Product Description

According to legend, when Pandora's box is opened it unleashes dark secrets and terrible consequences ! Rachel Wetherby's life has been on hold since the diagnosis of her teenage daughter Shelley with a debilitating - and fatal - illness. So when Rachel's mother offloads a box of her old possessions, including a diary, Rachel feels compelled to escape into a past which - on the surface - was care-free. However, opening up the box unearths secrets and memories best left uncovered. Shelley, meanwhile, is juggling a secret romance with planning her own death. Not for her an undignified and painful end - she'd rather hold her fate in her own hands. Convincing Rachel that she'd like to spend her 15th birthday in Cornwall where she spent so many idyllic childhood summers, she devises her plan. But nothing is as it seems and heartache and surprises lie in store for both mother and daughter! A mesmerising and heartbreaking debut from a stunning British talent about impossible choices and the consequences of our actions. Highly charged and morally complex, this story told from alternate perspectives will captivate fans of Jodi Picoult and The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67406 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Review
'This novel is a heartwarming, emotional take on a mother/daughter relationship. I couldn't put it down.' Closer 'A bitter sweet tear-jerker' OK 'A compelling, tragic read, though full of surprises and love.' The Sun 'A satisfying read from a new writer who can certainly tell a good story.' Croydon Advertiser

Closer
`This novel is a heartwarming, emotional take on a mother/daughter relationship. I couldn't put it down.'

The Sun
`A compelling, tragic read, though full of surprises and love.'

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly uplifting
Despite what is a sombre topic, this was amusing, touching and uplifting. The author deals with the subject sensitively and realistically, without resorting to mawkish sentimentality. Truly a great read.

A page turner
I picked up this book as it was recommended by a very good friend of mine. Wasnt sure if I would like it but once I started it I didnt stop. I am not the world's fastest reader, but I read it in 2 1/2 days reading every chance I got. I loved the way you saw both the mother and daughter's side of things. Given that it deals with a young girl coming of age whilst planning her own death to avoid her family suffering with her at the end of her terminal illness, one would think that this book is depressing, WRONG, the characters were believable and witty at times and I think it dealt with a delicate subject in a very open manner. I have recommended this book to everyone I can think of.

Astounding
Potentially this could be utterly heart-rending or even mawkish as the main character of the story, Shelley, is a 15-year old with a terminal illness. And yet it is uplifting, funny and clever. As a debut novel this book is utterly astounding and should be on everyone's 'to be read list'