Refusing To Let Go

The Cliff House by Amanda Jennings is a psychological novel that consumes from the start.

Set over the summer of 1986, there are several voices telling the story. At times the action overlaps as the reader experiences the action from different points of view. The story is punctuated by a voice in the resent.

The Cliff House is a disturbing read showing that all that glitters is not gold. “Everybody thought money made people happy… It didn’t matter how rich a family was if… they were broken.” A life that is polished on the surface has murky roots underneath.

The novel pulls the reader in as we witness the draw of the perfect life in the cliff house.

Everyone has their secrets and flaws. Some hidden, some visible. The cliff house is mesmerising. It grabs you, sucks you in and will not let go.

There are characters drowning in grief. “It hurts so much I can’t breathe.” Loss consumes. Loss dominates. Loss takes over every area of life. Happiness has died.

Alcoholism, pill abuse and mental instability are disturbing topics that dominate and ruin lives.

Desperate for friendship, the reader feels empathy for the lengths some will go to to be liked.

The landscape and action haunted me as I read The Cliff House in just one session. It would make a fabulous BBC drama and I for one would love to see this translate onto television.

A consuming, powerful read with a jaw dropping conclusion.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON