What lengths would you go to to save a little girl, a granddaughter, a life. Susie Boyt imagines it all in this novel. Here is my book review Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt.

Family

Despite all her efforts, single mother Ruth has a very difficult relationship with her drug addicted daughter Eleanor. Ruth has done everything she can providing love and support, food and money, advice and distance to help her only daughter. How much can a parent bare, when their adult child is lost and not wanting to be saved?

Then a Baby

When Eleanor gives birth and actually marries the father, Ruth is hopeful again. But soon it is clear to Ruth that the child is being neglected in the drug infested home. She takes the baby saying just for a few days…

Baby Lily will always know her mother, but Ruth will be the real mother as Lily thrives and the two find a new way of life. Lily grows and changes and blossoms into a teenager, though always questioning the lack of her mother’s love. Ruth will also put away her life’s disappointments and focus on bringing up Lily.

Tragedy

Boyt’s story is heartfelt and identifiable, especially for any women who has raised a child. This is not a happy book, filled with love, loss, heartbreak and in the end, retrospection. But it’s witty, honest, sweet and perceptive. ****Four stars for Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt.

Thank you for reading my book review Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt. See last week’s book review The Winemakers Wife by Kristin Harmel. We love it when you pin and share our book reviews. Thank you.