August book club - The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth

Wow! The Mother in law had me swapping my mind throughout the book, Diana was an incredible character, with so many different layers, one minute I hated her, then I would warm to her, then think nope she is horrible,. I loved the book. Thanks so much x

Thank you for my copy of The Mother-in-Law. It seemed really promising after the first chapter.

I don't want to be too negative about it but there were things that were irritating and distracting throughout.

As someone has previously mentioned the timeline is not consistent. I also wondered about the believability of the wealth and would have liked to have been shown more about the origins of this and the relationship between Tom and Diana.

There were proof and editing gripes throughout eg:

bug the house themselves instead of buy

hair behind the eyes instead of ears

Lucy and Ollie's house seemed open plan but then later they talked about going into different rooms.

Personally, I didn't relate or warm to the characters. I really couldn't understand Diana, although I warmed to her slightly more in the final third of the book, as things were coming together. I also couldn't get the Diana character having a bunk up in the back of a car with someone she didn't love.

It was well written and I quite enjoyed the read but maybe not quite pacy enough for me.

I also enjoyed this book. As the mother of sons and mother in law to two women I was a little concerned that the book may just portray a stereotype. Far from it. I found all the characters believable The moving from past to present and back again was easy to follow and logical, answering questions I had about the characters as I read. The book reminded me of the importance of words not said and how they can impact others and burden relationships.. I found this an unusual, easy to read and captivating book while also wondering about the origins of Tom and Diana’s wealth. My question to the author is did she base Diana on a real person/people or is she totally fictional? I shall look out for other books by this author.

Just a quick question - in the blurb on the back of the book it says Lucy first met her mother-in-law five years ago. However when Diana is found dead, Lucy is married and her eldest child is seven years old. Is this an error by the publisher?!

The book was gripping from the start, and I really enjoyed it. I found the skipping from present, back to the past, then forward again, quite easy to follow. It shows how you can misjudge people’s intentions and motives. I also wondered how Tom and Diana made so much money. (Wasn’t Tom (just) a plumber when they met?)

Looks like this was a good read. I'll treat myself .

I enjoyed reading this book, thought that it was very well written. I have a couple of points though - where did Diana and Tom get their money? They are Uber rich unusual for a working man to become that successful. Diana had no problems spending it - marble staircases and lux home by the beach. this jars with her refusal to help her children financially. Still a good read, definitely will look out for other books by Sally Hepworth

The Mother-in Law by Sally Hepworth

My first book by this Author and I have enjoyed reading it. It is very thought provoking and highlights the importance of communicating clearly to your loved ones, listening, asking questions and not supposing that people know what you are thinking about.

The Diana states in her final message to her children:-
‘I could have written more, but in the end, there’s really only two pieces of wisdom worth leaving behind. I worked hard for everything I ever cared about. and nothing I ever cared about cost a single cent.’

As a Mother-in-law myself I felt closer to that character though I could never countenance the breaking of a beautiful vase, not because of the value but the beauty of it’s creation.
I am afraid I pictured her in my mind as Diana Rigg the Actor straight from the beginning.

So my question to Sally is :- Did you picture Diana as Diana Rigg in your mind? and if so who was Lucy?

Thank you for my copy of The Mother in Law. It was a griping read which I had trouble putting down. I am not usually a fan of books which jump back and forwards but this told the back story really well without complicating the story. I was surprised by the ending and have passed this on to a friend to read. I will definitely be reading all of Sally Hepworth's books

Thanks for my copy of TheMother in Law. What an intriguing read. When I first looked at the book I was a bit dubious whether I would enjoy it or would it be assigned to the try again later pile.I was hooked from page 1. It is one of the few books i have read where shifting back and forward in time works well. As the story unravelled it held my interest through out. The ending a complete surprise with a real feel good factor to finish. Can I ask Sally will Oliver and Lucy's tale end there or will there be more to come? I shall deinitely be reading The Family Next Door.

Thanks for sending me a copy of The Mother in Law by Sally Hepworth. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish. Diana’s interactions with family members were certainly thought-provoking and I changed my opinion of her more than once during the course of the book! Will recommend to my reading friends and book group.

Thank you so much for the copy of The Mother in Law. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down, I really identified with Lucy. I had a difficult relationship with my own mother in law and couldn't wait to see how the book ended. I have now got a feel for Sally's writing and intend to buy her other titles so thanks gransnet for introducing me to another writer.