Kelly Rimmer’s Before I Let You Go hooked me with its story of two sisters and one impossible choice – it was one of those books that once you get to a certain point, you have to keep on reading. And it’s also one of those books that makes you think about what you would do in this situation, while asking you to consider another point of view, or at least, understand how people can find themselves in the situations they do. It’s about compassion as much as it is looking at how our behaviour can enable others.
As children, Lexie and Annie were incredibly close. Bonded by the death of their beloved father, they weathered the storms of life together. When Lexie leaves home to follow her dream, Annie is forced to turn to her leather-bound journal as the only place she can confide her deepest secrets and fears…
As adults, sisters Lexie and Annie could not be more different. Lexie is a successful doctor and happily engaged. Annie is an addict – a thief, a liar and unable to remain clean. When Annie’s newborn baby is in danger of being placed in foster care, Annie picks up the phone to beg her sister for help. Will Lexie agree to take in her young niece? And how will Annie survive, losing the only thing in her life worth living for?
Bittersweet, moving and thought-provoking, Before I Let You Go is one of those books that’s filled with great talking points … and that’s the kind of book I enjoy. The title is also clever, because it can be interpreted from both sisters’ viewpoints.
Thanks to Hachette for sending me a copy.
Monique Mulligan
For more of Monique Mulligan’s writing on books, check out Write Note Reviews
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Lady Bird and the Fox (Kim Kelly) – book review
- The Sisters’ Song by Louise Allan – book review
- The Lace Weaver by Lauren Chater – book review
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television