Member Reviews
Such a wonderful sad book. Two people I thought was one. Going on their journey with them was an eye opener and helps have an understanding of homelessness. Well
Done couldn’t put it down
This was the first book I've read from this author and it was just okay. It was hard for me to get into and the characters didn't keep my attention.
I looked away by Jane Corry is one of the best books I have read this year. It is a gripping thriller which takes a insightful look into mental health issues and homelessness in a truly unique and unusual way.
Ellie is a grandmother who adores her grandson. She looks after him every Monday without fail. This particular Monday she confronts her husband about his having an affair and takes her eyes off her grandson for one second.
From here the story shifts backwards and forwards in time. We learn about Eliies tragic past and how she has got to this point in time. We also learn about Jo, a homeless woman that Ellie had tried to help out in her present life. The story brings out the stories of both woman into a final unexpected twist.
This book is a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns and you will want to keep reading until the end. This is one that you really must read.
A very complex novel and very well written, although at times I did become a little confused. The traumas in Ellie's life would lead anybody into despair, the loss of her mother, the introduction of a stepmother, the death of her brother and then the final 'accident' with her grandson.
A good read that keeps you on your toes and in suspense.
An Outstanding Psychological Thriller:
This is a masterful psychological thriller. Narrated from two perspectives: Ellie and Jo with flashbacks in time to help keep the suspense build.
Ellie is minding her grandchild, Josh, when an accident occurs. Next we know she's in prison awaiting trial for murder. It transpires that Ellie has secrets hidden in her past which are gradually revealed as the novel progresses. Side by side with the revelations about Ellie's past we also have Jo, a homeless woman, who also is hiding a secret. But how are the stories of Ellie and Jo linked?
A brilliant plot which ties everything together and at the end of the novel Ellie faces a criminal trial. Does she face incarceration?
A thriller which deals with many issues (homelessness and psychological disorders being but two) and I felt I was better informed by reading the book. An informative and cracking psychological thriller all in one. This is a novel I would highly recommend.
Gosh, but, this is a confusing read! It may have been me, but, I struggled to keep track and didn’t have a clue what was going on at times.
Having said that, it’s a well written dramatic tale about family, loss, infidelity and homelessness and the author’s passion for the plight of the homeless really resonates throughout.
A good read, just, stay sharp!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was captured with this book although I was confused how the stories all came together but they did. Ellie has led a life full of trauma from losing her mum at a young age to gaining a step mum. In the meaningful relationships where she has connection there is also loss. The accident impacts her and the journey of her life changes. Beautifully written. You really gain an understanding of Ellie and the people she meets.
Amazing book! Extremely complex, it wasn't clear how the two stories of Ellie and Jo were connected but all became very clear at the end. Written in a beautifully descriptive and often hard hitting style, this is a seriously powerful read. Absolutely enchantingly poignant.
Wow, what a read. Absolutely fantastic, emotional, hard hitting book. Will be looking out for other books by this author.
Ellie has had a hard time coping with life events. A compelling, emotional novel with plenty of twists.
A very confusing story which drew the reader in to the complicated lifes of Jo/Ellie. All became clear eventually,our minds are complex things indeed.
I really enjoyed the story and the characters but did find myself confused a little!! The twist was a good one!!!
Wow! This had me absolutely hooked. There is a twist that you will not see coming (at least I didn’t!). It is a very poignant tale, filled with many very important and current issues including mental health issues and domestic violence. It seemed a bit confusing throughout and I wasn’t sure where it was going to lead, but when it all comes together it makes for an unbelievably brilliant thriller!
Wasn't sure at first whether I could get into this book but I am glad I persisted.as it turned into a great read. The book is written so cleverly. Ellie looks after her grandson once a week, her husband is having an affair and life has not been good for Ellie. Just one second looking away and her grandson is thought to be gone. But Ellie has a massive secret from her past which surfaces over the course of the book. This was a really compelling read about the love of a grandmother overcoming her past. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a thriller.
What a fabulously written book. It grabs you from the very first page. It also deals with the issues of mental health. This is certainly worth a read.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Penguin for my eARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review
A compulsive read, with lots of twists. It really makes you think about what is right and wrong, but it shows things are not black and white but shades of grey.
This is the first book I’ve read from Jane Corry and I’m glad I have. It’s outstanding. The book is brilliant, and I couldn’t put it down.
I love books like this as you get to know the characters and their backgrounds throughout the book and it was very heartfelt in certain places.
I thought I knew what the ending was going to be but I was wrong, I didn’t see that ending coming. What a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. I’m definitely going to read Janes other books now.
I Looked Away
Author Jane Corry
Publisher Penguin Books 27 June 2019
A chilling reminder that those who do us the most harm often live amongst us.
This book is complex and edgy with well written characters and a wealth of research underpinning the issues it deals with.
Emotional at times and with twists I hadn’t guessed I would highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Outstanding, Jane Corry delivers again with another exceptional book.
This book was brilliant, I couldn't put it down.
I loved the characters, and it was very heartfelt in places and emotional.
I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't see the ending coming (even though I probably should have) it was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
This novel was an interesting read and brought you deep into the story by spacing key facts out.
An original use of various character stories for varying chapters which authors seem to favour.
I liked the information on the mental health issues discussed as they were clearly well researched.
As someone with the mental health disorder discussed, i felt the book gave me explanations for situations i have faced.
I would recommend this novel. The plot twist is unguessable.