The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton Book Review
Fall is here and nothing is better than curling up on a weekend with a great story, a cup of coffee and a warm blanket. I have a great story to tell you about that captures a family history that spans years and a huge secret. You need to check out The Secret Keeper for an excellent read.
From Kate Morton, the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Distant Hours, The Forgotten Garden, and The House at Riverton, comes THE SECRET KEEPER (Atria Books; $26.00; October 16, 2012), a spellbinding new novel filled with mystery, thievery, murder, and enduring love.
Check out this synopsis….
During a summer party at the family farm in the English countryside, sixteen-year-old Laurel Nicolson has escaped to her childhood tree house and is happily dreaming of the future. She spies a stranger coming up the long road to the farm and watches as her mother speaks to him. Before the afternoon is over, Laurel will witness a shocking crime…A crime that challenges everything she knows about her family and especially her mother, Dorothy-her vivacious, loving, nearly perfect mother.
Now, fifty years later, Laurel is a successful and well-regarded actress living in London. The family is gathering at Greenacres farm for Dorothy’s ninetieth birthday. Realizing that this may be her last chance, Laurel searches for answers to the questions that still haunt her from that long-ago day, answers that can only be found in Dorothy’s past.
Dorothy’s story takes the reader from pre-WWII England through the blitz, to the ’60s and beyond. It is the secret history of three strangers from vastly different worlds-Dorothy, Vivien, and Jimmy-who meet by chance in wartime London and whose lives are forever entwined.
The Secret Keeper explores longings and dreams and the unexpected consequences they sometimes bring. It is an unforgettable story of lovers and friends, deception and passion that is told-in Morton’s signature style-against a backdrop of events that changed the world.
My Thoughts:
I would really call the book a saga. It it written from today’s point of view and yet stretches back 60+ years. I love the way the author weaves her story and goes back into history especially into war torn England. With bombs bursting around them, Dorothy’s story begins with events that will eventually change her own children’s lives forever.
The author weaves an amazing story of secrets. With Dorothy turning 90 and very close to death, Laurel, the daughter flashes back on a image that she can never block out of her mind. The one thing she could never find out was who was the stranger that came to their home that fateful day? what was is connection to her mother? Laurel decides to do some research and goes back into history herself to find some answers.
The Author keeps the story moving along with interesting twists and turns in the story. You meet several of Dorothy’s friends with whom a bond was forged during the stressful times in which they lived. Secrets and mystery from the time keeps you turning the pages. Kate Morton develops the family dramas and history so you are completely enveloped into the saga of The Secret Keeper.
I really enjoyed reading this awesome novel. The author is a master at crafting the story, just giving you bits and pieces until it all come together in the end. A perfect story for a cozy weekend or vacation. I think you will enjoy this story too.
About the author:
Kate Morton, a native Australian, holds degrees in dramatic art and English. She is the author of The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, and The Distant Hours, which all became #1 bestsellers in the UK and Australia and New York Times bestsellers in the United States. Kate Morton currently lives with her family in Australia.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.