Title: Perdoa-me
Author: Lesley Pearse
First published February 1, 2013
488 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789892327471 (ISBN10: 9892327470)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Life can change in an instant. The moment Eva Patterson found her mother lifeless will never fade from memory.
In a note, her last enigmatic words: Forgive me. Eva’s secure world crumbled in that devastating moment.
But the unexpected suicide of Flora was just the beginning of a series of surprising events. In her will, Flora leaves Eva a studio in London.
This place is the first clue to the secret past of a woman who, Eva now realizes, is completely unknown to her. In the studio attic, the young woman finds her mother’s diaries and paintings, evidence of a dazzling artistic career kept secret.
What led Flora to hide her past so deeply? As she gets closer to the truth, Eva uncovers a crime so shocking that it leads her to question whether she will ever be able to forgive.
About the Author
Lesley Pearse is a highly adored novelist in the UK and around the world, having sold over 2 million copies of her books to date. Her talent lies in her ability to craft captivating storylines that keep her readers engaged from beginning to end, while introducing them to unforgettable characters who they can’t help but care for.
Her stories defy easy categorization, with her work spanning genres from crime to historical fiction to emotionally charged dramas like “Trust Me,” which is based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia after World War II.
Lesley’s own life has been just as eventful as the stories she writes. She lost her mother tragically at the age of three, while her father was away at sea.
The loss went unnoticed until a neighbor saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on, and they were taken into orphanages for three years until her father remarried. Her stepmother, a former army nurse, was difficult to live with, and Lesley and her brother were joined by two adopted siblings and a revolving door of foster children.
The constant upheaval of her early years is a recurring theme in Lesley’s books, as she explores the emotional damage that can be inflicted upon children. Despite her tumultuous childhood, Lesley has managed to channel her experiences into her writing, blending her pain and unhappiness with her gift for storytelling.
Editoral Review
“Perdoa-me” by Lesley Pearse is a captivating historical novel first published on February 1, 2013. Lesley Pearse is a renowned British historical fiction author who has published over twenty books.
With a focus on family relationships and women’s lives in historical settings, Pearse has captured the hearts of many readers worldwide. “Perdoa-me” is no exception to her talent for crafting compelling stories that transport readers to other times and places.
Set in England in the early 1900s, “Perdoa-me” follows the story of Eva Patterson, a young girl living in impoverished circumstances. Her life changes when she is adopted by a wealthy family.
However, her newfound privileges and opportunities do not come without a cost. Eva soon discovers secrets that her new family has kept hidden for years, and these secrets threaten to tear apart her new life.
With family relationships, love, and secrets at the heart of the book, “Perdoa-me” explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and finding one’s true home. Lesley Pearse has skillfully crafted a story that is both emotionally charged and historically accurate.
She takes the reader on a journey that delves into societal issues of the time, including class distinctions, poverty, and women’s rights. Readers can get a sense of the time and place through Pearse’s vivid descriptions, immersive prose, and well-rounded character development.
One of the strengths of “Perdoa-me” lies in character development. The protagonist, Eva, is a well-rounded character who faces struggles both internally and externally.
She is relatable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her, even when she makes mistakes. The supporting characters are also well developed, with their own unique voices and struggles that add depth to the story.
The pacing of the book is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and drama to keep the reader engaged. Pearse skillfully builds up to the climax, which is both satisfying and unexpected.
The structure of the plot is well thought out, with a balance of mystery, love, and family dynamics that heighten the reader’s curiosity. While “Perdoa-me” is primarily a work of fiction, it is grounded in historical reality.
Pearse has done extensive research to give the setting and characters authenticity while weaving in societal issues relevant to the time period. The book’s historical context adds an extra layer of meaning, highlighting how the past shapes the present.
In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the book predictable. The tropes of love triangles and family secrets are familiar to the genre, and some may feel that the book does not bring anything new to the table.
Additionally, the book deals with dark themes, including child abuse and sexual assault, which may be triggering for some readers. Overall, “Perdoa-me” is an engaging historical novel that will appeal to readers interested in family dynamics, love, secrets, and the societal issues of early twentieth-century England.
Lesley Pearse has created a well-crafted and emotionally resonant story that will appeal to fans of the genre. While it may not break any new ground, “Perdoa-me” is an enjoyable and rewarding read.
Rating: 4/5
