Versions of the Past.

Posted on 10th September, 2021

This week I want to share a book review of The Missing Pieces of Us by Eva Glyn. Some of you will know that Eva Glyn is the pen name of Jane Cable. In the interests of transparency, I want to say straight out that Jane is a dear friend of mine - but you may also like to know that I started reading her books before we became good friends, so I hope you feel you can trust my judgement.

h

There are three versions of the past -

his, hers and the truth.

 

The Missing Pieces of Us is a poignant exploration of the emotions surrounding love and loss and the impact these can have on our lives. In particular, the book takes an absorbing and compassionate look into the complexities of mental health and depression, which makes the story feel very real and vivid in today's world, with our current awareness of the importance, and sometimes the fragility, of mental health, which has come very much to the fore during the pandemic and the lockdowns we have all lived through.

 

 

 

Robin and Izzie, the two narrators, both carry emotional burdens derived from loss and the story shows the impact this has on their lives and relationships. Their memories of past events influence their beliefs, actions, reactions and opinions in the present day. Gradually, this unfolds into a tale of self-discovery, which is at times painful to read, but also heartfelt and fascinating.

 

My favourite character was Izzie's young daughter Claire. She is beautifully drawn, forced through circumstances to show maturity beyond her years, but always a convincing teenager.

 

The story is carefully constructed and the reader will feel as entangled as the characters do until matters gradually become clear - and there are some shocks along the way. At the heart of the story is the importance of understanding - how flawed it can be when we look at others; equally how flawed it can be when we think of ourselves; and ultimately, how it lies at the core of everything we are and everything we do.

 

* * * *

 

Blurb:

When Robin Vail walks back into widow Isobel O’Briain’s life decades after he abruptly left it, the dark days since her husband’s unexpected passing finally know light. Robin has fallen on hard times but Izzie and her teenage daughter Claire quickly remind him what it’s like to have family…and hope.

 

But Robin and Izzie are no longer those twenty-something lovers, and as they grow closer once more the missing pieces of their past weigh heavy. Now, to stop history repeating, Izzie and Robin must face facts and right wrongs…no matter how painful.

 

* * * *

 

Link to The Missing Pieces of Us on Amazon.

 

Make A Comment

Characters left: 2000

Comments (0)