The Betrayals by Fiona Neill

Published 10^th August 2017

Book description:

When Rosie Rankin's best friend has an affair with her husband, the consequences reverberate down through the lives of two families.
Relationships are torn apart. Friendships shattered. And childish innocence destroyed.
Her daughter Daisy's fragile hold on reality begins to unravel when a letter arrives that opens up all the old wounds. Rosie's teenage son Max blames himself for everything which happened that long hot summer. And her brittle ex-husband Nick has his own version of events.
As long-repressed memories bubble to the surface, the past has never seemed more present and the truth more murky.
Sometimes there are four sides to every story.
Who do you believe?
Told through the eyes of four members of the same family, The Betrayals takes an unflinching look at contemporary family life, explores the nature of memory and desire and asks whether some things can ever be forgiven.  

My Review

The first thought that strikes me as I consider my thoughts about this book is the understanding the author has of psychological disorders. She has clearly spent a lot of time reading up on OCD and the effects the condition has on sufferers and those close to them. This is not a light read but in saying that I did not feel overwhelmed by its content. Each character gets to have their say in turn and I felt it was very well written. My feelings towards each character evolved as each person related events from their point of view. This book shows how there is always more than one version of 'The Truth' depending on how you look at the situation. The title is very well chosen as betrayal takes many forms over the course of the book. Overall, a very well researched and excellently written novel, but for me personally a bit too intense which is why I award it a 4 out of 5 rating.

My thanks to netgalley and Penguin Random House publishing for the review copy of this great title.