This book was the ultimate rollercoaster ride as we followed two sisters who were in such close proximity to one another but painfully oblivious to it.

I found the humour and attention to detail really great at the start of the book, it felt a bit like a lot of effort was made to establish Arlo and Mickey and their distinct characters initially and then their identities became more dilute in a way as the book progressed. I loved 'kindergarten teachers never peed. They'd evolved past it' - the perfect combination of dry humour and high specificity from Mickey. Arlo was also an interesting character and it felt like she was such a well formed character that I could see her struggling to turn her work side as a 'therapist' off.

The nature of the plot did feel very clever and unique. As a reader, you're constantly aware of things that both characters have yet to discover so there was a fun sense of foreshadowing and waiting for everything to unravel. You see the messiness of life through both Mickey and Arlo's POV and it did feel really real. Neither of them end up being the villains of the story, just broken humans in their own morally ambiguous ways. Both Mickey and Arlo did feel like fully fleshed out characters and that made their POVS pretty easy to follow. My only issue is that their relationship lacked the depth that they individually as characters had. Because they aren't aware of their relation for most of the book, you see a lot of them interacting and thus learn a lot about each character individually but their bond never really felt like it was formed. This weakened the overall attachment I felt to what is a highly sentimental and riveting plot. And this extended to other relationships too. I didn't feel like I got under the skin of either Mickey or Arlo's relationship with Samson or Mickey's mum.

There were a couple plot points that felt unrealistic. Firstly, how did Mickey know Ian's address? He is her student and a literal child yet somehow she knows his address and drops him home. Also the fact that both Mickey and Arlo had altered their names so significantly felt unrealistic. It felt like surely Mickey would've recognised Arlo's name or clocked that Arlo was short for Charlotte which is the name of her stepsister? It was all a little too convenient that both of them didn't recognise each other's names at all.

4.5 ~ This was a really good book!! It was a really interesting way to tell the story of grief and mental health and complicated family dynamics and I found myself really rooting for both Mickey and Arlo.

Mickey is an alcoholic, kindergarten teacher whose father abandoned her at age 7. Arlo is a psychologist whose doting (although extremely flawed) father has just passed away. Plot twist - both father’s are the same guy.

Both Mickey and Arlo struggle to come to terms with the death of their father for different reasons including the fact that Arlo has been cut out of the will and the entire (hefty) fortune has been left to Mickey. But to get the money, Mickey must attend 7 therapy sessions with her half-sister, who she’s never met.

I really enjoyed the story and all the characters, even though most were inherently flawed but they all had incredibly redeeming qualities which made me really root for them and their stories. I thought the character development (of all characters not just Mickey and Arlo) was really well done and the book was super nuanced and straight to the point.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the eARC to review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Not sure what I feel about this book, it was okay but not great and did not click with the characters either.

This will sneak up on you. Mickey's father left when she was seven and she's never met her step-sister Arlo until now. And that's because her father left her $5.5 million on the condition that she do seven therapy sessions with the therapist he's chosen and paid for. Who turns out to Arlo, which either woman will realize until late in the novel. Mickey's life is falling apart due to her drinking and an ill advised decision to take Ian, one of her kindergarten students, home when no one picks him up. That does introduce her to Chris but it also gets her suspend and sends her really spiraling. Meanwhile Arlo is devastated that her father, the man she cared for in his illness, left her nothing. But he didn't because these two will built a relationship whether they realize who they are or not. Add in Tom the somewhat creepy lawyer, Mickey's neighbor and her cat, and the rest and this makes for a layered read about addiction, abandonment, and forgiveness. It's beautifully written and compelling. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. An impressive debut and a terrific read.

Favourite Daughter sees half-sisters Mickey and Arlo brought together as a condition of their late father’s will. When Mickey unknowingly attends therapy sessions with Arlo, they are both forced to confront their own issues resounding from their relationships with him.

I found the premise of the book compelling. Morgan Dick is daring to ask ‘who has it worse: the daughter who is abandoned, or the who he chose to stick around for?’

In reading the story, it is clear that both daughters have suffered as a result of their relationship with their father, and both make questionable decisions throughout. I got absorbed into the story early on and found the storytelling was aided by the pace and length of the chapters.

The author writes the characters with compassion. The supporting characters are also not perfect, and this allows both Mickey and Arlo to show up as very real, messy humans. However, on finishing the book, I was unconvinced by the resolution, finding it rather neat and convenient and not representative of the overall complexity of the story.

Favourite Daughter is a book for readers who are interested in mental health, dark, emotional themes, and morally-conflicted characters.

Absolute bonkers concept, which I thought would turn into a cooky and quirky story (in the most derogatory way possible) and I'm so glad it wasn't that. This is a very dark and un-apologetic story of family related trauma (insert daddy issue joke here). Though it sets up some pretty wild situations, often times there simply is no punchline and we are just left to deal with the aftermath of the characters how mistakes and shortcomings. And it works really well - it deals with situations that have too often been taking too light-heartedly (mainly alcoholism and the difficulties of having or being a flawed parent) and gives us an incisive portrait of characters that are essentially trying to process the bad things people have done to them, while confronting the bad things that they have, in turn, done to themselves and to the people around them.

An interesting read, touching on themes of addiction and dysfunctional families with a cast of mainly unlikeable characters.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

This was a great read, seeing how both sisters deal with loss, uncovering their relationship and their past.

Something about this book made me keep reading. It was nearly midnight, and I couldn't put it down.

Mickey is a kindergarten teacher; she loves working with the children, and that much is obvious. But when she takes young Ian off the school premises because his mother hasn't shown up to collect him, she jeopardises her job.

Arlo is mourning her father, and the life of a young girl who committed suicide under her care. She's a therapist, and to hear her and her mentor talk about it, she's a good one. That one mistake, the death of Laura, is tied inexplicably to the death of her father, and while we can see that they are connected, we don't get to truly see that until closer to the end of the book, when all is revealed.

Mickey discovers that her absentee father has died through his obituary in the newspaper. He left her and her mother to pay off his incredible debts and suffer the fallout of his alcoholism when she was incredibly young, and she doesn't seem to feel much more than incredible (and understandable) resentment towards him. Sadly, she has been struck by the same disease as him; she can't get through a day without drinking heavily, but she is in denial.

When Tom (her father's lawyer) tells her that if she completes seven sessions with a therapist, she will inherit his $5.5 million fortune, she's initially a little hesitant, but on the back of losing her job, she agrees.

I can't help but feel her dad, even in death, was being a little cruel. Sending his older, abandoned daughter to therapy with his younger one, the girl who was charged with his care as he died slowly of liver failure.

My heart broke for Mickey as she started to realise that she did have a drinking problem. She went through all the stages of denial, reaching acceptance when an avoidable accident occurs that ends up hurting someone she does care about. Through her life, she has isolated herself, pushed everyone away and been forced to attend therapy, feeling responsible for Ian and his reluctant carer Chris. Meeting Arlo (though she's unaware of who the younger woman is) is painful.

The relationship between the two women is complex, as neither is initially aware of who the other is. Arlo is resentful of the sister who didn't care for their father but got all his money, and Mickey is angry at the family that got the life she and her mother were denied. Yet, both suffered.

Wow, I have a lot to say about this book, but I guess what's most important is that it's a painful study in family dynamics. The misunderstandings, the resentment due to a belief that one got something the other didn't, when in reality they both suffered for their father's dependence on alcohol and his lack of true consideration for anyone but himself. I guess the real lesson to take away here is that you have to take responsibility for yourself, but having a support network helps you cope with the tough stuff.

I would definitely recommend, and while I did find myself getting angry with, and groaning at, the actions of the characters as they made mistake after mistake on their journey to the right place, that's a good thing!

An interesting book tackling subjects such alcoholism, death, depression and mental illness in a tender way with at times dark humour. Perhaps for me slightly drawn out but others might not agree. Thought provoking book that is well worth reading. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

Favourite Daughter explored complex grief from the perspectives of two half sisters who do not know each other at the start of the novel and who have had very different childhoods thanks to the choices of their father but nevertheless share similar traumas. The narrative was easy to follow and shifted between the two sisters in a linear fashion. This helped to keep a certain feeling of balance throughout.

There's a good mix of comedic moments as well as more poignant scenes and the clear goal is that both sisters will grow emotionally by the end of the novel and beyond. Personally, I found it hard to connect with either sister as their characters seemed somewhat caricatured and neither were likeable. It was an interesting choice to have both sisters in caring careers despite their childhood traumas.

I think I would have preferred the novel to have a slightly narrower focus, perhaps just on the sisters and their developing relationship, as the supporting characters added a bunch of, to my view, unnecessary side stories.

This book smacked me round the face. What a stunning narrative, expertly woven together with gorgeous prose. A stark look at grief and addiction, and the monsters they can bring out in us. This one will stay with me for a long time.

A KINDERGARDEN teacher with a drinking problem, a psychologist in over her head could not have less on common, apart from one thing – their recently deceased father.

Mickey is a dedicated educator, devoted to her students, a perfect example of a teacher in every way but one. It is the end of a school day coming up to the Christmas holidays, and she is waiting with the last of the kids in her care to be collected. Her principal has told her to call the authorities if his mother doesn’t arrive in the next half hour, but Mickey knows that that could cause open a major can of worms for the little boy’s family.

Instead, she makes the rash decision to drive him home herself, going against school policy, a choice made not only out of a sense of responsibility to her student, but under the influence of a motivating gulp of vodka, swilled in secret in the school’s toilet facilities.

Meanwhile, therapist Arlo is grappling with the death of her father. His carer in the last months of his life, Arlo is devasted by her loss. She is also just emerging from a temporary suspension from her job, while an investigation into her practices takes place.

While Arlo is grappling with her grief, Mickey’s is kept at arm’s length. She is Arlo’s older half-sister, estranged from their father since she was seven years old. He walked out on Mickey and her mother and never returned, and upon meeting Arlo’s mother began a new family and a successful business, leaving an inheritance of over five million dollars behind.

It is no spoiler to reveal that all the money is bequeathed to Mickey, leaving a stunned Arlo with nothing to show for her devotion. Mickey is unsure what to do with this windfall which comes with a catch – she must complete ten sessions of therapy before receiving it. At first, she wants nothing to do with it, but is then encouraged by her father’s estate lawyer to give it a go.

In a twist that will surprise no one – and isn’t exactly intended to – Mickey has been signed up to receive her therapy from a newly re-instated Arlo. With neither having met before and both going by nicknames and having different surnames, they are both unaware of each other’s true identities. It’s more plausible than it sounds and is really only a small part of the story, which is mostly concerned with generational trauma, relationships and addiction.

Told from both sisters’ alternate points of view, the denial of each of their problems and unravelling of their lives and realities as they know them comes to the fore. Mickey convinces herself that her drinking is normal, even though it is far from it, as apparent from the very beginning.

Arlo loves the problem-solving aspect of her profession but her moral commitment to it is coming more ambiguous. When the pair begins their sessions, an interesting dynamic appears, both from the development of the characters, including their dawning introspection, but also from a narrative perspective.

The first-person shifts from one character to the other, revealing the opinions of one another over the lines of questioning, as well as the conflicting rating of the atmospheric temperature of the room. It is a good device that works well.

Tone wise, it reminded me of a Lianne Moriarty novel with added bite. Moriarty has made a career out of deftly exploring domestic dramas in a signature witty, generally unsentimental voice and Canadian writer Morgan Dick comes hot on her heels with this impressive debut.

While it is very much the story of Mickey and Arlo, the supporting characters are more fleshed out than strictly needed. There is Mickey’s self-assured neighbour, the lawyer whose presence and influence grows as the book goes on and the family of Mickey’s student, which plays a substantial part in her journey towards recovery. While both sisters tumble towards rock bottom, they catch glimpses of the support and opportunity that is right in front of their eyes. A darkly funny and heart-wrenching read, surprising, hopeful and raw, like its protagonist Favourite Daughter isn’t perfect, but its writer’s potential is clear to see.

This book follows two sisters in the wake of their alcoholic father dying. You see both sisters dealing with complex feelings about him and each other, whilst also dealing with their individual feelings. The story itself was very slow and I did feel myself losing interest several times.

Hmmmm..... this one is so tough for me. I really loved the sound of it and was looking forward to reading it, but I found it pretty difficult to read. Slow to get going with no relatable characters, plus I was constantly thinking something else was about to happen. Disappointing sadly

A compelling contemporary fiction novel that explores the complex dynamics between two half-sisters, Mickey and Arlo, who have never met. Narrated through dual points of view, the story allows readers to intimately understand both characters. Mickey's life has been marked by abandonment and isolation, while Arlo has struggled with her father's vices despite a more secure upbringing. The portrayal of alcoholism and its impact on both sisters is particularly poignant.

As therapy sessions progress, Mickey and Arlo's relationship evolves from professional to deeply personal, leading to revelations that challenge their perceptions and force them to confront their shared past. The emotional journey is heart-wrenching, especially as they grapple with their father's control over their lives.

While the story is engaging and the characters well-developed, some moral issues and plot points may feel slightly implausible, which might detract from the overall believability for some readers. Despite this, its a thought-provoking read that explores themes of family, forgiveness, and self-worth.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The story of Mickey and Arlo wasn’t as ‘darkly funny’ as I expected and I’m glad of it. There wasn’t exactly too much fun in the lives of the two sisters. Mickey, who was left by her father at the age of seven, and Arlo, who nursed her father in his last months, bot have different thoughts and feelings for him. Although he was an alcoholic, Mickey still remembers him as the father who read her stories and took her to fun places. Arlo remembers him as the alcoholic who build an imperium and taught her valuable lessons – at least that’s what she believes.
Both sisters are in for a big surprise when Mickey is left a lot – and I mean a lot – of money although this has to be kept a surprise for both of them till a later stage. Mickey is a very dedicated kindergarten teacher and Arlo became a psychotherapist but during the story they both have to really think about the choices they made in life. Mickey even more than Arlo because Mickey is an alcoholic too. A real one, and not just one of those young women who drink too much in the weekend. It was very painful to read how Mickey tried to fight her illness and it was also rather painful to read how Arlo was fighting her own demons.
An original story with good, although not very sympathetic characters and sometimes a bit slow, but a very enjoyable debut.

I wanted to enjoy this but I'm not sure I did! the premise was good, it had the potential for a brilliant story, but there were no likeable characters and there were elements of the story that I thought were completely unnecessary. Readable but disappointing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

This is a great read and I enjoyed it. Mickey and Arlo are both sympathetic characters and I was intrigued to see how the story would go. Parts of it are really dry and funny - laugh aloud funny - be careful if you read it on the bus or train. I especially liked the first therapy session when we see the session from each point of view with the women actually having similar reactions and using similar language in their heads - we know who they are but they don't. Even the descriptions of the Dad's alcoholism are darkly funny and some of the situations Arlo remembers him getting into turn out to have been replicated by Mickey.

Arlo starts to remember/admit to herself things about her Daddy, that make her realise he was not the perfect Daddy she insists to herself that he was. This is very well done, quite moving and again, darkly funny.

As is befitting a book about therapy, Mickey, Arlo and even Tom find things out about themselves and try to resolve or at least manage their issues.. Read the book to find out to what extent, if at all, they succeed!

I felt that the characters were realistically drawn, their problems and issues are believable and their interactions are authentic. The pace is good, the minor characters contribute to the story and I liked the ending.

This darkly funny debut throws you headfirst into the messy lives of half-sisters Mickey and Arlo, who are strangers until their problematic father's death. Mickey, abandoned years ago and harbouring a deep-seated resentment, is stunned to inherit his fortune - with the bizarre condition that she attends therapy sessions. Unbeknownst to her, the psychologist her father handpicked is her own half-sister, Arlo. Arlo, who devoted herself to her father in his final days, is blindsided to discover she's been cut out of the will. Determined to uncover the truth, she agrees to treat Mickey, unaware of their familial connection.
What unfolds is a compellingly awkward dance between therapist and patient, two unlikeable yet undeniably watchable women circling each other. Mickey is a trainwreck you can't look away from - a flawed kindergarten teacher with a seemingly good heart constantly sabotaging her own life. Arlo, on the other hand, feels almost too perfect, her curiosity about the will outweighing any apparent anger.
While the concept is intriguing and the plot moves swiftly, the sheer number of coincidental character connections felt a little too convenient. The lawyer, a particularly unsavory character dabbling in both meditation and dubious dealings, and a potential romance with a student's uncle add layers that the novel doesn't fully explore. Despite these sprawling threads, the sharp dialogue and raw emotions kept me hooked, even if I didn't particularly root for anyone. This is a book with a promising premise and enough dark humour to keep you turning the pages, even if you find yourself observing the chaos from a distance.