Intense, fast moving with contemporary social issues, a great read.
Let Her Go
Dawn Barker
Hachette Australia
Hachette Australia
ISBN: 9780733632228
Description:
How far would you go to have a family? What would you hide for someone you love?
Confused and desperate, Zoe McAllister boards a ferry to Rottnest Island in the middle of winter holding a tiny baby close to her chest, terrified that her husband will find her or that her sister will call the police.
Years later, a teenage girl is found on the island, unconscious and alone.
When she recovers and returns home, she overhears her parents discussing her past and the choices that they’ve made. Their secrets, slowly revealed, will shatter more than one family.
Let Her Go is a gripping, emotionally charged story of family, secrets and the complications of love. Part thriller, part mystery, it will stay with you long after you close the pages wondering…What would you have done?
My View:
Have you ever read a book where from the very beginning you go “oh no, something terrible is going to happen, I can just feel it?” This is one of those books; from the very first page I was hooked and I was on hyper alert, I just knew this narrative was not going to end well. I was conflicted, I was so engaged with the narrative, with the characters, with the plot lines but at the same time I really didn’t want to turn the next page and discover that the “worst” had indeed happened. I read about one hundred pages and had to take a break; I needed an emotion free few days before I could pick this up again and complete the read.
And what a read it is – as with Ms Barker’s earlier book, Fractured, the characterisations and psychological profiling are superb. Ms Barker weaves an intricate plot that presents the reader with many contemporary social issues to consider and to place one’s self in the characters situations and wonder “what would I do/have done, would I do things differently?”
The pace is fast, the action and drama intense and personal and yet so easily identifiable with situations in our own lives or the lives of people we know and love it breaks your heart. After finishing this book my only regret is that I will not be able to attend the Perth launch of this fantastic book. Bravo Dawn Barker, I hope the launch goes brilliantly.
My View:
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
Carol – It certainly sounds like a very intense book. It strikes me that it’s one of those books that you have to feel strong enough to read. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, but definitely something important to know. Sounds worth the cost, so to speak..
Margot – you have unknowingly just described perfectly the book I read last night – All My Puny Sorrows – Have you heard of it?
Let Her Go- though intense at times is certainly thought provoking, one of those “what would I have done?” reads. Very worthwhile.
Oh, I’ve not heard of All My Puny Sorrows. You’ve got my interest piqued though, and I’ll look forward to your review. And put Let Her Go on my list.
It’s an excellent follow-up to Fractured, isn’t it? I’m surprised I haven’t seen more reviews.
Lizzy – the book is only just out this week – so probably an embargo on release until this week. So soon the blogesphere will be a wash with reviews, and agree a good follow up to Fractured.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
You will enjoy – is that the right word- yes I think it is – it will make you think. And the settings are great – Fremantle/Perth Hills/ Mundaring Weir/Rottenest etc All places I am familiar with.