Lives Like Mine
by Eva Verde
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Pub Date 1 Jul 2021 | Archive Date 10 May 2021
Simon and Schuster UK | Simon & Schuster UK
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Description
'A bitter sweet story of longing and self-discovery, of deceit and regret. Visceral, authentic and funny, Eva’s prose reads like something between a conversation and a confession. An exciting new voice and a joy to read' Kit de Waal
‘Eva's writing breaks new ground in a confident and original voice, with a sharp eye for detail, wonderful characterisation and some seriously badass humour’ Yvvette Edwards, author of the Man Booker Prize longlisted novel, A Cupboard Full of Coats
Mother.
To three small children, their heritage dual like hers.
Daughter.
To a mother who immigrated to make a better life but has been rejected by her chosen country.
Wife.
To a man who loves her but who will not defend her to his intolerant family.
Woman…
Whose roles now define her and trap her in a life she no longer recognises…
Meet Monica, the flawed heroine at the heart of LIVES LIKE MINE.
With her three children in school, Monica finds herself wondering if this is all there is. Despite all the effort and the smiles, in the mirror she sees a woman hollowed out from putting everyone else first, tolerating her in-laws’ intolerance, and wondering if she has a right to complain when she’s living the life that she has created for herself.
Then along comes Joe, a catalyst for change in the guise of a flirtatious parent on the school run. Though the sudden spark of their affair is hedonistic and oh so cathartic, Joe soon offers a friendship that shows Monica how to resurrect and honour the parts of her identity that she has long suppressed. He is able to do for Monica what Dan has never managed to, enabling her both to face up to a past of guilty secrets and family estrangements, and to redefine her future.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781398502826 |
| PRICE | £12.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Gem F, Reviewer
A superb narrative exploring incredibly nuanced and complex relationship issues such as family dynamics, generation differences, spouses and in-laws, fidelity, motherhood and mixed race relationships.
I loved reading Monica's thoughts, fears and passions, she is far from perfect but I just felt her deeply and all her conflicts. Her strained, almost estranged, relationship with her parents over a shameful secret that hangs over her. Her overbearing and prejudiced in-laws. Her husband who whilst trying to play peacekeeper between everyone risks losing everything. Her friendships and support system.
It is a delicious and deeply moving story about the truths of marriage, motherhood and growing out of the mistakes we make along the way.
Lisa C, Reviewer
I adored this. I identified with it in lots of ways but also learned loads with aspects of it that I couldn’t identify with. So well written.
Victoria W, Reviewer
This was a truly wonderful book to read!. The author has written the story so perfectly you can't help but find yourself fully immersed in the world in which they have created.
A brilliant read that focuses on trying to maintain relationships throughout life.
Sophia G, Reviewer
I found this such a difficult book to read, purely because it was written so well, I was constantly INFURIATED with 90% of the characters! A great look at interracial relationships and dynamics alongside a pre mid-life crisis and deep rooted family issues.
Yana K, Reviewer
I enjoyed this book combining the story of a family of immigrants and the difficulty of building a relationship when trying to be a good wife and mother.
Mel D, Reviewer
Lives Like Mine was a wonderful read, I couldn't put it down.
The story touched on many complex issues and did it so well. Life is messy, people are messy and this book brought it all out and showcased how we are all flawed in different ways. I loved it for it's brutal honesty and seeing things through someone else's eyes. I wanted to be friends with Monica - she's so real.
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