Finally another book to review on the blog! I’ve been reading a lot during this quarantine, but I was backlogged with ARCs that needed reviews. This week I’ve been trying to mix in books that are currently available, so that I have content for the blog 😊. Today’s review is a book that was getting a lot of talk online prior to it’s release – Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel.
Plot Summary: If you familiar with the story of Gypsy Rose and her mother Dee Dee from the news several years ago, this story parallels that one. However, in this novel instead of the daughter plotting to murder her mother, the mother has been sent to prison and is now being released. For years, Rose Gold Watts was held prisoner in her home believing the lies her mother Patty told her about a chromosomal defect that made her unable to eat or be around other children. Patty played to the sympathy of those in her town, most people believing that she was a caring and doting mother to Rose Gold.
Then Rose Gold is introduced to a young man online (behind her mother’s back) who makes her begin to question her illnesses and her mother. Rose Gold confides in the only real friend she has (the daughter of her mother’s best friend) which ultimately leads to her mother’s arrest. Turns out Rose Gold never had a chromosomal defect and her mother has been making her sick and lying to doctors for years. Rose Gold testifies against her mother at the trial and her mother is sent to jail for five years.
The story then revolves around Patty’s release from prison and Rose Gold’s life after her mom was sent away. It’s told in alternate viewpoints and includes flashbacks to Rose Gold’s childhood and her life as an independent adult from the time of the conviction until now. When Patty is released from prison, Rose Gold is the one who picks her up. Everyone is wondering why? How can she forgive her mom for what she did? Has Patty changed or will she hurt Rose Gold again? Or….maybe Rose Gold isn’t the innocent young woman everyone thought she was all along?
Genre: Thriller
My Review:
What I liked: I actually didn’t know the story of Gypsy Rose until a year or so ago when Hulu released the series “The Act.” I ended up reading about the events that inspired the series and learned about what happened with Gypsy Rose and her mother Dee Dee. I liked that the author chose a different alternative to the story. It was a very fast read and one that for at least the first half kept you guessing as to who the real “bad guy” was. The alternating viewpoints helped the reader get to know both characters and what was going on inside their heads. I also felt that the flashbacks were well done and helped the reader understand the actions of both characters a little more. There was also a twist near the end that did surprise me.
What I didn’t like: This is tough without giving too much away….I will say that both characters’ actions surprised me. I felt like the ending was a little rushed and could have had some more closure. And while I kind of expected parts of the ending, overall I wasn’t a huge fan of how the story ended.
Disclaimer: PG-13 for language
Do You Read Me?: I say yes! I’m curious as to what others think about the ending.
Overall, this was a good, quick read with some exciting parts. I found the premise interesting and liked the author’s writing style. I thought the author did a good job at getting inside Patty’s head and trying to make the reader see why she did what she did all those years (not excusing the behavior, but providing an explanation for it). Definitely a different take on a somewhat familiar story. Can’t wait to hear what you think!