Look at Me by Sarah Duguid

Look at Me
By Sarah Duguid
Published by Tinder Press (25 February 2016)
ISBN: 978-1472229843

Publisher's description

Lizzy lives with her father, Julian, and her brother, Ig, in North London. Two years ago her mother died, leaving a family bereft by her absence and a house still filled with her things: for Margaret was lively, beautiful, fun, loving; she kept the family together. So Lizzy thinks. Then, one day, Lizzy finds a letter from a stranger to her father, and discovers he has another child. Lizzy invites her into their world in an act of outraged defiance. Almost immediately, she realises her mistake.

My verdict
Look at Me is an intriguing psychological tale of family upheaval and relationships. How grief can make you act irrationally. And how it's difficult to move on until you come to terms with the past.

Two years after the death of her mother Margaret, Lizzy, her father Julian and brother Ig are still struggling with cope with their loss. When Lizzy discovers her father Julian has an illegitimate child, she welcomes her half-sister Eunice into the family with open arms. But Eunice doesn't take long to worm her way into their home, and into their lives, and soon discovers that family life with Margaret wasn't quite as rosy as everyone has been led to believe.

Look at Me is a beautifully written haunting tale. But it's also a slow burner so don't expect a fast-paced read. The book isn't very long, but its 200 or so pages are filled with sadness, gentle humour and thought-provoking revelations. Eunice is particularly unnerving, as at first you're not quite sure whether she's genuine or not. None of the characters are particularly likeable but they're certainly quirky and this family won't be forgotten easily.

This is a book that may not appeal to everyone. But I loved it.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.