I Looked Away (Child of Mine)

This book was well written. It had a very interesting plot and story line. Good read!

Not the author’s best work (IMHO) but a good read.

Jane is amazing author. The tension and movement to her work is spellbinding. Her characters are vivid, complex and emotionally taunt. Ellie's story could be the story of someone you know it have passed on the street. I promise you will look at homelessness and emotional abuse differently, more carefully and perhaps with a more empathetic heart after this moving work. Well done Jane!

Great read, reminds you to never judge unless you walked in that person's shoes. I kept wondering about the narration and the change between each chapter of Jo and Ellie but if you stick with it you'll see why. You won't regret this one!!

Ellie is grandma to Josh and she idolises him, but one thing stands in the way of her true happiness and that's her husband Roger's infidelity. One day, during an argument about his latest affair, Ellie takes her eye off Josh for a split second and what happens next changes everything and brings memories flooding back from her past that she thought were long buried. Jo is a Big Issue seller that Ellie regularly speaks to, gives her money, buys her a hot drink and food whenever she sees her, but their world's are about to collide in a way that nobody expected. The story is told by Ellie and Jo in alternate chapters throughout, I was slightly confused to begin with how the two women were connected and where the story was heading, but it all became very clear in the last part of the book. This book covers a multitude of issues that are faced by many people in today's society; homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health issues, infidelity and more, and executed beautifully in this story, showing how well the author researched all the topics before putting pen to paper. One thing the author does highlight in this tale is how many good and generous people there are that will lend a hand to someone that is down on their luck, not all people look the other way and that restored my faith in humanity a little bit more after reading this. A very emotional and thought provoking read which I loved. Definitely recommend.

Most of the book told in a flashback of Ellie's early life and Jo's life as a person living on the street. I thought Jo's parts dragged on a little too much. The last 10-20% did bring everything to a good closure with a little twist at the end and a surprise friend who helped Ellie escape.

Read this book in 2 days. Can't say too much without spoilers but will say it reminded me of Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine. Long time since I was so impressed by the way a book was written

This really a page turner! I live Jane Corry. Her story keeps you guessing until the end!! I stayed up too late last night but worth it!!

Oh what a wonderful read #Ilookedaway @janecorry I’ve had to force myself to space this book out as I wanted to keep reading and gobble it in one sitting! It tackles such contemporary issues #ptsd #homelessness #mentalhealth #coercivecontrol and #relationships. For all the dark complicated narrative there is also true kindness bound in to the pages and #goodwill. Jane manages to tell a complicated plot with seamless efficiency, a catchy page turning pace and the repetition of common themes in her books - prison and female relationships doesn’t become complacent, rather each novel explores such different and complex stories you are offered yet another view of personal narratives as to how and why people experiences prison (& in this case trauma and homeslessness) Truly remarkable. I adore that Jane is so embedded in the narrative; a grandma, a daughter, worked in a prison, works with a homeless charity, yet it is no way biographical, but a work of fiction that pulls on her own experiences allowing it to feel plausible and possible despite it being quite an extreme set of circumstances. 5* again for Jane!

I have enjoyed reading Jane’s work before and this book was another great read that had me hooked. It showed an understanding of the background lives, that impact on future actions and events. My knowledge of working in a Education in prisons also makes this book resonate with me. I really enjoyed the way it unfolded and the way Jane wrote the characters.

A woman takes her eyes off her grandson for just one minute... This is a story told between 2 characters: Ellie and Jo and between 2 timelines. It took me many pages to settle into the story and it didn’t come together until the end, but had me hooked just the same. I loved the flowers presented between chapters - a bonus and sweet addition to the story. Only 3 stars because it was slightly awkward and complicated until it did finally come together. I also had a difficult time feeling much of a connection to the main character(s), finding Ellie a bit watery and bland. An interesting premise and the author touched on some sensitive issues (PTSD and homelessness) with care.

A novel of journey through the hearts of people, each page pulls you into the core of characters. No guesses or plan works here, the thriller point hooks us right from the start and still keeps hanging. Ellie, character is beautifully written, her life, psychological vulnerability, purity of heart is exemplary. From the little beliefs of a kid to the peak of adulthood is carved in real. How traumas of life haunt a person, make her vigilant in every aspect, it's a lesson. Warmth of a heart struggling to keep her family together and her emotional shut down poke our minds to think past the character. I read the whole book in few hours, it was impossible to take the eyes off. A worthy read to get a easy escape. A subtle way of telling the cordiality of life An awesome thriller ride through the words. I really loved it and I highly recommend this to every individual who have a heart to know the inner layers of life. Just go for it....its really really worth it. The author Jane Corry did an awesome job.

This was really good, the events that unfold are sad but such a good story.