The Children Act by Ian McEwan

the children act

Fiona Maye, a leading High Court judge, renowned for her fierce intelligence and sensitivity is called on to try an urgent case. For religious reasons, a seventeen-year-old boy is refusing the medical treatment that could save his life. Time is running out.

She visits the boy in hospital – an encounter which stirs long-buried feelings in her and powerful new emotions in the boy. But it is Fiona who must ultimately decide whether he lives or dies and her judgement will have momentous consequences for them both.

Janet 7
June 9
Cai 4
Rebecca 7
Sally 7
Pauline 8
Jane 6
Trude 8
Christine 7
Elaine 6

Christine P
Score:

The House of Hidden mothers

image

 

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO GET THE LIFE YOU CAN’T HAVE?

Shyama, aged forty-eight, has fallen for a younger man. They want a child together.

Meanwhile, in a rural village in India, young Mala, trapped in an oppressive marriage, dreams of escape.

When Shyama and Mala meet, they help each other realise their dreams. But will fate guarantee them both happiness?…

Brimming with warmth, wit and indignation, Meera Syal immerses us in a devastating story of friendship, family and the lengths we will go to have a perfect life. THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MOTHERS is her long-awaited third novel and shows Meera Syal at the height of her literary powers

 

Elaine 6
Rebecca 6
Jane 6
Trude 6
Pauline 8
Christine 8
Sally 7
Cai 7
June 6
Janet 6

 

Pauline C
Score:

Moving by Jenny Eclair

moving This house has our blood, sweat, love, laughter and betrayal seeped into its very bones. I might leave this place, but bits of me will remain here, tears soaked deep into the floorboards. You could hoover this place for ever and you’d never get rid of us completely.

It only took one night to tear a family apart.

Artist and illustrator Edwina Spinner used to have a busy family life. Now she lives alone, in a house that has grown too big for her. She has decided to sell it. As Edwina takes the estate agent from room to room, she finds herself transported back to her life as a young mother. Back to her twins, Rowena and Charlie, and a stepson she cannot bring herself to mention by name.

As the house reveals its secrets, Edwina is forced to confront her family’s past, and a devastating betrayal that changed everything. But Edwina doesn’t know the whole story. And to discover the truth, she will have to face the one person she vowed never to see again.

Janet 6
Jane 6
Christine 7
Elaine 8
Trude 6
cai 6
Sally 7
Rebecca 6
Pauline 8
June 7

Elaine E
Score: