Overview
Poised to celebrate Christmas Eve on a beautifully scenic island off the coast of Ireland, the Moone family’s holiday is instead marred by tragedy. So begins Helen Cullen’s stirring family saga, THE DAZZLING TRUTH (Graydon House; August 18, 2020; $17.99 USD). Maeve and Murtagh Moone’s love story began in 1978, at Trinity College. As an aspiring actress and potter respectively, the two creative spirits were drawn to each other in an intense and lasting way, able to withstand almost anything, even Maeve’s bouts of crippling depression and anxiety. For a short time, anyway.
Marriage and children are the next chapters in the Moone family story, but Maeve struggles to reconcile her old life with that of the wife and mother she is supposed to be. Until one heartbreaking Christmas Eve in 2005 changes everything. Now each member of the Moone family must learn to confront the past on their own, until one dazzling truth brings them back together towards a future that none of them could have predicted. Except perhaps Maeve herself.
Review
Murtagh and Maeve live on a remote island in Ireland. Murtagh is a potter and Maeve was an actress. Maeve struggles with depression all through her adult years. Her children did not give her the happiness she expected. When tragedy strikes, the family must come together and confront the past.
This is a family saga and everyone has their part to play. Everyone in this family must face the truth about themselves and overcome obstacles to even remotely heal and help each other.
This novel encompasses grief, love, depression and hope. It is tragic and heartwarming at the same time. But, it is a little cumbersome and I had some trouble staying with the story. But, the scenery kept me locked in. I mean…a remote island in Ireland! What is not to love about that?!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
About the Author
HELEN CULLEN wrote her debut novel, The Lost Letters of William Woolf, while completing the Guardian/UEA novel writing program. She holds an MA in Theatre Studies from University College Dublin and is currently studying further at Brunel. Prior to writing full-time, Helen worked in journalism, broadcasting and most recently as a creative events and engagement specialist. Helen is Irish and currently lives in London.
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