the setup…
For sixty years, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick has quietly lived on Kenny Lane in Melbourne. Aside from being a bit curmudgeonly, her neighbors consider her to be a good resident. She minds her own business but doesn’t hold back in speaking her mind. When the six-year old Persephone moves in next door, she’s determined to make “Elsa” her friend, ultimately disrupting Elsie’s life with her persistence and nosiness. Unfortunately, a series of events brings attention to Elsie, exposing her true past as the notorious Mabel Elsie Waller, better known as Mad Mabel, a woman who was found guilty of murder at age fifteen and spent five years in a psychiatric institute.
the heart of the story…
I should have known better than to assume I knew where this story would lead and am thrilled it went in a completely different direction. Mabel tells her own story, transitioning between then and now as she unveils her life from childhood to present. She has a wicked humor and has a clarity I found refreshing. Her developing (but reluctant) relationship with Persephone unleashed so much about the woman.
the narration…
Hannah Fredericksen & Jenny Seedsman were excellent as the older and younger Mabel. It felt like they were sharing their truths directly to me as they told their story. I’m so glad I held out for the audio version.
the bottom line…
Mabel represents all those people who are unfairly judged at a young age and carry those stigmas through the course of their lives, reflecting the permanent damage it wreaks. She’s going to be one of my most favorite characters. And, be sure to listen/read the author’s acknowledgements as I was touched to learn one of the minor characters was named as a tribute to our late Booksta friend Lily Raiti. Bravo Ms. Hepworth💜
Book Info
- Release Date: April 21, 2026
- Narrators: Hannah Fredericksen & Jenny Seedsman
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 20 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm
I loved this book as much as you did Jonetta. Wonderful review!
Thank you, Jodie💜 Glad you loved it, too!
Fab review Jo, it’s going straight on the list.
Thanks, Sarah💜 You don’t want to miss out on this one.
I really don’t, I’ve got book envy 😂
Fab review, Jo, sounds good!
Thank you, Nicki💜 Another one I think you’d love.
I”m so glad to hear that the audio version is great! I loved this book (just finished over the weekend). My edition (an ARC) didn’t include acknowledgments, so I’ll have to look for a finished copy at the library. Terrific review!
Thank you, Lisa💜 The narrator for the elderly Mable nailed her.
Yay. I loved this one and am so happy you did as well.
Thank you, Kimberly💜
Wonderful review, Jo. I am looking forward to listening to this one soon. I love multi-generational stories as well.
Great review! Wish I could read them all.
Anne – Books of My Heart