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The Confession
One winter's afternoon on Hampstead Heath in 1980, Elise Morceau meets Constance Holden and quickly falls under her spell. Connie is bold and alluring, a successful writer whose novel is being turned into a major Hollywood film. Elise follows Connie to LA, a city of strange dreams and swimming pools and late-night gatherings of glamorous people. But whilst Connie thrives on the heat and electricity of this new world where everyone is reaching for the stars and no one is telling the truth, Elise finds herself floundering. When she overhears a conversation at a party that turns everything on its head, Elise makes an impulsive decision that will change her life forever.
Three decades later, Rose Simmons is seeking answers about her mother, who disappeared when she was a baby. Having learned that the last person to see her was Constance Holden, a reclusive novelist who withdrew from public life at the peak of her fame, Rose is drawn to the door of Connie's imposing house in search of a confession . . .
Three decades later, Rose Simmons is seeking answers about her mother, who disappeared when she was a baby. Having learned that the last person to see her was Constance Holden, a reclusive novelist who withdrew from public life at the peak of her fame, Rose is drawn to the door of Connie's imposing house in search of a confession . . .
455 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2019
666 people are currently reading
20741 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Burton
14 books3,746 followersJessie Burton studied at Oxford University and the Central School of Speech and Drama, where she appeared in productions of The House of Bernarda Alba, Othello, Play and Macbeth. In April 2013 her first novel, The Miniaturist, was sold at an 11-publisher auction at the London Book Fair, and went on to sell in 29 other countries around the world. It was published by Picador in the UK and Holland in July 2014, and the USA in August 2014, with other translations to follow. Radio 4 commissioned it as their Book at Bedtime in July 2014. Her second book, The Muse, set in a dual time-frame, during the Spanish Civil War and 30 years later in 1960s London, was published in 2016. Jessie's first novel for children, The Restless Girls, will be published in September 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,809 reviews
August 27, 2019
Jessie Burton's latest offering is an intimate, intelligent exploration of the complexity of women's lives and the depth nature of relationships in a narrative that goes back and forth in time as the lives of the three central protagonists are laid bare. In the 1980s, a young, beautiful and naive Elise Morceau meets the much older Constance Holden on Hampstead Heath. She falls for the confident and charismatic Constance, a writer whose novel is being turned into a big Hollywood movie, and follows her to Los Angeles. Whilst Constance feels comfortable and at home in the city of illusions, ambitions, glamour and lies, Elise finds herself out of her depth and finds it more problematic. Their relationship becomes increasingly fraught with conflict as it slowly begins to disintegrate. Decades later in 2017, Rose Simmons is in her mid 30s, plagued by doubts and wondering about where her life is at with her long term boyfriend, Joe, and his failing business, although her best friend, Kelly is an invaluable support and anchor.
Rose has always felt a void in her life, her mother abandoned her as a baby, and she feels a abiding need to know more about her, convinced it will make her feel more whole as a human being and contribute to a greater sense of her identity. She finds out from her father that Elise had links with Constance, a woman who had withdrawn from public life at the height of her fame and lived a reclusive existence since then. Rose embarks on a quest to discover more about her elusive mother as she inveigles her way into Constance's life under false pretenses, securing a position as her carer. She goes on to develop a lively and critically important relationship with Constance that is to form the basis of her life changing decisions as she learns to become more of who she is. There are echoes of the past in the present as the ghost of Elise hangs over and haunts Constance and Rose.
This is a beautifully written novel from Burton, the characterisations are wonderfully vibrant in a immersive narrative and there is a great sense of the differing locations of LA and London. The women that inhabit the novel, their lives and relationships are depicted with great skill and expertise, outlining the challenges they face in a manner that feels authentic. This is a fabulously compelling read about love, loss, friendship, being a mother, secrets and a search for identity that had me completely engaged and absorbed. What struck me most about it was that what it had to say about women had a universality about it that I think will make many readers love it. Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC.
Rose has always felt a void in her life, her mother abandoned her as a baby, and she feels a abiding need to know more about her, convinced it will make her feel more whole as a human being and contribute to a greater sense of her identity. She finds out from her father that Elise had links with Constance, a woman who had withdrawn from public life at the height of her fame and lived a reclusive existence since then. Rose embarks on a quest to discover more about her elusive mother as she inveigles her way into Constance's life under false pretenses, securing a position as her carer. She goes on to develop a lively and critically important relationship with Constance that is to form the basis of her life changing decisions as she learns to become more of who she is. There are echoes of the past in the present as the ghost of Elise hangs over and haunts Constance and Rose.
This is a beautifully written novel from Burton, the characterisations are wonderfully vibrant in a immersive narrative and there is a great sense of the differing locations of LA and London. The women that inhabit the novel, their lives and relationships are depicted with great skill and expertise, outlining the challenges they face in a manner that feels authentic. This is a fabulously compelling read about love, loss, friendship, being a mother, secrets and a search for identity that had me completely engaged and absorbed. What struck me most about it was that what it had to say about women had a universality about it that I think will make many readers love it. Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC.
April 1, 2020
"I have known happiness – but I feel as if I can taste other people’s happiness much more strongly than I can my own."
I suspect I’ve read Jessie Burton’s books in the wrong order. Although, I guess I’ve read them in the most ordinary way – beginning with her first and ending with her most recent. Unfortunately, I’ve found my interest in these stories waning with each consecutive one. Maybe it’s not fair to do so, but having really admired her debut, The Miniaturist, I walked into the next two with certain expectations. Another issue for me personally is that this last is solidly a contemporary piece compared to the other two; although The Confession, like The Muse which preceded it, makes use of a dual timeline. But the timelines in this novel are still recent enough (early 1980s and 2017) for me to consider this contemporary versus historical fiction. And there lies the problem, because I am perhaps overly critical of contemporary fiction. I look primarily for authentic characters and for something that really speaks to my heart. I can’t always say what exactly that ‘something’ is, but I recognize it when it happens! It makes me want to shout “Yes!” and share with you a gushing sort of a review so that we can share some empathetic connection with one another.
This is a story about three women linked in an extraordinary, intriguing manner. The problem is that I never could quite grab onto anything solid in their personalities, except for perhaps Constance Holden, the writer. Though not a generally likable character, she was the most believable and fascinating of the three. Much of what this story revolves around is one woman’s search for her biological mother. But it is also about relationships – between lovers as well as mothers-daughters, the search for one’s personal identity, and the process of novel-writing. Actually, this process of writing is what piqued my interest the most. Some good questions were asked and points made about what a writer puts of him or herself onto those pages. Where does the creative process come from? How does an author live within the framework of what he or she is writing about?
"I live in different temporal spaces. I live in a fabricated present, and I’m constantly making up a future as well – and reimagining the past."
If my review sounds negative, it’s really more of a reflection of what I had anticipated from this novel. The Miniaturist really sucked me in with the historical timeframe and its stifling atmosphere. I was hungry for more of the same. I never considered setting aside The Confession, however. Though I am growing somewhat weary of these alternating timelines, in this case it helped to hold my attention. I wanted to watch these characters learn and grow from their mistakes. However, I couldn’t always buy into their actions. They didn’t quite ring true with what I was told about them. It was as if they did and said things changeably in a way that helped to move the plot forward in a certain direction. I can’t quite place my finger on it. Don’t let my less than enthusiastic opinion turn you away though. It’s nevertheless quite readable.
"It came smoothly to me, this loosening the threads of my own identity, weaving a new one. How had it become this easy to let go of myself, to pour words and fantasy into these gaping holes?"
I suspect I’ve read Jessie Burton’s books in the wrong order. Although, I guess I’ve read them in the most ordinary way – beginning with her first and ending with her most recent. Unfortunately, I’ve found my interest in these stories waning with each consecutive one. Maybe it’s not fair to do so, but having really admired her debut, The Miniaturist, I walked into the next two with certain expectations. Another issue for me personally is that this last is solidly a contemporary piece compared to the other two; although The Confession, like The Muse which preceded it, makes use of a dual timeline. But the timelines in this novel are still recent enough (early 1980s and 2017) for me to consider this contemporary versus historical fiction. And there lies the problem, because I am perhaps overly critical of contemporary fiction. I look primarily for authentic characters and for something that really speaks to my heart. I can’t always say what exactly that ‘something’ is, but I recognize it when it happens! It makes me want to shout “Yes!” and share with you a gushing sort of a review so that we can share some empathetic connection with one another.
This is a story about three women linked in an extraordinary, intriguing manner. The problem is that I never could quite grab onto anything solid in their personalities, except for perhaps Constance Holden, the writer. Though not a generally likable character, she was the most believable and fascinating of the three. Much of what this story revolves around is one woman’s search for her biological mother. But it is also about relationships – between lovers as well as mothers-daughters, the search for one’s personal identity, and the process of novel-writing. Actually, this process of writing is what piqued my interest the most. Some good questions were asked and points made about what a writer puts of him or herself onto those pages. Where does the creative process come from? How does an author live within the framework of what he or she is writing about?
"I live in different temporal spaces. I live in a fabricated present, and I’m constantly making up a future as well – and reimagining the past."
If my review sounds negative, it’s really more of a reflection of what I had anticipated from this novel. The Miniaturist really sucked me in with the historical timeframe and its stifling atmosphere. I was hungry for more of the same. I never considered setting aside The Confession, however. Though I am growing somewhat weary of these alternating timelines, in this case it helped to hold my attention. I wanted to watch these characters learn and grow from their mistakes. However, I couldn’t always buy into their actions. They didn’t quite ring true with what I was told about them. It was as if they did and said things changeably in a way that helped to move the plot forward in a certain direction. I can’t quite place my finger on it. Don’t let my less than enthusiastic opinion turn you away though. It’s nevertheless quite readable.
"It came smoothly to me, this loosening the threads of my own identity, weaving a new one. How had it become this easy to let go of myself, to pour words and fantasy into these gaping holes?"
March 14, 2022
Shortened review
"And it was never quite right - not then, not there, not him, not her - it was never quite your story" and then you come to realise “you stood in the darkness for so long, in order for this moment of illumination”
A moving and touching story of loss, separation, abandonment, and not belonging as three women come to terms with their past and present as they learn to live for the future. It will take honesty, acceptance and courage to face the painful truths and revelations kept secret for decades. In the present day, Rose comes face to face with the woman central to her mothers life and the person seemingly responsible for Rose growing up without a mother. The question is - will history repeat itself?
However, I have a confession to make, about Jessie Burton’s ‘The Confession’ I liked but did not love this book. It was missing all the ingredients to take it from being an average read with everything falling short from the characterisation, to the plots and the underlying themes.
I do love a story of reconciliation though and the timeline shifts also worked really well, but the spice and intrigue was missing for me I have to confess !!!
"And it was never quite right - not then, not there, not him, not her - it was never quite your story" and then you come to realise “you stood in the darkness for so long, in order for this moment of illumination”
A moving and touching story of loss, separation, abandonment, and not belonging as three women come to terms with their past and present as they learn to live for the future. It will take honesty, acceptance and courage to face the painful truths and revelations kept secret for decades. In the present day, Rose comes face to face with the woman central to her mothers life and the person seemingly responsible for Rose growing up without a mother. The question is - will history repeat itself?
However, I have a confession to make, about Jessie Burton’s ‘The Confession’ I liked but did not love this book. It was missing all the ingredients to take it from being an average read with everything falling short from the characterisation, to the plots and the underlying themes.
I do love a story of reconciliation though and the timeline shifts also worked really well, but the spice and intrigue was missing for me I have to confess !!!
September 19, 2019
I was glued to this. At over 400 pages, it's not quite a 'read it in one sitting' book, but I tore through it within a day. (Lovers of reading cliches will be delighted to hear I actually burned something I was cooking on the hob because I couldn't tear myself away from it.) The Confession is utterly engrossing; it took me on an emotional journey; at the end, I was sorry to leave its characters behind – but I also felt entirely satisfied with the endings they were given.
It's about two women: Elise in the early 1980s, and her daughter Rose in (approximately) the present day. In 1980, Elise meets and falls in love with Connie Holden, a successful writer. The two of them travel to LA to oversee the film adaptation of Connie's first novel; their relationship begins to falter. 30+ years later, Rose is at a crossroads – unsure whether to stay with her boyfriend, what to do about her career, and whether she wants children. Having been raised by her dad, she knows very little about her mother, who disappeared when she was still a baby. When she finds out about Elise's relationship with Connie, Rose is determined to track the writer down. And because of a series of flukes, she ends up... faking a new identity and becoming Connie's assistant.
Such an implausible situation could only arise in fiction, but I loved the book because of, not in spite of, this sort of thing. It's just so fun to read. The characters are so alive. I loved Connie; I defy anyone not to love Connie. I rooted for Rose all the way, and particularly liked the little world of friends and colleagues around her: her ineffectual boyfriend Joe and his doomed-to-fail burrito van business (saddled with the tragic name 'Joerritos'); her best friend Kelly, an Instagram influencer and mum-of-one who couldn't be more different from Rose but acts as a loving, stabilising presence. I disliked Elise, but that's partly because Burton is so successful at capturing the infuriating naivety of a 23-year-old who wonders: 'What was it that happened to a woman in the intervening decade between twenty and thirty – and did it happen to all women?'
This book has everything, really. It's about love, parenthood, friendship, art, freedom; it's entertaining, it asks big questions, it offers tension, mystery, pathos, and touches of comedy (again, 'Joerritos'). 1980s LA and late-2010s London are different enough that switching between them keeps the narrative fresh. Rose's journey is a joy (without being cloying), and I was both surprised and delighted by the conclusion of her story. I really didn't expect it to go in that direction, and I was so happy it did.
Although I thought The Miniaturist was okay, I got so sick of the hype around it a few years ago that, at one point, I thought I'd never read anything else by Burton. I'm so glad I took a chance on this. It's the perfect combination of smart/slick and cosy/reassuring, the perfect 'curl up on your sofa and read it long into the night' book. A treat.
I received an advance review copy of The Confession from the publisher through NetGalley.
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It's about two women: Elise in the early 1980s, and her daughter Rose in (approximately) the present day. In 1980, Elise meets and falls in love with Connie Holden, a successful writer. The two of them travel to LA to oversee the film adaptation of Connie's first novel; their relationship begins to falter. 30+ years later, Rose is at a crossroads – unsure whether to stay with her boyfriend, what to do about her career, and whether she wants children. Having been raised by her dad, she knows very little about her mother, who disappeared when she was still a baby. When she finds out about Elise's relationship with Connie, Rose is determined to track the writer down. And because of a series of flukes, she ends up... faking a new identity and becoming Connie's assistant.
Such an implausible situation could only arise in fiction, but I loved the book because of, not in spite of, this sort of thing. It's just so fun to read. The characters are so alive. I loved Connie; I defy anyone not to love Connie. I rooted for Rose all the way, and particularly liked the little world of friends and colleagues around her: her ineffectual boyfriend Joe and his doomed-to-fail burrito van business (saddled with the tragic name 'Joerritos'); her best friend Kelly, an Instagram influencer and mum-of-one who couldn't be more different from Rose but acts as a loving, stabilising presence. I disliked Elise, but that's partly because Burton is so successful at capturing the infuriating naivety of a 23-year-old who wonders: 'What was it that happened to a woman in the intervening decade between twenty and thirty – and did it happen to all women?'
This book has everything, really. It's about love, parenthood, friendship, art, freedom; it's entertaining, it asks big questions, it offers tension, mystery, pathos, and touches of comedy (again, 'Joerritos'). 1980s LA and late-2010s London are different enough that switching between them keeps the narrative fresh. Rose's journey is a joy (without being cloying), and I was both surprised and delighted by the conclusion of her story. I really didn't expect it to go in that direction, and I was so happy it did.
Although I thought The Miniaturist was okay, I got so sick of the hype around it a few years ago that, at one point, I thought I'd never read anything else by Burton. I'm so glad I took a chance on this. It's the perfect combination of smart/slick and cosy/reassuring, the perfect 'curl up on your sofa and read it long into the night' book. A treat.
I received an advance review copy of The Confession from the publisher through NetGalley.
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November 15, 2019
Nope. Not for me. The writing made me cringe, the characters were flimsy and the story was... well, just 'meh'.
August 28, 2021
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2.5 stars (rounded up to 3)
Although The Confession had a very promising start...I think I liked the book's cover more than its actual contents.
The premise of The Confession is one that has been done time and again. A young-ish woman forms a bond with an older woman, the latter is often famous (she can be an actress like in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or a writer such as in The Thirteenth Tale) or merely involved in some mystery of sorts (The Brimstone Wedding). The older woman will often confide in the younger one, who in her turn will find herself re-assessing her often until then unfulfilling existence. These books often implement a dual timeline to tell both of these women's stories and towards the end a big secret will be revealed. So yes, I knew that this book was threading familiar paths...still, I hoped that it would give this scenario, or at least these dynamics, a new spin...(it didn't).
In The Confession it is Rose Simmons who approaches the reclusive Constance Holden, an author who vanished from the 'literary' world after publishing her second book decades before. After years of silence, Rose's father has finally told her something 'substantial' about her mother: before Elise Morceau mysteriously disappeared, she was last seen with Connie.
Having waited so long for any information regarding her mother and her past, Rose, quite unwisely, decides to approach Connie under false-pretences and is employed by her. As Rose becomes invested in Connie she finds it more and more difficult to reveal her true motives and identity to the novelist.
All the while Rose is having some sort of identity crisis: does she love her boyfriend ? What does she want to do with the rest of her life? Can she ever know herself when she's grown up with a missing parent?
In some chapters the narrative switches to third-person and jumps back in time, taking us to when Elise first met Connie. We see the way in which she falls for Connie, who by then is at the high of her career. The age gap and power imbalance in their relationship however soon causes a rift between them...
I enjoyed the first section of this novel and, in spite of Rose's temporary loss of reason, I found both narratives to be engaging enough. Rose and Elise's story arcs seemed almost to mirror one another; they both lack(ed) a mother figure and they are uncertain of their own abilities.
Much of the novel is concerned with themes of motherhood and pregnancy. Rose resists the pressure from her father, her best friend, and her boyfriend's family to get married and have children. Feeling that she has yet to truly live she is not willing to lose her agency, and therefore, independence. It is Connie, a woman who has always dedicated mind and body to her writing, who helps Rose recognise that there are other paths for her...
Sadly, the characters, and by extension the relationships they had with one another, weren't as nuanced as I would have liked. Most of the romantic relationships were rather unconvincing and never gave the impression that the characters actually cared or loved one another . Worst of all, the book, rather than creating a narrative in which there is room for different perspectives regarding certain topics, it goes on a self-righteous spiel. We get it, this is a truly feminist book.
Here are some of the reasons why I didn't like this book as much as I hoped to:
✖I found many of the discussions surrounding female rage and autonomy as either incongruous or too ham-handed. First of all Connie expresses disapproval that she and her writing are defined only in terms of their femaleness; yet Rose, Connie, and Elise's questionable actions or general flaws are presented as an unavoidable outcomes in a 'patriarchal' world. Rather than being angry, they were feeling anger on behalf of their whole sex. Their words or choices seemed to always carry on some debate regarding their being female, which went at odds with the way in which these two narratives imply, directly and non, that these women should not be seen only in terms of their gender.
✖While initially I appreciated the story's conversations around motherhood, I soon noticed that there wasn't a single female character who was happy or at peace with not having children. We have the one who desperately yearns for a child; one who is about to have a second one and although she is not blind to the stress this will bring she seems relatively happy; and there are the ones who become pregnant and are faced with the choice of continuing or terminating their pregnancy. Connie, the one character who had the potential of being content with not having children, .
I also hated the fact that . All of the women seemed framed by their potential to become mothers. Couldn't we have one woman who wasn't defined by her ability to procreate ?!
✖Rather than having flaws the three main characters (Rose, Elise, and Connie) are merely reacting to a mean world. Their selfishness, anger, and stupidity were made to seem like the only solution to the bad people *ahem* or should I say men *ahem* around them. Rose and Elise's seemed to share the same sort of aimless personality and funnily enough they both seemed too fixated on Connie (for Rose she is a sort of model for female independence; while for Elise she seems to be everything, yikes). Rather than being held accountable for their actions they are made to seem as if they are the wronged ones...they just didn't seem to posses any distinctive characteristics, which the narrative tries to pin to the fact that they grew up without a mother figure. Mmmh.
Overall I just wasn't keen on the way they would dramatise themselves and everything they did or felt.
✖The men are portrayed in such a shallow way. The two most prominent male characters seemed to just shrug a lot. They exist only to be insensitive: not only are they completely ignorant in matters concerning motherhood but they often seem to be held accountable for the female characters' poor choices or bad behaviours. They were deliberately made to seem as little more than 'meh'. They have no idea how to deal with emotions of any type or form (sadness, anger, love, you name it, they won't cope with it).
✖While for the most part I really appreciated Burton's prose, I soon grew wary of the odd way in which she would suddenly turn to saccharine language (for example in expressing the 'anguish' experienced by Rose and Elise). There were many sex scenes that were far too twee for my taste. And yet, amidst these corny love making scenes, there were these abrupt crude descriptions which seemed like a poorly veiled attempt to be 'modern' that succeeded only in irritating me: .
✖This novel takes itself far too seriously. I found the self-congratulatory and polemical tone of the book to be off-putting. Rose and Elise's stories were made to seem as 'relatable' narratives portraying a contemporary/modern female experience...and yet rather than starring complex and flawed protagonists the book focused on two female characters that seemed often just that: female. Oh, wait a second, Elise is beautiful. There we go. And in spite of its attempts to be a serious, if not literary, type of the novel, both Rose and Elise's narratives soon turned into soap-operas full of perfectly avoidable miscommunications that have serious repercussions.
✖The mystery element is...lacking if not MIA. There is very little suspense. Rose spends most of her narrative wanting to ask Connie questions about her mother...and that’s about it.
In spite of its promising start (I did enjoy the first few cheap tees), and its beautiful front cover (isn’t it lovely?), The Confession was a rather frustrating book. Between its dichotomous arguments, its poorly developed characters, its uneven tone, and its propensity for melodrama it just didn’t work for me.
There are so many books that use a similar premise with much better results...
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2.5 stars (rounded up to 3)
Although The Confession had a very promising start...I think I liked the book's cover more than its actual contents.
“It came smoothly to me, this loosening the threads of my own identity, weaving a new one. How had it become this easy to let go of myself, to pour words and fantasy into these gaping holes?”
The premise of The Confession is one that has been done time and again. A young-ish woman forms a bond with an older woman, the latter is often famous (she can be an actress like in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or a writer such as in The Thirteenth Tale) or merely involved in some mystery of sorts (The Brimstone Wedding). The older woman will often confide in the younger one, who in her turn will find herself re-assessing her often until then unfulfilling existence. These books often implement a dual timeline to tell both of these women's stories and towards the end a big secret will be revealed. So yes, I knew that this book was threading familiar paths...still, I hoped that it would give this scenario, or at least these dynamics, a new spin...(it didn't).
In The Confession it is Rose Simmons who approaches the reclusive Constance Holden, an author who vanished from the 'literary' world after publishing her second book decades before. After years of silence, Rose's father has finally told her something 'substantial' about her mother: before Elise Morceau mysteriously disappeared, she was last seen with Connie.
Having waited so long for any information regarding her mother and her past, Rose, quite unwisely, decides to approach Connie under false-pretences and is employed by her. As Rose becomes invested in Connie she finds it more and more difficult to reveal her true motives and identity to the novelist.
All the while Rose is having some sort of identity crisis: does she love her boyfriend ? What does she want to do with the rest of her life? Can she ever know herself when she's grown up with a missing parent?
In some chapters the narrative switches to third-person and jumps back in time, taking us to when Elise first met Connie. We see the way in which she falls for Connie, who by then is at the high of her career. The age gap and power imbalance in their relationship however soon causes a rift between them...
I enjoyed the first section of this novel and, in spite of Rose's temporary loss of reason, I found both narratives to be engaging enough. Rose and Elise's story arcs seemed almost to mirror one another; they both lack(ed) a mother figure and they are uncertain of their own abilities.
Much of the novel is concerned with themes of motherhood and pregnancy. Rose resists the pressure from her father, her best friend, and her boyfriend's family to get married and have children. Feeling that she has yet to truly live she is not willing to lose her agency, and therefore, independence. It is Connie, a woman who has always dedicated mind and body to her writing, who helps Rose recognise that there are other paths for her...
Sadly, the characters, and by extension the relationships they had with one another, weren't as nuanced as I would have liked. Most of the romantic relationships were rather unconvincing and never gave the impression that the characters actually cared or loved one another . Worst of all, the book, rather than creating a narrative in which there is room for different perspectives regarding certain topics, it goes on a self-righteous spiel. We get it, this is a truly feminist book.
Here are some of the reasons why I didn't like this book as much as I hoped to:
✖I found many of the discussions surrounding female rage and autonomy as either incongruous or too ham-handed. First of all Connie expresses disapproval that she and her writing are defined only in terms of their femaleness; yet Rose, Connie, and Elise's questionable actions or general flaws are presented as an unavoidable outcomes in a 'patriarchal' world. Rather than being angry, they were feeling anger on behalf of their whole sex. Their words or choices seemed to always carry on some debate regarding their being female, which went at odds with the way in which these two narratives imply, directly and non, that these women should not be seen only in terms of their gender.
✖While initially I appreciated the story's conversations around motherhood, I soon noticed that there wasn't a single female character who was happy or at peace with not having children. We have the one who desperately yearns for a child; one who is about to have a second one and although she is not blind to the stress this will bring she seems relatively happy; and there are the ones who become pregnant and are faced with the choice of continuing or terminating their pregnancy. Connie, the one character who had the potential of being content with not having children, .
I also hated the fact that . All of the women seemed framed by their potential to become mothers. Couldn't we have one woman who wasn't defined by her ability to procreate ?!
✖Rather than having flaws the three main characters (Rose, Elise, and Connie) are merely reacting to a mean world. Their selfishness, anger, and stupidity were made to seem like the only solution to the bad people *ahem* or should I say men *ahem* around them. Rose and Elise's seemed to share the same sort of aimless personality and funnily enough they both seemed too fixated on Connie (for Rose she is a sort of model for female independence; while for Elise she seems to be everything, yikes). Rather than being held accountable for their actions they are made to seem as if they are the wronged ones...they just didn't seem to posses any distinctive characteristics, which the narrative tries to pin to the fact that they grew up without a mother figure. Mmmh.
Overall I just wasn't keen on the way they would dramatise themselves and everything they did or felt.
✖The men are portrayed in such a shallow way. The two most prominent male characters seemed to just shrug a lot. They exist only to be insensitive: not only are they completely ignorant in matters concerning motherhood but they often seem to be held accountable for the female characters' poor choices or bad behaviours. They were deliberately made to seem as little more than 'meh'. They have no idea how to deal with emotions of any type or form (sadness, anger, love, you name it, they won't cope with it).
✖While for the most part I really appreciated Burton's prose, I soon grew wary of the odd way in which she would suddenly turn to saccharine language (for example in expressing the 'anguish' experienced by Rose and Elise). There were many sex scenes that were far too twee for my taste. And yet, amidst these corny love making scenes, there were these abrupt crude descriptions which seemed like a poorly veiled attempt to be 'modern' that succeeded only in irritating me: .
✖This novel takes itself far too seriously. I found the self-congratulatory and polemical tone of the book to be off-putting. Rose and Elise's stories were made to seem as 'relatable' narratives portraying a contemporary/modern female experience...and yet rather than starring complex and flawed protagonists the book focused on two female characters that seemed often just that: female. Oh, wait a second, Elise is beautiful. There we go. And in spite of its attempts to be a serious, if not literary, type of the novel, both Rose and Elise's narratives soon turned into soap-operas full of perfectly avoidable miscommunications that have serious repercussions.
✖The mystery element is...lacking if not MIA. There is very little suspense. Rose spends most of her narrative wanting to ask Connie questions about her mother...and that’s about it.
In spite of its promising start (I did enjoy the first few cheap tees), and its beautiful front cover (isn’t it lovely?), The Confession was a rather frustrating book. Between its dichotomous arguments, its poorly developed characters, its uneven tone, and its propensity for melodrama it just didn’t work for me.
There are so many books that use a similar premise with much better results...
Read more reviews on my blog / / / View all my reviews on Goodreads
December 23, 2019
I’m not sure how I found out about this author, but I’m so glad that I did. A beautiful and powerful story one in which I found I could not bare to put down. A truly moving tale of friendship, secrets, motherhood and so much more.
I throughly enjoyed this book and I also love the cover. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Highly recommended.
I throughly enjoyed this book and I also love the cover. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2019
I feel really icky about this book.
The things I liked: the writing is absolutely gorgeous, very distinctive and evocative. Burton has a visual writing style that showcases her drama background and I loved how easy it was to read. She also writes very convincing characters - it felt real.
The things I didn’t: the characters are not likeable at all and the bad choices they made really triggered me because Burton is THAT GOOD with creating characters, but also, I wasn’t rooting for any of them. Elise was boring, apart from her ‘good looks’, Connie was arrogant and soulless and Rose was the most aimless 30-something I’ve read in a long time - and not in a good way. I just didn’t care.
Also the story itself was lacking. I think we were meant to be really curious about Elise and what happened to her, but it just didn’t work out like that. It was mulch.
And the plot twists were pretty cliched.
My final gripe is how pretentious this novel felt - almost lecturing the reader at points with over-intellectualised, and what is set up to be, ‘groundbreaking’ conversations between characters. God it felt preachy and indulgent.
And that last chapter? Totally pointless apart from the author deciding to show off how she can write pretty sentences about nothing.
The things I liked: the writing is absolutely gorgeous, very distinctive and evocative. Burton has a visual writing style that showcases her drama background and I loved how easy it was to read. She also writes very convincing characters - it felt real.
The things I didn’t: the characters are not likeable at all and the bad choices they made really triggered me because Burton is THAT GOOD with creating characters, but also, I wasn’t rooting for any of them. Elise was boring, apart from her ‘good looks’, Connie was arrogant and soulless and Rose was the most aimless 30-something I’ve read in a long time - and not in a good way. I just didn’t care.
Also the story itself was lacking. I think we were meant to be really curious about Elise and what happened to her, but it just didn’t work out like that. It was mulch.
And the plot twists were pretty cliched.
My final gripe is how pretentious this novel felt - almost lecturing the reader at points with over-intellectualised, and what is set up to be, ‘groundbreaking’ conversations between characters. God it felt preachy and indulgent.
And that last chapter? Totally pointless apart from the author deciding to show off how she can write pretty sentences about nothing.
December 8, 2022
Elise Morceau is young and impressionable and enamoured with the suave and effortless grace of Constance Holden. Connie's allure allows Elise to find herself uprooted to hectic LA, the city of dreams. But it also proves one of nightmares when those same dreams fail to find their purchase.
Three decades later Rose Simmons is on a dogged hunt to unearth the secrets of her mother's disappearance, when she was a baby. Her close-lipped father has finally divulged some closely-guarded secrets and her search has dead-ended at Connie's front door. Past and present begin to collide as all that has been previously undisclosed is revealed, whether it is best for those still living that they do so, or not.
I thoroughly enjoyed this split-perspective interrogation into past mysteries and the most secret aspects of women's lives. Each female focused on had their own unique and nuanced character and it proved endlessly intriguing as the novel progressed and the reader was invited to learn about the best and worst aspects of each.
The puzzle pieces were slowly awarded and hard-fought for, but as each found its place and the larger picture began to be revealed it also heightened the emotion and the humanity Burton was presenting, alongside the fascinating mystery.
I found this moving, beautifully-written, and well-structured throughout with an ending that concluded this compelling narrative in a thoroughly gratifying manner.
Three decades later Rose Simmons is on a dogged hunt to unearth the secrets of her mother's disappearance, when she was a baby. Her close-lipped father has finally divulged some closely-guarded secrets and her search has dead-ended at Connie's front door. Past and present begin to collide as all that has been previously undisclosed is revealed, whether it is best for those still living that they do so, or not.
I thoroughly enjoyed this split-perspective interrogation into past mysteries and the most secret aspects of women's lives. Each female focused on had their own unique and nuanced character and it proved endlessly intriguing as the novel progressed and the reader was invited to learn about the best and worst aspects of each.
The puzzle pieces were slowly awarded and hard-fought for, but as each found its place and the larger picture began to be revealed it also heightened the emotion and the humanity Burton was presenting, alongside the fascinating mystery.
I found this moving, beautifully-written, and well-structured throughout with an ending that concluded this compelling narrative in a thoroughly gratifying manner.
September 13, 2019
Rose Simmons has a dead end job and a relationship that's floundering. She's never k own her mother, Elise Morceau s she had disappeared when Rose was just a baby. He father gives her a book and tells Rose that the author knew her mother and might have some knowledge about what had happened to her. Intrigued, Rose secures herself as a companion to the now famous author, Constance Holden. Rose changes her name to "Laura Brown". She is desperate to find answers and she hope that Constance will help her achieve this.
Rose had spent her whole life wondering what had happened to her mother. The last person to have seen her mother was Constance Holden. The story is told through two timelines, 1980's Los Angeles and London 2018. The two stories weave seamlessly in and out of each other. We get descriptions of the places and the people. The main characters are strong and independent women. The story is well written with a steady pace. I did feel that the last chapter was a bit rushed. Did Rose find her mother? You will need to read this book to find out.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Pan Macmillan and the author Jessie Burton for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rose had spent her whole life wondering what had happened to her mother. The last person to have seen her mother was Constance Holden. The story is told through two timelines, 1980's Los Angeles and London 2018. The two stories weave seamlessly in and out of each other. We get descriptions of the places and the people. The main characters are strong and independent women. The story is well written with a steady pace. I did feel that the last chapter was a bit rushed. Did Rose find her mother? You will need to read this book to find out.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Pan Macmillan and the author Jessie Burton for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
This is an absolutely superb book which is so well written. This story is told from the perspectives of Elise, Connie and Rosie and goes backwards and forwards fluidly from 1980-83 and 2017. Elise and Connie meet in London in 1980 and begin a relationship which is a very deep one. Elise believes that Connie ‘lured her in’ but thinks she doesn’t give her as much back as she gives to Connie. Connie can be silent and dismissive, perhaps partly due to age difference (Elise is much younger) and partly due to personality. Connie is a writer of two books that are very successful and one is turned into a Hollywood movie and it is while they are in LA that their relationship starts to flounder and the two separate acrimoniously.
Rosie is Elise’s daughter but she is not present in her life and when she was little Rosie created myths around her mother to make up for her loss. When she was 12 she decided she was dead and the loss of Elise to nearly teenage Rosie is beautifully and creatively described. As a thirty something Rosie decides to try to trace her mother and by a sort of comedy of errors she ends up working for Connie as her assistant. Connie and Rosie develop a wonderful relationship although initially Rosie hides her identity giving a false name. Connie is a terrific character- independent, clever, acerbic and some of their lively discussions are like verbal tennis and both of them realise that they are in love with the ghost of Elise. Through Connie, Rose is able to become whole, she sheds her vulnerability, becomes free and independent, accepts she will probably never find her mother, gains a huge amount of courage and instead of living a life anchored to inertia she is able to move forward and make something of her life. One of the most positive things that she did was to end the going nowhere relationship with a man who was going nowhere - she had been with Joe for 9 years but their relationship is stale.
This is a wonderfully crafted story of female and male relationships, of love and loss, the price of success especially in Connie’s case, abandonment and vulnerability but also of acceptance and moving forwards to a life not as shackled to the past. There are some well crafted characters some of whom are immensely likeable such as Rosie, Connie, Kelly and Zoe and even though Joe is not especially admirable he is easy to imagine. There are lovely descriptions of places - London, California, Mexico and NY. The author made me feel like I went on a journey with Rosie so I desperately wanted her to find what she was seeking. I love the fact that at the end of the story Rosie needed Connie as much as Connie needed Rosie so there is a growing equality in their blooming friendship. I loved this book from start to finish and I would like to express my thanks for the privilege of reading this ARC.
Rosie is Elise’s daughter but she is not present in her life and when she was little Rosie created myths around her mother to make up for her loss. When she was 12 she decided she was dead and the loss of Elise to nearly teenage Rosie is beautifully and creatively described. As a thirty something Rosie decides to try to trace her mother and by a sort of comedy of errors she ends up working for Connie as her assistant. Connie and Rosie develop a wonderful relationship although initially Rosie hides her identity giving a false name. Connie is a terrific character- independent, clever, acerbic and some of their lively discussions are like verbal tennis and both of them realise that they are in love with the ghost of Elise. Through Connie, Rose is able to become whole, she sheds her vulnerability, becomes free and independent, accepts she will probably never find her mother, gains a huge amount of courage and instead of living a life anchored to inertia she is able to move forward and make something of her life. One of the most positive things that she did was to end the going nowhere relationship with a man who was going nowhere - she had been with Joe for 9 years but their relationship is stale.
This is a wonderfully crafted story of female and male relationships, of love and loss, the price of success especially in Connie’s case, abandonment and vulnerability but also of acceptance and moving forwards to a life not as shackled to the past. There are some well crafted characters some of whom are immensely likeable such as Rosie, Connie, Kelly and Zoe and even though Joe is not especially admirable he is easy to imagine. There are lovely descriptions of places - London, California, Mexico and NY. The author made me feel like I went on a journey with Rosie so I desperately wanted her to find what she was seeking. I love the fact that at the end of the story Rosie needed Connie as much as Connie needed Rosie so there is a growing equality in their blooming friendship. I loved this book from start to finish and I would like to express my thanks for the privilege of reading this ARC.
January 22, 2021
3.5*
Rose Simmons has always felt the loss of her mother deeply. All her life she wanted to know who Elise Morceau was and through her, wanted to discover herself. Rose, now in her mid thirties is lost in her life, trapped in an unhappy relationship without any children. Her questions about her mother has always been unanswered and she feels that any information about her mother would fill the gap in her life.
One day, her dad tells her that the last person to see her mother alive is the famous writer Constance Holden who was Elise's former lover. 30 years after her mother went missing, Rose under a false identity, goes to meet the old writer who now leads an extremely private life.
This book explores themes like motherhood, feminism, freedom etc.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The writing style is great at some parts and the characters were solid, especially that of Constance. You can feel thr strength of her character throughout this book. But the initial pages were so boring and the story wasn't that exciting either. Not a bad book to read if you have time.
Rose Simmons has always felt the loss of her mother deeply. All her life she wanted to know who Elise Morceau was and through her, wanted to discover herself. Rose, now in her mid thirties is lost in her life, trapped in an unhappy relationship without any children. Her questions about her mother has always been unanswered and she feels that any information about her mother would fill the gap in her life.
One day, her dad tells her that the last person to see her mother alive is the famous writer Constance Holden who was Elise's former lover. 30 years after her mother went missing, Rose under a false identity, goes to meet the old writer who now leads an extremely private life.
This book explores themes like motherhood, feminism, freedom etc.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The writing style is great at some parts and the characters were solid, especially that of Constance. You can feel thr strength of her character throughout this book. But the initial pages were so boring and the story wasn't that exciting either. Not a bad book to read if you have time.
January 25, 2021
This is a book that has a cover I adore -- I saw it and fell in love with it. I didn't really care what the book was about, I just wanted it! I love it even more that I have read the book --- it's so perfectly suited to the story.
This is the second book by Jessie Burton that I have read (the other being The Miniaturist) and I really seem to click with her way of writing. I hadn't expected to connect so deeply with the characters in this novel, but I did, especially Rose. I loved the balance of present day Constance Holden, and the woman she was in the 1980's. Discovering the ways in which she was different, as well as the ways that she remained the same made for interesting reading. I couldn't help but wish that her novels were real as they sounded wonderful.
I had thought I might find myself frustrated with Rose, but I never was, even when her actions were questionable. I understood her desperation for answers, her need to know. It's also refreshing to have a the mystery be a disappearance, not a murder. This is something I have come to appreciate more and more recently.
This is the second book by Jessie Burton that I have read (the other being The Miniaturist) and I really seem to click with her way of writing. I hadn't expected to connect so deeply with the characters in this novel, but I did, especially Rose. I loved the balance of present day Constance Holden, and the woman she was in the 1980's. Discovering the ways in which she was different, as well as the ways that she remained the same made for interesting reading. I couldn't help but wish that her novels were real as they sounded wonderful.
I had thought I might find myself frustrated with Rose, but I never was, even when her actions were questionable. I understood her desperation for answers, her need to know. It's also refreshing to have a the mystery be a disappearance, not a murder. This is something I have come to appreciate more and more recently.
Want to read
August 6, 2019how am i just hearing about this now? i feel very out of the loop, people!
October 7, 2019
4.5 stars
Thank you so much @picadorbooks for my free copy of Jessie Burton’s The Confession! Once again I was spellbound by Burton’s masterful storytelling, this time focusing on books, what it means to be a mother and plenty of secrets.
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Burton makes great use of the dual narrative in this one, jumping back and forth through time between the 80s and 2017/18. Usually I tend to prefer one narrative and find myself speeding through the other to get back to my favourite, but that wasn’t the case here as both were equally engaging. The glamorous yet seedy scenes of 1980s Hollywood and NYC blend perfectly with modern day London!
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The characters had a lot to do with that, as the dark and urgent Connie features in both timelines, probably my favourite character - unapologetic, sometimes cruel, but with a kind heart underneath it all. Our main character in the present is Rose, a 30-something who is EXTREMELY relatable - that tri-life crisis article I shared in my stories the other day sums up Rose’s vibe, and she’s almost comforting to read about as she muddles her way through life. I loved her ending SO much, if anyone’s read it, DM me if you wanna chat!
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If I had one tiny criticism it would be one section where Rose is reading one of Connie’s books and it’s like we’re in a GCSE English class being spoon-fed... it was an awkward way of telling us what Connie’s books are about, but it was over quickly! I’ve also noticed a trend in books set in today’s world of the ~social media influencer~ side character and I can’t decide whether they’re funny or too heavy-handed...
.
But overall an immersive read that had me hooked every time I picked it up!
Thank you so much @picadorbooks for my free copy of Jessie Burton’s The Confession! Once again I was spellbound by Burton’s masterful storytelling, this time focusing on books, what it means to be a mother and plenty of secrets.
.
Burton makes great use of the dual narrative in this one, jumping back and forth through time between the 80s and 2017/18. Usually I tend to prefer one narrative and find myself speeding through the other to get back to my favourite, but that wasn’t the case here as both were equally engaging. The glamorous yet seedy scenes of 1980s Hollywood and NYC blend perfectly with modern day London!
.
The characters had a lot to do with that, as the dark and urgent Connie features in both timelines, probably my favourite character - unapologetic, sometimes cruel, but with a kind heart underneath it all. Our main character in the present is Rose, a 30-something who is EXTREMELY relatable - that tri-life crisis article I shared in my stories the other day sums up Rose’s vibe, and she’s almost comforting to read about as she muddles her way through life. I loved her ending SO much, if anyone’s read it, DM me if you wanna chat!
.
If I had one tiny criticism it would be one section where Rose is reading one of Connie’s books and it’s like we’re in a GCSE English class being spoon-fed... it was an awkward way of telling us what Connie’s books are about, but it was over quickly! I’ve also noticed a trend in books set in today’s world of the ~social media influencer~ side character and I can’t decide whether they’re funny or too heavy-handed...
.
But overall an immersive read that had me hooked every time I picked it up!
October 27, 2019
In 1980 Elsie meets Constance on Hampstead Heath, she is a writer who is older and very charismatic, they begin a meaningful and intense relationship. When Constance takes them to L.A as her book is going to be turned into a film, Elsie feels like she has been abandoned, as Constance is too busy for her and expects her to wait on the sidelines.
The story jumps to 2017, Rosie has never known her mother,as she left when she was a child and was raised by her dad Matt. Matt gives her some books and says that her mother knew the author well. Rosie reads the books and decides to try and find Constance the writer so she can hopefully find out where her mother is. She bizarrely uses a different name and becomes Constance’s assistant.
The story alternates between the 2 timelines as we discover what happened to Elsie and will Rosie ever meet her mom.
I was drawn into this book straight away, the characters are very vivid and strong independent women, you want them to have a happy ending. This story encompasses the story of love, relationships, loss in a warm and compassionate way.
I devoured this book in one day and felt like I could have carried on reading about these wonderful characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
The story jumps to 2017, Rosie has never known her mother,as she left when she was a child and was raised by her dad Matt. Matt gives her some books and says that her mother knew the author well. Rosie reads the books and decides to try and find Constance the writer so she can hopefully find out where her mother is. She bizarrely uses a different name and becomes Constance’s assistant.
The story alternates between the 2 timelines as we discover what happened to Elsie and will Rosie ever meet her mom.
I was drawn into this book straight away, the characters are very vivid and strong independent women, you want them to have a happy ending. This story encompasses the story of love, relationships, loss in a warm and compassionate way.
I devoured this book in one day and felt like I could have carried on reading about these wonderful characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
February 20, 2021
Prin ”Confesiunea” s-a concretizat prima mea întâlnire cu Jessie Burton, și cu siguranță nu va fi ultima. Este o carte despre căutarea identității, a originilor, despre feminism, despre orientările sexuale, despre alegerea de a rămâne într-o relație nepotrivită sau nu, dar și despre depresie.
”Toate femeile merită privilegiul eşecului, dar foarte puţine au parte de el, scria Constance. E un privilegiu să greşeşti catastrofal, apoi să mai primeşti o şansă, ca şi cum de fapt nu s-ar fi întâmplat nimic. Bărbaţii fac asta tot timpul, după care sunt aspru criticaţi şi se îndreaptă ca indivizi. Un exemplu ar fi politicienii. Oamenii de afaceri. Ucigaşii. Diavolii albi care ne distrug lumea. Şi femeile sunt diavoliţe, desigur. Dar când o femeie o face lată, de obicei reprezintă tot neamul femeiesc, de parcă toate ne-am mişca într-un singur mare sân. Şi totuşi, ar trebui să ni se îngăduie s-o facem lată!”
”În aeroporturi, oamenii devin anonimi, omogeni. Aerul e greu de suferinţa distilată a despărţirilor – sau de uşurarea despărţirilor şi de bucuria revederilor, amestecate toate într-un vârtej incoerent. Nu poţi avea mintea limpede într-un aeroport. Eşti deja pe jumătate la destinaţie. Nimeni n-are vreodată chef să se afle acolo, dar e preţul pe care trebuie să-l plăteşti ca să ajungi undeva.”
”Toate femeile merită privilegiul eşecului, dar foarte puţine au parte de el, scria Constance. E un privilegiu să greşeşti catastrofal, apoi să mai primeşti o şansă, ca şi cum de fapt nu s-ar fi întâmplat nimic. Bărbaţii fac asta tot timpul, după care sunt aspru criticaţi şi se îndreaptă ca indivizi. Un exemplu ar fi politicienii. Oamenii de afaceri. Ucigaşii. Diavolii albi care ne distrug lumea. Şi femeile sunt diavoliţe, desigur. Dar când o femeie o face lată, de obicei reprezintă tot neamul femeiesc, de parcă toate ne-am mişca într-un singur mare sân. Şi totuşi, ar trebui să ni se îngăduie s-o facem lată!”
”În aeroporturi, oamenii devin anonimi, omogeni. Aerul e greu de suferinţa distilată a despărţirilor – sau de uşurarea despărţirilor şi de bucuria revederilor, amestecate toate într-un vârtej incoerent. Nu poţi avea mintea limpede într-un aeroport. Eşti deja pe jumătate la destinaţie. Nimeni n-are vreodată chef să se afle acolo, dar e preţul pe care trebuie să-l plăteşti ca să ajungi undeva.”
August 9, 2019
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book.
I’ve read another book by the author and found this one very different. So don’t expect it to be similar.
I really enjoyed the characters, and felt my feelings towards them change all the time.
Yes some parts weren’t as interesting as others and it’s not a short book but the story is an interesting one without being too complicated.
The ending was a little frustrating as I like clear answers but that doesn’t always make a good book so I respect the authors decision to leave it as it is. Also I realise that the point of the novel is probably Rose’s journey and self discovery and not what actually happened to certain characters.
I’ve read another book by the author and found this one very different. So don’t expect it to be similar.
I really enjoyed the characters, and felt my feelings towards them change all the time.
Yes some parts weren’t as interesting as others and it’s not a short book but the story is an interesting one without being too complicated.
The ending was a little frustrating as I like clear answers but that doesn’t always make a good book so I respect the authors decision to leave it as it is. Also I realise that the point of the novel is probably Rose’s journey and self discovery and not what actually happened to certain characters.
November 11, 2019
When I read a novel and it leaves me thinking about the themes, the characters and their life it's clear that the reading experience was totally worthwhile. I have been mulling over my thoughts and there is no doubt that this author writes a beautiful and compelling narrative.
The trajectory of the story toggles between the 1980s and three decades later where we see Rose drawn to the lady who influenced the life of her mother, Elise, a mother who mysteriously has not been any part of her life. The 1980s depicts the relationship between Elise and Constance and slowly weaves the story of how they met, where they ended up and most importantly the thing that affected the futures of all three female protagonists.
Initially I was totally engaged in the story, especially the developing story between Elise and Constance in the 1980s, I was fascinated and truth be told, I wanted more of their story above all else. I appreciated the themes laced throughout and the mirroring plotline of unexpected pregnancy and the dilemmas this may lead to. This certainly raised thoughts and debate in my own head surrounding the rights and wrongs of people's decisions and choices.
Ultimately my biggest issue was that I did not fully connect with Rose and I think to fully appreciate this story I personally needed to feel more invested in her predicament than I did. That said, as an ensemble, the novel held my attention and my interest enough to ensure I read it from cover to cover. It was my first outing with Burton but I will definitely read her work again and would recommend this story to others, especially book club readers as it would provoke a great discussion.
Advance copy kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley *
The trajectory of the story toggles between the 1980s and three decades later where we see Rose drawn to the lady who influenced the life of her mother, Elise, a mother who mysteriously has not been any part of her life. The 1980s depicts the relationship between Elise and Constance and slowly weaves the story of how they met, where they ended up and most importantly the thing that affected the futures of all three female protagonists.
Initially I was totally engaged in the story, especially the developing story between Elise and Constance in the 1980s, I was fascinated and truth be told, I wanted more of their story above all else. I appreciated the themes laced throughout and the mirroring plotline of unexpected pregnancy and the dilemmas this may lead to. This certainly raised thoughts and debate in my own head surrounding the rights and wrongs of people's decisions and choices.
Ultimately my biggest issue was that I did not fully connect with Rose and I think to fully appreciate this story I personally needed to feel more invested in her predicament than I did. That said, as an ensemble, the novel held my attention and my interest enough to ensure I read it from cover to cover. It was my first outing with Burton but I will definitely read her work again and would recommend this story to others, especially book club readers as it would provoke a great discussion.
Advance copy kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley *
November 22, 2020
Bardzo ważna książka, którą każdy odbierze inaczej. Książka, która warto przeczytać pare raz w odstępach kilku lat. Książka wielowarstwowa. Książka do przemyśleń...
July 19, 2020
So, did I enjoy this audio-book? The proof is that I cleaned the kitchen, the bathroom and sorted out my wardrobe just so that I could carry on listening to it!
I can't say, hand on heart, that this book is 'literary': for me, it's very superior soap opera that uses some well-worn premises (the daughter searching for her lost mother, the switched timelines, the acolyte and the older woman), requires an outrageous swallow-your-disbelief attitude , and becomes a little too patterned towards the end . Nevertheless, I found this an immersive read as characters struggle to find their true selves.
This is strongly about women with the male characters little more than walk-on parts - which makes a nice change. It also has an open ending so that not all the threads are tied up neatly.
Hayley Atwell's reading is clear and well-paced and her voice suits the characters well. Immersive yet untaxing, this is the ideal audio-book companion while doing boring chores, exercising or travelling.
I can't say, hand on heart, that this book is 'literary': for me, it's very superior soap opera that uses some well-worn premises (the daughter searching for her lost mother, the switched timelines, the acolyte and the older woman), requires an outrageous swallow-your-disbelief attitude , and becomes a little too patterned towards the end . Nevertheless, I found this an immersive read as characters struggle to find their true selves.
This is strongly about women with the male characters little more than walk-on parts - which makes a nice change. It also has an open ending so that not all the threads are tied up neatly.
Hayley Atwell's reading is clear and well-paced and her voice suits the characters well. Immersive yet untaxing, this is the ideal audio-book companion while doing boring chores, exercising or travelling.
November 8, 2019
The Confession by Jessie Burton is a dual narrative story about three women, Elise, Constance and Rose. Elise and Constance are lovers in the 1980s and in the present day, Rose seeks answers about her mother Elise, who left when she was a baby.
Constance is a successful author, and the reader is given an insight into her career during the 1980s and her life as a reclusive writer in the present day. Rose devises a ruse to meet Constance and drill her for answers about her mother.
The Confession is my first time reading Jessie Burton and I was gripped by her writing. (Oh and the cover design is stunning!) Essentially a story about love, purpose, motherhood, relationships, choices, secrets and regrets, the narrative kept me turning pages as the confession of the title drew nearer.
Of the three characters, Constance was easily my favourite. Her life was deeply compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed her personality. Rose I liked the least, the ruse and her dishonesty being part of it, but I also found her aimlessness a little irritating.
While I enjoyed the story and the writing, the unresolved ending prevented this from being a five star read for me. While Rose says she's moving on, the book ends with This was frustrating and coming so soon after another unresolved ending - in The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone by Felicity McLean - the frustration was compounded. I need more answers people!
Once the 'high' of the confession - or conversation - I'd been waiting for during the entire book was over and I spent a few days reflecting, the effect wore off. If you love a mystery and a deep and meaningful tale of women finding their way in life, then The Confession is for you. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more from Jessie Burton.
* Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan *
Constance is a successful author, and the reader is given an insight into her career during the 1980s and her life as a reclusive writer in the present day. Rose devises a ruse to meet Constance and drill her for answers about her mother.
The Confession is my first time reading Jessie Burton and I was gripped by her writing. (Oh and the cover design is stunning!) Essentially a story about love, purpose, motherhood, relationships, choices, secrets and regrets, the narrative kept me turning pages as the confession of the title drew nearer.
Of the three characters, Constance was easily my favourite. Her life was deeply compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed her personality. Rose I liked the least, the ruse and her dishonesty being part of it, but I also found her aimlessness a little irritating.
While I enjoyed the story and the writing, the unresolved ending prevented this from being a five star read for me. While Rose says she's moving on, the book ends with This was frustrating and coming so soon after another unresolved ending - in The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone by Felicity McLean - the frustration was compounded. I need more answers people!
Once the 'high' of the confession - or conversation - I'd been waiting for during the entire book was over and I spent a few days reflecting, the effect wore off. If you love a mystery and a deep and meaningful tale of women finding their way in life, then The Confession is for you. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more from Jessie Burton.
* Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan *
December 1, 2019
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Confession by Jessie Burton. (2019).
In 1980 Elise meets the alluring Constance, quickly falls under her spell and they head to L.A. where Constance's book is being turned into a movie. Connie thrives on the heat and electricity but Elise finds herself floundering. When she overhears a conversation at a party that devastates her, Elise makes an impulsive decision that will change her life forever.
Over 30 years later, Rose is seeking answers about her mother who disappeared when she was a baby. She learns that Constance, a reclusive novelist, was the last person to see her mother. Rose is drawn to Constance's house in search of a confession...
Hmm. I didn't mind this novel, but I didn't think it was great. I am clearly in the minority with this opinion as 80% of readers have rated this book 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads (as of November 2019). I guess I found it a tad long (a biggie at over 460 pages) and slow for my liking. Also an ambiguous ending in relation to the main question of a story rarely leaves me satisfied. What I did like is that the characters felt real in that they were all a bit flawed and not perfect, making decisions that maybe weren't for the best. I actually really liked Rose's friend Kelly and thought she should have been involved a bit more to freshen up some chapters. The narrative alternates between two timelines, Elise's & Rose's, and it does flow pretty smoothly. I would recommend reading if the synopsis interests you.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
The Confession by Jessie Burton. (2019).
In 1980 Elise meets the alluring Constance, quickly falls under her spell and they head to L.A. where Constance's book is being turned into a movie. Connie thrives on the heat and electricity but Elise finds herself floundering. When she overhears a conversation at a party that devastates her, Elise makes an impulsive decision that will change her life forever.
Over 30 years later, Rose is seeking answers about her mother who disappeared when she was a baby. She learns that Constance, a reclusive novelist, was the last person to see her mother. Rose is drawn to Constance's house in search of a confession...
Hmm. I didn't mind this novel, but I didn't think it was great. I am clearly in the minority with this opinion as 80% of readers have rated this book 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads (as of November 2019). I guess I found it a tad long (a biggie at over 460 pages) and slow for my liking. Also an ambiguous ending in relation to the main question of a story rarely leaves me satisfied. What I did like is that the characters felt real in that they were all a bit flawed and not perfect, making decisions that maybe weren't for the best. I actually really liked Rose's friend Kelly and thought she should have been involved a bit more to freshen up some chapters. The narrative alternates between two timelines, Elise's & Rose's, and it does flow pretty smoothly. I would recommend reading if the synopsis interests you.
May 29, 2021
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“Sve mi je išlo tako lako, to paranje niti starog identiteta, tkanje novog. Kako to da sam bila spremna s takvom lakoćom odustati od sebe i u nastalu prazninu natakati sasvim nove riječi i maštarije?”
Rose Simmons djevojka je u svojim tridesetima donekle zadovoljna svojim životom. Jest da radi u kafiću, ali voli taj posao. Jest da joj dečko prolazi kroz seriju profesionalnih eksperimentiranja s upitnim rezultatima, ali žive u njegovom stanu, imaju nešto ušteđevine i, barem za sad, ne moraju previše brinuti o egzistenciji.
Jest da se s njegovom obitelj ne podnosi, ali bože moj, to je tek nešto s čim se ne treba opterećivati. Jest da joj je otac, kao jedina obitelj, odselio u Francusku i jest da joj see najbolja prijateljica posvetila podizanju obitelji, ali to nije ništa što bi Rosin život obojilo lošim bojama.
Rose iz kolotečine istrgne razgovor s ocem u kojem joj je otkriveno da postoji jedna osoba koja bi mogla znati više o sudbini Rosine majke koja je nestala ubrzo nakon njezinog rođenja.
Druga vremenska linija koju upoznajemo prati Elise, Rosinu majku i to u periodu prije Rosinog rođenja. Elise je mlada dvadeset-i-nešto-godišnjakinja koja upoznaje čarobnu i malo stariju Connie, spisateljicu na pragu velike slave. Njih dvije se odmah zaljubljuju i Elise je prati onkraj svijeta, u Los Angeles, gdje upada u vrtlog novih doživljaja, propitkivanja i gdje veza Connie i Elise pada u značajne kušnje.
Generalno, ne marim puno za knjige koje su napisane u dvostrukoj vremenskoj liniji. Daleko od toga da to ne može biti dobro napravljeno, ali u pravilu jedna linija bude izuzetno uzbudljiva, a druga u najmanju ruku ne tako izuzetno uzbudljiva. Ta je dihotomija tempa i intenzitetaa često ravna mučenju. Ipak, moram priznati da se u ovoj knjizi taj potez autorice ipak pokazao dobrim, i jako je vješto rukovodila i jednom i drugom linijom.
Nije to bez žrtvi, lik Elise se ipak pokazao zericu površnijim od očekivanog, ali razumjela sam da iza svega stoji i intencija spisateljice koja je pisala iz perspektive nekoliko žena, a sve su bile u različitim stadijima svog života.
Naime, mi nismo iste žene u dvadesetima, u tridesetima, u sedamdesetima… Burton je upravo ovaj aspekt naših karaktera uzela kao spisateljski eksperiment u knjizi "Ispovijest", i mene je time zaista oduševila. Posljedično, Elise je najmlađa od naših likova, ne bez čarolije, mlada žena koja uživa u svim konveksnostima i konkavnostima prve ljubavi, ali bez karakterne dubine koju ipak steknemo s desetljećima.
“Ljubav. Kakav li je to osjećaj? Elise je vjerovala da je cijeloga života na prstima hodala oko ruba vulkanskog kratera čije dubine nije mogla izmjeriti, ali koji je bio pun nečega moćnog, nečega što joj nikada prije nije bilo dano da vidi. Dolje u mraku bilo je mnogo sretnih duša, ali i mnogo mrtvih tijela.”
Rose je u tom pogledu lik s kojim sam se, kao Ana do prije nekih 5 godina, najviše identificirala: tridesetogodišnjakinja koja se nikad nije ozbiljno pozabavila sobom, svojim željama i svojim mogućnostima. Kako bi se približila sad već ostarjeloj Connie, ona preuzima alter ego Laure Brown, samopouzdane, uzbudljive, znatiželjne žene koja se ne boji svojih odluka i odlika, i to su sve redom odlike koja prava Rose naizgled ne posjeduje.
Taj raskol identiteta autorica snažno istražuje kroz priču. Uz nadahnuto vodstvo žene poput Connie, koja izuzetno vjeruje u vlastiti pogon, Rose polako otkriva da može, smije i mora biti žena koja ruši paradigme koje joj je društvo nametnulo, ali i koje si je sama zadala. Ako to nije pravi odraz kvalitetnih ženskih tridesetih, ja ne znam što jest.
“Dok si dijete, ljudi ti često govore što si, kakva ćeš biti, i kasnije se često toga sjetiš.”
Druga velika značajka ove knjige i njezinog pisanja jest način na koji je Jessie opisala međusobno dodirivanje karaktera, doslovno i figurativno, i to ne isključivo u romantičnom smislu.
Čeznutljivost, opojnost drugim bićem, potreba da se s drugim bićem stopimo i ta opora nemogućnost istog istinski je dobro opisana; ili onaj osjećaj kad ti srce natekne od ljubavi, prve ili posljednje, sasvim svejedno; ili pak onaj trenutak kad se sklupčamo uz osobu koju volimo i udahnemo joj miris; možda onaj osjećaj kad ne znaš gdje ti prestaješ, a osoba koju voliš počinje (nije li i to pitanje identiteta?)… To su sve trenuci koje je tako senzualno prenijela ova knjiga i zaista je učinila prepoznatljivom.
“Bilo je teško stalno biti ista osoba. Zamisli da možeš pronaći svoje bolje “ja”, prepuno obzira i dobrote, vlastito srce kako se preko noći transformiralo samim time što leži pokraj njihova! Zamisli da možeš predati vodstvo, ali tako da još uvijek imaš osjećaj da ste rame uz rame! Da to može biti tako lako!”
Knjiga je u meni izazvala i animalni, primarni nemir. Često kažem da ne moramo čitati knjige popularne psihologije kako bismo napredovali kao ljudi. Upravo ovakve knjige, koje promišljeno istražuju neke ideje i filozofije, nude dublje karakterno napredovanje, i ako ništa drugo, ono je individualizirano (za razliku od čestih generalizacija knjiga pop. psihologije), nudi nam pregršt toga, cijeli švedski stol mogućnosti, a mi proberemo ono što nam treba i to razvijemo u zaista vrijedne stvari u sebi.
“Sve žene zaslužuju povlasticu neuspjeha, ali rijetko je koja dobije, pisala je Constance. Poslastica je u tome da napraviš katastrofalnu pogrešku, a zatim dobiješ drugu priliku, kao da se ništa nije dogodilo. Muškarcima se to općenito stalno dopušta, a kasnije ih se pojedinačno proziva.(…) Ali i nama treba dopustiti da zaseremo! Samokritičnost u životu žene je najezda skakavaca.”
Tako sam se ja osjećala čitajući knjigu “Ispovijest“. Vodila me kroz zakutke vlastite osobnosti s kojima se dugo nisam bavila. Isprva je osjećaj bio klaustrofobičan, ali do kraja knjige pretvorio se u zanos novih početaka, makar oni bili i mali i simbolični. Istina, knjiga ponekad skrene u propovijedanje, umjesto u pripovijedanje, ali teško je to zamjeriti autorici, žena ima mnogo toga za reći i zadala si velik zadatak s ovom knjigom.
January 3, 2022
1. I imagine this to be a homage to feminist novels of the seventies, although I don't know the subgenre enough to risk naming titles. Still, it is interesting that the decisions we see Rose and her mother take at the end of the novel are still seen as controversial - or very liberating - forty years later.
2. To me, this is the book about obligations we face as women, artists, adults. Is leading a so-called normal, successful life a condition of being an adult? Is having children what makes us women? And artists, are they under any obligation to continuously create?
3. A very large part of the book was good enough, and gave me pleasure when I was reading, but not enough to be compelled to continue. But the ending, the ending was powerful.
4. I love how Burton writes older, powerful women. Love it, love it.
5. If you love yourself more than motherhood - whether you have a child or not - this might be the book for you.
2. To me, this is the book about obligations we face as women, artists, adults. Is leading a so-called normal, successful life a condition of being an adult? Is having children what makes us women? And artists, are they under any obligation to continuously create?
3. A very large part of the book was good enough, and gave me pleasure when I was reading, but not enough to be compelled to continue. But the ending, the ending was powerful.
4. I love how Burton writes older, powerful women. Love it, love it.
5. If you love yourself more than motherhood - whether you have a child or not - this might be the book for you.
June 22, 2020
This is the first Jessie Burton’s book I have read and I definitely want more!
Intimate and powerfully written family story. Rose is looking for answers where is her mother and what has happened. As the last person who saw her before disappearing is a famous writer Constance Holden. She just becomes her assistant and hopes to find out what has happened.
It is a beautiful story of love, depression, fame and loss.
I was walking in Hampstead Heath where books is set listening to it and crossing paths with Elise, Constance and Rose
Intimate and powerfully written family story. Rose is looking for answers where is her mother and what has happened. As the last person who saw her before disappearing is a famous writer Constance Holden. She just becomes her assistant and hopes to find out what has happened.
It is a beautiful story of love, depression, fame and loss.
I was walking in Hampstead Heath where books is set listening to it and crossing paths with Elise, Constance and Rose
November 7, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
With a million copies of The Miniaturist sold, Jessie Burton returns with her highly anticipated third novel, The Confession. A book punctuated by poised and powerful storytelling, The Confession is a rich examination of motherhood, friendship, love betrayal, secrets and identity.
By chance, in the year 1980, Elise Morceau falls into the company of Constance Holden, a highly regarded author. Sparks fly between the two women and this fateful meeting sets in motion a chain of events that will impact the two women and those they love for years to come. Elise is captivated by Connie’s charms and she follows her to L.A. where the two get caught up in the glitz, glamour, scandal and false pretences of Hollywood life. However, tension soon occurs between the two women when it is clear that Connie has fully embraced her new stylish life, while Elise struggles with the change of lifestyle. A shocking revelation is made, which causes Elise to make a life altering decision. It is a fateful decision which sends shockwaves for years to come. The Confession is a resplendent tale of the ails of female friendship, loyalty and motherhood. It also represents a rich and varied exploration into the depths of the human condition to survive setbacks in life.
The Confession is a book that reeled me in initially due to the exquisite cover. The motif of a rabbit, adorned with thorny roses, wrapped around the silhouette of a woman stripped to her core, is commanding. It was the rabbit that had me quite mesmerised and this image plays an important role in the proceedings of the book.
The Confession is the second novel I have read from British author Jessie Burton, who is best known for her debut novel, The Miniaturist, which was recently adapted into a television series. One day I hope to source this series, but until then I am happy to explore Burton’s written work. The Confession is a poignant, moving and emotional novel, that might just tip you over the edge. There are some hard going scenes and themes that circulate around The Confession. Burton explores motherhood, abandonment, identity crisis, betrayal, loss and sacrifice. Burton’s approach is never scaled back, it is direct, immersive and pervasive. The text style is lyrical, poised and refined. However, I did feel as though Burton needed me to read between the lines to decide what was happening in her novel. This is particularly on point for the ending of The Confession.
Burton’s characterisation is a feature element of this novel. We have three protagonists, directly involved in the events in the novel. The Confession reveals itself via a double narrative, which is told via alternating points of view. In Rose, we see a thirty something woman damaged by the absence of her mother. Rose is at a turning point in her life and due to her unfamiliar family roots, she is unable to make a connections, or commitments in her life. Rose’s inherent need to get to the bottom of the truth surrounding her mother is what drives the novel in a forward motion. It also connects the two time frames together, as Elise and Connie’s story is unveiled like a puzzle, little by little. My dealings with Elise were guttural, I genuinely felt sorrow and loss for her, despite her suspect decisions. Elise’s storyline incorporates a moving picture of postal natal depression, which I felt was covered sensitively by Burton. In Connie, we observe her rise to stardom, in Hollywood in the 1980’s. This sub strand was such a fascinating world, that I enjoyed being acquainted with.
When the storylines in The Confession converge, the characters face devastating truths. It sends clear ripples through both the reader and protagonists. An ambiguous closing sequence concludes The Confession. Burton clearly has her finger on the pulse and wishes that her readers to connect the dots when it comes to the final fate of those that form The Confession.
A desolate novel that intimately explores the ills of fate, decisions, love, friendship, family, ambition and time, The Confession is another beguiling novel from literary sensation Jessie Burton.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
With a million copies of The Miniaturist sold, Jessie Burton returns with her highly anticipated third novel, The Confession. A book punctuated by poised and powerful storytelling, The Confession is a rich examination of motherhood, friendship, love betrayal, secrets and identity.
By chance, in the year 1980, Elise Morceau falls into the company of Constance Holden, a highly regarded author. Sparks fly between the two women and this fateful meeting sets in motion a chain of events that will impact the two women and those they love for years to come. Elise is captivated by Connie’s charms and she follows her to L.A. where the two get caught up in the glitz, glamour, scandal and false pretences of Hollywood life. However, tension soon occurs between the two women when it is clear that Connie has fully embraced her new stylish life, while Elise struggles with the change of lifestyle. A shocking revelation is made, which causes Elise to make a life altering decision. It is a fateful decision which sends shockwaves for years to come. The Confession is a resplendent tale of the ails of female friendship, loyalty and motherhood. It also represents a rich and varied exploration into the depths of the human condition to survive setbacks in life.
The Confession is a book that reeled me in initially due to the exquisite cover. The motif of a rabbit, adorned with thorny roses, wrapped around the silhouette of a woman stripped to her core, is commanding. It was the rabbit that had me quite mesmerised and this image plays an important role in the proceedings of the book.
The Confession is the second novel I have read from British author Jessie Burton, who is best known for her debut novel, The Miniaturist, which was recently adapted into a television series. One day I hope to source this series, but until then I am happy to explore Burton’s written work. The Confession is a poignant, moving and emotional novel, that might just tip you over the edge. There are some hard going scenes and themes that circulate around The Confession. Burton explores motherhood, abandonment, identity crisis, betrayal, loss and sacrifice. Burton’s approach is never scaled back, it is direct, immersive and pervasive. The text style is lyrical, poised and refined. However, I did feel as though Burton needed me to read between the lines to decide what was happening in her novel. This is particularly on point for the ending of The Confession.
Burton’s characterisation is a feature element of this novel. We have three protagonists, directly involved in the events in the novel. The Confession reveals itself via a double narrative, which is told via alternating points of view. In Rose, we see a thirty something woman damaged by the absence of her mother. Rose is at a turning point in her life and due to her unfamiliar family roots, she is unable to make a connections, or commitments in her life. Rose’s inherent need to get to the bottom of the truth surrounding her mother is what drives the novel in a forward motion. It also connects the two time frames together, as Elise and Connie’s story is unveiled like a puzzle, little by little. My dealings with Elise were guttural, I genuinely felt sorrow and loss for her, despite her suspect decisions. Elise’s storyline incorporates a moving picture of postal natal depression, which I felt was covered sensitively by Burton. In Connie, we observe her rise to stardom, in Hollywood in the 1980’s. This sub strand was such a fascinating world, that I enjoyed being acquainted with.
When the storylines in The Confession converge, the characters face devastating truths. It sends clear ripples through both the reader and protagonists. An ambiguous closing sequence concludes The Confession. Burton clearly has her finger on the pulse and wishes that her readers to connect the dots when it comes to the final fate of those that form The Confession.
A desolate novel that intimately explores the ills of fate, decisions, love, friendship, family, ambition and time, The Confession is another beguiling novel from literary sensation Jessie Burton.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
November 9, 2020
3.5
A conflicting read. I'm rounding up my rating of this book mainly because I really couldn't put it down (which is apt in lockdown with little else to do). Where Jessie Burton excelled the most, I think, is the feeling of intrigue throughout the novel. I found it extremely absorbing, and I really enjoyed the musings about motherhood and identity throughout both narratives.
I found that many sentences in this book were beautifully crafted and some passages spoke to me deeply. There were also parts that felt a little 'preachy' however, and moments of dialogue especially that made me cringe. I have read a lot of pitch-perfect 'millennial fiction' recently, and I felt that Burton's modern day chapters didn't quite compare.
The last quarter of the book was, I found, a strange mixture of impending melodrama and ultimate ordinariness. Connie's final 'confession' after all the build-up left me feeling a bit weird! I don't mind dislikeable characters and realise that Connie softened and redeemed herself in her relationship with Rose, but wow I felt uncomfortable about what she did to Elise. It turns out that my dislike of arguments and hurtful behaviour in real life matches my feeling around these things in fiction. I love realism but believe me I know about hurt-people hurting each other and I don't particularly need a book that builds up-and-up only to conclude that people can be cruel...so ordinarily cruel!
I did find the character of Rose comforting. She's the only thirty-something I've read about who's even more lost and directionless then I've ever felt in my lowest moments as a twenty-something. But she learns to find comfort and meaning in life without letting herself be debilitated by the pressures of society, which I found life-affirming. I took from her that it is ok to just 'be', and even when you feel like you're falling by the wayside you are still learning and growing more than you know. She made a big decision that I found refreshing and touching, with the feelings around it explained thoroughly and realistically. I love a broken cycle, because there's little more frustrating than the same mistakes being repeated both personally and intergenerationally.
All in all I think Burton's writing was hit-and-miss and the mystery and urgency throughout this book was at odds with the subtly of the ending which has left me feeling ambivalent!
A conflicting read. I'm rounding up my rating of this book mainly because I really couldn't put it down (which is apt in lockdown with little else to do). Where Jessie Burton excelled the most, I think, is the feeling of intrigue throughout the novel. I found it extremely absorbing, and I really enjoyed the musings about motherhood and identity throughout both narratives.
I found that many sentences in this book were beautifully crafted and some passages spoke to me deeply. There were also parts that felt a little 'preachy' however, and moments of dialogue especially that made me cringe. I have read a lot of pitch-perfect 'millennial fiction' recently, and I felt that Burton's modern day chapters didn't quite compare.
The last quarter of the book was, I found, a strange mixture of impending melodrama and ultimate ordinariness. Connie's final 'confession' after all the build-up left me feeling a bit weird! I don't mind dislikeable characters and realise that Connie softened and redeemed herself in her relationship with Rose, but wow I felt uncomfortable about what she did to Elise. It turns out that my dislike of arguments and hurtful behaviour in real life matches my feeling around these things in fiction. I love realism but believe me I know about hurt-people hurting each other and I don't particularly need a book that builds up-and-up only to conclude that people can be cruel...so ordinarily cruel!
I did find the character of Rose comforting. She's the only thirty-something I've read about who's even more lost and directionless then I've ever felt in my lowest moments as a twenty-something. But she learns to find comfort and meaning in life without letting herself be debilitated by the pressures of society, which I found life-affirming. I took from her that it is ok to just 'be', and even when you feel like you're falling by the wayside you are still learning and growing more than you know. She made a big decision that I found refreshing and touching, with the feelings around it explained thoroughly and realistically. I love a broken cycle, because there's little more frustrating than the same mistakes being repeated both personally and intergenerationally.
All in all I think Burton's writing was hit-and-miss and the mystery and urgency throughout this book was at odds with the subtly of the ending which has left me feeling ambivalent!
September 20, 2020
Två parallella berättelser vävs ihop. Elise är 20 år och har lite olika ströjobb och Connie är 36 år och författare, deras vägar korsas av en slump och de förälskar sig i varandra i början på 80-talet. Berättelsen om Rose som är i 30-årsåldern utspelar sig i nutid, 2017. Rose har aldrig slutat undra var hennes mamma tog vägen (och varför hon lämnade!) när hon spårlöst försvann på 80-talet och lämnade Rose tillsammans med hennes pappa när Rose var ett spädbarn.
Jag hade noll förväntningar på den här boken och de överträffades stort! Boken är nästan lite tegelstenslik med sina 440:ish sidor men språket flödar fint och berättelserna griper tag i mig. Jag var tvungen att hundöra vid ett ställe i boken där det utspelar sig ett bråk om julklappar och julafton och som broderar ut sig över fyra sidor(!), jag älskade det! Så oerhört träffsäkert! (enligt mig i alla fall.. haha..)
Jag hade noll förväntningar på den här boken och de överträffades stort! Boken är nästan lite tegelstenslik med sina 440:ish sidor men språket flödar fint och berättelserna griper tag i mig. Jag var tvungen att hundöra vid ett ställe i boken där det utspelar sig ett bråk om julklappar och julafton och som broderar ut sig över fyra sidor(!), jag älskade det! Så oerhört träffsäkert! (enligt mig i alla fall.. haha..)
May 25, 2020
ETA: [Dieses Buch haben wir auch im Papierstau Podcast besprochen (Folge 91: Frischfleisch)] /ETA
This book was a treat: A well told story with two timelines and wonderfully varied female characters.
One storyline is set in the early 80s. Together with Elise, a young woman in her early twenties, we meet Connie, an about 15 years older writer. Elise and Connie fall in love and become an item. Cut to two years later: Elise and Connie travel from London to L.A. where Connie's novel is being turned into a movie with full Hollywood glamour and glimmer. Connie feels right at home in this world of illusions and dreams. Elise, not so much: She begins to doubt everybody and everything. She starts to see herself as some kind of trophy wife to Connie's rising fame and fortune amongst Hollywood's finest. Elise's fears and insecurities grow until she acts upon them - with severe consequences for so many.
35 years later, Rosie sums up her life: A boyfriend with many dreams but little effort, a job that neither satisfies nor challenges her, a bunch of "what ifs" plus the biggest question mark of all: Her missing mother - Elise, who left her when Rosie was still a baby. Then destiny comes a-knocking and offers Rosie a chance to become the assistant of novelist Connie (yes, her), who is about to finish her first novel in decades. Using a fake identity, Rosie sneaks into Connie's world, trying to find answers about her mother's fate.
Even though this is a gentle, character driven story, there's a lot going on here. I enjoyed both storylines equally and also found all female characters equally interesting and intriguing. They're full of flaws but also love: They do mean things when they actually mean to do good but fail. It's about friendship, love, trust and betrayal - and the old, never tiring theme of mother-daughter relations.
A bunch of questions this book offers: What does it take to be a lover? Why are relationships so much work - and does it pay off? What does it take to be a mother - and is it really the right choice for every woman? What if it isn't? And when do you truly know yourself - not just a reflection of the image you want others to see? The messages of this book are, in a broader sense, empowerment of one's self. Learning from mistakes. And knowing when to (let) go.
I mentioned this is told in two timelines, but there are actually more storylines hidden in here: Those that concern Connie's books. Rosie uses them to look for clues for her mother, I found myself reading (about) them with as much interest as the actual stories. Plus, and this is a rare thing for me to do because I usually don't really care: The cover of the original version is genius. "The Green Rabbit" is not only the title of one of Connie's books (which makes it Connie's cover, actually...), its identity is also a central question of the story. This way, the cover fits on several levels - in contrast to the German edition's cover, which might be nice to look at but has no (double) meaning.
To sum it up: Wonderful characters, nice sense of place (London vs. L.A.) and brave choice of plot points (like - careful, HUGE PLOT SPOILERS ). Recommended!
This book was a treat: A well told story with two timelines and wonderfully varied female characters.
One storyline is set in the early 80s. Together with Elise, a young woman in her early twenties, we meet Connie, an about 15 years older writer. Elise and Connie fall in love and become an item. Cut to two years later: Elise and Connie travel from London to L.A. where Connie's novel is being turned into a movie with full Hollywood glamour and glimmer. Connie feels right at home in this world of illusions and dreams. Elise, not so much: She begins to doubt everybody and everything. She starts to see herself as some kind of trophy wife to Connie's rising fame and fortune amongst Hollywood's finest. Elise's fears and insecurities grow until she acts upon them - with severe consequences for so many.
35 years later, Rosie sums up her life: A boyfriend with many dreams but little effort, a job that neither satisfies nor challenges her, a bunch of "what ifs" plus the biggest question mark of all: Her missing mother - Elise, who left her when Rosie was still a baby. Then destiny comes a-knocking and offers Rosie a chance to become the assistant of novelist Connie (yes, her), who is about to finish her first novel in decades. Using a fake identity, Rosie sneaks into Connie's world, trying to find answers about her mother's fate.
Even though this is a gentle, character driven story, there's a lot going on here. I enjoyed both storylines equally and also found all female characters equally interesting and intriguing. They're full of flaws but also love: They do mean things when they actually mean to do good but fail. It's about friendship, love, trust and betrayal - and the old, never tiring theme of mother-daughter relations.
A bunch of questions this book offers: What does it take to be a lover? Why are relationships so much work - and does it pay off? What does it take to be a mother - and is it really the right choice for every woman? What if it isn't? And when do you truly know yourself - not just a reflection of the image you want others to see? The messages of this book are, in a broader sense, empowerment of one's self. Learning from mistakes. And knowing when to (let) go.
I mentioned this is told in two timelines, but there are actually more storylines hidden in here: Those that concern Connie's books. Rosie uses them to look for clues for her mother, I found myself reading (about) them with as much interest as the actual stories. Plus, and this is a rare thing for me to do because I usually don't really care: The cover of the original version is genius. "The Green Rabbit" is not only the title of one of Connie's books (which makes it Connie's cover, actually...), its identity is also a central question of the story. This way, the cover fits on several levels - in contrast to the German edition's cover, which might be nice to look at but has no (double) meaning.
To sum it up: Wonderful characters, nice sense of place (London vs. L.A.) and brave choice of plot points (like - careful, HUGE PLOT SPOILERS ). Recommended!
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