The Confession

The Confession shifts between 1980s Los Angeles and present-day London, following two women in parallel narratives. Rose Simmons searches for answers about her long-absent mother Elise Morceau, leading her to famous author Constance Holden. In 1980s LA, the story tracks the intense relationship between young Elise Morceau and Constance Holden, whose novel is being adapted into a film. The narratives intertwine as Rose poses as an assistant to Constance in London, hoping to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance decades ago. The dual timeline structure creates a meditation on identity, motherhood, and the stories people tell about themselves and others. Through its exploration of memory and perspective, the novel examines how the past shapes the present and the complex nature of truth in personal histories.

Readers note the book's dual timeline structure creates suspense and intrigue, though some find the 1980s storyline more compelling than the 2017 segments. The feminist themes and exploration of power dynamics resonated with many readers. Likes: - Strong character development, particularly Elise's journey - Atmospheric depiction of 1980s LA art scene - Examination of creativity and artistic ownership - Sharp dialogue and psychological tension Dislikes: - Slow pacing in contemporary timeline sections - Some plot threads left unresolved - Character motivations occasionally unclear - Length of descriptive passages Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 Reader quote: "The writing is beautiful but the story meanders too much" - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "Perfect blend of mystery and social commentary on women in the art world" - Amazon reviewer

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry A Victorian-era widow investigates mysterious occurrences in a coastal town while navigating complex relationships and questions of faith versus science.

The Binding by Bridget Collins In an alternate Victorian England, a bookbinder discovers he can trap people's memories in books and uncovers secrets about his own past.

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley A telegrapher in 1880s London becomes entangled with a Japanese watchmaker who possesses supernatural abilities to see the future.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield A biographer unravels the truth behind a reclusive author's gothic past while documenting her life story in an isolated Yorkshire mansion.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters A country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family in a decaying mansion during post-war Britain as inexplicable events unfold.

🔖 Author Jessie Burton wrote this novel while recovering from burnout after the massive success of her debut book "The Miniaturist" 🎨 The story alternates between 1980s Los Angeles and present-day London, exploring themes of art, fame, and motherhood 📚 Before becoming a novelist, Jessie Burton worked as an actress and as a personal assistant in the City of London 🎬 The novel draws inspiration from real-life stories of women in the entertainment industry and their struggles with power dynamics 🏆 "The Confession" was named a Book of the Year by The Sunday Times and received widespread critical acclaim for its exploration of female relationships and identity