Pawns In The Game

Everything We Left Behind by Kerry Lonsdale is a smashing psychological thriller. It continues the story begun in Everything We Know. The opening repeats the ending from book one.

The first book focused on the action from the point of view of Aimee. This one focuses on Carlos, moving into the future as well as recounting the past.

The plot line is excellent, alternating between the past and present, enabling the reader to fill in some of the gaps.

Once again, the main theme is family. Family may be mixed up but family ties bind and love covers all.

There is the theme of forgiveness. Others need it but none more so than self. The face in the mirror is always the hardest to forgive.

Identity is another major theme. Who are we? What makes us who we are? Can two separate identities occupy one body? Where does my heart lie? The answers to all these questions can be found within the pages of the book. Discovering who we are enables us to move forward into the future with confidence.

Fathers and sons is another focus. We all parent differently. The novel shows the damage, mentally that a father can inflict on his sons. In contrast, loving one’s sons is a far better way to bring them up. There are some beautiful moments within the novel.

I absolutely adored Everything We Left Behind. It was a riveting read that I didn’t want to end. Its ending certainly paved the way for book three Everything We Give, coming in July 2018 – and I for one, cannot wait.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON