Secrecy: A Novel

I truly enjoyed "Secrecy" and plan, now, to get my hands on every Belva Plain novel that I can. Maeve Binchy and Rosamund Pilcher lovers should find "Secrecy" immensely satisfying. Plain's writing style is flowing and enjoyable, and I found Charlotte to be a very brave but humanly likable character, and loved the sensitive Roger. The story took a very interesting twist near the end, when Charlotte and Roger's plans for Dawes Square were mysteriously vehemently opposed by Charlotte's father, himself hiding a shocking secret. The "mob" aspect of the story was a very minimal, peripheral part of the book.

This book was the second one I have read from Belva Plain. Again she creates wonderfuil characters. The eding was surprising and absolutely magnificent. Anyone who reads this will feel the pain of a fate worse than death, the haunting feeling of a guilty secret, a mother's sorrow and a woman's triumph. A great read.

Plain is still a great storyteller. The story is not that page-turner but it's worth the while. She has a way of defining emotions whether it's deep or shallow.

"Secrecy" tells the story of Charlotte and her family, and an irreversible act of betrayal that nearly tears them apart. Charlotte's feelings are very real for the reader, and this is quite a page-turner. The only flaw here is Plain's affinity for too-happy endings. Still, it is a must-read for fans of Plain.

I have just finished "Secrecy" and must admit it was one of those 'hard to put down' books. I could hardly wait to see what the next page would bring. There was a slight lull when Charlotte seemed to wander aimlessly after her attempted affair with Peter, but all-in-all, a definite all-nighter!! I particularly appreciated how the author did not give sordid details of the actual rapes, but rather left that to the assumed knowledge of the reader. While this is a sensitive subject I feel the author handled it quite sensitively and managed to not allow Charlotte to feel that she had done something to warrant this treatment from Ted. It was also quite refreshing to see how Claudia, Ted's mother, and Charlotte could put aside their obvious uncomfortable positions and remain close friends. Also, while Claudia displayed the feelings of a true mother, she also felt that Ted should be punished for the crimes he so apparently had violently committed. I felt the subject matter was handled in a delicate and appropriate manner. My sincere congratulations to Ms. Plain.