‘Just What Kind of Mother Are You’ is Paula Daly’s first novel, though she’s bringing out a second this year and working on her third as we speak. Published last year and receiving positive reviews both here and stateside, the story promised to be ‘a cracking page turner’ (the Bookseller) and ‘fiendishly addictive as well as perceptive about guilt and social class’ (the Guardian).
The story is told by Lisa, a forty-something mum living in a small Lake District town. I was immediately drawn to Lisa – probably because there are some aspects of her life that I recognise – she’s a Mum of three, permanently knackered, a bit too skint for comfort, constantly chasing her tail to keep life ticking over for everyone around her. And then, within the first couple of chapters, she makes a mistake – a terrifyingly easy mistake – which leads to the disappearance of her close friend’s daughter.
Lisa’s guilt and anguish is well depicted and is easy to identify with as she continues to relate the story, and as she does so, we come to know some of the other main players in the book, and their shared histories – namely her husband Joe, the missing girl’s parents Kate and Guy, Kate’s sister Alexa, and brother-in-law Adam. Needless to say, all is not what it seems and the desire to get to the bottom of the apparent contradictions, and of course to find out what happened to the missing girl, does indeed make this novel a page turner.
Interspersed with Lisa’s narrative are chapters written in the third person describing the thoughts and actions of the detective who’s been assigned to the case, and infrequent but chilling descriptions of the behaviour of an unidentified male. The three strands of the story are cleverly woven together to keep the novel moving along at a good pace, and it’s certainly true to say that I was picking it up every spare minute to find out how it played out.
As promised by The Guardian’s review, the themes of social class and guilt were both explored, although not in any great depth; while the overriding message that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence is of course true, I felt that perhaps this message was too simplistically portrayed. In addition the line between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ people was drawn very arbitrarily in the final pages. I did feel that an opportunity was missed here – just because someone is immensely dislikable does not make them any less of a victim; and in this case, I would certainly have liked to know more about Alexa and felt that this would have added something worthwhile to the narrative.
On the other hand, the character and life of DC Joanne Aspinall is given some prominence throughout the story, and while this did not detract from the experience of reading the novel, I was not really clear why. It did not seem to me that there was quite enough linkage between Joanne and the main characters to justify the time spent on her – in fact I find myself wondering if perhaps the author has plans for us to meet her again in a future story, like Jodi Picoult’s Jordan McAfee. I hope so – I think there’s an interesting character there waiting to come out.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, though it’s probably not a novel I will return to a second time – I am not sure how much more there is to discover after reading it once through. However I have added Paula Daly’s second book, ‘Keep Your Friends Close’, to my Kindle wish list, and based on my experience of ‘Just What Kind of Mother Are You’, I fully expect to enjoy it.
On the whole, I would recommend ‘Just What Kind of Mother Are You’ to anyone who wants an engaging, fast and gripping read. If you’re a parent there are parts that will resonate all too well, but that isn’t a pre-requisite for enjoyment – there’s enough to keep you entertained even without the ‘it could happen to me’ fear factor. If you do give the book a try based on this review, I’d love to know your thoughts – as always, please do comment below or via the twittersphere!
**Disclosure – I received a free copy of this book from Mumsnet and Transworld Books, in exchange for writing a review. I have not been otherwise recompensed for this post, nor have I been asked to say anything specific in the review.**
Sounds too scary for me but a compelling and clear review 🙂
Emily @amummytoo recently posted…They asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up (weekend inspiration)
I almost bought this but the “accident” to which you refer put me off.. and the fact someone else said it’s like Jodi Picoult – who I cannot bear! I’m intrigued to know what her next books are about.
Kate Thompson recently posted…Celebrating Difference
Dont like the sound of books like this gives me the creeps .x
I love reading but just simply don’t have enough time to sit down and read in peace 🙁 Looks like it’s a good book, worth reading.
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade recently posted…New kitchen findings #1 / Nowości kuchenne #1.
Have not read a book for a long time. A shame as when I used to commute into London I read a lot. This does sound like a page turner though, I’m intrigued to know what happens, might see if I can get it for the Kindle.
Michelle recently posted…Easter Sunday Posters – He Is Risen – Christos Anesti [Free Printable]
I can not read or watch things to do with missing children. It is far too close to comfort for me as a mother!
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…The MiniMads review Crisp Ultima 125 Scooter – Gold/Satin Black
A very comprehensive review. It doesn’t sound like the sort of novel I’d read, there’s no dragons, elves or magic in it!
Louisa recently posted…A Good Friday
Good review. I’m not great at reading and watching things where kids go missing. One of my biggest fears!
I’d love to find the time to read more. This isn’t my kind of genre though but great review.
Really interested to read your review of this as I have been considering reading it. I still think it might be a bit too harrowing for me. Missing kids strikes fear into all of us doesn’t it!
Clare Mansell recently posted…South-coast Breakfasts : Wellies Restaurant
Thanks for the review – I like to escape a bit when I read books so often I have romance or something funny on my Kindle x x
Cass@frugalfamily recently posted…What we’re eating this week – 10th March 2014….
I love thriller books when I get a chance to read. This looks like a book I would enjoy
Kara recently posted…Deadly Adventure at Longleat
I do like a good suspense book especially a good page turner! Might look out for this one x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted…Edible Easter Egg Nest – Center Parcs April Challenge
sounds really interesting! I’ve not read a good book in forever! x
Fritha Strickland recently posted…a happiness list
I like your review and it does sound like an interesting read, although it sounds like it will fuel my pet paranoia about lost kids.
VaiChin @ RamblingThroughParenthood recently posted…Sunday 20/04/2014
I’m terrible for not reading enough these days, although I used to be quite prolific for it. Sounds interesting although I must say that anything that involves nastiness towards children normally means that I won’t pick it up.
Kate Williams recently posted…Half cut family traditions
I wish I could find the time to read- I love to crawl up and read, but in this home there are too many interruptions! A great review- and sorely tempted to find the time.
Debbie recently posted…Blog Your Heart Out
This is a great review. I’ve added the book to my wishlist on Amazon 🙂
Shell Louise recently posted…Our little entrepreneurs!
I read the book over a couple of evenings on my Kindle. I really liked it at first, but then it seemed as if the author had run out of steam, and the ending became a bit of a cop out. I did enjoy most of the book, but the resolution of the main storyline left me dissatisfied, it did not ring true with the rest of the story.