“As mothers and daughters we are connected with one another. My mother is in the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is in my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. She is in the beating of my heart.”
I was challenged to read a mother-daughter story for book club this month. I say challenged because since losing my Mom to cancer almost 3 years ago, these aren’t always the easiest of books for me to read. So I went to a favourite author and I chose a mother-daughter story that I knew a) would be good b) that I’d enjoy the writing, and c) that portrayed a relationship that was different than my own experience. This mother daughter were distant, resentful, and full of anger and hatred towards one another. But beautifully over the course of the novel, there develops an understanding between them and a bond that grows again. Throw in long-lost romances, family secrets, and illness and you have this novel. The characters are realistic and flawed, just like real human beings. Published in 2001, It wasn’t as great as some of her latest novels, but I still enjoyed it greatly. I can see how Hannah’s writing and storytelling have grown as she’s progressed in her craft as an author. Reading this book made me feel even more grateful that I had a close bond and relationship with my Mom because that isn’t always the case.
It’s a good story - somewhat Hallmarky, but that’s my cup of tea most times. If you’re a Kristin Hannah fan, be sure to give it a try!