Book Synopsis:
A gripping, darkly comic tale of searing loss, coercive control and the consequences of taking the wrong path.
Every morning Janet Brown goes to work cleaning offices. It calms her, cleanliness, neatness. All the things she’s unable to do with her soul can be achieved with a damp cloth and a splash of bleach. However, the guilt she still carries about a devastating loss that happened eleven years ago, cannot be erased.
Then, Janet finds herself involved in a train crash and, recognising the chance to do what she couldn’t all those years ago, she makes a decision. As news spreads of Janet’s actions, her story inspires everyone around her, and for the first time her life has purpose and the future is filled with hope.
But Janet’s story isn’t quite what it seems, and as events spiral out of control, she soon discovers that coming clean isn’t an option. Because if Janet washes away the lies, what long-buried truths will she finally have to face.
If I Let You Go by Charlotte Levin is a deeply moving and gripping portrayal of a woman coming to terms with loss.
My Review:
If I Let You Go is a gripping, absorbing but heartbreaking read that will stay with me for a long time.
Firstly I absolutely loved Janet who was a very sympathetic character. The reader quickly becomes aware of Janet’s situation so I was completely on her side hoping she manages to find a way out of it. It was heartbreaking to discover how much guilt Janet has regarding her daughter and worse how it is used against her by her despicable husband Colin who I absolutely hated. I often wished I could have a strong word with him and found myself getting frustrated with Janet at times as she falls for his rubbish, often making excuses for his behaviour.
I thought this book was very fast paced and there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. The chapters are fairly short which makes the book very moreish and my concern for Janet made me want to keep reading to check she was ok but with a degree of trepidation as I wasn’t sure how things would work out for her.
Overall I really enjoyed this book which I will be recommending to everyone. The story is told from Janet’s point of view with a few flashbacks to Janet’s past. There are a few trigger scenes that some people might find hard to read about and some truly heartbreaking moments but I didn’t feel it was an especially sad book as there were some heartwarming moments too. The ending was brilliant and made me realise how far Janet has come.
Huge thanks to Chloe from Pan Macmillan for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Charlotte Levin has been shortlisted for the Andrea Badenoch Award, part of the New Writers North Awards, and for the Mslexia Short Story Competition. IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU is her debut novel, and IF I LET YOU GO is out in March 2023. Charlotte lives in Manchester with her cat Opal Moon and kittens Leonard and Walter.
Over The Rainbow Blog 