I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I am so glad I requested it. The story is compelling and clever, and the ending completely unexpected. Although the central characters are irredeemably awful, it is impossible not to feel some sympathy at times. The author also paints a nice portrait of a very close community, which can make life very difficult for transgressors. A really enjoyable read, in spite of the dark subject matter.

Oh dear where do I begin? Firstly this is one seriously f*cked up, twisted, dark and seriously uncomfortable book and secondly I absolutely LOVED it. Everything about this book ticked my warped and disturbed mind.

To say I devoured this book in almost one sitting is not an exaggeration – it’s literally UNPUTDOWNABLE. The Recovery of Rose Gold (or Darling Rose Gold in the US) is one hell of a powerful and disturbing debut novel from Stephanie Wrobel.

Told from the viewpoints of Patty Watts, a devoted and misunderstood mother who has just been released from serving 5 years in prison for aggravated child abuse and her daughter, Rose Gold Watts now 22 years and trying to rebuild her life and reconnect with Patty despite the horrendous childhood she endured at the hands of her mother.

The story alternates from the present and events leading up to Patty’s arrest and the five years she was in prison and it doesn’t hurt that both women are “bat-shit crazy” and slightly unreliable narrators throughout.

I don’t want to admit that I “enjoyed” this book because the subject matter is really uncomfortable and dark, but my obviously depraved mind and dry sense of humour absolutely LOVED it.

If you like twisted and deeply flawed characters in a story that both sickens and entertains you then I am 100% guaranteed you will love this book as much as I did. The only downside is that it’s not available to buy until March 2020 – but in my opinion it is definitely worth the wait.