Hello everyone!
I am back with another review, Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey. Thanks so much to Book Sparks for sending me a copy of this book as a part of #SRC2018 for an honest review, as always, all opinions are my own.
This book follows Sarah and Amy and the little girl that connects both of these women. Sarah knows what it's like to grow up with an emotionally abusive, neglectful mother. When she sees Emma for the first time at the airport, she instantly connects with the girl who is being verbally attacked by her mother. Amy is just trying to keep her head above the water. Her loveless marriage is at an all-time low and dealing with a toddler, plus Emma's antics has her at her wit's end. After Emma disappears without a trace after a physical fight with Amy, Amy has to question whether or not she really wants her daughter back.
I don't know if I've ever read a more morally ambiguous book. The story is told in alternative perspectives with Sarah's first-person, as well as Amy's third-person, both in before, during, and after sections. You can get a sense of each of these women and Frey tries to explain the actions of both. Despite her actions, Sarah is an easily likeable character, which is troubling. Frey doesn't try to vilify her, although some of the other characters do. She is ultimately seen as the saviour in this situation.
Amy, alternatively, is described in harsh details and there is a detectable shift in the way she is described. She seems to have few redeeming qualities and is easily shown to the reader as unfit. I think I would have preferred a bit more positivity in these descriptions or general POV from Amy - I almost feel like she was overtly vilified to show how much better Sarah would be as a mother. Undoubtedly, she did and said some horrible things, but I'm not sure she was that bad all the time. Then again, that could just be Frey's way of complicating right and wrong even further, making the reader sympathetic about her treatment of Amy.
I read this book in two sittings but basically over the span of a few hours. You were constantly on your toes, waiting to see if Sarah would get caught. She was extremely reckless at times and this kept me on edge. Then you find yourself, once more, rooting for the kidnapper, which is a whole other can of worms.
Overall, this is a refreshing take on the slightly tired kidnapping thriller idea that will make you question your morals and keep you on your toes!
This book follows Sarah and Amy and the little girl that connects both of these women. Sarah knows what it's like to grow up with an emotionally abusive, neglectful mother. When she sees Emma for the first time at the airport, she instantly connects with the girl who is being verbally attacked by her mother. Amy is just trying to keep her head above the water. Her loveless marriage is at an all-time low and dealing with a toddler, plus Emma's antics has her at her wit's end. After Emma disappears without a trace after a physical fight with Amy, Amy has to question whether or not she really wants her daughter back.
I don't know if I've ever read a more morally ambiguous book. The story is told in alternative perspectives with Sarah's first-person, as well as Amy's third-person, both in before, during, and after sections. You can get a sense of each of these women and Frey tries to explain the actions of both. Despite her actions, Sarah is an easily likeable character, which is troubling. Frey doesn't try to vilify her, although some of the other characters do. She is ultimately seen as the saviour in this situation.
Amy, alternatively, is described in harsh details and there is a detectable shift in the way she is described. She seems to have few redeeming qualities and is easily shown to the reader as unfit. I think I would have preferred a bit more positivity in these descriptions or general POV from Amy - I almost feel like she was overtly vilified to show how much better Sarah would be as a mother. Undoubtedly, she did and said some horrible things, but I'm not sure she was that bad all the time. Then again, that could just be Frey's way of complicating right and wrong even further, making the reader sympathetic about her treatment of Amy.
I read this book in two sittings but basically over the span of a few hours. You were constantly on your toes, waiting to see if Sarah would get caught. She was extremely reckless at times and this kept me on edge. Then you find yourself, once more, rooting for the kidnapper, which is a whole other can of worms.
Overall, this is a refreshing take on the slightly tired kidnapping thriller idea that will make you question your morals and keep you on your toes!