Well, you can tell it’s been a busy summer holiday with all three kids off school! This month I’ve only managed to read two books. That’s unheard of for me but August is always pretty full-on. Even on holiday, I found I didn’t read as much as usual because we made sure we did lots of activities with the kids. Still, two is better than none!
Here are the books I read in August 2021.
The Beloved Girls by Harriet Evans
Catherine is a successful barrister and happily married with children. Her life is seemingly idyllic but her past seems determined to haunt her. When she disappears on the eve of her wedding anniversary, her family are confused. She had been behaving erratically but they never thought she would just run away.
After seeing the figure of someone she believed had been dead for years, Catherine is spooked. Is her mind playing tricks on her? The answer lies buried in the past.
During a hot summer in 1989, a young girl, Janey Lestrange, arrives to stay with the Hunter family in their mysterious manor house, known as Vanes. Janey is fascinated by each of the Hunters and their ancient family rituals. However as the summer comes to an end, a tragedy unfolds. The bonds Janey forges that summer, especially with eldest daughter Kitty, will affect her life in ways nobody would have predicted.
I found it to be a clever, atmospheric story and I can easily see why so many others have loved it. For me, however, it just lacked something. I felt it was a little slow in places and I couldn’t fully connect to all the characters. It was undoubtedly well written and I loved the atmosphere Harriet Evans created. I just didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped.
Click here to read my full review of The Beloved Girls by Harriet Evans.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I might have only read two books this month but Malibu Rising was one of my favourites so far in 2021. I think because I didn’t expect too much going into it, I was pleasantly surprised by it.
It’s 1983 and Nina Riva is throwing her annual end-of-summer party. Her parties have become as legendary as the Riva family themselves. The Riva siblings, Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit are the offspring of world-famous singer Mick Riva and are successful in their own right. The people of Malibu are fascinated by the Riva siblings and the party is the place to see and be seen. That night in 1983, the party attracts famous actors, sports stars and singers. However, by midnight the party will be out of control, and by morning the Riva mansion will have burnt to the ground.
I found it to be a moving story of family, betrayal and secrets. I loved the symbolism of the fire and rebirth and thought it was just beautifully written.
Click here to read my full review of The Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Some of these books were sent from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You may also be interested in reading the books I read in July 2021 and my other previous monthly reads.