Review written for ClubReading.com by Rose
The Clematis Tree is the first book by Ann Widdecombe that I have come across. She is a well known Meber of Parliament at the moment in opposition. I hope that it won’t be her last book.
This a totally absorbing story of a tragedy that tears apart a young happy family. It is fascinating to read how the different members of the family cope with this event which changes all their lives. On the Christening day of their second child, Mark and Claire’s son, Jeremy is knocked down by a young driver who is speeding and under the influence of alcohol. Jeremy survives, but is brain damaged and is unable to do anything for himself. At first the family can only be thankful that he is alive, but as the reality of his condition becomes apparent, the way that each member of the family deals with it provides the strong story line. This story is at times shocking, but always compelling. The characters are not particularly likeable, and do not engage the reader’s sympathy, but the strength of the book is the way in which the difficult issues are dealt with in a sensitive and honest way. I read this book in two sittings and at the end I still felt that I didn’t know what I would do in a situation like that. This is not an easy read, but it is a compelling one.