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Jane Shemilt’s “Daughter”: a Novel of Suspense and Family Dynamics
Jane Shemilt’s “Daughter” is a novel of suspense and family dynamics. As a British physician and author, Shemilt brings a unique perspective to her writing. Through her skillful storytelling, she has crafted a gripping tale of a mother’s search for answers when her teenage daughter disappears.
Right from the start, the novel captures your attention with its vividly drawn characters and tense atmosphere. The protagonist, Jenny, is a busy doctor and mother of three children, all of whom are bright and talented. However, when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Naomi, goes missing after a school play, Jenny’s life is turned upside down. Despite the best efforts of the police, Naomi is not found, and Jenny is forced to confront the possibility that her daughter may be gone forever.
As the story unfolds, we follow Jenny’s emotional journey as she tries to unravel the mystery of Naomi’s disappearance. Along the way, we encounter a cast of fascinating characters, including Jenny’s loving husband Ted, their two other children, and the various people in their community who may have information about Naomi’s whereabouts. Through it all, Shemilt does an excellent job of keeping readers engrossed in the story.
One of the central themes of “Daughter” is the complex relationships between parents and their teenage children. Shemilt masterfully explores the delicate balance between protecting your kids from harm and giving them the space they need to grow and develop. She also delves into the pressures that children face in today’s society, as well as the sometimes fraught relationships between mothers and daughters.
Another strength of the book is its writing style. Shemilt has a gift for creating vivid, evocative descriptions of people and places. Whether she is describing the dank, claustrophobic police station where Jenny spends hours waiting for information about Naomi, or the sun-drenched beaches of Greece where the family takes a holiday, her words transport you to the heart of the scene.
However, there are also some weaknesses in the book. One of the main criticisms leveled at “Daughter” is that it may be too slow-paced for some readers. Shemilt takes her time to build up the tension and suspense, and while this can be effective, it may also cause some readers to lose interest in the story.
Overall, “Daughter” is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While there are some flaws in the pacing and character development, these are outweighed by the strengths of the book, including its skillful writing and exploration of important themes. If you are a fan of suspenseful, character-driven novels, “Daughter” is definitely worth a read.
FAQ
What genre is “Daughter”?
“Daughter” is a psychological suspense novel.
Is “Daughter” appropriate for young readers?
No, “Daughter” is not suitable for young readers due to its mature themes and language.
How does “Daughter” compare to Jane Shemilt’s other works?
“Daughter” is widely regarded as one of Shemilt’s strongest works. However, fans of her other novels, such as “The Drowning Lesson” and “How Far We Fall,” may also enjoy this book.
Is “Daughter” based on a true story?
No, “Daughter” is a work of fiction.
Does “Daughter” have a happy ending?
Without giving too much away, “Daughter” does have a resolution, although whether it can be considered a “happy” ending is subjective and open to interpretation.
