Review: The Hand That First Held Mine


The Hand That First Held Mine
The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



A heartbreaking 2.5
Yes, I should have marked it 3 stars if the rules of rounding off numbers are to be followed. However, I chose to truncate all decimal values, so I marked it with 2 stars even if I rated it 2.5.

The Hand that First Held Mine is the first book by Maggie O'Farrell I have read, and it was the biggest disappointment this 2012. This book had potential. I really mean it. It was the premise that pushed me to read the book. I guess I just expected more than what I got.

First of all, the style with which this book was written is just plain weird to me. I didn't understand how the story was being narrated at all. I ended up skimming entire paragraphs because they felt useless and inconsequential. Second, the pacing was too slow for me. I feel the author took too long before giving a concrete connection between Lexie and the couple, Elina and Ted. I got bored. Third, after giving a concrete connection, everything became too predictable. Fourth, there were a lot of unresolved conflicts. Fifth, Ted's memory crisis was explained. How about Elina? Hers wasn't even explained. There wasn't even any resolution regarding her memory crisis. You can't just expect people to think that it was all because of the blood loss and trauma she went through during the labor (Just my guess).

Hay. I hope I get to read another book by Maggie O'Farrell which will make me realize that she does have redeeming qualities as an author. Anyway, I don't recommend this book to you, but you're free to read it. You won't waste time. This book still has its charms albeit a few, but I don't think this'll have an impact on you and make you say wow or feel like you lost a friend or two after finishing this book.



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