In Her Wake is the recently published novel from Amanda
Jennings, released a little earlier this year by the friendly folks over at
Orenda Books, and it has been collecting glowing reviews – all of which I have
tried to avoid – for weeks on end. Now, having dipped into the book myself, it’s
clear to me why. I was around three pages in to this read, in fact, when I
turned to my friend next to me and said: ‘Bloody hell, this is going to be a
good one.’
The novel follows the story of Bella. A young woman who
returns to her family home following the unexpected death of her mother, only
to be greeted by a father who is so overcome with guilt and anxiety – perhaps what
you’d expect following the loss of a spouse, but certainly not how you’d expect
it – that their already strained relationship only worsens in the opening
chapters of this book. When Bella’s father, Henry, finally reveals what he’d
been holding in for so long, Bella’s world promptly falls apart – and the
reader’s heart promptly drops.
From here we move with Bella down to the coast of England
where she sets about discovering herself – her real self, as it turns out – and
we as readers all too willingly move through that journey with her. Although,
with prose this polished, how could we not?
Jennings’ writing is simply stunning throughout this whole
release. Even the most seemingly mundane elements are described beautifully
and, about four chapters in, it became one of those books that made me say: ‘Oh
my gosh, listen to this line...’ to whoever was sitting next to me.
The descriptions are weaved perfectly throughout a
convincing first person narrative that establishes the key elements of Bella’s
personality from the off, allowing her to instantly be a character that readers
can attach themselves to. Although, that being said, the first person allows a
wonderful perspective on the other characters as well, namely Elaine and Henry,
Bella’s parents (although the occasional dips into third person work wonders
for these pair as well, particularly with the dual narrative of their life
together before Bella). Oh and David! Arrogant, abrasive, controlling David who
runs Bella’s life if only she knew it; David, Bella’s husband, is a wonderfully
put together character who is just so damn easy to dislike.
The plot? Well, the plot is something that you’ll have to
discover for yourselves; so intricate are the turns that I would need a
literary road map to talk you through them – and it would only ruin the punch
for you. This is a story best told by Jennings and she does so with a skill and
a talent that left me a little breathless, and a little eager to escape to the
Cornish coast for the weekend.
A beautifully crafted book, In Her Wake is definitely worth
adding to your reading pile.
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