Whatever You Love by Louise Doughty

The story opens with the news that Laura and David’s nine year old daughter, Betty, has been knocked over and killed as she made her way back from school.   We learn this on the first page.   Laura is the narrator.  The story explores the impact that Betty’s death has on Laura and those around her.   It is written in first person so immediately we get a sense of Laura’s anguish and confusion.  Her pain is palpable.   We are privy to her thoughts as she looks back to the events that led up to the tragedy.  Her relationship with David is also examined.  Another hook is introduced early on when a reference is made to an anonymous letter.  It turns out that Laura has been receiving these sinister letters for some time.  Slowly as the fog of pain starts to clear Laura learns who was responsible for the death of her child.  The reader is taken on Laura’s journey as she seeks answers and ultimately revenge.    I found it a real page turner.  Incidentally, I read Louise Doughty’s non-fiction book “A Novel in a Year,” a few years ago and it is well worth a read if you are thinking of writing a novel.  I now want to read Apple Tree Yard.