Release date - 6th September 2018 (UK Paperback)
Book length - 448 pages Publisher - Headline Review Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Becky from www.headline.co.uk for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK 1956 It's Ellen Crosby's first day at work as a student nurse at Ambergate County Lunatic Asylum. When she meets a young girl committed by her father, and a pioneering physician keen to try out the various 'cures' available for mental illness, little does Ellen know that a choice she will make is to change all their lives for ever... 2006 Sarah is drawn to the abandoned Ambergate Asylum and whilst exploring the old corridors she discovers a suitcase in an attic belonging to a female patient who was admitted to the asylum fifty years earlier. The shocking contents of the suitcase lead Sarah to unravel a forgotten story of tragedy, lost love and an old wrong that only Sarah may have the power to put right. MY REVIEW THE KEY by Kathryn Hughes is an enthralling and emotional story that shows a time in history that will never leave your mind, with characters that will never leave your heart. While this is a dual timeline story, most of the book tells the story of Ellen in 1956 as she becomes a nurse in the local lunatic asylum on the same day that Amy, a girl that is the same age as Ellen, becomes a patient. As Ellen tries to find her bearings in this strange, often cruel, new world, she will also find love but when something awful happens will she be able to right a wrong that could change so many lives forever? The parts of the novel that are set in 2006 centre around Sarah who is determined to write a historical book about the Ambergate County Lunatic Asylum as there is a personal connection - her father who doesn't like to dwell on his time there. Sarah is currently going through her own personal issues as she deals with a breakup but when she finds a bunch of old suitcases while she is sneaking around the derelict asylum, she soon finds a whole new story about those that were incarcerated there for so long. Will a simple note hold the key to the truth? THE KEY by Kathryn Hughes is a powerful story highlighting the harsh and often cruel treatment used on the most vulnerable people of society, most of whom needed kindness and compassion, not drugs and electric shock therapy. This story doesn't shy away from the often horrible conditions that existed and there were many times when my eyes filled with tears because sadly what is described was not fiction, but reality. But this is not only a dark tale as there are moments of selflessness, friendship, and love nestled amongst its pages too. The characters are full of depth and soul, and while they are not always likeable or reasonable, they are certainly compelling and you will care for each and every one. THE KEY by Kathryn Hughes is an absorbing and potent tale about learning from the past and finding the strength to start a new chapter and I could not put this book down. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author. AUTHOR BIO Kathryn Hughes was born in Altrincham, near Manchester. After completing a secretarial course, Kathryn met her husband and they married in Canada. For twenty-nine years they ran a business together, raised two children and travelled when they could to places such as India, Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand. Kathryn and her family now make their home in a village near Manchester. The Letter, Kathryn's first novel, was an international bestseller, and her second The Secret has been highly acclaimed. For more information: Website - kathrynhughesauthor.com Twitter - twitter.com/KHughesAuthor Facebook - www.facebook.com/KHughesAuthor
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WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! Currently ReadingUPCOMING BLOG TOURS
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