We join the blog tour of Faber Academy Writing alumna, Rebecca Thornton for her third novel, The Fallout.
The Fallout – the blurb
When Liza’s little boy has an accident at the local health club, it’s all anyone can talk about.
Was nobody watching him?
Where was his mother?
Who’s to blame?
The rumours, the finger-pointing, the whispers – they’re everywhere. And Liza’s best friend, Sarah, desperately needs it to stop.
Because Sarah was there when it happened. It was all her fault. And if she’s caught out on the lie, everything will fall apart.
Many layered WhatsApp groups
Straight from the blocks I was reminded of Lianne Moriaty and her excellent Big Little Lies (now a Reece Witherspoon smash tv series, just saying). The Fallout flips between differing perspectives (all women) and like Moriaty, Thornton gets women and modern parenting. The social judgement, the many layered WhatsApp groups. The little snippets of WhatsApp chat and interviews from an ambitious reporter all felt very modern and offered a critical look at journalism, sensationalism and just plain gossips!
Each women in the book seems to have a hidden past and it is this that pulls you through the pages. You need to know what went on. There are some heavy weight issues but it’s all told in a style that is screaming for TV, just saying.
Surprisingly emotional
There is a lot of inner monologue/turmoil and if I’m honest I found the actual ‘lie’ a little weak but it had me riveted. I finished the book in two days (self isolation perks) and found the ending surprisingly emotional. If you’re bored during lockdown, The Fallout will remove you from your present circumstances and keep you entertained. Isn’t that what we all need?
Thanks
My thanks go to Harper Collins via the Random Things Tours for a copy of The Fallout in exchange for an honest review. It’s a pacy, modern, English take on a very successful genre and Thornton is on to a winner.