“I Let You Go” by Clare Mackintosh was such a thrilling adventure. I started reading it one Saturday morning and finished it before the day was over. I absolutely devoured this novel and my only regret is that the other book that Clare Mackintosh has written thus far has not been released yet. So I must wait. I’m hopeful that there are even more books in her future (and therefore, selfishly, my future).
Within the first few pages of “I Let You Go” it was clear this was not going to be a happy book. A five-year-old boy gets hit and killed by a car. This book is about the aftermath of that incident and it is told through several different characters’ perspectives including the investigators on the case. This was where you could see a little bit of Mackintosh’s background peeking though with the realistic aspects of police work during an investigation.
I really liked the way that this book was written. The perspective jumped around between the characters and Mackintosh kept her readers guessing how everyone was connected. There were several unexpected twists in this book that continually lured me in. I think the way that Mackintosh illustrated the grief that some of these characters experienced made “I Let You Go” all the more compelling. I really enjoyed this quote: “The grief I feel is so physical it seems impossible that I am still living; that my heart continues to beat when it has been wrenched apart. I want to fix an image of him in my head, but all I can see when I close my eyes is his body, still and lifeless in my arms. I let him go, and I will never forgive myself for that.” (I Let You Go, pg 40). There are many gut-wrenching parts to this novel, and the guilt co-mingling with the grief blends so well, especially in this passage.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!! This was such an amazing read and I think it would appeal to a wide range of readers. That being said, this isn’t a book for the faint of heart. There are many parts of this book that are awful and could even be triggers to some people. But it was so well written and thrilling that I think it is well worth the read. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of Clare Mackintosh’s writing.
BeckyBentrim 