THE SECRETS OF THE BRIGHTON HOUSE
Cathy Hayward
Lake Union Publishing
November 1, 2024
296 pages
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This is the story of Joanne, who is finally pregnant in 2021, in her forties, after many years of not being able to carry a baby past a few weeks. And, it is also the story of Grace, who is pregnant with Joanne, in 1975. Mother and daughter, both pregnant in parallel timelines.
This story is unnecessarily long and drawn out. The writing style is weak. And, I have major issues with the plot.
The first is the description of the birthing room and maternity ward in England in 1975. I gave birth in 1973 in Canada. I cannot believe that what was written is accurate. I find it hard to believe that it would differ as much as it seemed between England and Canada. It sounded barbaric, like something out of the early 20th century. Physically disabled babies were whisked away. Unmarried mothers were treated with scorn. And more.
Secrets are a big part of many stories. Usually, it is interesting trying to guess them and watching them play out. Usually, there is a good reason for the secret. In this story, it is a secret kept by Joanne’s father. For the life of me, I could not understand his reasoning. Secrets from the past might be hurtful but not knowing or suspecting can even be worse. The whole thing left me with a creepy feeling, definitely not in a good way.
This is a very dark and sad story. I had to skim parts of it, just too much for me. While it did end on a positive note, it was not enough to erase what came before. This was not the book for me. And, I do not recommend it for anyone pregnant or contemplating pregnancy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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