It’s no secret that Lucy has never been close to her mother-in-law, Diana. In fact, while she has always wished for the ideal mother-in-law – someone with whom she might share recipes and inside jokes – she feels she inherited the exact opposite of that. Nevertheless, she is still caught off-guard when two police show up at her home to break the news to her and her husband that Diana has died and that the circumstances of her death are under suspicion…
This is one of those wonderful novels where you think you see where it is going but you are completely wrong (at least I was!). The story beautifully illustrates how what you see on another person’s surface may not at all be who they are underneath. We are first introduced to the characters from Lucy’s perspective, and we feel compassion, even pity for her, particularly where Diana is concerned. Once the narrative switches and we hear Diana’s backstory and perspective, we have a whole new understanding of her life, her circumstances, and her motivations. It is a powerful lesson.
The plot is also quite intricate, built not only by going back and forth primarily between these two characters, but also back in time. Each woman, strong in her own right, is a product of her time, which makes it harder for them to connect, to warm to each other. They have each formed their very differing ideas on how to parent and how to relate to others, by their generational influences and life experiences. Their challenge is how to bridge this gap.
I highly recommend this novel. Excellent writing, great characters, and a suspenseful surprising plot. All the things!
