This novel begins as a slow burner, not particularly grabbing, but surprisingly soon develops into a complex family, mysterious backstories and secrets unfolded. This is a remarkable, compulsive read, harrowing and sad at times. Charles lived with the devils of his mysterious past, not uncovered until after his death. A dual life, which eventually caught up with him, invoking a final flight to avoid detection. Married twice with a daughter Elizabeth from his first marriage to Madeline, and later a son Freddie with Violet. Violet and Elizabeth’s friendship develops and ultimately they learn of Charles’ past secrets and the price he paid to avoid the consequences of desertion.

A great read and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Oh my! I read this thinking to myself "wouldn't it be wonderful of this were real" only to find out that it (mostly) is. my! I read this thinking to myself "wouldn't it be wonderful of this were real" only to find out that it (mostly) is. This was a truly gripping story full of secrets and intrigue

What struck me was how Violet and Madeline accepted each other. I don't know if it was just the 'spirit of the blitz' that forcedc them together, or if they were just unusually lovely women. I can't imagine women in yhat situation these days being so gracious. I wasn't sure what to make of Charles. He seemed so cold and distant at times, and yet so kind and warm at others. I suppose that was explained, and my heart went out to him. And it's always worth remembering that things were very different in the past.

I loved the writing style of this book, told in the third person as a multi POV, I really felt that I got to know the characters. Debbie also managed to capture enough of the wartime issues, such as bombs and rationing, without letting it take over the story. I found that rather refreshing.

This was my first book by Debbie , but I'll definitely be working my way through her back catalogue.

I enjoyed reading this book by Debbie Rix.
I wouldn't say it was gripping as I expected but the colourful characters and storyline made it an enjoyable read .
I would like to learn more about Charles and follow his story.

The Telegram was an interesting read, but I would not consider it gripping or emotional. The main character Charles has a secret and his family only learns about him much later in life.

I wanted to read more about Charles in his past and in the present with his current job. I loved the scenes in Ireland as told thru the diary. I thought the book would share more about him in the present scenes, but the reader was left with flat interactions with family members and a quick scene with his current employment. I was left wanting more.

Most of the book focused on day to day interactions between family members with very little going on. It was a slow read for me and I felt it would never end. When Charles’ secret was revealed, I was not surprised. It was what I expected from the start.

I highly recommend reading the Historical Note at the conclusion of the book. It is fascinating and should not be skipped. It made me appreciate The Telegram much more.

The Telegram
By: Debbie Rix
Pub date:October 15, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture

5🫔🫔🫔🫔🫔

1915-Getting a telegram during war usually means bad news. A family receive devastating news and a letter which confirms their son was in pain.
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1943-Generations of holding a secret, Charles has held a secret for years. One fateful day he runs into a young woman who claims to be his daughter. He is currently expecting a baby with his wife.
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I loved the rich characters, and the diary entries which made this a unique storyline. Love, loss, secrets, and the people who become family.
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Another beautiful novel by Rix.

I was all-in for the "decades-old family secret" supposed to be uncovered by Violet Carmichael. After two-third of the book, I re-read the description, because the book I was reading felt rather different from the description given. None of the characters mentioned in the description is actually the main character of the story, which made it a bit puzzling.

I rather enjoyed the beginning of the story, on the premises that Elizabeth was the main character. I liked her energy (though repeating "jolly" in every sentence of every dialogue got to my nerves at some point) and the fact that she was participating to the war effort.

It only came later on, that the real main character was Charles, her father. In my eyes, that is the main issue why I did not rate this book any better. The story is not unpleasant but it is not sufficiently deep. The mystery surrounding Charles is mostly a mystery to his surroundings and not really to the reader, except for the reason why it all turned that way. The set-up was nice but it was drawn for too long, and got repetitive at some point (going to ask the same person three times, for her only to say no every single one of them, come on!). The ending felt short, even rushed after such a long build-up.

There was a bigger story there, it is too bad that Debbie Rix did not go into it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

I’m a bit torn about this. Yes , I liked the book and finsihed it wanting to know what went on. However I did get a bit bored sometimes and found some bits a bit boring. It might just have been me being tired!

PLOT
Trigger Warning: Rape
Spanning from 1915-1960, this is the story of how one telegram can continue to haunt a family decades later. When Tilly opens the door to her family's home she wasn't expecting to receive news that would tear her family apart.
Almost 20 years later, Elizabeth Carmichael, on her way to do her part for the War effort has a chance encounter with the father who disappeared from her life as a baby.
In 1960, Violet Carmichael discovers hidden diaries that reveal the secrets that have been hidden since a day long ago in 1915.

THOUGHTS
Starting with the positives: This was a fast, well-paced novel, that kept me engaged. The story goes between time periods and different POVs but it's easy to follow along and I never got lost. I enjoyed the connection between the First and Second World War as so often in literature, they are isolated events, but the long lasting ripple effect on those who lived through both, and their descendants, is clear. The cast of characters was varied, and it was fascinating to sce a few controversial real individuals pop up.
The negatives and why I am ultimately giving this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for review sites. As engaging as the story was, the characters never quite found their voices enough to move from cardboard to living. Their motivations never felt strong enough and combined with stiff dialogue, it was hard for me to fully engage. Even with the most secretive character - you knew something was hidden but I wanted more depth from the internal monologue.
I would still recommend this as an enjoyablec, fast read but it isn't one that I would pick up again.