However, I think this speaks to Àdele’s perception of others, that they can be so satisfied with the mundanity that she despises means they can not possibly be fully human. She is a successful journalist and her life appears to be perfect to anyone that may cast a glance her way, however, there is something stirring within Adele that she is unable to resist. Her story casts a powerful spotlight on the struggles of women trapped in abusive relationships, delivering a poignant message of strength and resilience. But the author sounds her voice loudly in this book, and her sense of self is captured throughout the pages. Twist is so well written that the reader admires the capability of Adele Bertei to present her true story in such a novel way….

But Adèle is an altogether more obdurate character than Lullaby’s harassed mother or thwarted nanny, resisting interpretation and repelling empathy at every turn. Lucy stole her friend Rose’s ‘happily ever after’ because she wanted Rose’s husband and Lucy always gets what she wants. It was a very enjoyable book, I liked how it revolved around three different characters that didn’t have anything in common except for their love for Adele.A harrowing voyage through the cultural tornado of America in the latter part of the 20th century as seen through the eyes of a thoroughly 21st century girl.

The action is mostly set in the beautiful surroundings of a chateau in the south of France and this glamourous location pulled me right in! But as the guests assemble, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that putting her past behind her is impossible. Staggering to me is not as much the unmistakable rawness of this story or Adèle’s behaviour as such, but her inner emptiness.Nadia, a single mother from Amman, emerges as a formidable character, determined to carve a brighter future for her son in a society where gender biases run deep.