I was first introduced to the work of Susan Lewis when I was given a copy of
her memoir, Just One More Day. Although upsetting, it was such a wonderfully
written and deeply honest book and after that, I was intrigued to read Susan's
many novels. The Mill House was the first I picked up and, just like her
memoir, it was impossible to put down.
The Mill House focuses on Julia, a successful editor, wife to handsome, top literary agent Joshua and mother to Dan and Shannon. Joshua is the seemingly perfect husband and her children equally wonderful, although there's something deep below the surface that prevents them from living in the utmost bliss. Julia and Josh have not been intimate for quite some time, and it's due to an underlying problem.
Julia's father walked out on her family when she was just sixteen, without any reason why. Though for years afterwards, Julia's mother referred to him as having done something terrible, refusing to reveal any information as to why her father; her wonderful, loving and close father who she cherished so dearly, simply walked out of her life. The father that now, years later, has died - leaving her the Mill House.
And it seems as though the past is coming back to haunt her.
When Julia's lack of intimacy pushes Josh into the arms of another woman - one rather close to home - Julia knows that in order to save her marriage, she has to finally come face to face with her problems. Leaving Josh in their home, Julia heads to the Mill House in the hope fo finally uncovering her faamily secrets once and for all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my to-be-read list has since gained a few more of Susan's novels! The Mill House gripped me at every page, and I finished it in two days, reading it during every spare minute. There are quite a few twists in this book (which is why I didn't particularly want to be too detailed in this review - spoilers!) and the ending is even more unexpected. I especially enjoyed reading about Sylvia and her delusion - although a terrible woman, she's a great character and makes you feel for Julia even more throughout this book.
The Mill House was originally published in 2005, and personally? I'm disappointed that I didn't pick it up sooner. However, I'm now looking forward to reading Susan's latest book, Forgotten.
Rating: 5/5
