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Truth Be Told
Tara is from Derry, Faith is from Armagh; their lives are very different, but they look exactly the same - they just don't know why...
Two teens from very different backgrounds - Tara, the Catholic daughter of a two generation single parent family, and Faith, the daughter of strict Evangelical Protestants from Armagh, come face to face at a residential and discover they look almost identical. A DNA test reveals they are related, and that Faith's father is not who she thinks - while Tara has never known hers. Between them, they set out to unravel the mystery of their shared parentage, but in doing so set in motion a series of revelations about the pasts of both their families. Meanwhile, they are also dealing separately with their own issues - Tara angry and grieving after the sudden death of her boyfriend Oran, and Faith hiding her true sexuality from her family for fear of being disowned.
Two teens from very different backgrounds - Tara, the Catholic daughter of a two generation single parent family, and Faith, the daughter of strict Evangelical Protestants from Armagh, come face to face at a residential and discover they look almost identical. A DNA test reveals they are related, and that Faith's father is not who she thinks - while Tara has never known hers. Between them, they set out to unravel the mystery of their shared parentage, but in doing so set in motion a series of revelations about the pasts of both their families. Meanwhile, they are also dealing separately with their own issues - Tara angry and grieving after the sudden death of her boyfriend Oran, and Faith hiding her true sexuality from her family for fear of being disowned.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2022
18 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 25, 2022
4.25⭐️
I was surprised by how much I like this book. I may not be well versed with whatever’s happening in the United Kingdom but Protestants and Catholics have always been going on head to head with each other. As a Christian myself, I can see why Faith has such struggle with her identity, albeit the fact that I’m not of her community. I do, however, have Christian friends in her community (can’t say it, it’ll spoil the plot). Some of them have opened up to me and I became their avid listener of what they are going through. Hence, I understood her stand in her faith and in her identity.
As for both of them being confused by their background and their impeccably similar physical traits, almost like they’re looking at each other’s mirror, I love their found family trope. I find it very heart warming.
THIS is what I was looking for in a YA book. Their journey of self discovery, their first time of doing something on their own, and of course, the friends that they meet along the way.
I was surprised by how much I like this book. I may not be well versed with whatever’s happening in the United Kingdom but Protestants and Catholics have always been going on head to head with each other. As a Christian myself, I can see why Faith has such struggle with her identity, albeit the fact that I’m not of her community. I do, however, have Christian friends in her community (can’t say it, it’ll spoil the plot). Some of them have opened up to me and I became their avid listener of what they are going through. Hence, I understood her stand in her faith and in her identity.
As for both of them being confused by their background and their impeccably similar physical traits, almost like they’re looking at each other’s mirror, I love their found family trope. I find it very heart warming.
THIS is what I was looking for in a YA book. Their journey of self discovery, their first time of doing something on their own, and of course, the friends that they meet along the way.
September 4, 2024
This was a book that just got better as it went on. I grew very attached to the characters and their growth & problems felt real and authentic. I bought this book at a used book store in Derry and am so glad I did. Knowing the history of the Troubles and what it’s like today is really interesting context but definitely not necessary to understand and love this book.
May 8, 2022
Another great book by the author with themes that will not only resonate with anyone who has grown up in Northern Ireland. This is so much more than a book about a protestant teenager and a Catholic teenager - it is about finding out the truth of who we are, the ongoing impact of the troubles on so many lives, and the impact of finding out stories from our past which, for too long, have remained hidden and unspoken.
I loved that, at its core, were the unfolding and intertwining stories of three generations of women.
The book not only provides context and understanding but also ensures that each of us continually questions our beliefs, our prejudices and our perceived understanding of what we consider the truth to be.
I loved that, at its core, were the unfolding and intertwining stories of three generations of women.
The book not only provides context and understanding but also ensures that each of us continually questions our beliefs, our prejudices and our perceived understanding of what we consider the truth to be.
March 29, 2022
Sometimes who you are is not what you expected. Tara and Faith came from different part of the world, where they have completely different life of their own. Until, they found out that they looks exactly the same — a clone of each other. The shocking discovery made them trace back their history, finding the roots of everything. To find an answer of their origin, and coming out as who they really feel.
it was a very quick read for me. a light one, too. the fun parts are, this story sets ib Northern Ireland so there are many, I mean MANY MANY slangs that I hear for the first time. I really enjoy learning new words and the way the author included those were just, very useful. Another one I need to mention is the grief part. Not a spoiler so worry not. Tara just lost someone special and it was totally heartbreaking to just look at her pov, knowing what's going on inside her mind. Griefing, in this book, is a whole another level which I could not describe. It was just so painful 3
personally I think the pacing could be better. nothing much going on at the first half, and we're speeding as hell on the other. however, that doesn't spoil the mood in anyway as these girls point of view were super fun to experience. Tara's was like goofy person and she sure has a lot to say. She's the one who went OMG OMG when her crush walking by, yup something like that. Meanwhile, Faith is more composed and she got her mind all sorted out, except one, her sexuality and tbh I love her personality ♡
Thank you so much @definitelybooks #pansing for sending this book to me ✨ this book will be available on April 14 in all good bookstores so get yourself a copy 🎉
#truthbetold #suedivin
it was a very quick read for me. a light one, too. the fun parts are, this story sets ib Northern Ireland so there are many, I mean MANY MANY slangs that I hear for the first time. I really enjoy learning new words and the way the author included those were just, very useful. Another one I need to mention is the grief part. Not a spoiler so worry not. Tara just lost someone special and it was totally heartbreaking to just look at her pov, knowing what's going on inside her mind. Griefing, in this book, is a whole another level which I could not describe. It was just so painful 3
personally I think the pacing could be better. nothing much going on at the first half, and we're speeding as hell on the other. however, that doesn't spoil the mood in anyway as these girls point of view were super fun to experience. Tara's was like goofy person and she sure has a lot to say. She's the one who went OMG OMG when her crush walking by, yup something like that. Meanwhile, Faith is more composed and she got her mind all sorted out, except one, her sexuality and tbh I love her personality ♡
Thank you so much @definitelybooks #pansing for sending this book to me ✨ this book will be available on April 14 in all good bookstores so get yourself a copy 🎉
#truthbetold #suedivin
August 23, 2022
oh this was heavy! i wasn’t really sure what i expected going in but it wasn’t this
September 2, 2022
As a teen living in NI, I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the plot was really intriguing.
However, I did find some of the representations of the characters in the book a bit typical, especially when you compare Tara to Faith. For example, Tara, the Irish/catholic character is shown as being poor, someone who smokes and drinks, meanwhile Faith, the British/protestant character is shown as being rich and innocent in comparison. I understand that the characters are meant to be polar opposites of each other and I feel like certain aspects make sense when it comes to the book’s plot and themes, but I feel like it’s just typical when you compare it to other media set in NI when it comes to catholic and protestant characters.
Additionally, I feel like being a catholic or a protestant isn’t as big as an issue as it used to be, at least for my generation, so I felt a tad bit out of touch with the characters that were meant to be my age. It would be nice to see a book set in Northern Ireland where the issues weren’t based on the troubles nor someone’s religious beliefs, however that isn’t this book and I find it unlikely that this wish will ever be fulfilled.
But aside from that - the book was fantastic, the themes that were dealt with were a tad but more serious than I was expecting, but such themes are important messages and worth reading. For example, I thought Tara’s Nan’s trauma from the troubles particularly worth mentioning, the issue of tarring and feathering is a truly heart wrenching thing and I’m glad it was mentioned as not everyone knows about the very recent torture people here endured. I would recommend searching up trigger warnings before reading the book!
However, I did find some of the representations of the characters in the book a bit typical, especially when you compare Tara to Faith. For example, Tara, the Irish/catholic character is shown as being poor, someone who smokes and drinks, meanwhile Faith, the British/protestant character is shown as being rich and innocent in comparison. I understand that the characters are meant to be polar opposites of each other and I feel like certain aspects make sense when it comes to the book’s plot and themes, but I feel like it’s just typical when you compare it to other media set in NI when it comes to catholic and protestant characters.
Additionally, I feel like being a catholic or a protestant isn’t as big as an issue as it used to be, at least for my generation, so I felt a tad bit out of touch with the characters that were meant to be my age. It would be nice to see a book set in Northern Ireland where the issues weren’t based on the troubles nor someone’s religious beliefs, however that isn’t this book and I find it unlikely that this wish will ever be fulfilled.
But aside from that - the book was fantastic, the themes that were dealt with were a tad but more serious than I was expecting, but such themes are important messages and worth reading. For example, I thought Tara’s Nan’s trauma from the troubles particularly worth mentioning, the issue of tarring and feathering is a truly heart wrenching thing and I’m glad it was mentioned as not everyone knows about the very recent torture people here endured. I would recommend searching up trigger warnings before reading the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
A great read for all ages. Truth Be Told is a very enjoyable and rewarding read. The story has layers of complexity around family, religion, class and gender. Anyone of these against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's Troubles would be enough to fill a book, but here all are deftly woven together with seamless prose that keeps the story moving and the reader guessing. It’s full of hope and humour, and with strong regional voices. The characters change and grow as secrets are exposed, with minor ones also being well-drawn and present. In Derry, Tara’s family have three generations hobbled by hurt and poverty. In Armagh, Faith’s life is bound by her evangelical family and their church, and her mother’s frozen trauma around a Troubles-related death. Faith’s handsome cousin Jack has some serious family skeletons too.
Faith’s struggle to accept with her sexuality and come out, provided for me the most emotive and ultimately liberating part of the book. Many of an evangelical Protestant upbringing will empathise with her inner struggle as she wrestles with her religious conscience. Ultimately it is a story about youthful zest for life, of uncovering family lies and ties, and of finding ways around complications that most of the adults can’t, or won’t see. Truth Be Told is a fine book from a writer who carries hope for a better future and has the courage, imagination and skills to put it on paper.
Faith’s struggle to accept with her sexuality and come out, provided for me the most emotive and ultimately liberating part of the book. Many of an evangelical Protestant upbringing will empathise with her inner struggle as she wrestles with her religious conscience. Ultimately it is a story about youthful zest for life, of uncovering family lies and ties, and of finding ways around complications that most of the adults can’t, or won’t see. Truth Be Told is a fine book from a writer who carries hope for a better future and has the courage, imagination and skills to put it on paper.
July 20, 2022
Loved her first book, so was very excited when I saw this, especially when I saw there is an LGBT character. Simply this is the story of two 16 year old girls Tara, catholic from Derry and Faith, protestant from Armagh, who meet at an outdoor activity weekend both shocked by the fact that they look so alike. As they are determined to get to know each other and find out the truth about their parentage, everything unravels around them. It's an intense, fast paced, story a lot happens and whilst I could have read it all in one go, I was glad of breaks to absorb the various and occasionally startling plot points.
Set in 2019 as legislation was brought in re legalising abortion and gay marriage (thereby finally bringing NI in line with the rest of the UK), politics both current and past are never far away. In addition the book contains themes of violence, suicide, addiction, depression and religious based conversion therapy, ambitious but also reflective of the communities she is writing about. The author is very skilled at showing the legacy of war on the people of NI even or maybe even especially after years of peace. I also really like the way she also highlights both the impact of poverty but also how that also has relevance to sectarian politics.
Smattered with numerous NI ways of speaking and cultural behaviours, this is a must for anyone interested in understanding more about NI, now and in the past. It is also a delightful coming of age and coming out story, reminding us that whilst things are much better, coming out is hard and how much support is needed.
Set in 2019 as legislation was brought in re legalising abortion and gay marriage (thereby finally bringing NI in line with the rest of the UK), politics both current and past are never far away. In addition the book contains themes of violence, suicide, addiction, depression and religious based conversion therapy, ambitious but also reflective of the communities she is writing about. The author is very skilled at showing the legacy of war on the people of NI even or maybe even especially after years of peace. I also really like the way she also highlights both the impact of poverty but also how that also has relevance to sectarian politics.
Smattered with numerous NI ways of speaking and cultural behaviours, this is a must for anyone interested in understanding more about NI, now and in the past. It is also a delightful coming of age and coming out story, reminding us that whilst things are much better, coming out is hard and how much support is needed.
Read
October 3, 2025Truth Be Told was such a gritty, powerful read, and I felt like I learnt so much from it. The Troubles are something I know very little about, and getting to read about their long lasting and devastating impact in this book was eye opening. The issues covered in Truth Be Told were very heavy ones (content warnings for suicide, attempted suicide, terrorism, prejudice and violence) but I felt like the author dealt with them with compassion and most of all, hope. The characters felt real and lovable and the book had a fast pace throughout, I struggled to put it down! Found family is one of my favourite book tropes, and this has that in abundance.
Sue Divin writes this in her author's note at the end of the book, and I feel like it sums it up much better than I could:
"At a deeper level, the novel is the story of women across three generations in Northern Ireland. Stories that are often left untold. Truth Be Told is about both 'the Troubles' and the legacy of that conflict today. It's also about social and rights based issues...fiction is a powerful tool for creating empathy and that empathy is a powerful tool for creating peace. I still believe that holds true. Listening to other voices and walking in 'other' shoes broadens our mindsets. It helps us to see our shared humanity and to look at issues from different perspectives."
Sue Divin writes this in her author's note at the end of the book, and I feel like it sums it up much better than I could:
"At a deeper level, the novel is the story of women across three generations in Northern Ireland. Stories that are often left untold. Truth Be Told is about both 'the Troubles' and the legacy of that conflict today. It's also about social and rights based issues...fiction is a powerful tool for creating empathy and that empathy is a powerful tool for creating peace. I still believe that holds true. Listening to other voices and walking in 'other' shoes broadens our mindsets. It helps us to see our shared humanity and to look at issues from different perspectives."
April 2, 2022
This is the story of two sixteen year old girls growing up in Northern Ireland. One is Protestant, one catholic. One lives with both parents, one is from a single parent family. One is straight, one gay. However, as they get to know and understand each other they discover a lot more similarities than differences.
Both families have suffered loss and are hiding secrets. Both families have tried to spare their daughters from The Troubles by not talking about the past.
As the characters’ lives become more closely interwoven, we learn the Ireland’s past is more complicated than it would first appear. No black and white issues here, but a lot of grey.
Although I grew up hearing about The Troubles on the news I never really understood what was going on in Ireland and what each ‘side’ stood for. I hoped this book would explain it to me. After reading, I have some idea of what went on, but I realised that a simple, straightforward explanation is not possible as within each ‘side’ were a number of different groups, all with their own agendas.
The book was quite long and it took me a while to read. At times I felt the pace slowed but then it would reach an exciting part and have me hooked again. Overall a gripping story for YA.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both families have suffered loss and are hiding secrets. Both families have tried to spare their daughters from The Troubles by not talking about the past.
As the characters’ lives become more closely interwoven, we learn the Ireland’s past is more complicated than it would first appear. No black and white issues here, but a lot of grey.
Although I grew up hearing about The Troubles on the news I never really understood what was going on in Ireland and what each ‘side’ stood for. I hoped this book would explain it to me. After reading, I have some idea of what went on, but I realised that a simple, straightforward explanation is not possible as within each ‘side’ were a number of different groups, all with their own agendas.
The book was quite long and it took me a while to read. At times I felt the pace slowed but then it would reach an exciting part and have me hooked again. Overall a gripping story for YA.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2022
An emotional story young people across Northern Ireland are certain to find relatable. A story about love, family and forgiveness. It discusses themes which appear prominently in the history of the country such as the troubles; but it discusses many more issues in our society such as the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. It is told from two different girls’ perspectives, and the author does a good job at highlighting their differing personalities through her style of writing. It is bittersweet in the sense that the characters discover some shocking and heartbreaking truths but learn to move on and forgive.
Like stated previously, it is a story young people will definitely find relatable, as it is set in 2019 - it highlights the more subtle but significant impacts to society 20 years after the end of the troubles.
I discovered this novel when Sue came into my school where I received my signed copy, and I’m glad I was blessed with the experience of reading such a compelling novel from a local author.
Like stated previously, it is a story young people will definitely find relatable, as it is set in 2019 - it highlights the more subtle but significant impacts to society 20 years after the end of the troubles.
I discovered this novel when Sue came into my school where I received my signed copy, and I’m glad I was blessed with the experience of reading such a compelling novel from a local author.
March 5, 2022
3.5⭐️
This book is about two girls, Tara & Faith. Tara is from Derry City while Faith is from rural Armagh. They both have been living differently until they met each other to discover that they both look exactly the same,like a twin. That is where they started to search for the truth which leads them to uncover more than they nargained for.
Throughout their journey, I find it quite hard to adapt to the writings but when I reached few chapters before it ends, I get the story. I feel that the story is quite predictable at some points but it’s fine since at the end readers will get to know the truth. I’m not sure if it was just me but I believe the writing style is a bit different than others,therefore if you’re a beginner,I don’t recommend you to start with this book. It’s fast paced & a simple story that contains not only about finding the truth but also about forgiveness. This book is the story of women across three generations in Nothern Ireland. There’s histories from the past generations of Tara & Faith which is related to ‘the Troubles’ , the lagacy conflict & about social and right-based issues.
The author mentions that the characters and plot is fictitious,the context is real. Tbh, I’m not so familiar to the other country’s history but in this book, there are stories related to regional government in Nothern Ireland & British government that have something to do with polictics. Also, ‘the Troubles’ , the Prod(Protestants) & the IRA also mentioned in this book. Please take note that it’s not mainly about the politics but it’s about finding the truth of the mystery of the two girl’s with the same face. Trope found in this story is found family. It’s truly a heart-warming story🥺!
This book is about two girls, Tara & Faith. Tara is from Derry City while Faith is from rural Armagh. They both have been living differently until they met each other to discover that they both look exactly the same,like a twin. That is where they started to search for the truth which leads them to uncover more than they nargained for.
Throughout their journey, I find it quite hard to adapt to the writings but when I reached few chapters before it ends, I get the story. I feel that the story is quite predictable at some points but it’s fine since at the end readers will get to know the truth. I’m not sure if it was just me but I believe the writing style is a bit different than others,therefore if you’re a beginner,I don’t recommend you to start with this book. It’s fast paced & a simple story that contains not only about finding the truth but also about forgiveness. This book is the story of women across three generations in Nothern Ireland. There’s histories from the past generations of Tara & Faith which is related to ‘the Troubles’ , the lagacy conflict & about social and right-based issues.
The author mentions that the characters and plot is fictitious,the context is real. Tbh, I’m not so familiar to the other country’s history but in this book, there are stories related to regional government in Nothern Ireland & British government that have something to do with polictics. Also, ‘the Troubles’ , the Prod(Protestants) & the IRA also mentioned in this book. Please take note that it’s not mainly about the politics but it’s about finding the truth of the mystery of the two girl’s with the same face. Trope found in this story is found family. It’s truly a heart-warming story🥺!
January 10, 2024
Trigger warnings: death, suicide, grief, terrorism (in the past), death of a family member (in the past), homophobia, alcohol, religious bigotry
3.5 stars
This was...definitely a slower read than I anticipated. It's essentially Derry Girls meets The Parent Trap, but minus all the humour and with a metric ton of generational trauma added in. And, like, don't get me wrong, I liked both Tara and Faith as protagonists. But there was a lot of build up here. And while the payoff was ultimately worth it, there was so much build up that at times I struggled to, you know, care.
3.5 stars
This was...definitely a slower read than I anticipated. It's essentially Derry Girls meets The Parent Trap, but minus all the humour and with a metric ton of generational trauma added in. And, like, don't get me wrong, I liked both Tara and Faith as protagonists. But there was a lot of build up here. And while the payoff was ultimately worth it, there was so much build up that at times I struggled to, you know, care.
September 3, 2022
This book is pure brilliant! @suedivin has done it again. Truth be told will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Think @derrygirls but with intense emotion beside the laughter.
The voice of Tara rings so clearly I feel like she’s my friend and I want to hear more from her over a cuppa. Faith is so different yet just as passionate as Tara, she just takes a little longer to speak out. This book needs to be read by every teenager in the UK so they can fully understand what the Troubles were and are because let’s face it this is not just history this is very much the here and now!
If Truth Be Told doesn’t melt your heart you are made of stone!
The voice of Tara rings so clearly I feel like she’s my friend and I want to hear more from her over a cuppa. Faith is so different yet just as passionate as Tara, she just takes a little longer to speak out. This book needs to be read by every teenager in the UK so they can fully understand what the Troubles were and are because let’s face it this is not just history this is very much the here and now!
If Truth Be Told doesn’t melt your heart you are made of stone!
June 15, 2022
An interesting and thought provoking examination of the divide in Northern Ireland. Tara is catholic, Faith protestant. When both attend an outdoor centre, their almost identical features cause both girls to question their background and parentage. The repercussions threaten the stability of both families.
Aimed at the YA market, I'm sure this book will provoke a lot of discussion. Nothing in the story is black and white from either perspective. My only observation is that it is a little too tidy in the end, possibly because of the young audience. An author to watch!
Aimed at the YA market, I'm sure this book will provoke a lot of discussion. Nothing in the story is black and white from either perspective. My only observation is that it is a little too tidy in the end, possibly because of the young audience. An author to watch!
December 10, 2022
An across the divide book of two 16 year old teenagers who meet on a cross community residential. The unravelling of their past and their interconnection is interesting but their lives as teenagers are what interested me more.
December 28, 2021
Rating: 4.5 stars
October 26, 2024
I feel like I left with questions/wanting more, but I loved this
April 15, 2022
Absolutely loved this. Compelling characters and high stakes. Highly recommended.
May 11, 2022
4.5 stars. Engrossing moving and enjoyable read set against the backdrop of the challenges of the past and present in Northern Ireland.
August 3, 2022
Well, this makes me want to go read more about the Troubles, because I know shamefully little about them. Truth Be Told takes place in 2019, twenty years after the 'end' of the Troubles, but the impact reverberates on and on.
Tara and Faith have both grown up with that impact, although from opposite sides of the divide—but when they meet, they know immediately that their stories intersect, even if they aren't yet sure how or why.
I was afraid, briefly, that there'd be a Parent Trap–style switcheroo here, and I'm glad that those fears didn't come true. Fun as it might be to see, frankly neither Faith nor Tara would be able to pull off the other realistically. Instead they're able to focus on learning some complicated truths about their pasts and Northern Ireland's past more generally. Some of those family truths start to get a bit convoluted, and I'd love to see a non-YA version of this, but the mix of history and family drama is compelling.
Tara and Faith have both grown up with that impact, although from opposite sides of the divide—but when they meet, they know immediately that their stories intersect, even if they aren't yet sure how or why.
I was afraid, briefly, that there'd be a Parent Trap–style switcheroo here, and I'm glad that those fears didn't come true. Fun as it might be to see, frankly neither Faith nor Tara would be able to pull off the other realistically. Instead they're able to focus on learning some complicated truths about their pasts and Northern Ireland's past more generally. Some of those family truths start to get a bit convoluted, and I'd love to see a non-YA version of this, but the mix of history and family drama is compelling.
August 2, 2022
This was another awesome story set in Northern Ireland in modern times but still showing the affect that 'the troubles' have had on people's lives. The back story of the girls and how they are related was great and it was a great way to unite them all to solve the mystery. A lovely well paced read about family dramas that have been impacted by real life political and religious dramas.
August 19, 2022
Rep: lesbian mc, Rwandan side character
CWs: suicide, gun violence, religious homophobia, outing, attempted suicide, mention of past torture
CWs: suicide, gun violence, religious homophobia, outing, attempted suicide, mention of past torture
February 13, 2023
Another thought provoking read giving an insight into life for young people in Northern Ireland and the impact the troubles of the past still have on society .
August 15, 2022
such a special story. i related to nearly all the characters for so many different reasons. sue divin is a brilliant storyteller! we need more marvels like her.
January 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. A real page Turner.
February 17, 2023
I did like this book but didn't quite make the 4 stars. Based on sisters who have the same dad who found each other in their teens. It highlight their different up bringing in the north .One from a single parent Catholic background and one from a protestant family.
August 11, 2023
Two girls from opposite sides of Northern Ireland’s story, brought together when they meet as part of a reconciliation funded project and realise they are identical in looks. This sparks a story about family, religion, sexuality, secrets, the past and the present. It’s a coming of age story not only for these girls but you hope it’s one for the people of Northern Ireland as they continue to live with the legacy of The Troubles.
November 6, 2022
Two girls discover they are sisters on a rural trip in Ireland. After the first meeting, Tara and Faith stay in touch and try to figure out who their father is and how they could be related because they couldn't be more different. Tara is a catholic and Faith is a protestant. As the girls discover their heritage, they find out more about the Troubles in Ireland.
What I Liked:
- Explored Ireland's history and spoke about the Troubles.
- The morals embedded in this story were a nice addition and I like how through each other Tara and Faith learned something new about themselves and embraced a part of themself they had been neglecting.
What I Didn't Like:
- You have to suspend a bit of belief as in the book the 2 main characters are described as looking like twins. This annoyed me slightly, as how is that possible when they have different mothers?
- Faith and Tara's family reaction to them being sisters was not really there and didn't feel authentic.
- The plot sometimes leaned on convenience too much to push it along.
- Things wrapped up a bit too nicely at the end.
This book was a solid YA read. To be honest, the setting and history at the heart of the book were what I enjoyed the most. The YA paint over the top took my attention from the gut-wrenching stories of Tara's Nan and focused it on less trivial matters like art class. It was well written but the pace felt a bit slow and sometimes the plot strayed towards convenience to wrap itself up. A book that holds a lot of heart and some great moments.
What I Liked:
- Explored Ireland's history and spoke about the Troubles.
- The morals embedded in this story were a nice addition and I like how through each other Tara and Faith learned something new about themselves and embraced a part of themself they had been neglecting.
What I Didn't Like:
- You have to suspend a bit of belief as in the book the 2 main characters are described as looking like twins. This annoyed me slightly, as how is that possible when they have different mothers?
- Faith and Tara's family reaction to them being sisters was not really there and didn't feel authentic.
- The plot sometimes leaned on convenience too much to push it along.
- Things wrapped up a bit too nicely at the end.
This book was a solid YA read. To be honest, the setting and history at the heart of the book were what I enjoyed the most. The YA paint over the top took my attention from the gut-wrenching stories of Tara's Nan and focused it on less trivial matters like art class. It was well written but the pace felt a bit slow and sometimes the plot strayed towards convenience to wrap itself up. A book that holds a lot of heart and some great moments.
June 19, 2022
Wow. I cried a total of three times reading this book. It was an absolutely amazing read.
Despite the fact they are a decade younger than me, sixteen year old Tara and Faith might be the first two book characters I’ve ever been able to truly relate to. Not just because they grew up in Northern Ireland, but because their experiences perfectly encapsulate the universal teenage experience of feeling like an outcast.
LGBTQ+ readers will be able to relate to this book and I’d imagine might shed a tear of their own. But I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking for an interesting read full of twists and tension. It addresses conflict and divide in the most human way possible – through the eyes of two young girls who realise they might not be so different after all. But it also celebrates difference as something that makes us unique.
I read Truth Be Told in only one day because it was just such a good story. It was a rollercoaster of emotion. I'm still processing it! The author’s use of description and character dialogue held my full attention throughout. And I loved the ending, everything wrapped up full circle from the start.
Highly recommend this book to anyone of all ages!
Despite the fact they are a decade younger than me, sixteen year old Tara and Faith might be the first two book characters I’ve ever been able to truly relate to. Not just because they grew up in Northern Ireland, but because their experiences perfectly encapsulate the universal teenage experience of feeling like an outcast.
LGBTQ+ readers will be able to relate to this book and I’d imagine might shed a tear of their own. But I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking for an interesting read full of twists and tension. It addresses conflict and divide in the most human way possible – through the eyes of two young girls who realise they might not be so different after all. But it also celebrates difference as something that makes us unique.
I read Truth Be Told in only one day because it was just such a good story. It was a rollercoaster of emotion. I'm still processing it! The author’s use of description and character dialogue held my full attention throughout. And I loved the ending, everything wrapped up full circle from the start.
Highly recommend this book to anyone of all ages!
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