I’m kind of in limbo about how I felt about this story. Family dynamics are difficult to understand, and this family had many flaws, despite a seemingly close family unit. Involved parents, enough money to be comfortable and that one sibling that seemed to keep everything unsettled, kind of like my own middle sister, who always blamed everyone else for her issues.
Maybe Clare reminded me too much of my own sibling, that managed to keep the family in a state of upheaval. I just didn’t see a lot of affection for each other, they basically lived together, without really bonding, although I found Dorothy, loving and nurturing with her family.
This is a novel with well defined characters, a Mother’s secret, that silently has an affect on all of her children. She entrusts that secret to her “favorite” child Anna, and burdens her with information that could completely destroy the fragile relationships they have. I thought it was an interesting read, but maybe a little too depressing. Imogene Clark is an excellent writer, interesting characters, and a well developed plot.
I thank Lake Union and the Author for my ARC. I enjoy British novels and did find this entertaining.

Clare has never felt like she belonged with her family. She was the screw-up, while they all had perfect lives. Each of them seemed to have it all together, no matter what came at them. Clare on the other hand drank to much, and could not be bothered to look after her son, River.
When their mother passes away, a secret comes to light, and this one could explain the feelings that Clare has harbored all these years. What if her family isn't really her full family?
While each of the siblings struggle with their thoughts and try to keep Clare from her self-destructive roles, they are all wondering the same thing - how will this affect their family moving forward?

This book was WOW. I started reading it last night and had a hard time putting it down. No family is perfect, but this one captures the ordinary family to a T. Great weekend read if you are looking for something amazing! You won't be disappointed at all!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book for my unbiased review.

The Thing About Clare by Imogen Clark was an okay read with quite a few well rounded characters. Ms. Clark does a great job with characters, descriptions and writing a story that will pull you in, bit by bit.

I did feel that the story dragged a bit and after a certain point just wanted to find out what was going to happen because I'd invested my time and interest, but I didn't care about any of the characters really. I especially found the parents selfish and the "children" (adults in part of the book) all over the map. I also found the siblings rather selfish and self-important. They all loved to talk about Clare, but no one really did anything, especially with River.

There's a lot of family drama here for people who enjoy that and some mystery that is cleared up in the end. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for approving my request for an ARC. My thoughts are my own.

Siblings! Each family has different dynamics, each child has distinct characteristics. Clare has always seemed different than her siblings..Beats to her own drummer. Why?

The writing is excellent, you get a vivid picture of each member of the family And the different dynamics of each within. Unfortunately for me, the story itself was a little flat. Seemed like a long, drawn out story. Could have been summed up in a short story. Ending was disappointing.

Have never read this author but Would try this author again.

Thanks to Publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is my own.

There seems to be an imperceptible bond which ties siblings together for always.
This theme is a very important part of this novel.
Dorothy is loving and kind but way too soft. As the matriarch, she tries very hard to keep her family together while her husband hardly tries at all.
Their children at times have uneasy and contentious relationships. However, they come to each others assistance whenever there is a crisis,
A new development brings about an impasse and they are forced to look into their family interactions and attitudes. This book touches on some typical family situations, with no answers but offers reflection. Do parents really have a favorite amongst their children? Is there a conflict between nature and nurture? This story will bring some insights which are quite interesting.
An intriguing family story!