Review: What Was Mine
Lucy is desperate to have a baby. So desperate, it broke up her marriage. Her ex-husband gets remarried and has children of his own, so the problem is obviously Lucy. She considers using a sperm donor but her sister convinces her that’s a bad idea and, as a single mother, she’s unable to adopt. She’s ready, though – she even has a nursery in her home.
One day when she’s out shopping, Lucy sees a baby unattended in a shopping cart and can’t resist the urge to take her. At first she can’t believe what she’s done and tries to figure out a way to return the baby she’s named Mia but, after a while, she concocts a web full of lies and raises her as her own. Her lies eventually catch up with her and Lucy is forced to come to terms with them.
What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross is an engrossing read! It’s easy to understand Lucy’s desire for a child but it’s hard to understand her solution to it. Ross writes her character in such a way, though, that it’s easy to empathize with her. She acts rashly, only thinking of herself, but it’s done out of love rather than hate.
What really made this book unique is the fact that it’s told from multiple points of view, including Lucy, her ex-husband, Mia’s biological mother, Mia’s nanny, and Mia herself, giving readers a great overview of the story. The writing and character development are terrific and I was hooked on this book from the start. If you enjoy women’s fiction, you’ll want to pick this book up!
The audio version of What Was Mine is read by a full cast including Cassandra Cambell, Julia Whelan, Amanda Carlin, Rebekkah Ross, and Jonathan Todd Ross. I thought they all did a terrific job and I never had trouble keeping track of the characters.
Everyone in my GR feed agrees with your review – all 4 and 5 star ratings. Adding it to my list.
I am on the fence with this one.
I have this on my list to read.
Wow! Sounds fantastic. This wasn’t even on my radar until your review!
I haven’t seen this one either…but it sounds really good.
I definitely like when a book is told from multiple viewpoints, if it’s done well. And this appears to have been done well.
I loved this one. It got me hooked from the start. I couldn’t believe when she just took the baby – it was crazy! Such a great read!
I am fascinated by stories about people who make a split-second decision and then live with the consequences. This sounds so good.
I loved this book as well.
I loved this one, too, and as you pointed out, it was not difficult to empathize with Lucy, despite her behavior. The multiple POVs worked well, and definitely added some great layers. Glad you enjoyed it.
I haven’t even heard of this one! Must get it now though!
How horrifying (from a mother’s standpoint)! And yet so intriguing! This sounds like something I would really like.
Sounds like a good one. I’ll have to pick up the audio book!
I have never listened to a one with a full cast before
I’ve got this on the stacks and want to move it up!
This one is on my TBR list, I look forward to reading it.
I really liked this book, too. I was particularly impressed at how the author made me sympathize with and even root for a woman who stole another person’s child!
I’ve been meaning to start this one. Will go with the audio. You do make it sound good!
I can’t imagine having sympathy for this woman. But you make this sound like it is possible.
Exactly my thoughts! Oh my! I can’t even imagine! Thanks for sharing with us at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
I liked this one too!