Hello everyone. I hope you are having a great day.
Do you ever wonder what the difference is between sane and insane? I know, a common consideration today with SO many people in this world having gone bonkers. I'm certain we all have several examples running through our heads right now of politicians in our own country and others, famous people, friends and family.... for me...insanity heavy on the family. (I'll hear about that comment!) Anyway, who decides what sane is? What is considered appropriate is what the majority of other people are doing. Normal. Average. What is so great about being average? Sometimes being outside the norm is brilliant or gifted, but sometimes it is considered insane. I don't know, it is a weird topic and I really question who makes the rules.
I recently read Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. This is about an 81-year-old grouchy woman. She grew up in wealth; manor house kind of wealth. When she is a young girl, her world falls apart and she is convicted of murder, becoming Australia's youngest murderer. She is labeled Mad Mabel. Years later she is living in a quiet neighborhood. Her earlier identity a secret, Elsie Mabel Fizpatrick has a fairly pleasant existence. When her neighbor dies the secret of Mad Mabel is exposed. Did she have anything to do with this recent death?
Told in two timelines, present and when Mabel was a child, all the secrets are revealed. While this story has action and a murder, it isn't a standard thriller. If you want a true thriller, this isn't for you. If you want mystery and secrets along with fantastic character development, look no further. Often times if someone says "character development" to me, my brain translates to slow, boring and pages I have to trudge through to get to something interesting. Do not think that for a second. This is remarkable. I honestly feel so sorry for the author, Sally Hepworth. I have read and enjoyed several of her other books, but she might as well quit writing now. There is no way she can top this. It is her best work ever, by far. Elsie (Mabel) is a curmudgeon, not likeable. But she is smart and sarcastic and under that hard, beaten down by life edge, has real heart. We can see brief glimpses at what lies beneath the outside and come to understand and love Mabel. I was so upset when this book was over. I just did not want it to end. Absolutely loved this from first page to last.
