The Secrets We Keep

June 1, 2015

Butland's debut novel (previously published under two titles, Surrounded by Water and Letters to My Husband) is a heart-wrenching journey through grief. Elizabeth loses her husband, Michael, when he drowns after saving a young woman who had fallen into a pond. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she begins writing letters to Mike to cope. She's surrounded by a supportive group of friends and relatives, whose varied reactions to the loss add to the story. There is also the unanswered question of what exactly Mike was doing down by the pond late at night in the first place. As the novel progresses, in the form of missives from Elizabeth to Mike, interspersed with a third-person narrative marked by "Then" and "Now," all the pieces come slowly together. VERDICT An emotionally wrenching read that delivers an engaging story despite the quickly obvious "secrets" of the title. Attentive readers will figure out the twist far in advance, but the finely drawn cast of characters will lead them on. Those who liked Cecelia Ahern's P.S. I Love You may also enjoy this similar novel of love and loss.--Melanie Kindrachuk, Stratford P.L., Ont.

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