Saph1re's Synopsis

I loved The Forgotten Woman, despite it making me cry so many times I was an emotional wreck by the time I got to the end of it. I even felt tearful for a couple of days after finishing it, each time I thought about it. It left me feeling like I had a fountain of emotion waiting to pour out of me. I’m pleased to say I now feel emotionally stable enough to write a review without crying.

This is a story about two unlikely friends, brought together by alcoholism. Kit and Frances come from two completely different walks of life, but both carry with them dark pasts and a suitcase full of emotional baggage.

This is now officially my favourite book by Angela Marsons. I know this was her very first novel, but me falling in love with this book confirms my suspicions that the main reason I love her crime series, despite not being a fan of crime, is the author’s ability to create wonderful characters with strong emotions that fall off the pages and sneak into the reader’s heart.

While the characters are the strongest part of this novel, the storyline itself was one that surprised me and kept me turning the pages. Finding it especially hard to put down in the second half of the novel.

It also brought back specific memories. One of my time living in Bradford while at university in the 90s, and seeing prostitutes on street corners while I walked to my favourite rock club. I remember one specific night seeing a teenage prostitute and feeling so shocked that she looked so young, possibly not even 16. One night, I was almost picked up myself, while waiting to cross the road. It turns out being a rock chick and wearing boots, black tights, and a black PVC dress can have you mistaken for a prostitute in Bradford!

Another memory was of the dream job I got in my mid 20s, working in a residential college for teenagers with a specific disorder. Unfortunately I was unable to take the job, as being a Navy wife, we were made to move shortly after my security checks came through. I still remember feeling really nervous while waiting in reception for my interview, then all of a sudden being very closely surrounded by a handful of teenagers who wanted to know everything about me, and were all excitedly telling me their names. My nerves disappeared instantly. Not being able to take that job is one of my biggest regrets, as I know I would have found it so fulfilling.

If you enjoy a tear-jerker with great characters, then I definitely recommend this book.