Daughters-In-Law
Trollope, Joanna
15 Reviews
Rachel loves being at the centre of her large family. She has devoted herself fiercely to bringing up her three sons, and continues to do so now that they are all grown up - and getting married. In return, the boys remain attached to her, and to their father, Anthony, and to their childhood home on the wild, bird-haunted coast of Suffolk. But when her youngest, Luke, gets married, Rachel finds that her control begins to slip away. Other women - her daughters-in-law - are usurping her position, and seem to be becoming more important to her boys than she is. She can no longer rely on her time-honoured role as provider and matriarch. Her daughters-in-law begin to do things in their individual and separate ways, and so, to her bewilderment and grief, do her husband and sons.
A crisis brings these subtle rifts to the surface, forcing the whole family to question old assumptions and find a new dynamic, if any of their relations are going to survive. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
The book was generally enjoyed by all. Quite a bit of discussion on mothers-in-law, which led to sister-in-laws, etc, etc, etc! Whakatane 010
A lively discussion about the dynamics of family. We have all experienced something. Queenstown 005
Though the reaction to the book was a bit negative, it prompted a lively discussion because it touched on experiences that we all recognised. Feilding 002
Enjoyed by most of the group, and led to interesting discussions regarding personal relationships. Christchurch 277
Mixed reviews, some thought it was trivial, while others related very well. Easy to read. Whakatane 013
Reviews
WHAKA 002
17-01-2024
Enjoyed by all.
PUKEKO 001
01-12-2023
An interesting theme which most of us could relate to. However our group had mixed reactions. Some found it an easy, enjoyable read. Others found the characters one dimensional amd annoying.
CHCH 449
06-11-2023
This was the first Joanna Trollope any of us had read. Most of us have daughters-in-law so comparisons and reflections on own parenting behaviours were interesting. We enjoyed the easy style of writing and variety of characters and their (often quirky) personalities.
NELS 071
11-05-2022
Although none of us found this book a literary masterpiece, we all raced through it and enjoyed it. A long and meaningful discussion followed - everyone got something different out of the book.
WHANGA 003
18-01-2021
An enjoyable light read. As one of our members remarked, "The discussion was better than the read".
AUCK 006
18-01-2021
As we all have at least one daughter-in-law, from that perspective this book was a very interesting read. No-one however was willing to admit that they were as controlling as Rachel, but it did provide an insight into how family dynamics were influenced by certain members. It was a good read, enjoyed by us all. The characters were well rounded and believable, and the plot interesting enough to keep us reading to the end. A title recommended by all.
HAMIL 022
18-01-2021
Thought the story was a bit light!
INVER 017
18-01-2021
Group enjoyed this book immensely. Discussion was personal and intimate and warm.
WHAKA 011
18-01-2021
Some initial doubts - but we all enjoyed this easy read. Characters were believable and easy to relate to - we all know a Rachel who 'wore motherhood" as a badge!
QUEEN 003
18-01-2021
This book is a lighter read than most book group books. The characters were well drawn and believable. Our members all had different preferences of the daughters-in-law, and most had sympathy for Rachel and her relationship with her family.
MOTUE 005
18-01-2021
Most found this an easy read, not challenging for most, but enjoyable anyway.
TEPIR 001
18-01-2021
Very relevant story we could all relate to as mothers! Good discussion on how we feel and react.
WELL 134
18-01-2021
Although we couldn't meet because of Covid 19, everyone enjoyed the book. Even though it is seemingly 'lightweight', it is a very good family story to which we can all relate.
RICH 005
18-01-2021
Enjoyed by almost all. Provoked discussion about family dynamics.
WESTO 001
23-10-2018
Overall the book was enjoyed by the group, although an "easy read". Led to discussions about being a daughter in law, mother-in-law and family dynamics.
