Echoes of Family (by Barbara Claypole White)

What an excellent look at the authenticity of mental illness and the effect it has on the lives of those who are related/connected to those diagnosed with the illness. This particular book dealt with Bipolar Disorder.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing you into the lives of Marianne, Gabriel, Darius, and Jade. You are pulled into the drama, trauma, mystery surrounding Marianne and Gabriel's past (just exactly what isn't being shared), and their relationship with each other and others in a small town in England. Lots of dynamics to their lives. And while some things are just the normal day-to-day part of living, eating breakfast, Gabriel going about his work as a vicar, participating in community events, there are so many other aspects to their lives. For there to be so many mundane activities, it amazing to see how quickly the facets of Bipolar Disorder can suddenly change things.

I am impressed with Barbara Claypole White's ability to weave a story of such a difficult topic but manage to be nestled within a tale of people who could be your family member, a neighbor, a coworker...someone you could know and care about deeply.

With lots of secrets being kept, can they survive the unveiling? Or could one shared secret be the undoing of them all? This book is a witty, wry, heartwrenching, uplifting, anxious, tragic voice of the reality of Bipolar Disorder.

I would like to thank the author, Barbara Claypole White, for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I am looking forward to reading more books by Ms. White! They are already purchased...just standing on my bookshelf (or on my kindle) waiting for me to delve deep into her amazing gift of word.