45 pages • 1 hour read
The Hand That First Held Mine
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Book Brief
341
Novel • Fiction
London • 1950s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Hand That First Held Mine interweaves two timelines: In the 1950s, Lexie Sinclair moves to London, builds a journalism career, and navigates complex relationships until her untimely death, leaving her son to be adopted by an estranged family member. In contemporary London, new parents Elina and Ted cope with trauma and uncover Ted's repressed memories, ultimately seeking healing and understanding. This narrative features traumatic childbirth, miscarriage, the traumatic loss of a parent, and attempted sexual assault.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
35,765 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Maggie O'Farrell's The Hand That First Held Mine is widely acclaimed for its evocative prose and intricate narrative structure. Readers praise its emotional depth and the interweaving of two parallel stories. Some find the pacing uneven, with the historical narrative more compelling than the contemporary one. Overall, it's a poignant exploration of love and legacy.
Who Should Read The Hand That First Held Mine?
A reader who enjoys rich, emotionally complex narratives that weave past and present will be captivated by The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell. Fans of Kate Atkinson's Life After Life and Ian McEwan's Atonement will appreciate the novel's intricate plot and lyrical prose. Ideal for those who relish literary fiction with deeply human themes.
35,765 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ted Roffe
Ted Roffe
The son of Lexie and partner to Elina, dealing with memory issues connected to past trauma. His journey focuses on uncovering family truths and understanding his heritage.
Elina Vilkuna
Elina Vilkuna
An artist and mother who partners with Ted, providing a connection to both Lexie's past and the present. She faces her own trauma which influences her identity and mothering experience.
Margot Roffe
Margot Roffe
Ted's adoptive mother, who harbors deep-seated grievances and loss, influencing her actions and relationships within the story. Her complex motivations create conflicts with other characters.
Innes Kent
Innes Kent
A significant figure in Lexie's life, contributing to her personal and professional development. His relationships and actions instigate key conflicts within the narrative.
341
Novel • Fiction
London • 1950s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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