“Life’s biggest struggle isn’t for food and drink, it’s the struggle for narrative harmony.”

I wanted to like this book. I wanted some greater sense of resolution at the end. Neither happened.

This was a tough book, with difficult circumstances, unlikable characters. Some were overdeveloped, others were simply predictable outlines. Most were not people I would want to spend any amount of time with.

But, even still, I found myself interested in the outcome and committed to finishing in spite of my reservations. The plot lives up to its name, as the stories of betrayal wind together.

The connections between the characters and events were so engrossing that I did not want to miss a sentence and I re read a few of the, just to make sure I understood, knowing that it would interconnect later one. It was such an interesting story line...., memories and how we can all remember the exact same thing differently. I started questioning my own memories.....it was thoughtful, educational. insightful story. I dont know if I can say that I enjoyed any of the characters, I dont think that that was the point really, but I did really enjoy the story.

I was drawn to the cover of this book and thought for sure i would love it. I had a really tough time following this story. I was not connecting to any of the characters. Just wasn’t for me I guess. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this complimentary book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was a little different than I expected from the description, it got into a lot of serious issues like OCD and infidelity. It was all handled in a good way though and the book was enjoyable. A little tightening up of the storyline and some editing might have helped it be more compelling though, I liked it but I didn't mind putting it down.

Neill writes an account of how a number of different things can affect the world’s of two families, brought together by friendship and years of history together. What might it take to tear them apart? How do different events effect other events, and different individuals? What happens when someone’s memory plays tricks on him or her? Who will be left standing when it all comes to a head? What happens when you throw in mental illness? These are just some of the questions that are answered within the pages of this novel. The characters are well developed, and easy to fall in love with... or perhaps occasionally dislike. However, the way the author shows the perspectives of so many individuals, even the ones you dislike, may become more enjoyable when you see the story through their eyes. This was an engrossing book, that I read almost non-stop over a few days. I didn’t want to put it down. Things are explained well in the end as.everything begins to be tied up... until the very end. I won’t spoil it but it turns the story on its head. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone. Rating is a low C-.

I requested this book by the cover and jacket description. For some reason, I found this a very slow and boring read. Told in 4 voices, I must admit that I didn’t like any of the characters very much. This book tackles many issues...OCD (which was done very well), infidelity, divorce, bullying, cancer, modern dating, alcoholism. So many issues! I felt like there was nothing resolved at the end and it left me not caring about any of the characters.

I did like the descriptive writing style and would read this author again.

This was a difficult book for me since I found the characters very unlikable and my credulity was severely strained by the constant crossover of characters. The book takes place in England, yet the characters are constantly inter-mingling, running into (and over ) each other.

We read 4 narrated stories concerning the breakup of a marriage when Nick leaves for his wife’s best friend. The story I found most fascinating is that of Daisy, the daughter, suffering from severe OCD as her coping mechanism after the trauma. Since I work with educators, I think her story and behavior will be very valuable for discussions and further research.

I was most offended by the depiction of Nick as a serial cheat who was involved in a perverted relationship which is unlikely, but used to highlight his inability to commit in a deeper way, despite his protestations of being a decent human being.

I learned a lot as I read the book. Memory expert Nick did give the reader many insights into the tricks played on us by our memories. The author seems to use cancer as a way to soften the characters and their sins, Rosie the cancer specialist, Lisa, the dying adulteress, Nick, the caring partner....but, I found it manipulative and I did not like the characters any better.



So, for me there was something lacking in the book and though I should have been moved by the after-effects of betrayals, I was not.

I am really enjoying the back and forth nature of this story. OCD is at the center and plays a huge role in the lives of these families. It taught me a lot about it and how hard it is to try to stop.

The story is based on the interactions of two families who have shared much of the past twenty or so years, but of course, one day things change. How they change is different for all, but based on the reactions of others. No, we do not live in a vacuum and the actions of others can impact our lives, usually not for the better. We get to see their lives in depth as they narrate the chapters, which I liked, since it doesn't look the same to any of them.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.