To start this review I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, up until the last two or three chapters.
So to start with the plot is brilliant.
Orianna, the girl in cell A, has been in prison for 18 years. She was convicted of killing a member of the family that founded Eden Falls. A family that still lords it over the town.
The man she killed was, like the rest of the family, a law onto himself.
She maintains her innocence and claims to have no memory of the attack.
Annie Leddit is a Forensic Psychologist who is part of the prison team that is looking at the potential release of Orianna. But to be released she has to show remorse, and to show remorse she must first admit guilt.
It is Annie’s job to unlock the memories and let Orianna have to opportunity to show remorse.
The book is written from two first hand points of view, in two different times.
The present is written from Orianna’s point of view as she returns to Eden Falls four years after her release. She has gone back to confront the family of her victim, to find the truth and clear her name.
The past is written from Annie’s point of view as she conducts her interviews with Orianna, and tries to pick the locks which hold her memories repressed.
Both are brilliantly written. The story flies along and its one of those books where you have to read the next chapter, I found it really hard to put it down.
Until the last three chapters.
The book for me should have ended before those chapters.
There is an unexpected twist, its good, and it’s in context but…….
It left me with the feeling that the author had two endings in mind, and decided to add the alternative right at the end.
Did it spoil the book for me?
No, I just didn’t get see the point.
Would I recommend it?
YES.
Pages: 592. Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
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