When the line between truth and lies blurs…
The Blurb
Imagine being flooded with shame, unworthiness, and paranoia. Each day you wake up to a life that feels just beyond the reach of your control. No matter how many attempts you make to move forward, you are met repeatedly with betrayal and rejection from your family - the very people who are supposed to love you the most.
This is the reality for Rachel. Since childhood, all she has ever desired is to be loved, to be seen, to be accepted, yet she faces one disappointment after another.
So, what happens when someone is pushed too far and they begin to lose their grip on reality? How would you cope if you felt that no one loved you? And how far would you go to be happy? Accompany Rachel as she tries to shake off the shadows of her past and attempts to repair decades worth of pain.
This is the second novel from Deborah Stone, the award-winning author of What’s Left Unsaid.
The Author
Deborah Stone read English Literature at Durham University and lives in North London with her husband, two sons and gorgeous golden retriever, George.
Her new novel, Me and My Shadow, is a thrilling psychological suspense novel. https://deborahstonebooks.com/
Her first novel, What's Left Unsaid, won The Chill With A Book Runner Up Prize for Best Book of 2018 and has been highly acclaimed..https://deborahstonebooks.com/
Her new book, The Essential Family Guide to Caring for Older People, is an important manual for any family looking after older relatives. https://deborahstonebooks.com/
Deborah Stone is a leading expert in the field of elder care. Through her website, www.maturethinking.co.uk she provides information and advice for families caring for older people, as well as advising companies on the effective development of products and services for older people. Deborah regularly appears on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 5 as a care expert, as well as contributing to lifestyle magazines and national newspapers with advice for those making decisions about care for relatives.
Find all Deborah's books here: https://deborahstonebooks.com/
The Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 Stars
There should probably be a plethora of trigger warnings with this book. I’m not usually one to include trigger warnings in my reviews, but this book gets pretty dark. Sensitives subjects such as self-harm, rape and domestic abuse are just some of them. Our narrator, Rachel is dealing with some very serious mental health issues and trauma. Her story is a disturbing and devastating one and it all begins with the birth of her younger sister Catherine.
This contemporary/psychological fiction will completely engulf you, it will keep you hooked the whole way through. The fast-paced, short chapters and engaging writing style makes for a quick and easy read, although it doesn't feel right to call it that, with the subject matter being so complex. It was both harrowing and completely captivating.
You will find yourself constantly questioning the narrator's point of view, as it is clear that she is struggling with her own demons and is not completely trustworthy. This definitely kept me on my toes, always considering the alternative to the story being told.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed ‘The Silent Patient’, as there is a very interesting and unsettling plot twist that you will probably lose sleep trying to get to. It is definitely one of those books you will speed through and tell all your friends about.
Thank you to @lovebookstours, @KellyALacey @Igbooktours and of course @deborahStone_ For my #gifted copy of ‘Me and My Shadow’ in exchange for an honest review.
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