When a paragraph in an evening newspaper reveals a decades-old tragedy, most readers barely give it a glance. But for three strangers it’s impossible to ignore.
For one woman, it’s a reminder of the worst thing that ever happened to her.
For another, it reveals the dangerous possibility that her darkest secret is about to be discovered.
And for the third, a journalist, it’s the first clue in a hunt to uncover the truth.
The Child’s story will be told.
What did I think?
I loved Fiona Barton's debut, The Widow, so I was keen to read her second book, The Child. With short, punchy chapters alternating between voices, The Child is a very quick read and difficult to put down. Even though I quite quickly worked out where the story was heading it didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I love the link to The Widow via Kate Waters, the journalist who has a nose for a good story. I particularly enjoyed reading how Kate worked and felt that she was a journalist with a heart who not only cares about getting a good story but she cares about the subject she is covering. It enables people to open up to Kate in a way that protects her integrity and shows journalism in a good light.
The other three voices belong to Emma, Jude and Angela. Emma is a young woman with a troubled past and a strange relationship with her mum, Jude. Meanwhile Angela is still reeling from the loss of her newborn daughter, Alice, stolen from her hospital room when Angela popped out for a shower. Angela is convinced that the bones of a baby found on a building site are those of her daughter, Alice, but nobody will listen to her except Kate. Kate thinks she's on to the story of the century until another mother claims that the bones belong to her baby. Just who's baby is it?
The Child is an easy, albeit slightly predictable, read that I devoured over a 24 hour period. It's not going to appeal to those readers who love a massive twist that they didn't see coming, however, it's a well-rounded emotional book that touches on some dark topics with subtlety and respect.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating:
Buy it from Amazon
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