⭐⭐⭐
THE OTHER YEAR
Rea Frey
Harper Muse
August 15, 2003
352 pages
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This is one of the most unique books I have read. It is about a mother and daughter, Kate and Olivia. It has two parallel timelines. Some may remember Sliding Doors, a movie from about 20 years ago that shows the effect of one moment or action on the rest of one’s life. That moment in this book occurs when Olivia goes into the ocean for a swim. In one scenario, she has her swim and comes out. In the other, she drowns.
The story is told in alternating chapters. A little confusing for a bit, but the reader will get the hang of it quickly.
There is a lot of emotion in this story. It may be triggering for anyone that has lost a child.
Each storyline has its ups and downs. Grief is a huge factor in one. The other storyline has the issue of a precocious but bratty and entitled child. I’m being judgmental but that is how I feel about Olivia. Kate gets a lot of support in both timelines from a great mother, an amicable ex-husband and a male best friend.
The book has a great premise and it is presented well. Kate and Olivia’s characters are well developed. And, therein lies my problem. I did not like either one of them. Olivia is a brat and Kate does not seem to handle her well. I have other issues with Kate but to include it would create a spoiler. In other books, characters are sometimes portrayed in such a way that the reader is not supposed to like them. I don’t think this is the case in this book. It’s just my personal opinion. Because of this, I can only give it a 3 star rating.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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