Amanda Prowse
Published: Head of Zeus
Date: February 11th 2016
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 368
Genre: Fiction
Source: Thanks to Publisher via NetGalley
Rating:
Romilly had worked hard for her stunning, modern house in one of Bristol's most fashionable suburbs. She adored her gorgeous, gap-toothed daughter and her kind and handsome husband. Sure, life was sometimes exhausting - but nothing that a large glass of wine at the end of the day couldn't fix.
But then, as deep-buried insecurities surfaced, everything started to unravel. A glass of wine became a bottle; one bottle became two. Once, Romilly's family were everything to her. Now, after years of hiding the drinking, she must finally admit that she has found another love...
Romilly - wife of David, eventually mother of Celeste has it all, yet there is an insecurity to her. She is beautiful and intelligent, and an etymologist. In spite of having what seems like everything, she finds Another Love. In this story Amanda Prowse explores the depths of where a woman can descend when her life becomes ruled by the need to reach for alcohol. Whenever something triggers her anxiety or insecurity Romilly reaches for the bottle.
For some time she manages to keep her family life and work ticking over, however there comes a time when her friends and husband call her on her drinking. Yet Romilly is not ready to face the problem, as far as she is concerned she is not an alcoholic. The woman who moves into the next door house is no help and often leads Romilly off on a drinking binge.
This is not an easy book to read. Prowse does not spare us in the details of the aftermath of a drinking binge. Those details are raw and saddening. She shows us what can be lost when the ravages of alcoholism are rampant. Anyone who has seen a family member go beyond them into the ravages of drugs or alcohol, will know the anguish, anger and powerlessness that family members feel as they see their loved one claimed by the addiction.
The story is told mostly in the third person but from the point of view of Rom. Interspaced with this are short first person accounts by Celeste her daughter. From her viewpoint we see what it is like for the child of an alcoholic parent. Heartache for both her and Rom, the mother/daughter relationship damaged. Will it every be restored in any way?
There is loss and much heartache. There is moving on. There is hope and the possibility of redemption. With support and grit, Romilly takes steps to claim her life back for herself. Paying the cost along the way. A moving and powerful story.
That name, I have to check GR
ReplyDeleteDo!
DeleteThis sounds amazing and so difficult. My mother-in-law was the child of alcoholics and hearing her talk about her childhood was heartbreaking. I'll have to look for this but I think I'll have to prep myself before I read it!
ReplyDeleteI think the children really have it hard in such a situation.
DeleteSounds like an emotional book that many readers will relate to on one level or another.
ReplyDeleteThese kind of books always give insight, understanding and open the heart.
DeleteNot sure if I'll read this one- I have no doubt it's good, but I've seen alcoholism destroy people I know so I'd probably just be a weeping mess reading this. Still, an important subject that most authors don't tackle- especially with a female main character.
ReplyDeleteTotally get that Kate. But yes important for authors to do and give those of us who don't have first hand knowledge some insight.
DeleteOh wow great review Kathryn, although this in not a book for everyday it is one that will be put on my shelf for when I'm in the right mindset to read it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYeah it is a tough subject but really well told.
DeleteSounds good, but I think I'd have to be in the right mood to tackle it. The subject matter would be very emotional. It reminds me of the Jane Green novel from last summer (Summer Secrets maybe?) that also did a good job of tackling alcoholism in women.
ReplyDeleteExactly Donna and I loved Summer Secrets too.
DeleteOh, yes, this is my kind of read! I have not yet read this author, but this one is definitely going on my list. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteYes this one is absolutely for you Laurel-Rain. I know you like Susan Lewis and Amanda Prowse is another excellent British author that I've just really come across accidentally.
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