Book Review:The Safety of Secrets

The Safety of Secrets by Delaune Michel

Description: "Now we're just alike." So begins Fiona and Patricia's friendship that warm Autumn morning in first grade in Lake Charles, Louisiana, a friendship made as close as sisters by Fiona's abusive mother and Patricia's neglectful one, and by the fantasies that the two girls share. Fiona and Patricia's relationship is a source of continuity and strength through their move to LA to become actresses; through Fiona's marriage and not-yet-famous career; and through Patricia's ups-and-downs with men and rise to fame. Then when their husbands' needs and the pressures of Hollywood begin to exact a toll, the women are forced to wonder if their friendship can survive. But the true test of their devotion is just beginning. When a dark secret from t"Now we're just alike." So begins Fiona and Patricia's friendship that warm Autumn morning in first grade in Lake Charles, Louisiana, a friendship made as close as sisters by Fiona's abusive mother and Patricia's neglectful one, and by the fantasies that the two girls share.

Fiona and Patricia's relationship is a source of continuity and strength through their move to LA to become actresses; through Fiona's marriage and not-yet-famous career; and through Patricia's ups-and-downs with men and rise to fame. Then when their husbands' needs and the pressures of Hollywood begin to exact a toll, the women are forced to wonder if their friendship can survive. But the true test of their devotion is just beginning. When a dark secret from their past begins to emerge, it threatens to destroy not only the bond the women have shared, but all they've worked for as well.

What happens when your most treasured friendship suddenly seems broken beyond repair? Humorous and poignant, The Safety of Secrets is a beautifully written exploration of the bonds forged in childhood and challenged decades later, of the fulfillment of dreams and the damage they sometimes cause, and of secrets being uncovered and the truth that we find inside. heir past begins to emerge, it threatens to destroy not only the bond the women have shared, but all they've worked for as well. What happens when your most treasured friendship suddenly seems broken beyond repair? Humorous and poignant, The Safety of Secrets is a beautifully written exploration of the bonds forged in childhood and challenged decades later, of the fulfillment of dreams and the damage they sometimes cause, and of secrets being uncovered and the truth that we find inside.

I read this book for the Book Club Girl online Book Club discussion that will include an On Air Show October 22nd with DeLaune Michel, the author of the novel The Safety of Secrets. This is the first time that I have participated in the Book Club Girl Book Club. I am looking forward to the On Air Show this week with the author! This book is the story of Fiona and Patricia who have been best friends since the first grade. Their friendship continues into their adulthood and each of them have shared experiences and secrets that have formed who they are as individuals. This is what binds them as friends and also which allows them to continue to bury their secrets unresolved until the point where they must be revealed. This is the main theme of the novel, in my opinion, that secrets can appear safe and hidden but at any moment can be revealed and change the course of your life forever.

The other major theme was one of lifelong friendships and if this type of friendship can survive if a bond is broken. I found Fiona to be the main character and more likeable. Patricia, I felt sorry for but found her very selfish as an adult. They both had unhappy childhoods and distant relationships with their parents. They both follow similar career paths into acting as adults. Fiona marries a wonderful man and then becomes pregnant after miscarrying a child. Patricia becomes more successful in the world of reality TV and a subsequent disastrous marriage. Unfortunately, she discloses a secret that affected both her and Fiona when they were young girls...one that should have been disclosed at the time.

The chapters in the book go back in forth in time between the girls childhood and the present time as adults. I found this style hard to follow and it didn't allow me to connect with the characters and left the story lacking at times. I did find myself drawn to the cover which reminded me of girlhood friendships. It was very appropriate for this book and the black & white color was very effective. I found that when you turn the book over, it's contrast to the front cover was quite striking! I enjoyed reading this article on the authors blog titled "Judging a Book By Its Cover". Ms. Michel explains the background of the cover photo and the award it received.

Check out the authors website here.


The Safety of Secrets by Delaune Michel


Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Avon A (May 27, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060817364
ISBN-13: 978-0060817367


To purchase the book click here.