One house. Four strangers. A secret that changes everything.
When Orla Clifford inherits her grandmother’s crumbling Georgian house on Damask Square, she sees a chance to rebuild her life while restoring its faded grandeur. But beneath its peeling wallpaper and weathered floors, the house holds more than just memories.
To make ends meet, she takes in lodgers: Luke, a handyman with artistic dreams; compassionate Livvie; and Beatrice – young, privileged, and haunted by the question of her own past.
As Orla pours her heart into her morning journal, Beatrice searches through the house’s hidden corners, coming dangerously close to uncovering what Orla has spent decades concealing.
What will happen when the secret Orla has carried for twenty years finally comes to light? Will it destroy the fragile bonds forming beneath this roof – or become the missing piece they’ve all been searching for?
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My Review
This is a poignant and layered novel that delves into the intricacies of love, loss, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of a crumbling house in Damask Square, the story introduces us to four distinct characters—Orla, Luke, Livvie, and Beatrice—each carrying emotional baggage and seeking a sense of belonging.
Told through alternating perspectives and timelines, the novel skillfully explores how the past shapes the present. It brings warmth and emotional resonance to the narrative, particularly through Orla’s journey of healing and Beatrice’s quest for identity. The character dynamics are compelling, with tensions and tenderness emerging naturally. The themes of forgiveness, secrets, and second chances are thoughtfully portrayed.
While the ending might feel slightly open-ended, it reflects the messiness of real life, where not all wounds heal cleanly and closure isn’t always complete. A touching, emotionally honest read that lingers after the final page.
My Rating
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