The Other Side of the Mountain by Fiona Cane

The Other Side of the Mountain
By Fiona Cane
Published by CreateSpace (11 June 2015)
ISBN: 978-1512237481

Publisher's description

It’s 2001, and amidst the political turmoil in Haiti, three disparate lives collide: Yolande, an impoverished farmer desperately looking for the sister her abusive husband has sold into slavery; Maddy, an eager British journalist on her first overseas assignment, set on making a name for herself; and Clare, an ex-pat gynaecologist who’s devoted the past eight years to healing Haiti’s downtrodden women. Divided by language, lifestyle and personality yet all driven by painful memories buried in their pasts, the three women unite to search for the missing child. It’s a quest that takes them deep into the city’s underworld, where poverty is rife, black magic thrives and violence is king; a world in which appearances can be deceptive and where survival is by no means certain.

My verdict

The Other Side of the Mountain is the story of three very different women who meet in Haiti at a time of political turmoil. It's a passionate and heart-wrenching book that's beautifully written and not easy to forget.

Young farmer Yolanda is hiding from an abusive husband. Maddy is seeking the ideal story that will further her career as a journalist. And Clare, a gynaecologist, is helping to heal Haiti's women. All are escaping their past in some way. Their search for a missing girl (Yolanda's younger sister) brings the three women together - and helps them overcome their personal challenges and fears.

The Other Side of the Mountain is a fascinating story with sad undertones, set in a country of poverty, destruction and violence. The tiny details, vivid descriptions and rich dialogue within the narrative are truly stunning and transported me to Haiti, with its sounds, aromas and sights. Fiona Cane is an amazing writer and storyteller. The story of these three women really touched me, especially as some of the events are based on real life.

This is certainly a book I'll be recommending!

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