Elizabeth Is Missing
Ratings39
Average rating3.6
15
Ratings39
Average rating3.6
"Elizabeth is missing", reads the note in Maud's pocket in her own handwriting. Lately, Maud's been getting forgetful. She keeps buying peach slices when she has a cupboard full, forgets to drink the cups of tea she's made and writes notes to remind herself of things. But Maud is determined to discover what has happened to her friend, Elizabeth, and what it has to do with the unsolved disappearance of her sister Sukey, years back, just after the war. A fast-paced mystery with a wonderful leading character: Maud will make you laugh and cry, but she certainly won't be forgotten.
Reviews with the most likes.
I was waffling between three and four stars, but I'm glad I read this so I'll go with four. I appreciated the confusion of the older Maud, but young Maud seemed... stunted? or on the spectrum or something? that that part of the story didn't really work for me. You really feel for Maud though; the not knowing, the confusion. You also feel for her family members; it's hard when a family member doesn't remember anything from one minute to the next. I wish there was a bit more resolution, but for the story this is, it makes sense there's not. Overall I'm glad I read this, but I'm not sure I really liked it, if that makes sense.
Very cleverly written, I love how the author teased little bits out of the story here and there, wee clues to the ending.
Excellent representation of a mind slowly losing touch with the present. Very well plotted, juxtaposing the past with the present and weaving two narratives together intriguingly. However, I just found it a bit dull.
omg bloody amazing!!! so glad I trusted Goodreads (and my instincts) and picked this one from the voting thingie.
Reasons to love it:
1, Maud is just adorable. broke my heart when she (the main character, an elderly woman suffering from dementia) would be embarrassed because others wouldn't take her ramblings seriously, but she is just the loveliest dotty character I've had the pleasure of coming across.
2, Helen, who keeps strong, dignified and loving throughout all the “how do you grow summer squash.”, and makes me wish I can always be as sweet and have family like her around.
3, the narrative is so good that up to the moment the mystery started to be the focus, I was perfectly okay with Maud's voice and the occasional glimpse from others.
4, the plot twist? ladies and gentleman, consider me amazed.
5, the fact you laugh (the advert for the cat was priceless, I laughed for five minutes) and cry (possible spoiler would incur from my finishing this thought, so...) is just so good.
really made my weekend nicer for being such a gem. Thank you Emma Healey !
