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Member Reviews
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I enjoyed reading this story but I did find it a little lightweight.
The book explores the links between the Second World War and today, looking at the impact of individual war time events on the next generation of family members.
There are several twists as the story is revealed but I found it difficult to like the main characters and felt that some of the discoveries were unlikely.
There are additional complications, eg: a major error at work and an accident the same day, where the impact is minimal until the story needs it to become important.
For me, the various themes did not quite gang together.
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Did I like the book?
I couldn’t resist it when I was sent a digital copy of Jane Corry’s next book. I am a huge fan of her novels, they always offer interesting characters and a clever study of human psychology. We All Have Our Secrets doesn’t escape the rule! It was lovely to discover what Jane had come up with this time.
Did I enjoy reading it?
The eyes simply fly on the words. The narration is smooth, with the right amount of secrets. Jane Corry knows how to give her readers a good time! I found this one to be on the light side of things, not going as deep as some of her other books. Still, the subject was interesting and the story was just what I needed.
What did I feel?
Emily, midwife, living too far from her father, runs away from her life after an event at work. She makes it to the family home to meet Françoise, her father’s carer. Uh! I had questions. Who was this French woman? What had kept Emily from spending more time with Harold, forcing him to ask for external help? I loved discovering the big and beautiful house while seeing the two women eyeing each other, wary, questioning the other’s motives for being here. The alternative voices of Emily and Françoise gave me a broader view on what was happening. I was fascinated by the web of complications we create for ourselves and others.
Did it make me think?
Manipulation takes many forms, lies, unsaid words, can be so hurtful… but can they also be necessary.
How would I describe it?
A dog-friendly family drama with a touch of History.
Anything else to add?
I have a little niggle with a detail in the book. Let me share a quote (note: this is coming from the proof version of the novel, I do not know if this will remain in the final version)
There are families like this in France who accept mistresses and lovers.
Is this really something foreigners believe? Because let me tell you, French people are not keen on mistresses and lovers more than any other country! I was surprised by this sentence, which I’ll mention is only a thought from Françoise, born and raised in France, and not I hope what the author thinks of how French people live! I had to add a note about it as I reacted strongly to it when I read it. It just didn’t sit well with me.