I couldn't help but feel for them all. Although heart-rending in places it is also a redemptive read and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse/Cornerstone/Century for the opportunity to read and review The Shadow Child.
Emma is a twin but her sister, Rose, died when she was five years old. The impact of the loss of Rose is far-reaching for the whole family, in particular Emma, as indeed is the murder of her best friend shortly before she leaves home. Cath and Jim rent out a small house to a young couple, Nick and Lara, and Cath grows close to Lara who has lost contact with her own parents.
The story is told first from the point of view of Jim and Cath and halfway through moves to Emma. The characters are realistic and I couldn't help but feel for them all. Although heart-rending in places it is also a redemptive read and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse/Cornerstone/Century for the opportunity to read and review The Shadow Child.
April 20, 2022
I was first drawn to the stunning cover and the blurb on the back. It sounded like an intriguing story about a family suddenly torn apart. I loved this book, a wonderfully engaging read from Rachel Hancox.
I felt that this was a slow-paced read, but I couldn't put it down as it was intriguing. I thought I had to know what would happen next and what secrets caused Emma to abandon her family after they already had so much heartache. The book is told from numerous points of view between Cath, Jim, Emma, Lara and Nick.
I felt real tenderness for the characters, flawed but honest, each with their own secrets and lies intricately woven into their lives to make things more bearable. I felt connected to each character somehow; aside from Nick though I think his heart is in the right place and he loves Lara deeply, he needs to be reminded of it at times.
T^he book is split into three parts. The first third is mainly around Cath and Jim, the second is Emma, and the third brings everything neatly together to a beautiful ending.
The Shadow Child is one of those books you don't want to say too much about because you don't want to accidentally give anything away, and it's best to read that way. So, the story moves along through various tragedies; the loss of a baby and a child are ones to be particularly aware of.
Rachel Hancox has cleverly told a well-written story covering loss, grief (in many forms), adultery and murder. The overwhelming theme that shines through is love in so many guises for your friends, your family, and those you barely know.
The perfect spring read.
I felt that this was a slow-paced read, but I couldn't put it down as it was intriguing. I thought I had to know what would happen next and what secrets caused Emma to abandon her family after they already had so much heartache. The book is told from numerous points of view between Cath, Jim, Emma, Lara and Nick.
I felt real tenderness for the characters, flawed but honest, each with their own secrets and lies intricately woven into their lives to make things more bearable. I felt connected to each character somehow; aside from Nick though I think his heart is in the right place and he loves Lara deeply, he needs to be reminded of it at times.
T^he book is split into three parts. The first third is mainly around Cath and Jim, the second is Emma, and the third brings everything neatly together to a beautiful ending.
The Shadow Child is one of those books you don't want to say too much about because you don't want to accidentally give anything away, and it's best to read that way. So, the story moves along through various tragedies; the loss of a baby and a child are ones to be particularly aware of.
Rachel Hancox has cleverly told a well-written story covering loss, grief (in many forms), adultery and murder. The overwhelming theme that shines through is love in so many guises for your friends, your family, and those you barely know.
The perfect spring read.
March 10, 2022
This book has several main characters - beginning with Cath and Jim who have lost not one, but two daughters, although they know what happened to one, but not the other. Their anxiety and desperation to find Emma affects all the decisions they make in life at the moment.
Another couple also appear as. main characters. They are Nick and Lara who rent a house from Cath and Jim. Both of them have had a difficult childhood but they are very much in love. Cath, desperate for companionship, ingratiates herself into their lives bringing more issues for all of them.
Meanwhile, Cath and Jim's daughter, Emma, is living a separate life, mourning the loss of both her sister and a friend who died recently.
This was an interesting story which wove together several strands of love, loss and grief, expressed by the characters in different ways. I found it a little slow in patches but nonetheless it had an interesting read.
Another couple also appear as. main characters. They are Nick and Lara who rent a house from Cath and Jim. Both of them have had a difficult childhood but they are very much in love. Cath, desperate for companionship, ingratiates herself into their lives bringing more issues for all of them.
Meanwhile, Cath and Jim's daughter, Emma, is living a separate life, mourning the loss of both her sister and a friend who died recently.
This was an interesting story which wove together several strands of love, loss and grief, expressed by the characters in different ways. I found it a little slow in patches but nonetheless it had an interesting read.
March 11, 2022
I very much enjoyed this novel. It had such tenderness for its characters on their journeys, bravely tackling the challenges and mysteries family relations. Their voices were so clear, and sincerely expressed, I felt I really got inside their heads. As a mother, I related very strongly to the main mother, Cath, but was also moved by the younger women also caught up in wanting babies and making babies. Along this central axis move children and men, all of whom feel very true to life. Hancox does not shy away from their inner world, however complex. All have real, human failings and weaknesses. There is a lovely pace to the story-telling, with more contemplative passages in the middle gradually giving way to a younger, faster plot. The denouement moved me to tears.
May 15, 2022
The Book has secrets that make you want to know more about the characters. There is sadness with families breakdowns and daughter's running awa y. But happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2022
One morning without saying a word to her parents, 18 year old Emma leaves home, she vanishes into thin air. She had everything going for her, loving parents, a bight future, so why does she suddenly decide to leave without saying a word? It doesn’t make any sense. Beware dear reader this book is a can of worms just waiting to be ripped open and wiggle to freedom leaving a trail of dirt in their wake.
Told in three parts over the space of a year the narrative follows Cath, Jim, Lara, Nick and Emma as they all discover how the shadows from your past and the secrets you try to hide can slowly destroy or heal your life. Each character is hiding something from the other, the pressure builds as the intensity of the truth threatens to be heard. The reader is left questioning who to trust and will any of them come clean about the lies they have told. It becomes extremely frustrating at parts as you witness how close the lies become to being unravelled. You will be determined to read till the end to find out who is brave enough to open up and expose their dark secrets.
The reader follows the aftereffect of Emma’s disappearance that has left Cath and Jim heartbroken. Jim is slowly plodding along working as a photographer for the Gazette. He will still search now and then online for Emma, to no avail. He feels they should have looked harder, shouted louder and worries about what it is all doing to his wife. Cath still torments herself, asking herself over and over why did Emma leave and more importantly, where is she? She still holds out hope in finding her alive. She no longer works as a primary school teacher and doesn’t know how to fill her days. Cath often thinks back on memories when Emma was a child and how she would love to draw pictures of herself with her shadow, Rose. She blames herself for not noticing sooner that something was wrong and feels guilty every day since Emma left. Jim knows that things have been off kilter for a while and wants the old Cath back. They decided to both try and carry on and rent out a house in St. John’s Street. They hear from the agent that they have potential tenants, Lara and Nick, a married couple in their 20’s hoping to slowly step away from the busy city life and settle down. Jim tells Cath how the new tenants remind him of them back in the day. Cath wishes her and Jim were moving into the house and finds ways to ‘pop’ in on Nick and Lara. She forms a friendship with Lara and is reminded how much she misses that bond with Emma. She has a hole in her life and no idea how to fill it and so offers to help Nick and Lara look after their garden while they are at work in London. Lara is delighted, whereas Nick doesn’t approve of how close the two are growing and wishes at times that Cath would just leave them be. Jim busies himself in his work, always off somewhere to taking photos. He hates how he and Cath seem to walk on eggshells around each other since Emma left and wishes for them to be close again, to be intimate. His frustrations soon lead him down a path that will not only destroy his marriage but also threaten all hopes of ever finding Emma again. Emma in the meantime has not been that far away and is battling with her own demons. She tries to find peace and gain a better understanding of how she ended up where she is. She worries that anyone who gets close to her comes to harm and blames herself for a tragic incident that occurred before she disappeared.
A lot happens in this book, sometimes it builds slowly and others it’s in quick succession. You never know when you are going to be hit with a shocking truth that will turn everything on its head. The reader learns of how Cath and Jim met, the mysterious past that Lara is hiding and the reason why Emma left. It is fascinating to discover how these stories entwine with each other but also heartbreaking as this book covers themes of depression, adultery and baby loss. My heart bled for the trauma that Cath and Lara suffer. I grew to like these two strong women and couldn’t believe the heartache they went through. Hancox shows the reader these characters are vulnerable, struggling with their emotions and have no one to express them to. They have been carrying around these secrets for years, the weight bearing down on their shoulders. You want to desperately tell them to open up, be honest and breathe that huge sigh of relief they have been holding in for so long. It’s torture at times dear reader as you just want what’s best for the characters, some more than others as you get emotionally invested in this powerful story of loss and forgiveness. Make sure you have plenty of tissues nearby, you are going to need them.
I give The Shadow Child By Rachel Hancox a Four out of Five paw rating
The atmosphere that Hancox creates is beautifully hypnotising. From the suburban streets of Surrey, to the calm tranquility of the woods, the reader is consumed by curiosity on every page.
This book gripped me till the end, I was in tears and couldn’t put it down till I knew: Why, oh why did Emma leave? We all have our shadows dear reader, no matter how far we run or hide they will always be there. Always.
Told in three parts over the space of a year the narrative follows Cath, Jim, Lara, Nick and Emma as they all discover how the shadows from your past and the secrets you try to hide can slowly destroy or heal your life. Each character is hiding something from the other, the pressure builds as the intensity of the truth threatens to be heard. The reader is left questioning who to trust and will any of them come clean about the lies they have told. It becomes extremely frustrating at parts as you witness how close the lies become to being unravelled. You will be determined to read till the end to find out who is brave enough to open up and expose their dark secrets.
The reader follows the aftereffect of Emma’s disappearance that has left Cath and Jim heartbroken. Jim is slowly plodding along working as a photographer for the Gazette. He will still search now and then online for Emma, to no avail. He feels they should have looked harder, shouted louder and worries about what it is all doing to his wife. Cath still torments herself, asking herself over and over why did Emma leave and more importantly, where is she? She still holds out hope in finding her alive. She no longer works as a primary school teacher and doesn’t know how to fill her days. Cath often thinks back on memories when Emma was a child and how she would love to draw pictures of herself with her shadow, Rose. She blames herself for not noticing sooner that something was wrong and feels guilty every day since Emma left. Jim knows that things have been off kilter for a while and wants the old Cath back. They decided to both try and carry on and rent out a house in St. John’s Street. They hear from the agent that they have potential tenants, Lara and Nick, a married couple in their 20’s hoping to slowly step away from the busy city life and settle down. Jim tells Cath how the new tenants remind him of them back in the day. Cath wishes her and Jim were moving into the house and finds ways to ‘pop’ in on Nick and Lara. She forms a friendship with Lara and is reminded how much she misses that bond with Emma. She has a hole in her life and no idea how to fill it and so offers to help Nick and Lara look after their garden while they are at work in London. Lara is delighted, whereas Nick doesn’t approve of how close the two are growing and wishes at times that Cath would just leave them be. Jim busies himself in his work, always off somewhere to taking photos. He hates how he and Cath seem to walk on eggshells around each other since Emma left and wishes for them to be close again, to be intimate. His frustrations soon lead him down a path that will not only destroy his marriage but also threaten all hopes of ever finding Emma again. Emma in the meantime has not been that far away and is battling with her own demons. She tries to find peace and gain a better understanding of how she ended up where she is. She worries that anyone who gets close to her comes to harm and blames herself for a tragic incident that occurred before she disappeared.
A lot happens in this book, sometimes it builds slowly and others it’s in quick succession. You never know when you are going to be hit with a shocking truth that will turn everything on its head. The reader learns of how Cath and Jim met, the mysterious past that Lara is hiding and the reason why Emma left. It is fascinating to discover how these stories entwine with each other but also heartbreaking as this book covers themes of depression, adultery and baby loss. My heart bled for the trauma that Cath and Lara suffer. I grew to like these two strong women and couldn’t believe the heartache they went through. Hancox shows the reader these characters are vulnerable, struggling with their emotions and have no one to express them to. They have been carrying around these secrets for years, the weight bearing down on their shoulders. You want to desperately tell them to open up, be honest and breathe that huge sigh of relief they have been holding in for so long. It’s torture at times dear reader as you just want what’s best for the characters, some more than others as you get emotionally invested in this powerful story of loss and forgiveness. Make sure you have plenty of tissues nearby, you are going to need them.
I give The Shadow Child By Rachel Hancox a Four out of Five paw rating
The atmosphere that Hancox creates is beautifully hypnotising. From the suburban streets of Surrey, to the calm tranquility of the woods, the reader is consumed by curiosity on every page.
This book gripped me till the end, I was in tears and couldn’t put it down till I knew: Why, oh why did Emma leave? We all have our shadows dear reader, no matter how far we run or hide they will always be there. Always.
July 31, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Rachel Hancox’s novel The Shadow Child is a rich, complex and beguiling page-turner guaranteed to get under readers’ skin.
Eighteen year old Emma is a young woman who seems to have it all: a loving home, parents who worship the ground she walks on and a bright and promising future stretching ahead of her. Emma has everything to live for and seems to lead a charmed existence – so why does she disappear off the face of the earth one morning without leaving a trace? Her parents are naturally beside themselves. They vow to leave no stone unturned to find their precious daughter, but as a year goes by and Emma isn’t found, they started losing hope that they will ever see her ever again. Is Emma still alive? Is she unharmed? And will her parents ever see their daughter walk through the doors of their home?
Emma thought leaving her old life and starting afresh would be the answer to all of her prayers. But the struggle she had escaped continues to overwhelm her. By turning her back on the past, Emma thought she was safeguarding her future, but will ever be able to move on with her life when the weight of old secrets continues to lie heavily on her shoulders?
Will Emma and her parents ever be reconciled? Will they ever be healed from their past? Or are they destined to spend the rest of their lives haunted by anguish, fear and regret?
The Shadow Child is an immersive read that weaves a magical spell on readers that will keep them entranced and on the edge of their seats until the very last page. The Shadow Child is a powerful, intense and enthralling tale of secrets, lies and deception that works both as a nail-biting psychological thriller and a haunting and emotional domestic drama.
Rachel Hancox has a very bright future ahead of her and after galloping through The Shadow Child, I cannot wait to read what she writes next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rachel Hancox’s novel The Shadow Child is a rich, complex and beguiling page-turner guaranteed to get under readers’ skin.
Eighteen year old Emma is a young woman who seems to have it all: a loving home, parents who worship the ground she walks on and a bright and promising future stretching ahead of her. Emma has everything to live for and seems to lead a charmed existence – so why does she disappear off the face of the earth one morning without leaving a trace? Her parents are naturally beside themselves. They vow to leave no stone unturned to find their precious daughter, but as a year goes by and Emma isn’t found, they started losing hope that they will ever see her ever again. Is Emma still alive? Is she unharmed? And will her parents ever see their daughter walk through the doors of their home?
Emma thought leaving her old life and starting afresh would be the answer to all of her prayers. But the struggle she had escaped continues to overwhelm her. By turning her back on the past, Emma thought she was safeguarding her future, but will ever be able to move on with her life when the weight of old secrets continues to lie heavily on her shoulders?
Will Emma and her parents ever be reconciled? Will they ever be healed from their past? Or are they destined to spend the rest of their lives haunted by anguish, fear and regret?
The Shadow Child is an immersive read that weaves a magical spell on readers that will keep them entranced and on the edge of their seats until the very last page. The Shadow Child is a powerful, intense and enthralling tale of secrets, lies and deception that works both as a nail-biting psychological thriller and a haunting and emotional domestic drama.
Rachel Hancox has a very bright future ahead of her and after galloping through The Shadow Child, I cannot wait to read what she writes next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 9, 2022
I really loved this story and I found it hard to put down. The book is basically the story of five people intrinsically linked together by fate and love, of their insecurities, of their guilt, of their passion and how communication could have changed their lives completely.
Cath, a school teacher and Jim a newspaper photographer had been deeply in love from the first time that he had spotted her on the back of a carnival float, they had married and had two beautiful daughters, Emma and Rose but Rose would not survive and when she was seventeen Emma would disappear without trace..........their lives would never be the same again.
With and inheritance left to them Cath and Jim decided to buy a cottage to rent, Lara and Nick were to be their delighted tenants. Lara and Nick both had troubled childhoods, they were deeply in love but Lara had a secret that could destroy them.
Cath and Jim were still in love but Emma's disappearance had put up a barrier between them, a barrier that Jim couldn't break down, they were growing distant. Cath sought comfort in helping their tenants but was her help too intrusive ?, Jim sought comfort elsewhere, his guilt was deep, was loosing their daughters something that they could return from ? Would Lara's secret be revealed ? Was Emma still alive and if so would she ever return or would the guilt of being the surviving twin destroy her.
These lives are all linked together beautifully by Rachel Hancox, the love, the sadness and the guilt are palpable throughout, a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
Cath, a school teacher and Jim a newspaper photographer had been deeply in love from the first time that he had spotted her on the back of a carnival float, they had married and had two beautiful daughters, Emma and Rose but Rose would not survive and when she was seventeen Emma would disappear without trace..........their lives would never be the same again.
With and inheritance left to them Cath and Jim decided to buy a cottage to rent, Lara and Nick were to be their delighted tenants. Lara and Nick both had troubled childhoods, they were deeply in love but Lara had a secret that could destroy them.
Cath and Jim were still in love but Emma's disappearance had put up a barrier between them, a barrier that Jim couldn't break down, they were growing distant. Cath sought comfort in helping their tenants but was her help too intrusive ?, Jim sought comfort elsewhere, his guilt was deep, was loosing their daughters something that they could return from ? Would Lara's secret be revealed ? Was Emma still alive and if so would she ever return or would the guilt of being the surviving twin destroy her.
These lives are all linked together beautifully by Rachel Hancox, the love, the sadness and the guilt are palpable throughout, a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
April 20, 2022
Why does a young adult decides to leave their parent’s house? It’s not always because the relationship between them is difficult but because you don’t know how to connect with them, too many emotions fill your head that you don’t really know how to put words to them and leaving means removing the pressure of it. To try to express emotions that you don’t know how they’ll be welcomed…
This is a story about families, love and grief. I am a parent and I was a daughter; I didn’t have a good relationship when I was young with my mother, so maybe this is why I could relate so well with the characters of this book. The need to explain your emotions but the fear of not knowing the answer after emptying them; it’s not anyone’s fault, but sometimes is the crack on the relationship with unexpected consequences.
This is the story of Cath and Jim; they thought they were happy together, but then one day, their daughter Emma, left. Now, a year later, they are trying to survive and not fall into the sadness hole. Only trying to imagine what this couple has to feel makes me so sad; not knowing where your daughter is living or why she left; impossible to talk to her and try to solve things…
I loved this book; it’s sad but with very interesting points to highlight about miscarriage, violence, grieve… Yes, the themes that this book talks about are not easy, but it’s in a beautiful way, not to make you sad or bitter but to show you what happens to people around us.
This is a very interesting and sad story; I’ll keep it in my heart for a long time.
Are you ready to discover “The Shadow Child”?
This is a story about families, love and grief. I am a parent and I was a daughter; I didn’t have a good relationship when I was young with my mother, so maybe this is why I could relate so well with the characters of this book. The need to explain your emotions but the fear of not knowing the answer after emptying them; it’s not anyone’s fault, but sometimes is the crack on the relationship with unexpected consequences.
This is the story of Cath and Jim; they thought they were happy together, but then one day, their daughter Emma, left. Now, a year later, they are trying to survive and not fall into the sadness hole. Only trying to imagine what this couple has to feel makes me so sad; not knowing where your daughter is living or why she left; impossible to talk to her and try to solve things…
I loved this book; it’s sad but with very interesting points to highlight about miscarriage, violence, grieve… Yes, the themes that this book talks about are not easy, but it’s in a beautiful way, not to make you sad or bitter but to show you what happens to people around us.
This is a very interesting and sad story; I’ll keep it in my heart for a long time.
Are you ready to discover “The Shadow Child”?
March 31, 2022
Meet Cath, Jim, Emma and Lara - the main characters in this interesting tale.
Cath and Jim are parents to Emma and Rose, twin girls born 18 years ago. Sadly, Rose dies as a child due to complications during pregnancy. Emma misses her twin sister but as she grows up she develops a close friendship with an older girl who gets murdered by her twisted boyfriend. Struggling to cope with this double whammy of heartbreak, Emma leaves her home and family behind - sending only a note that she is fine and not to look for her. Cath and Jim are set adrift, having now seemingly lost both of their daughters and Cath struggles to find meaning in the world again. As a photographer, Jim is out and about more and crosses paths with the beguiling Dido - but what exactly does she want?
Meanwhile, Cath and Jim have let a house they own to tenants Nick and Lara. Young, recently married and career minded Lara has secrets of her own though, secrets that she confides in Cath but is too afraid to tell Nick in case it tears them apart.....that is until she discovers she is pregnant.
This is a well written, absorbing story that kept me coming back for more. Told though chapters that switch between the characters so you get a real sense of who they are and what they are thinking you soon get tangled up in their lives. From the moment that Emma bumps back into her father at about the half way mark the ending seems inevitable but it is still a nice journey there anyway.
Great for a Spring read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cath and Jim are parents to Emma and Rose, twin girls born 18 years ago. Sadly, Rose dies as a child due to complications during pregnancy. Emma misses her twin sister but as she grows up she develops a close friendship with an older girl who gets murdered by her twisted boyfriend. Struggling to cope with this double whammy of heartbreak, Emma leaves her home and family behind - sending only a note that she is fine and not to look for her. Cath and Jim are set adrift, having now seemingly lost both of their daughters and Cath struggles to find meaning in the world again. As a photographer, Jim is out and about more and crosses paths with the beguiling Dido - but what exactly does she want?
Meanwhile, Cath and Jim have let a house they own to tenants Nick and Lara. Young, recently married and career minded Lara has secrets of her own though, secrets that she confides in Cath but is too afraid to tell Nick in case it tears them apart.....that is until she discovers she is pregnant.
This is a well written, absorbing story that kept me coming back for more. Told though chapters that switch between the characters so you get a real sense of who they are and what they are thinking you soon get tangled up in their lives. From the moment that Emma bumps back into her father at about the half way mark the ending seems inevitable but it is still a nice journey there anyway.
Great for a Spring read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
This book is well written but nothing happens. It’s a book equivalent to ‘meeting that could have been an email’. Half the book is dedicated to a couple who are so unimportant they aren’t even mentioned in the blurb on the back and if you removed them from the story then you would have lost absolutely nothing from the plot. I’m not saying they couldn’t be there but why did they have their own chapters? It’s so strange. I kept assuming they would tie in somehow, like Lara’s mother would secretly be Penelope or something but no. There was really no point to them.
Misleading blurb and tagline… “Can her secrets unlock the past?” What secrets? There were none except the “secret” that everyone already knew and no unlocking required. The blurb and tagline imply a degree of mystery - there is not. This line at the bottom of the blurb, “secrets that have the power to heal them or destroy their family forever”….besties, I cannot illustrate this enough, I don’t know who wrote this blurb but I can only assume their have never read this book.
However, if you enjoy reading snapshots of someone’s life just for the fun of it, this is for you. A more accurate blurb may be: “Eighteen year old Emma runs away following a traumatic event, leaving parents Cath and Jim devastated and trying to navigate the world without her. As they go about their daily lives they turn further away from each other, unable to face the rift the loss of their daughter has caused. Will the family find their way back to each other again?”
Misleading blurb and tagline… “Can her secrets unlock the past?” What secrets? There were none except the “secret” that everyone already knew and no unlocking required. The blurb and tagline imply a degree of mystery - there is not. This line at the bottom of the blurb, “secrets that have the power to heal them or destroy their family forever”….besties, I cannot illustrate this enough, I don’t know who wrote this blurb but I can only assume their have never read this book.
However, if you enjoy reading snapshots of someone’s life just for the fun of it, this is for you. A more accurate blurb may be: “Eighteen year old Emma runs away following a traumatic event, leaving parents Cath and Jim devastated and trying to navigate the world without her. As they go about their daily lives they turn further away from each other, unable to face the rift the loss of their daughter has caused. Will the family find their way back to each other again?”
May 4, 2022
I chose to read this novel because it sounded completely different to everything else I read. I’m so glad I did and it served as a reminder that I need to widen my reading preferences.
There are multiple narrators who are all connected as family or friends. But there are issues between them, mainly because all of them find it difficult to talk about openly about how they feel. All of them were suffering because of this, either by keeping secrets or not talking about their past. There was really only one of them who was fully honest about his childhood, his frustration at what he saw as interference and his love for Lara. That character was Nick, at times my least favourite, but I had to show respect for his honesty.
Cath was another character who I had conflicting views on. At first, when she was trying too hard to get close to Lara and Nick it troubled me. I could fully understand why Nick struggled with it. But she could see that it wasn’t the right thing to do and the more I read the more I liked her.
Emma was another who I liked more as I read. The guilt over the deaths that had touched her. Her role in the home she was living in and the friendships made. She was the one who revealed a lot more than any of the others. And the one whose pain affected me more than the others.
But it was one of the minor characters I liked reading about most. Young, naive and innocent Jeannie. I adored everything about her and I liked to think that she was stronger than any of the others and would be the one to ease the years of pain.
This was a wonderful novel about a family. Probably a similar family to many with happy memories and devastating ones. And like many, one that needed to talk about feelings to each other
There are multiple narrators who are all connected as family or friends. But there are issues between them, mainly because all of them find it difficult to talk about openly about how they feel. All of them were suffering because of this, either by keeping secrets or not talking about their past. There was really only one of them who was fully honest about his childhood, his frustration at what he saw as interference and his love for Lara. That character was Nick, at times my least favourite, but I had to show respect for his honesty.
Cath was another character who I had conflicting views on. At first, when she was trying too hard to get close to Lara and Nick it troubled me. I could fully understand why Nick struggled with it. But she could see that it wasn’t the right thing to do and the more I read the more I liked her.
Emma was another who I liked more as I read. The guilt over the deaths that had touched her. Her role in the home she was living in and the friendships made. She was the one who revealed a lot more than any of the others. And the one whose pain affected me more than the others.
But it was one of the minor characters I liked reading about most. Young, naive and innocent Jeannie. I adored everything about her and I liked to think that she was stronger than any of the others and would be the one to ease the years of pain.
This was a wonderful novel about a family. Probably a similar family to many with happy memories and devastating ones. And like many, one that needed to talk about feelings to each other
May 9, 2022
Cath and Jim are the loving parents of Emma, an eighteen year old with a promising future. However, Cath and Jim have felt the devastating impact of recent events and are tormented with unanswered questions. Emma is the only one who can truly help them understand, but where is she?
This was an enjoyable read, with the stories of the different characters unfurling and unravelling page by page. The structure (chapters named after characters) opens various routes for those of us who like to ‘foresee’ the ending and does not disappoint. Each narrative offers further insights and revelations, and there are twists. It is pleasing to get to know a character in such a way, it makes them all the more 'human'.
I enjoyed the parallels between some of the characters and how they developed into the finale, almost bouncing off one another to find their solutions.
You or I could be one of the characters. Cath and Jim feel like your own neighbours. We all know them, even though we may not like them or their actions. We follow their lives through their ups and downs, highs and lows of life. It’s a pleasure to read something that offers realistic characters and a window into different lives, rather than the imagined and often highly original ‘soap opera’ lives that are in some novels. I actually cared about them.
Recommend this book? I’ll say a resounding yes! A page-turner. Authentic. Enjoyable.
This was an enjoyable read, with the stories of the different characters unfurling and unravelling page by page. The structure (chapters named after characters) opens various routes for those of us who like to ‘foresee’ the ending and does not disappoint. Each narrative offers further insights and revelations, and there are twists. It is pleasing to get to know a character in such a way, it makes them all the more 'human'.
I enjoyed the parallels between some of the characters and how they developed into the finale, almost bouncing off one another to find their solutions.
You or I could be one of the characters. Cath and Jim feel like your own neighbours. We all know them, even though we may not like them or their actions. We follow their lives through their ups and downs, highs and lows of life. It’s a pleasure to read something that offers realistic characters and a window into different lives, rather than the imagined and often highly original ‘soap opera’ lives that are in some novels. I actually cared about them.
Recommend this book? I’ll say a resounding yes! A page-turner. Authentic. Enjoyable.
May 30, 2022
This novel tells the story of Cath, Jim and their twin girls Emma and Rose. Rose tragically died as an infant as a result of twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Part of Emma has always blamed herself and when her friend, Julianne, also suffers a tragic death, she feels the need to escape.
Cath and Jim decide to take on a rental property and it's the perfect home for a young couple, Nick and Lara. Cath busies herself making everything perfect for them, including tending to the garden and bringing them cakes. Her motherly instinct is transferred to Lara while Emma is missing. It transpires that Lara has family issues of her own, having left home when her very religious parents refused to support her having an abortion. Meanwhile, Jim is distracting himself by having an affair. In the second part of the novel, we learn Emma's story- the events which led her to leave home, how she was able to take refuge in the centre and even deliver Naomi's baby and how she questions her sexuality.
The perspective alternates between the main characters, which I thought was quite ambitious, but the writing flowed seamlessly. I felt completely engaged throughout and felt the author did a great job of painting the characters. There is so much packed into this book, so it would make a great choice for book club discussions.
I will definiteky be recommending this read and look forward to reading more by Rachel Hancox.
Cath and Jim decide to take on a rental property and it's the perfect home for a young couple, Nick and Lara. Cath busies herself making everything perfect for them, including tending to the garden and bringing them cakes. Her motherly instinct is transferred to Lara while Emma is missing. It transpires that Lara has family issues of her own, having left home when her very religious parents refused to support her having an abortion. Meanwhile, Jim is distracting himself by having an affair. In the second part of the novel, we learn Emma's story- the events which led her to leave home, how she was able to take refuge in the centre and even deliver Naomi's baby and how she questions her sexuality.
The perspective alternates between the main characters, which I thought was quite ambitious, but the writing flowed seamlessly. I felt completely engaged throughout and felt the author did a great job of painting the characters. There is so much packed into this book, so it would make a great choice for book club discussions.
I will definiteky be recommending this read and look forward to reading more by Rachel Hancox.
May 5, 2022
This is a story about loss and love, guilt, grief and secrets. And reconciliation.
It’s the story of an ordinary couple – Cath and Jim – and the teenage daughter who walked out one day and never came back. I can’t imagine what that must be like, the uncertainty, the not knowing.
Emma had a twin called Rose. We know something bad happened to her, but it takes a while before we discover the whole story.
A year after Emma disappeared, Cath and Jim have bought a cottage. It’s ideal to rent out, they just need to find the perfect tenants. And they do – in Nick and Lara, a young married couple for whom life seems idyllic. But one of them has a secret that lies so deeply buried, it is in danger of tearing everything apart.
My favourite part of the book is when we hear from Emma’s point of view. Her reasons for running away stem from guilt, rather than anger. It was heartbreaking. Her room-mate Jeannie also has her own secrets and her story is one of the saddest of all.
I deeply sympathised with all the characters, apart from Jim. While it’s no surprise that he lies about something he’s done (no spoilers), I could not understand why he lies about certain other things, or rather he decides not to tell Cath. In fact everything he does could break Cath’s heart all over again. Poor Cath. She doesn’t deserve the hurt inflicted upon her.
You’ll need plenty of tissues towards the end. I certainly did, but what a wonderful, heartfelt book that all mothers will be able to identify with.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
It’s the story of an ordinary couple – Cath and Jim – and the teenage daughter who walked out one day and never came back. I can’t imagine what that must be like, the uncertainty, the not knowing.
Emma had a twin called Rose. We know something bad happened to her, but it takes a while before we discover the whole story.
A year after Emma disappeared, Cath and Jim have bought a cottage. It’s ideal to rent out, they just need to find the perfect tenants. And they do – in Nick and Lara, a young married couple for whom life seems idyllic. But one of them has a secret that lies so deeply buried, it is in danger of tearing everything apart.
My favourite part of the book is when we hear from Emma’s point of view. Her reasons for running away stem from guilt, rather than anger. It was heartbreaking. Her room-mate Jeannie also has her own secrets and her story is one of the saddest of all.
I deeply sympathised with all the characters, apart from Jim. While it’s no surprise that he lies about something he’s done (no spoilers), I could not understand why he lies about certain other things, or rather he decides not to tell Cath. In fact everything he does could break Cath’s heart all over again. Poor Cath. She doesn’t deserve the hurt inflicted upon her.
You’ll need plenty of tissues towards the end. I certainly did, but what a wonderful, heartfelt book that all mothers will be able to identify with.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
April 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this emotional read, which focuses on married couple Cath and Jim, who are still reeling from their daughter Emma’s disappearance a year ago. Their relationship has suffered, but they’re still together, though both have their own ways of coping.
We also follow Nick and Lara, who are renting a cottage from Cath and Jim, and whose lives become more entwined, whether Nick likes it or not – but Lara has a secret that could ruin everything…
We jumped between the two couples’ perspectives, which I liked, and eventually we learn more about Emma too and the lead-up to her disappearance. The story isn’t full of drama or surprises – more it’s a slow-burning but intriguing read because there’s always that question of what happened to Emma hovering in the background, which we start to unpick as we read more. Although there’s definitely elements of suspense and mystery in this book, I wouldn’t say that’s the focus of the book – it’s perfectly balanced.
I really enjoyed reading about all the characters’ lives, and finding out what really happened a year ago was an added bonus! The Shadow Child is nicely written and avoids any unnecessary hyperbole or cheesiness. I really enjoyed it and would happily read more by this author.
We also follow Nick and Lara, who are renting a cottage from Cath and Jim, and whose lives become more entwined, whether Nick likes it or not – but Lara has a secret that could ruin everything…
We jumped between the two couples’ perspectives, which I liked, and eventually we learn more about Emma too and the lead-up to her disappearance. The story isn’t full of drama or surprises – more it’s a slow-burning but intriguing read because there’s always that question of what happened to Emma hovering in the background, which we start to unpick as we read more. Although there’s definitely elements of suspense and mystery in this book, I wouldn’t say that’s the focus of the book – it’s perfectly balanced.
I really enjoyed reading about all the characters’ lives, and finding out what really happened a year ago was an added bonus! The Shadow Child is nicely written and avoids any unnecessary hyperbole or cheesiness. I really enjoyed it and would happily read more by this author.
May 17, 2022
Hancox’s debut novel is a tremendous tale on the challenges of real life. It depicts such heart wrenching topics as deceit, love and loss. It really has got everything between the cover.
The book itself is made up of three parts and no less than 490 pages (that’s what the hardback copy has anyway).
We start with the chapters January to June told from the perspective of Jim, Cath, Lara and Nick.
Then as the book turns to part two we have the same timeline January to June for Emma, the runaway daughter of Cath and Jim. How she’s inadvertently struggled with tragic circumstances almost her whole life.
I will admit that even though I immensely enjoyed these pages and the story contained within them. I struggled with the addition of Lara and Nick. I could not particularly see what they had to offer as much to the overall picture. I did however enjoy their story almost as if I separated it from the main plot.
A truly lovely story that I would absolutely recommend.
Just a fair warning there are some trigger points of which I won’t spoil the main plot but might be worth looking in to or feel free to dm me first.
The book itself is made up of three parts and no less than 490 pages (that’s what the hardback copy has anyway).
We start with the chapters January to June told from the perspective of Jim, Cath, Lara and Nick.
Then as the book turns to part two we have the same timeline January to June for Emma, the runaway daughter of Cath and Jim. How she’s inadvertently struggled with tragic circumstances almost her whole life.
I will admit that even though I immensely enjoyed these pages and the story contained within them. I struggled with the addition of Lara and Nick. I could not particularly see what they had to offer as much to the overall picture. I did however enjoy their story almost as if I separated it from the main plot.
A truly lovely story that I would absolutely recommend.
Just a fair warning there are some trigger points of which I won’t spoil the main plot but might be worth looking in to or feel free to dm me first.
May 27, 2022
Trigger warnings: child loss; missing child; miscarriage; adultery.
An emotional read that allows is a glimpse into the pains and trials of an everyday family. Cath.and Jim are an ordinary couple, who have faced extraordinary adversity, loss and pain; first through the loss of a sick child - Rose - in her early years and then when their almost 18 year old daughter Emma disappears without a trace. A year of fearing the worst and suffering turmoil.
Then they rent out a cottage to a young couple, who remind them of them in their early years of romance; sweet, loving, naive hopeful and not quite equipped for the trials life can throw in the way. Cath pours her time and motherly affections unto Lara. Her husband Nick is more suspicious of her actions. The story unravels events that lead up to Emma's disappearance. It is not so much the big revelation that matters though, rather than the heartbreaking journey they have all been on. An ordinary family bearing unimaginable pains. Each of them deals with their loss in different ways. This is a great read. #theshadowchild #rachelhancox #netgalley
An emotional read that allows is a glimpse into the pains and trials of an everyday family. Cath.and Jim are an ordinary couple, who have faced extraordinary adversity, loss and pain; first through the loss of a sick child - Rose - in her early years and then when their almost 18 year old daughter Emma disappears without a trace. A year of fearing the worst and suffering turmoil.
Then they rent out a cottage to a young couple, who remind them of them in their early years of romance; sweet, loving, naive hopeful and not quite equipped for the trials life can throw in the way. Cath pours her time and motherly affections unto Lara. Her husband Nick is more suspicious of her actions. The story unravels events that lead up to Emma's disappearance. It is not so much the big revelation that matters though, rather than the heartbreaking journey they have all been on. An ordinary family bearing unimaginable pains. Each of them deals with their loss in different ways. This is a great read. #theshadowchild #rachelhancox #netgalley
March 19, 2022
The shadow child is a read about loss,grief and love. The pace is quite slow at times which I did find frustrating as I felt it could have been condensed somewhat, but over all an interesting concept that sensitively tackles difficult subjects such as miscarriage, abortion, murder, adultery, a missing child and child death, despite this it isn’t a dismal dreary read but one of redemption, positivity and the power of female relationships!
Based upon two very different couples Cath and her husband Jim are a middle aged couple who had twin girls sadly one Rose died in infancy and their other daughter Emma disappeared as a teenager both of them cope differently with this, Jim finds solace in the arms of another woman whilst Cath invests her love and time into their tenants Lara and Nick, making herself indispensable but this creates friction amongst the couple especially when secrets are shared exposing a complex relationship that has been hidden!
An interesting read that is thought provoking but not particularly dynamic
Thank you netgalley for this early read
Based upon two very different couples Cath and her husband Jim are a middle aged couple who had twin girls sadly one Rose died in infancy and their other daughter Emma disappeared as a teenager both of them cope differently with this, Jim finds solace in the arms of another woman whilst Cath invests her love and time into their tenants Lara and Nick, making herself indispensable but this creates friction amongst the couple especially when secrets are shared exposing a complex relationship that has been hidden!
An interesting read that is thought provoking but not particularly dynamic
Thank you netgalley for this early read
May 1, 2022
This books tells the story of several characters. Cath and Jim who have been married a long time and are searching for their daughter Emma, who vanished one day. And Lara and Nick a newly married couple who move into the house rented out by Cath and Jim
This book was a little confusing to start. Moving from past to present, character to character, it left me constantly having t check back as to who and when I was reading about.
I was initially drawn to the characters Cath and Jim and felt their loss as they struggled to understand where and why Emma had left. I became frustrated the more I read as I felt the story dragging and didn’t really like the plot and the way certain characters were behaving, it just felt a little too predictable for me to be honest and I ended up disappointed with certain characters for their behaviour. Maybe that’s actually a sign of good writing that my compassion changed as I read more?l
It was an ok read and I would be keen to see what else the author has written.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the book
This book was a little confusing to start. Moving from past to present, character to character, it left me constantly having t check back as to who and when I was reading about.
I was initially drawn to the characters Cath and Jim and felt their loss as they struggled to understand where and why Emma had left. I became frustrated the more I read as I felt the story dragging and didn’t really like the plot and the way certain characters were behaving, it just felt a little too predictable for me to be honest and I ended up disappointed with certain characters for their behaviour. Maybe that’s actually a sign of good writing that my compassion changed as I read more?l
It was an ok read and I would be keen to see what else the author has written.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the book
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