Title: The Art of Keeping Secrets
Author: Patti Callahan Henry
First published June 3, 2008
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451223951 (ISBN10: 0451223950)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
After Annabelle lost her husband in a tragic plane crash, she thought she had come to terms with her grief. But when she discovers that her husband was not alone when he died, she is forced to confront a truth she never saw coming.
The woman who was with him on that fateful day is someone Annabelle knows all too well. Sophie Parker has always kept a low profile, but when Annabelle shows up at her door, she can no longer avoid facing the past.
Together, the two women must navigate the painful truths of their intertwined lives and find a way to move forward. Will they be able to find the strength to confront their pasts and build a future together?
Find out in Patti Callahan Henry’s heart-wrenching novel, The Art of Keeping Secrets.
About the Author
Patti Callahan Henry has written sixteen novels that have become New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestsellers. Her latest publication is The Secret Book of Flora Lea.
Patti also hosts podcasts related to her novels, Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
Patti has won several awards for her work including The Christy Award for “Book of the Year”, The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year, and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
She is also the co-host and co-creator of a popular weekly online show called Friends and Fiction, which is also available as a podcast. Additionally, Patti has contributed essays to Parade Magazine’s monthly column on life lessons.
She has also published numerous articles, anthologies, and short story collections, including Wild Swan, an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, narrated by Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo.
Patti is a full-time author, and a mother of three with two grandchildren. She and her husband, Pat Henry, reside in Mountain Brook, Alabama.
Editoral Review
Patti Callahan Henry’s The Art of Keeping Secrets is a touching and relatable novel that explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and the secrets that we keep from those closest to us. First published in 2008, this book has since become a beloved classic in the genre of contemporary women’s fiction.
The novel follows the lives of three women, each with their own set of secrets and struggles. Eleanor is a successful artist who is struggling to connect with her teenage daughter Sara, who is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
Camille is a stay-at-home mother who is hiding a secret from her husband and children, while her own mother struggles with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Lastly, Daphne is a single mother who is trying to make a life for herself and her daughter while keeping a secret from her past hidden.
Set in the charming town of Fairhope, Alabama, The Art of Keeping Secrets is a heartwarming and emotional read that will leave readers reflecting on the importance of relationships and the power of forgiveness. Henry’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, and her ability to craft complex and relatable characters is truly impressive.
One of the strengths of this novel is its exploration of the complexities of motherhood, and the challenges that come with trying to balance one’s own desires and needs with those of their children. The novel also touches on themes of mental illness, grief, and the importance of community.
However, there are some weaknesses to the novel, such as a slow pacing in some parts and a lack of development in some of the supporting characters. Nonetheless, these flaws can be overlooked in light of the novel’s overall impact and emotional resonance.
The Art of Keeping Secrets can be compared to other works in the genre of contemporary women’s fiction, such as novels by Emily Giffin and Kristin Hannah. However, Henry’s unique voice and ability to craft complex relationships and characters set this novel apart.
Overall, The Art of Keeping Secrets is a must-read for fans of contemporary women’s fiction. It is a touching and emotional novel that will leave readers reflecting on the importance of relationships and the power of forgiveness.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and engaging read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
