One of my students kindly lent me this book – thank you, Rose! She thought I might enjoy it as I’d enthused about JoJo Moyes writing…
This is not a great love story. This is a story about great love.
On a morning that seems just like any other, Robbie wakes in his bed, his wife Emily asleep beside him, as always. He rises and dresses, makes his coffee, feeds his dogs, just as he usually does. But then he leaves Emily a letter and does something that will break her heart. As the years go back all the way to 1962, Robbie’s actions become clearer as we discover the story of a couple with a terrible secret – one they will do absolutely anything to protect.
That blurb is a really good summing up of the story – kudos to the publisher for getting it spot on – so many blurbs don’t. The book is told from two viewpoints – Robbie, whose pov features mostly at the beginning of the book, before Emily takes over the narration. So in order for this one to work, I had to really care for both of the main protagonists – and I did. Robbie is in the most horrible dilemma at the start and takes a hard decision without any compromise. But as the book continues, I realised that was how he lived his life – once he decided what was best for him and the ones he loved, he was prepared to go to any lengths to ensure it would happen.
Emily is equally determined to follow her heart. They both pay a very high price for that decision, but as the narrative timeline gradually works backwards throughout the book, I also become aware that they aren’t the only ones who get hurt. Others are also caught up in their unwillingness to live apart.
By the end of the story, I had a lump in my throat and also felt very emotionally torn – because this is essentially a story about a great love between two fundamentally good people who are not prepared to do the right thing and let each other go. Though I was very interested to see there were lines that Cohen wasn’t prepared to cross – the storyline concerning their son was interesting, because in some ways I felt the author slightly ducked the issue surrounding that one.
I’m aware this is a book I’ll remember for a long time… That many people will be shaken at the depiction of two people, whose passion for each other took them places where, perhaps, they shouldn’t have gone. Very highly recommended for fans of Me Before You.
10/10
I’ve never heard of this, but it sounds very emotional. I’d like to read it just to find out what the big secret is! Thanks for sharing your thoughts😊
I’d love to get your take on this one, Tammy. It is such a different take on the classic romantic tale and is so skillfully handled.
Oh this sounds interesting! I don’t know if I’d emotionally handle it but I’m really curious to know whats what!
Thank you, Nicci:). Yes… I suppose it is emotionally draining – though I wasn’t ever remotely tempted to stop reading as I found it absolutely compelling. I was also fascinated to read a book that implicitly critiqued our obsession with romantic love and suggested that it could also be highly destructive…
This sounds like an amazing book. I love the cover of this one, and will be adding it to my TBR. I do enjoy an emotional read every now and again.
That’s great! I am desperate to be able to discuss this one who has read it as there are some fascinating issues. It would make a great Book Club read.
My library has it so I have put it on hold for when I return home in March.
Oh brilliant! I look forward to being able to discuss it with you:)). Happy New Year, Carla!
Wow, I’m really intrigued by this one. Will add it to my wishlist.
Lynn 😀
I’d love to get your take on it, Lynn. You would probably be able to get it from the library…
I love that your students recommend books to you. This book sounds wonderful too. I loved Me Before You so will be adding this one to my reading list based on your high marks.
Yes, my students really are lovely – I’m very lucky. I do highly recommend this one and would love to hear your thoughts on this one.
WOW! I definitely HAVE to read this one! Ordering it now.
Oh goody, I think you’ll love this one, Rae:)
Ooooo. Hmmm, I can’t help but be intrigued by this one, considering love is supposed to be a good element, not bad. All right, you got me! 🙂