We listened to this book on Audible on our recent road trip in British Columbia. Both my husband and I found it very engaging, and it kept us guessing until the end. Here is my Book Review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.

A Murder Trial

The book opens with a murder trial. The reader is made aware that someone is dead, and someone is on trial for murder. But who? Hall will develop the story in a way that keeps you engaged, even while the reader begins to realize the reality of this sad tale.

Thirteen Years

Hall will give the story two timelines. First it’s 1955, young Beth really wants to go to college, but college is not an option for most girls in 1955. She will meet Gabriel, way out of her league in family and wealth status. But she loves him and so does her family, so Beth endures the not so subtle hints from Gabriel’s mother that she should move on.

Next we see Beth in 1968. She is a hardworking farmers wife, to her devoted husband Frank in the town they both grew up in. A tragedy has touched their young lives…they have lost a son. Though their grief is acute, and touches all aspects of their lives, they have managed to keep their marriage and their farm intact.

Gabriel

When Gabriel makes a sudden reappearance in Beth and Frank’s life, with his own son in tow, nothing will ever be the same. Gabriel has returned to his families estate, after splitting with his American wife. And this is when the drama begins…a love triangle and a life of lies. For Beth, for Gabriel and even for Frank. It’s a sad and sordid tale that will end in another tragedy and a murder trial. But it may not be what you think, so keep reading.

Book Review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Parts of this book I really loved, and parts I found infuriating. The story is so well crafted you really don’t guess the outcome until right when it happens. The characters have kept so many secrets from each other, that the last few chapters the truths are just tumbling out in a rushing stream.

I loved the character of Frank although I found him to be too besotted with Beth to change the course of events, though he really is the hero. I did not love the character of Beth who should have been stronger and more dedicated to her husband, not so selfish. And the character of Gabriel, well, his life of privilege skews his thinking and bad things will happen.

But I give Broken Country 4 stars**** for an imaginatively written novel of family, love, loss and most of all, being brave enough to do the right thing.

Thanks for reading my book review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. See last week’s Book Review The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.

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