Catherine C. (c-squared) reviewed on 8/29/2011 + 181 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

The Hand That First Held Mine alternates between two stories, both set in London, one current, the other beginning in the mid-1950s. In modern London, an unwed couple is struggling with the rather traumatic birth of their first child and the adjustment to parenthood. In the earlier story, a young woman leaves her conservative family behind to make her own way in the big city. The characters (especially in the earlier story) are complex and believable. I wanted them to be happy, even though foreshadowing made it clear that wasn't going to happen, or to last at least.

I knew the stories were somehow connected, but wasn't entirely sure how until about 3/4 of the way through the novel. The reveal is not exactly subtle. If you don't get it, you're not paying attention at all. The last quarter then is spent watching the details fall into place and both stories reach their climax.

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