By Sally Hepworth

I read this right after The Altruists and declared it “my new favorite book of the year,” yet this too was dethroned while also being a wonderful read. Diana is the mother-in-law and Lucy is the daughter-in-law, and although this relationship is explored the most, poor Diana struggles in nearly all her relationships and roles. She is found dead on the floor of her home and although the story examines her cause of death, it is not really a murder mystery. It is a skillfully written story that examines how what we put out there is not the sum total of who we are. Diana has many facets and is not always who she seems at the surface. While the story explores Diana’s reluctance to reveal things about herself, it also looks at others’ perception of her and the human reflex to pass judgment. Isn’t it so easy to be judgmental when someone doesn’t react as you expected or commits some social faux pas or is even just socially awkward? Wow, she was a bitch! When I read books like this, I am acutely reminded of “a mile in her moccasins” and all that. Best to assume one might not know another’s entire backstory, so err on the side of kindness. By the way, I really liked Diana, despite her many significant flaws. So, two excellent books get knocked from the top spot. What could possibly be so much better? Keep reading :-).