Nina Darnton

The Perfect Mother by Nina Darnton is an intriguing novel loosely based on a real life crime. More than a mystery, this story delves deeply into the impact the case has on the accused's family. It also raises some very interesting questions about how much responsibility a parent should take for their children's successes and failures.

Jennifer Lewis's perfect life is shattered with a middle of the night phone call from her daughter Emma, who is currently studying abroad in Spain. The reason for the call? Emma has detained for questioning in the death of another student and needs her parents' help. Of course Jennifer knows there has been some horrible mistake and she hurriedly makes arrangements to rush to Emma's aid. It does not take long for Jennifer to realize that Emma has been less than candid about her life in Spain, but does this mean her daughter is capable of murder?

With very few exceptions, none of the characters in the novel are particularly likable or sympathetic. Jennifer is overly involved in her children's lives and her entire identity and self-worth are wrapped up in their achievements. She makes excuses for their mistakes and instead of letting them accept responsibility for their actions, she does everything possible to smooth over their missteps. Jennifer has an unrealistic vision of what her family's life should be and if something does not fit into the "perfect" life she has envisioned, she ignores it. Now, for the first time since she became a parent, Jennifer is forced to deal with life as it is, not what she wants it to be, but is she ready to deal with some harsh truths about herself, her marriage and her daughter?

Emma is spoiled, sullen and unappreciative of her mother's efforts to help her. She steadfastly stands by her account of the events that led to the murder despite mounting evidence to the contrary. She refuses to answer questions and continually lashes out in anger at pretty much everyone around her. She is disbelieving that anyone could doubt her claims and this plays right into Jennifer's uncertainties about herself. In the end, neither of Emma's parents really care whether she is guilty or innocent. Instead, they are focused on gaining her release from prison and bringing her home.

In the beginning, husband Mark is just as unsympathetic as Jennifer and Emma. Instead of dropping everything to rush to Emma's side, he stays behind to wrap up a court case, so it is easy to assume the worst about him. He is on the periphery of his children's lives, but it soon becomes clear that is exactly where Jennifer wants him. His efforts to change the status quo are met with extreme resistance and instead of fighting her, Mark just finds it easier to let Jennifer have her way. But as events spiral out of control with Emma, Mark is finally ready to act like a husband and father. A little unvarnished truth from Mark is just what both Emma and Jennifer need to get them to pull their heads out of the sand.

Since the main characters are so frustrating, uncovering the truth about Emma is what really drives the story. The picture perfect image of the straight A, idealistic student soon gives way to the darker aspects of her personality and her past. The main goal of everyone involved in the case is her release from prison and no one really seems interested in her guilt or innocence. Which in turn raises some very interesting questions of how far parents should go in their efforts to help their children. When do parents step aside and let their children accept the consequences for their decisions? Should parental support be unconditional no matter what? And what if, in their efforts to help their children, parents ultimately do more harm than good?

The Perfect Mother is a very compelling read and Nina Darnton easily draws readers into this complex character driven story. The novel's conclusion is utterly shocking and the final twist is completely unexpected and jaw-dropping. All in all, a worthwhile read that mystery lovers are sure to enjoy.… (plus d'informations)

For some, being childless is not an option. Author Darnton tells a tale of one woman, Marcia, and her unrelenting quest to become a mother. Any parent will tell you having a child will change everything. When the surrogate mother dies in childbirth, Marcia and Jeff become the parents of Danny. Then Marcia gets pregnant with twins. It seems like everything goes downhill from there. There are unpleasant words and actions that reflect the reality of a dysfunctional family. Within the trials and tribulations, there is a bit of hope.

Goodreads Giveaway randomly chose me to receive this book. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.… (plus d'informations)

I received an ARC of this book and thought it sounded promising. The story had potential - a couple decides to hire a surrogate (despite the husband's reservations) after years of trying to have a baby but things take a terrible turn that drastically affects their marriage. But the writer's style just seemed very unpolished and wooden to me. It was very rushed and unbelievable at times and then everything just wrapped up a little too easily and neatly at the end. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

** I received this in a Goodreads “First Reads” giveaway **

Jennifer Lewis is so certain that everything in her life is perfect she is not even worried when the phone rings in the middle of the night. Regrettably for the Lewis family, the axiom holds true, and the phone call is very bad news. Their daughter Emma, studying abroad in Spain for a year, is being detained as a “person of interest” in the brutal murder of another student which took place in her apartment.

Coming home from a local celebration Emma was unlocking her door when a fellow student threatened her with a knife, pushed her into her apartment and attempted to rape her. Her screams attracted the attention of a good samaritan who fought the rapist and killed him in self-defense. The good samaritan is now, unfortunately, nowhere to be found.

As any mother would, Jennifer rushes to be at her daughter’s side and vows to do everything in her power to exonerate her daughter. When Jennifer arrives in Spain she is shocked at the change in her daughter finding her sullen, withdrawn and for some reason angry with her mother. Jennifer always considered herself the “perfect mother” – always there for her children – she gave up her promising career to stay home and be a mother. She is proud of the fact that she had always been able to solve any of her children’s problems, whether something as simple as Emma’s unhappiness at being in a different class than her best friend or something more serious such as the time Emma was caught cheating on an exam or shoplifting a dress. But can she solve this problem? Particularly when it seems that Emma doesn’t want her help.

Jennifer and her husband Mark hire a top criminal defense attorney to navigate the Spanish legal system and a private investigator to find the mystery man who holds the key to their daughter’s release. Jennifer starts her own investigation by talking to Emma’s friends at school soon not being able to prevent her own doubts from rising to the surface as one story unravels only to be replaced by another.

When I read the description of this book in the Goodreads Giveaway section it struck me as bearing a strong resemblance to the Amanda Knox case very much in the news over the past years. I couldn’t help but think to myself “yeah, another quick fictionalized version of the story to cash in on its notoriety and controversy”. I have followed the Knox case with interest (more avid than some and less avidly than others) and have read other books (not so loosely) based on it, usually with disappointing results. If the book description is meant as a device to get this book into people’s hands … kudos to the marketing team … it works! After all, it did influence me to take a chance on receiving the book by entering the contest. Yes, it involves a young, slightly naïve yet adventurous American student studying overseas. Yes, there is a murder of a fellow student of which she is accused. Yes, there are other small similarities used as jumping off points for “The Perfect Mother” but that is where the comparison ends. After reading the book, my opinion is that if it is a marketing ploy it does the book a great disservice. This book is strong enough to stand on its own two feet. It takes off in a completely different direction. It explores whether sometimes, as parents and particularly mothers, we do too much for our children. Are we doing more harm than good when we intervene in certain situations? It looks at how extreme circumstances affect not only the people directly involved but family and friends as well. Can a marriage already troubled survive the stress of an untenable situation? All that AND it’s a page-turner with a surprise jab at the end! I think this book would lead to some lively book club discussions. Good job Ms. Darnton.

So, giving The Perfect Mother all the positive raving why only the 4 star rating? Well, I don’t often say this, but I wish the book had been a little bit longer. I was very intrigued by some of the characters, one example being Roberto Ortiz, the private detective hired by the Lewis family. The non-resolution of his subplot left me a little disappointed and wondering. But maybe that’s a tale for another time?
… (plus d'informations)