Review of One of Our Own by Lucinda Berry
There’s something undeniably gripping about the way Lucinda Berry crafts her stories. As soon as I heard about One of Our Own, I felt the strong pull of its premise—an exploration of the complexities of motherhood, safety, and trust. With its comparisons to The Push, another deeply resonant psychological drama, I knew I had to dive in.
The story revolves around Felicia, a dedicated lawyer who, in what seems like a moment of desperation, gives her personal cell number to a frightened teenager named Chloe during a crisis hotline call. Chloe’s struggles, including the repercussions of a sexual assault, quickly weave into the fabric of Felicia’s life when it’s revealed that they share a connection—Chloe attends the same elite private school as Felicia’s son, Hunter. This revelation sets the stage for a tension-filled narrative that poses a haunting question: how well do we truly know the people around us?
From the outset, I found the narrative voice engaging, and credit is due to the audiobook narration, which was absolutely captivating—A.J. Cook’s performance brought an emotional depth that enriched the text. However, I can’t overlook my growing predictability concerns. Within the first 10% of the book, I felt I had a clear view of the villain’s identity, which somewhat dulled my anticipation.
That said, as a reader and mother, I was profoundly affected by the book’s conclusion. Berry has a knack for placing her characters—and, by extension, her readers—into uncomfortable, unthinkable situations. The final moments left me grappling with the notion that a mother’s love isn’t always the unwavering force society often depicts. It hung heavy in my chest long after I turned the last page, sparking reflection on the tangled relationship between love and protection.
The themes of trust, love, and the secrets we keep resonate deeply throughout the story, and while certain elements followed a familiar path, the emotional undercurrents stayed fresh. I appreciated how Berry paints the character of Felicia—not merely as a mother, but as a multi-faceted individual grappling with her own vulnerabilities.
For anyone who enjoyed The Push, this book features a similar vibe, albeit with varying degrees of suspense. It’s a thought-provoking narrative perfect for those who relish psychological thrillers that challenge societal norms.
In closing, One of Our Own is an insightful read for anyone interested in the dynamics of parental love and the boundaries we navigate in protecting our loved ones. Despite my few criticisms, the emotional weight and the moral dilemmas presented were enough to make this an impactful reading experience for me. If you’re looking for a story that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished, I wholeheartedly recommend it!