The Secret Keepers

The Secret Keepers by Tilly Bagshawe follows a family spanning 4 decades.

The Challants, a wealthy family, have a number of properties where they spend time during the different seasons and holiday periods. The father of the house, Charles Père, a religious, strict man with high morals but a softness towards his youngest daughter, Ines. Clotilde, a loving mother of four but feels constrictive in her marriage and in her capacity to explore creative pursuits. Genevieve, the oldest daughter, dreams of becoming a writer. Renèe, known for her tomboy antics, Charles Fils, the only son who will take over his father's business and Ines, the beautiful baby, loved by them all.

One summer, tragedy occurs with a local boy dying in a fatal accident on the family's land. This begins the downfall of the family and their slow decline of being torn apart. Over the following decades, they finally piece together what happened on that fatal night and what other hidden secrets are lurking, casting shadows over their family history.

Set before, during, and after World War 2, I found the story fascinating and couldn't put the book down. Bagshawe has an enchanting way of storytelling. Her writing is powerful and emotive. I loved how this story weaved it way through the decades, following the family as they thrived and declined over the years. I enjoyed the character of Gunn, whose own story ran parallel to the Challants until they collided.

A beautifully written story full of heartbreaking moments that mould and shape the characters, and too reflects the period in history in which it is written.