Black Rabbit Hall

Black Rabbit Hall - review

Synopsis:

Amber and Toby and Barney and Kitty. The four Alton children spend every day of the hot Cornish summer playing games on sun-baked lawns or building dens in the dark woods. Endless days of laughter and fun, without an adult in sight. But no one can foresee the storm that will bring it all to a tragic end. Afterwards, Black Rabbit Hall, their home, with its endless corridors and ancient creaking clocks, is a twisted and changed place, set to steal the last vestiges of their childhood and innocence. A home that not all of the Altons will be strong enough to survive. Now, thirty years later, a message from one of the Alton children is discovered carved into an old oak tree. Could the tangled truth of that terrible summer finally creep into the light? Or should some secrets be left in the past for good?

My Review:

An emotional, twisty tale of family, love and grief set in the atmospheric grounds of Black Rabbit Hall. Two narratives, one past and one present, entwine throughout the story, keeping you constantly guessing as to how the two characters are connected.

I loved the characters in this book and how the author shows that they changed throughout the events of the story, especially the Alton children, going from carefree and innocent to troubled and isolated.

The main theme in this book was family, whether that’s biological or chosen, which served to make this story emotional and heartfelt, especially towards the end. You really connect with each character and what they’ve been through.

Not the usual type of book that I would pick up, but definitely one that I’m glad I read.

Rating: 9/10

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