Publication Date: 1st November 2012 (1st published 9th Oct)
Pages: 592
Book Source: Allen & Unwin (ARC) & Edelweiss
Synopsis: 1961: On a sweltering summer's day, while her
family picnics by the stream on their Suffolk farm, sixteen-year-old Laurel
hides out in her childhood tree house dreaming of a boy called Billy, a move to
London, and the bright future she can't wait to seize. But before the idyllic
afternoon is over, Laurel will have witnessed a shocking crime that changes
everything.
2011: Now a much-loved actress, Laurel finds herself overwhelmed by
shades of the past. Haunted by memories, and the mystery of what she saw that
day, she returns to her family home and begins to piece together a secret
history. A tale of three strangers from vastly different worlds - Dorothy,
Vivien and Jimmy - who are brought together by chance in wartime London and
whose lives become fiercely and fatefully entwined.
Shifting between the 1930s, the 1960s and the present, The Secret Keeper
is a spellbinding story of mysteries and secrets, theatre and thievery, murder
and enduring love.
My Thoughts:
I've been a fan of
Australian author Kate Morton since reading (and adoring) The Forgotten Garden
and I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of her latest novel. A few
chapters in I confess I struggled to stay focused as the narrative wandered off
on what seemed like tangent after tangent. This isn't a book to read in small
snippets, if you can invest a chunk of time to thoroughly immerse yourself in
the story and just appreciate the meandering style I'd almost guarantee you'll
be captivated.
In 1961 Laurel witnesses a shocking event, fast forward to 2011
and Laurel and her siblings are gathered for their mother Dorothy's last days
and Laurel begins a search for answers to the mystery surrounding her mother's
past and that traumatic event. It's a trek that takes readers from 1938 to the present day.
Dorothy, Jimmy and Vivien are the focus of the story in London
during the Blitz, their fate is intricately entwined, they're intriguing
characters and their story completely absorbing, I couldn't imagine how the
threads would tie together and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find
out.
The time frames merge seamlessly and the multi-faceted plot lines
are covered with intimate subtlety and elaborate detail (how is that even
possible??) making this a truly special read.
So, guess what? Despite my early misgivings I wholeheartedly
recommend The Secret Keeper if you love a complex tale of secrets and
discovery.
UK cover US cover
This cover is amazing and I love the sound of this book. This year I haven't read a lot of histrocal fiction books, but this book is going on the tbr list. I would love to watch a bbc version of this book. :)
ReplyDeleteAll the covers are gorgeous aren't they Nina. and I think you're right this would make great tv viewing :)
DeleteThis sounds pretty good!! I will need to add this to my list!! Thanks for the honest review!!!
ReplyDeleteI just stated this book and can't wait to get lost in the story....I'm a big fan of Kate Morton and she hasn't disappointed me yet! Glad you enjoyed it so much.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is awesome! I know it was the blitz but I just that period in time, with the fashions and everything.
ReplyDeleteStory sounds quite good, and some books just need to be read in chunks.
I really should try a book by her :) She is good with secrets
ReplyDeleteshe is one of the best with secrets :)
DeleteI'm about half way through - loving it so far!
ReplyDeleteShelleyrae @ Book'd Out
I'll be keeping an eye out for your review Shelleyrae!
DeleteI've heard a lot of interesting things about the author and this book sounds pretty good. Also loving the cover! Anyway great review!
ReplyDeleteI was a bit disappointed by this author's last book but that hasn't stopped me from being excited by the prospect of reading this one!
ReplyDeleteI keep wanting to read her books, but others keep getting in the way. I really do want to get this or another of her books soon.
ReplyDeleteSome books really are better read all at once. Too bad that isn't happening for me right now!
ReplyDeleteHi I just stumbled across your blog and I see that we have similar reading tastes, so I am now your newest follower. I would love for you to stop by my blog and check it out. I really hope to see you there and happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKimberlee
http://girllostinabook.blogspot.com
Thanks Kimberlee, I'll be by your blog soon :)
DeleteI really enjoyed it as well Sheree, its the first of hers I have read and plan to read more
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great reading week
Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
Well I loved The Forgotten Garden so that would be my recommend without hesitation but I'm thinking I'll give The Distant Hours a go next :)
DeleteI really should stop saying "I should read one of her books on day" and just do it. Not sure this is the one to cut my teeth on though, any suggestions on a good one to start with?
ReplyDeleteRead The Forgotten Garden Caspette, it was absolutely wonderful, I'll send u a link to my review :)
DeleteOk I will give it a try :)
DeleteYay!! So glad you stayed with it and that it panned out to be a terrific read. I have all of her books but have I read one yet??? I will though!!! :D
ReplyDeleteCan't believe you have all her books, now I'll be nagging you til you read one Staci LOL
DeleteKate Morton is an amazing writer. I love all her books and this one did not disappoint. This was a wonderful story about secrets in the past and second chances.
ReplyDeleteMicky Johnson (Dallas SEO)