The Time Between by Karen White

The Time Between by Karen White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A stunning new novel of betrayal and forgiveness from the New York Times bestselling author.

Thirty-four-year-old Eleanor Murray is consumed with guilt for causing the accident that paralyzed her sister—and for falling in love with her sister’s husband. But when her boss offers her a part-time job caring for his elderly aunt, Helena, Eleanor accepts, hoping this good deed will help atone for her mistakes.

On the barrier island of Edisto, Eleanor bonds with Helena over their mutual love of music. Drawing the older woman out of her depression, Eleanor learns of her life in Hungary, with her sister, before and during World War II. She hears tales of passion and heartache, defiance and dangerous deception. And when the truth of Helena and her sister’s actions comes to light, Eleanor may finally allow herself to move past guilt and to embrace the song that lies deep in her heart…

My thoughts: I had no idea what to expect with this book and I'd written it off until I saw the rave reviews. Not that I always agree with rave reviews but this time I did. I just didn't like the book description about a woman who feels guilty about paralyzing her sister then she holds a flame for her sister's husband then takes care of an old woman. How depressing. Obviously there was much more.

The book is told by different points of view and slowly reveals the way we punish ourselves for decisions we made years ago and how we own more than our share of guilt. We carry out shame or we punish ourselves by giving up things we love. There is a time for apology and there is a time to forgive, including ourselves.

The characters and their stories are flawlessly sewn together to give the book a cohesive momentum. The book is not a fast moving book but one that must be thoughtfully consumed. The characters and their interactions define them and develop them into people we know and, in some ways, are.

Beautiful writing style and book. Book club worthy.