All the Mothers and Fathers

I’ve noticed that there is a theme emerging among some of my recommendations. I have been choosing a favourite book of the month over on social media. My January book was The Mother Wound (which I have already reviewed – you can find that here). My favourite book from March is All My Mothers by Joanna Glen. I am yet to review this one – watch this space. I wanted to give the mum’s a rest, so this week, we are taking a look at Secrets My Father Kept by Rachel Givney.

This was a recommendation from my lovely friend, also called Rachel. Thanks Rach - keep them coming!

Secrets My Father Kept is an unputdownable historical fiction novel that blends themes of love, courage, feminism, and identity, all set against the backdrop of pre-war Poland. Givney has a knack for weaving intricate narratives that explore the complexities of human nature.

This book centres around Marie, a young woman with a passion for science, and her father Jakób, a renowned Kraków obstetrician with a mysterious past. Their relationship is at the heart of this engaging story. Marie is desperate to study medicine, an aspiration her father strongly discourages despite his own profession, causing friction in their relationship. However, the enigmatic Jakób harbours a profound secret that could alter Marie's understanding of their family history and the world itself.

Givney does an exceptional job at crafting believable, relatable characters that are multi-faceted and engaging. Marie is strong, ambitious, and intelligent – a true trailblazer for women in science in a time when such pursuits were widely disapproved of for women. Jakób, on the other hand, is complex and intriguing. He is a loving father, a respected doctor, but also a man haunted by a past he has strived to keep hidden.

The historical setting of the book is one of its greatest strengths. Givney vividly captures the atmosphere of pre-war Poland with a sense of impending doom lurking in the shadows. The reader is introduced to the rich cultural tapestry of Kraków and is drawn into the political turmoil of the era.

Givney's writing style is evocative, her descriptions picturesque, and the dialogue is filled with emotional depth. The suspense created as Jakób's secret slowly unravels is gripping, making it a difficult book to put down.

Secrets My Father Kept is a mesmerising and poignant read. Givney demonstrates her storytelling prowess, painting a vibrant, emotionally charged tale that lingers long after the final page. It's a story of love in the face of adversity, the struggle for women's rights, and the power of secrets to shape our lives.

Add this to your TBR if you are a lover of historic fiction because life is too short to read bad books.