10 May 2022

Siblings argue, growing up they may even get physical with one another from time to time. It’s normal, it’s part of growing up. But where do you draw the line? When is enough, enough?

When you open Keep Her Sweet you are introduced to the Moloney-Sigh family. A family on the brink of disaster. The author gives you a front-row seat view of this troubled family as she takes you down a windy road that you know will only end once you have hit a brick wall at full speed along with this wacky family.

Helen Fitzgerald tells a frightening story about a dysfunctional family, giving you the various character’s perspectives, that allow you to get to know all the family members. She drops you into this family home, and what an experience it is. If you have ever wondered what happens behind the closed door of someone else’s home, this book will show you why it is best not to know.

Camille is tired of her sister getting away with everything. Asha might be older, but she is crazy – and it seems only Cam notices how troubled Asha is. Desperate for normal family life, Cam suggests family therapy – hoping someone will see how wrong the family connections in the Moloney-Singh household are.

Penny has never turned away from therapy, she has experimented with all kinds of therapy, yet family therapy will be a first for her – so she agrees. When Mrs S arrives at the family home for their first session, she is not what they expected. As the family starts looking at their relationships, digging into their feelings, change is inevitable – but will it be the changes you expect?

This is a darkly, troubling story about a broken family, one woman’s belief that nothing is more important than family and a daughter troubled with drug addiction. I was drawn into this rather peculiar tale and found it hard to pull myself away from this disturbing family home. I felt as if I was a fly on the wall, watching these people. I pity anyone born into a family like this one. We all think our families are the worst – but after reading this book you will find that perhaps your family is not all that bad.

Penny is a curious woman. She might once have been a doting mother, but now she is self-centred, her only concern is that the therapist will think she is a bad mother.  This woman is so self-absorbed she has no idea who her children are, or even what is happening in her home. This character annoyed me to no end with her selfishness. As for Asha, well she is her mother’s daughter – what a spoilt brat. Her sense of entitlement was amazing. Who could put up with this?  Camille’s whining was beyond me. She was so unhappy, but why was she still at home? She was weak and easily intimidated by her sister. After a lifetime of enduring Asha’s abuse, you would expect her to move on, or at least stand up for herself. Despite recognising the problems in her family, all she seemed to do was whine about it in her diary.

I loved Mrs S. I could picture this motherly woman, her love for her family oozed off the pages. This loving selfless woman was a fabulous addition to the story, I adored her and her struggles with her daughter just made me love her more.

This book was something different. It is not your run of the mill psychological thriller. The author added a special touch with her wacky characters making this an extremely entertaining read.  I loved feeling as if I was in the house with Asha and Camille as they got in each other’s way.

If you are looking for an unusual read that will leave you appreciating your family a little more, then grab a copy of this one – you will love it.