Margret is a loving mother to three adult children. Life wasn't always easy as they had, whilst growing up, had to develop coping skills to deal with the constant flashes of anger from Margaret.
But what caused these moments of anger? It wasn't the children, though they had to cope with her rages. Margaret's problem is that she is being crushed by the weight of a family secret.
Her daughter Caroline serves the role of a peacekeeper. She moves into married life and becomes a mother in her own right.
Her son Matthew strives to become independent and self-reliant, carving out a successful career in botany, enjoying life in his organic smallholding, with his family and friends gathered in close to him.
There's Chloe, a very talented violinist and the favourite of her mother. However, this favouritism comes with no small price for Chloe, as she finds it impossible to flee from Margaret's influence as her own life seems to deteriorate.
However, Margaret's actions seems to become even stranger and downright bizarre, causing even more worry to her children. All of whom had been damaged by their mother, to a greater or lesser extent.
But what does any of it matter, so long a her secret is protected at almost any cost?
Elizabeth Brown largely tells the story through the medium of family letters and journal entries.
By the time I had finished the last page, I knew all of the family members very well. But I think I had learned to hate Margaret only part way through. The sub title: a blessing or a curse? is most appropriate.
This is a very moving novel which is a very worth debut.
It's published by Matador at £8.99.
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