Dr Sue is well-known. A busy paediatrician, a busy mum, a busy wife…and someone who is accustomed to paying in order to maintain the illusion of having it all. The story opens by allowing us an insight into the lives of Dr Sue and her family, which marks them as relatively normal (if we ignore the level of wealth they have).
On the day we meet Dr Sue things are more hectic than normal. Work is pressured and events are not quite running as smoothly as they need them to. This is the day that will change her life forever, as she forgets her six-month old daughter is in the car when she goes into work. The temperature is high…and her daughter dies.
We follow her as she is put on trial for negligence resulting in the death of her child. We see the devastating impact such an experience has on her and her family, and we also see how this event impacts on reporter Adelaide Gold who has her own interest in this case.
I found the descriptions of the initial event impactful. Nothing could prepare you for that sight, and the trial/story around it allows us to reflect on so many elements that will touch readers. At times it was incredibly hard to read, but I think the way it explores grief and some of our issues surrounding working parents and attitudes to childcare was very necessary.
While this had some elements that could seem melodramatic, the portrayal of the characters and the closing stages of the book kept me hooked. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this before publication, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only parent who reads it and hugs their kids a little harder afterwards.