Like Mother by Cassandra Austin, Penguin
Louise, 24, cannot cope with teething four-month-old daughter Delores (“Lolly”), who won’t eat, can’t sleep. “Lou” suffered a late miscarriage of a girl when in the house on her own. It’s 1969 and husband Steve, 26, is the king of fridges, on the road selling this baking summer. Ever-present mum Gladys suffocates Lou and their relationship is the crux of this important book. Secrets abound – an affair, bribery. And whatever happened to baby Elizabeth, Lou’s sister, who drowned in the bath at two; Lou, four, in the room? When Lou can’t remember where she put Lolly down ... so begins the longest day of your life. Dynamite.