Stella is a psychotherapist. Isabelle is a new patient - and Stella is sure she is her daughter Alice. But, Alice went missing over twenty years ago, presumed drowned. Stella has always believed she is still alive. But she has been wrong before. Kerstin is Isabelle's mother and she is quite worried about Stella's interactions with her child.
Norebäck gives each woman a voice in Tell Me You're Mine. The lead is Stella. Stella is a decidedly unreliable narrator. She has been hospitalized in the past for mental issues. She is determined, obsessed really, with the idea that she has found her long lost child. But has she? Norebäck keeps the reader guessing - could Isabelle really be Alice? Isabelle's chapters give us background into her childhood, giving the reader more food for thought. And Kerstin. Kerstin is an interesting character - is she simply worried about her child - or something more?
I became quite caught up in the story - yes or no? My opinion solidified as I got closer to the end of the book. I was correct, but enjoyed the fast paced action of those last chapters. I did find the first part of the book a bit slow and somewhat repetitive for me. Norebäck does explore the emotions of parenthood - love, loss and obsession - with a sharp eye.
Tell Me You're Mine was a solid debut for this reader. Here's an excerpt of Tell Me You're Mine.
Sounds like it's worth reading.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that it's a solid debut. Some of the other issues might work themselves out as the author expands her writing. Good job!
ReplyDeleteSeems like a very interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI have read a couple of thrillers with a long lost or adopted child who returns later in life to confuse the biological mother. This might be one to add to the list.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion - yes, a worthwhile read.
ReplyDeleteKay - for a first book it was pretty good.
Mystica - yes it was.
Harvee - there are quite a few books out there with the long lost child as a starting point.This would definitely belong on that list.