On a slim yet impactful volume exploring the relationships between mother and daughter. I didn't think I'd have any more capacity to read an intense book, but I did. Thankfully, this one isn't too long, but at under 200 pages, this short novel certainly packs an emotional punch to the readers. I think you'd agree if you give it ago.⁣
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Set in London, the novel is an intensely powerful one that tells the stories of a grandmother, Ruth, her daughter Eleanor and her granddaughter Lily. It explores their relationships, their internal reflections and ultimately, love. Ruth is a schoolteacher who has raised her daughter Eleanor on her own. You get to read about the deterioration of their relationship, Eleanor's drug addition, and how Ruth has to step in to raise Lily alone.⁣
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The prose is exquisite - precise and achingly beautiful - I'm left reflecting a number of times. Like the one below. ⁣
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“I hardened myself deliberately. I felt myself change in that minute. I saw my fingers stiffening, caught a different rhythm in my breaths. It was rage, I suppose. Terrible in life when you wanted to give everything and there wasn’t anyone willing to receive you. Some people believed that if your mother wasn’t all that bothered about you she must know more than anyone what you were really like, deep down, because she sort of invented you so, so there had to be something really wrong with you then. I didn’t think that way myself. But I had read it was important to allow all the feelings in so they had no power over you and you could be set free. Not to hold back on anything because it was too bad to say. To have a mother who wasn’t maternal.”⁣
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That really got me.⁣
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Prior to this, I've never read any of Susie Boyt's works and I'm pretty sure this won't be the last.

Family and addiction are at the heart of this novel- how far would you go to protect and save the ones you love? A beautifully written book, although at times prone to fights of fancy, this was a very impressionable book that left me wanting more and not wanting the book to end.

This is a great story that I became so emotionally invested in, I found it hard to put down. The writing style by this author made this an intense, thought-provoking, spectacular read, based on female relationships spanning over three generations whilst dealing with their own demons. This was able to pull on my heartstrings throughout. This broke my heart, but also managed to heal it again by the final page. A must-read for anyone who enjoys powerful reads and anyone picking this up should be aware that time will pass very quickly once you start to read it!

The only reason why this is not a five-star read for me is that there were small parts that I thought were a little unrealistic, but I appreciate addiction is a very difficult and personal topic to write about and be able to get absolutely spot on. It wasn't enough to put me off finishing, it is just a small thing that perhaps other readers with similar experiences may pick up on.

Susie Boyt writes with a mordant wit and vivid style which are at their best in Loved and Missed.
When your beloved daughter is lost in the fog of addiction and you make off with her baby in order to save the day, can willpower and a daring creative zeal carry you through ?
Examining the limits, disappointments and excesses of love in all its forms, this marvellously absorbing novel, full of insight and compassion, delights as much as it disturbs.
A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An honest and emotional text about the mother/daughter relationship and the effects of addiction on family. Despite the sad themes and storyline I enjoyed this novel and really enjoyed the writing style.

I know this was technically Ruth's story but it would have been interesting to have a few chapters from Eleanor's perspective scattered throughout. I also did not love the ending from Lily's POV. It felt a little disjointed and not as real/believable as Ruth's voice and narration.

I nearly didn't request this one as I wasn't sure from the cover and description but I am so glad I did as I really loved it. Susie Boyt has such a way with words. Moving, sad, funny, raw, honest, real. The tone of it reminded me a little of Margaret Drabble.

SPOILERS


At times,this could break your heart, three generations of femal and their life dominated by addiction,and how its changed their relationship with one another.
A mother walking on egg shells and second guessing everything she says or does,so as not to offend.
Yet,is bold enough to essentially kidnap a child.

A grandmother,who then has to essentially become mother.

A teenager having too much of lifes realities and harshness thrown at her.

For the most part,this book has amazingly strong female characters (though we could argue still being alive after that many years of drug abuse makes you strong) who do what needs to be done as best they can.

I didnt quite shed a tear,but I wasn't far off.