NEW RELEASE
Things We Never Say - Sheila O'Flanagan (2013)
This novel focuses on two separate storylines set in Ireland and California, which are eventually entwined. In Ireland, we find the Fitzpatrick family, who are devastated after the sudden death of patriarch Fred. His children Donald, Gareth and Suzanne are not necessarily devastated by the fact that their father is no longer amongst them; it is his will that has left them most distressed. The reason for this can be found on the other side of the world in San Francisco. Abbey Andersen has a good life: she loves her job as a nail technician, she has a nice apartment with her boyfriend whom she loves very much, and she has great friends to support her. However, when her boyfriend suddenly decides to leave her behind with several debts, Abbey's life suddenly doesn't seem so good anymore. When out of the blue an Irish investigator shows up to tell Abbey her family history also isn't exactly what she thinks it is, she is forced to make some decisions that will not only affect her but also those around her. Abbey is a lovely character who I found myself rooting for from the start. Numerous other diverse characters with their own individual personalities are introduced and each one adds something specific to the storyline. I felt the main part of the novel took up too many pages; the story seemed a bit slow at times, and I would have preferred fewer pages or perhaps a more extensive romantic storyline for Abbey. Overall, Things We Never Say is an intriguing and enjoyable novel all about family dynamics. (JoH)
Things We Never Say, by Sheila O'Flanagan, is about a family's world turned upside-down when old secrets come to light. The summary says: "Abbey Andersen is the last person to go looking for change. Yes, it's tough that she barely sees her mother these days - but in San Francisco she has great friends, a steady relationship and a job she enjoys. When Abbey is contacted by Irish lawyer Ryan Gilligan she learns in an instant everything she believed about her roots is a lie. She must travel to Dublin to find out more - but she's scarcely off the plane when she's plunged into a new crisis. One that will change everything not just for Abbey but for the family in Ireland who had no idea that she even existed. Now Abbey has to make a choice that will affect everyone she knows. How can she be sure she makes the right one? And can life ever be quite the same again?" Things We Never Say is out in June.