Lets Dance - Frances Fyfield (Review and Giveaway!)

3.5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

When Isabel Burley returns home to care for her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's, she finds a bemused, angry old woman, prey to the threats of failing memory, the inability to run her household - and the local villains who are eyeing her isolated home. But as the villains close in, Isabel finds herself struggling with her own emotions. She thinks she has come home to do some good, but is she really looking for the love she lacked as a child? Alienated by her mother's growing eccentricity, the two women become locked in a relationship of love, conflict and simmering violence, with roots that go deep into the past.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

I’m a novelist, short story writer for magazines and radio, sometime Radio 4 contributor, (Front Row, Quote Unquote, Night Waves,) and presenter of Tales from the Stave. When I’m not working (which is as often as possible), I can be found in the nearest junk/charity shop or auction, looking for the kind of paintings which enhance my life. Otherwise, with a bit of luck, I’m relaxing by the sea with a bottle of wine and a friend or two."-Frances Fyfield 

Check out her website - HERE

MY REVIEW -

It was very strange that I liked this book as much as I did, because I couldn't connect with the writing style at all. It was very hard for me to read. But I haven't read anything by this suthor before and honestly, it makes me want to read more. I would like to see if this is her usual style or if was for effect because of the nature of the story.

Even though I only rated this 3.5 stars - I could not stop reading this book. This story kind of reminded me of  "The Yellow Wallpaper" which I loved (If you haven't read it, you should - its short). My daughter used to work in a home for people with Alzheimer's so I definitely could understand and connect with the characters. I loved Serena (the mother), boy I just wanted to giver a hug! The chapters that were from her journal or thoughts were my favorite, they were so bizarre but sad. And I did cry while reading one of them.

This book started out kind of slow for me, it's the kind that doesn't really grab you right away. But I very slowly started falling in love with it as I grew to love the characters. This book is ALL about the characters.

I even liked Isabel (the daughter), who was not a very likable character. She wanted so much to be loved by her mother, and her mother, at this point just was not able to give her that love. It really made me wonder that if you spent enough time taking care of your mother who has Alzheimer's and seemed like a mean, ungrateful old witch, could you become kind of crazy yourself? This story makes it seem so. I get it! I totally "got" this story. And it was kind of complex really.

Here's a few good lines -

"Do you like me?"

'Yes, very much."

"Which is more important?" she demanded. "liking or loving?"

"Liking, in the long run. It means respect. Love doesn't always mean that."

"I wonder if I've ever been liked, in that case." Isabel said thoughtfully.  - kind of sad really

Thank you "Partners in Crime" for sending me this e-book to read and review.

Get your copy from Amazon - HERE
And from B&N - HERE

And as an added bonus!
Get your copy of The Yellow Wallpaper - HERE (its free)

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