The Girls From Corona Del Mar product reviews

Ann Packer is quoted "A remarkable debut...turn off your phone,close the blinds,and let it take you' I can't say better than that really. What a remarkable story. There are so many different threads in this very heart felt, touching and incredibly, at times raw, account of Mia and Lorrie Ann's intersecting lives and the relationship as perceived by Mia. This is a very well written book that just grips the reader from the first chapter and indeed held my attention to the end. I almost didn't want the book to end I was enjoying it so much.

I found the exploration of Lorrie Ann's feelings towards her son really poignant and some of the narrative incredibly moving and thought provoking. Most of all Mia's journey of self discovery as to who she really was and how her perception of Lorrie Ann, and her perception of their relationship, had influenced that was incredibly insightful. Written in the first person from Mia's viewpoint I really felt like I was following Mia's journey and enjoyed the way the story flowed even when so much of the story is in past tense. The transition from the present to the past was handled so skilfully and at no point did I think "Um why was that?" I loved the thread (among all the others) of the Sumerian goddess Inanna and am now on the hunt for the true story of the translation. Such an intriguing tale that was so skilfully used to connect this narrative and was woven through the novel.

I stayed awake late several nights to finish this book and was totally engrossed reading it. This really is a fantastic read and one that is incredibly thought provoking, and indeed challenging, to ones views on abortion and euthanasia. I highly recommend this book and doubt you will be disappointed. I am eagerly awaiting another novel of such a high caliber from a very talented author. Thank you Rufi Thorpe for writing this so I could read it! Another fantastic addition to my book case of treasures.