“It doesn’t do any good to keep things locked in.”

Following the advice of the wise folks at Blissdom Canada 2013, I widened my intake of genres and writing styles. In expanding my blogging brand, I’m including a random  book review. I also wanted to discover more Canadian authors and self-published authors. Here’s my book review for Cynthia Hill’s What Lies Behind.

With a glimpse into Toronto’s history, What Lies Behind is the story of a family and the unexpected events which tie its generations together. Cynthia Hill’s chick lit explores the themes of love, mothering and abandonment with sensitivity.

Cynthia writes with a reverent style. She loves her characters and it shows. Readers follow two story lines, that of Lillian Sullivan in 1929 and her “present date” granddaughter Lisa. Lillian grows up in an affluent family affected by WWII. Lisa is a self-made success struggling to find her identity.

I loved reading Hill’s descriptions of 1920s Toronto (check out FB group Vintage Toronto!). The social quirks of the old-money Torontonians juxtapose nicely against the modern lifestyle of the single working woman.  Cynthia touches upon the relationship taboos that are the fodder for modern day gossip. I would have liked to see more of the dynamics around Lillian and her brother Charlie after a family trauma, but that’s only because of my connection to brain injury.

I was particularly drawn to Lillian’s uncharacteristic experience of motherhood. We see a grittiness in her privileged upbringing which influences her decisions and role as a mother. I think I was driven to Lillian’s character more than Lisa’s because I could identify with some of her struggles as a mother. Hill’s narrative voice reinforced that: Lisa is third person; Lillian first.

Lovers’ honesty conflicts with intimacy as both women find the courage to travel their path in believable circumstances. I was eager to find out how Lillian’s experiences defined her relationship with Lisa. There was a bit of a generation gap – or maybe I feel that way because I wanted to know more!

Hill’s book made me reflect upon my grandmother and the relationship we might have had if her experiences as a wife and mother were different. I never spoke to her about her war-time experiences (in a Siberian concentration camp). I regret that now.

If you’re looking for a story that is touching and reveals the nature of a wounded woman’s heart, pick up What Lies Behind.

The book was published in 2012 by Cynthia Hill and is available in paperback and in all major e-Publishing formats.

 

I purchased this book prior to writing my book review.
Please purchase the book through the link above and Amazon will pay me a small affiliate fee.