Book Review: Gifts by Lesley Bootiman

“My family hated answering questions.”

Lesley Bootiman, Gifts

Review:

It’s been some time since I’ve picked up a multigenerational story. Gifts has been unlike any other I’ve read, with a large focus on a genetic illness along with external life circumstances. 

The book follows the Grieg women (Bella, Maisie, Betty, Miss Coleman, Avril, and Kate) through their words with a heavy emphasis on Bella and Maisie’s points of view. We get glimpses of their lives, aspirations, and perspectives on their family and relationships. Scattered throughout are snippets of Bella’s written screenplay as she comes to terms with Aunt Maisie’s life story. 

It was interesting learning about Huntington’s disease within the context of the book. It added a unique angle that I haven’t come across in other books. Even though the generational element did enhance that narrative, it also made the book run long. There was enough material that each of the core characters could have been stretched into a series and allowing for more exploration. Nevertheless, I do enjoy a good, complex family dynamic, and this book certainly delivers. 

Thanks to Ink Editorial for sending me a free digital ARC of the book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The multigenerational story surrounding an inherited illness.
• Engaging writing.

What I didn’t like:

• Although it was an interesting addition, I felt like screenplay segments interrupted the flow of the story.

Afterthoughts:

Thanks again to Ink Editorial!

Where to buy the book: