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JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET
Joy Fielding
Penguin Random House Canada
August 26, 2025
352 pages
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Over the years I have read many of Joy Fielding’s books. In fact, way back in the 1970s I read one called Best of Friends, which was one of the strangest books I had read at that young age. I believe it was her first published book.
This book is very different too. It didn’t take long to wonder if there is an unreliable narrator. Of course, I had to keep reading to find out. Linda, the narrator, is visiting her friend, Carol, in a memory care home when she meets another patient, Jenny. Jenny is full of strange stories that drew me in. Really strange stories, which draw Linda in too. Jenny and Linda develop a very strange friendship/relationship.
I am someone who witnessed the loss of my mother from dementia. In the depths of despair, I always tried to find a smidgen of humour in the situation. It helped me to cope. The conversations between Linda and Jenny were spot on…..reminded me of some of the conversations my mother and I had. It actually brought smiles to my face. Round and round we go!
The relationship between Linda and Jenny was the highlight of the story. I truly enjoyed their interactions, the ones that made sense and the ones that didn’t.
Throughout the story, there is always a dark undertone. It left me feeling uncomfortable at times, wondering where and when the twist was going to be. It kept me turning the pages.
There are several themes prominent throughout the story. Dementia, loss, aging, friendship and closed-door abuse. Some may consider these a trigger.
The ending is not quite what I was expecting but it was good. I was satisfied.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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