A mother daughter story that tests the relationship between the two women. Virginia (the mother) has always claimed that her daughter(Arden) is her child fathered by a rich influencial man. Never being able to prove the link, she spends years in court and goes thru many relationships. Her daughter, recently widowed, is now taking care of her mother who has suffered a horrible attack. When new DNA testing becomes available, both must face the challenge to go forward with this claim again. Be forwarned, there are some disturbing sections in this book. I did like this book even thoug it was slow in parts.

I really liked this book. It felt a bit dragged out at times but overall it didn't distract from the amazing writing and characters that Goodman crafted. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars. I loved reading a story about mothers and daughters and relationships and secrets!

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.

The Inheritance
A Novel
by Joanna Goodman
The book was good. It left me feeling in the end who really won? I was really sad for the older mother and all she went through. I did root. I liked how strong women have to be strong, with no other choice.

I was totally engrossed in this novel. I felt it had many levels, the obvious narrative and the deeper core of female empowerment.

Arden is a young, broke widow with 3 children. Never having a real career, she is devastated when her husband dies. However, she has always been told that she was the illegitimate child of an extremely wealthy man. Her mother has fought for her inheritance for years, but to no avail.

The novel explores how changes in DNA use might change her financial future. At the same time, her once beautiful mother was raped by someone she met on a dating app. These 2 plots propel a fascinating story of mothers and daughters, The author combines these narratives into both a compelling novel and a paean to feminist identity and strength.

I really enjoyed this novel and rooted for tge women involved in the story. I not only identified with Arden, but also her older mother, faced with the consequences of a frightening dating encounter.

Thank you Netgalley for this very engaging novel.