The Truth About Melody Browne: A Novel

The Truth About Melody Browne: A Novel

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  • Create Date:2021-01-31 04:11:27
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Lisa Jewell
  • ISBN:9781982164096
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

This “touching, insightful, and gripping story” (Sophie Kinsella, #1 New York Times bestselling author) from the instant New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone follows a young woman searching for answers about her unknown past and the mysterious fire that irrevocably changed her life。

When she was a child, Melody Browne’s house burned down, destroying all her family’s possessions and her memories。 Ever since this tragic event, Melody Browne has had no recollection of her life before she was rescued from the flames。

Now in her early thirties, Melody is a single mother, living in the middle of London with her teenaged son。 She hasn’t seen her parents since she left home at fifteen, but Melody has no desire to reconnect until one night, while attending a hypnotist show with a date, she faints。 When she comes around, she is suddenly overwhelmed with fragmented memories of her life before that fateful fire。

Slowly, she begins the arduous process of piecing together the real story of her childhood。 Her journey takes her up and down the countryside, to seaside towns to the back streets of London, where she meets strangers who seem to love her like their own。 But the more answers she uncovers, the more questions she is left with, and Melody can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever know the whole truth about her past。

“An absolute must-read” (Cosmopolitan, UK), The Truth About Melody Browne “will make you laugh, cry—then tell all your friends about it” (Daily Record)

Editor Reviews

Lisa Jewell’s writing is like a big warm hug and this book is a touching, insightful and gripping story which I simply couldn’t put down。” —SOPHIE KINSELLA

“Full of heart and humour, this will move you to tears。 An absolute must-read。” —Cosmopolitan UK

“Classic storytelling。” —Elle

“What is revealed is a network of rewardingly complex characters, a dramatic, suspense-filled explanation of how [Melody] ended up where she did, and a family tragedy that is profoundly moving。” —Telegraph

“A refreshing departure from the usual girl-in-search-of-boy template。。。 Jewell has a convincing eye for detail, and throws in a roller-coaster-worth of attention-grabbing twists and turns。” —Guardian

“Sincere and engaging with a great plot and believable characters。” —Daily Mail

“Moving and dark。” —The Times Summer Reading Selection

“This will make you laugh, cry—then tell all your friends about it。” —Daily Record

From the Publisher

About the Author

Lisa Jewell is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighteen novels, including The Family Upstairs and Then She Was Gone, as well as Watching You and I Found You。 Her novels have sold more than 4。5 million copies internationally, and her work has also been translated into twenty-five languages。 Connect with her on Twitter @LisaJewellUK, on Instagram @LisaJewellUK, and on Facebook @LisaJewellOfficial。

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Reviews

Karen。ramicone

A sad story with a happy ending。 Melody is worried she isn’t who she thought she was after seeing a hypnotist。 Following a fatal fire, what really happened to Melody? Can she find out the truth, or is her fragmented momory to damaged to be reliable?

Whitney Arnett

I listened to the audiobook of this one and really liked the narrator; however I was not a fan of the book。

Lisa Garlick

The story wasn't for me , it was still a good read。Lots of misery sadness, sure a light was at the end of a tunnel。Very good if you like tear jerkers。 For me I prefer more romance。 Not one for me but still a good read。 The story wasn't for me , it was still a good read。Lots of misery sadness, sure a light was at the end of a tunnel。Very good if you like tear jerkers。 For me I prefer more romance。 Not one for me but still a good read。 。。。more

LibraryLaur

A thoroughly engrossing and touching story of a lost and found childhood。 I was expecting more chills because of the author's previous books, but it was a lovely story without them。*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review。 A thoroughly engrossing and touching story of a lost and found childhood。 I was expecting more chills because of the author's previous books, but it was a lovely story without them。*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Penny Reining

Just OK。 The storyline caught me by surprise a couple of times, but it was not captivating or memorable。

sally whitfield

The truth is this is brilliantI loved this simple, quirky and wonderful story。 This certainly wasn't what I was expecting but it was a wonderful book。 In a nutshell Melody lost her memory as a child so anything before the age of 9 has disappeared, but something happens at the beginning of this book and she starts to remember。 I adored her story set in the late 70s/81 it was heartbreaking, touching very moving。 I haven't read anything like this before and so glad I did。 Lisa Jewell is so talented The truth is this is brilliantI loved this simple, quirky and wonderful story。 This certainly wasn't what I was expecting but it was a wonderful book。 In a nutshell Melody lost her memory as a child so anything before the age of 9 has disappeared, but something happens at the beginning of this book and she starts to remember。 I adored her story set in the late 70s/81 it was heartbreaking, touching very moving。 I haven't read anything like this before and so glad I did。 Lisa Jewell is so talented another book off her list I've read。 。。。more

Pam

I never knew Lisa wrote women’s fiction or novels that would not be labeled suspense as such。 This was great! I believe she is the Queen of writing about dysfunctional families after reading this one。 Great book, characters and storyline with lots of imagination。 I am hunting for more of her books。

Sherry

I loved this book - I listened to it on audio and enjoyed it very much。 I was a little disappointed with Melody’s attitude toward Gloria。 She showed love, compassion, and understanding towards everyone in the story except for Gloria。

Lynda Shrubb

Easy holiday read

Laura Rash

I’ve read quite a few of Lisa Jewell books over the years and really enjoyed them。 But this, THIS book, was outstanding! A complex story that left me really pondering about family and what it means。 Just truly an amazing story!

Kelly Baroletti

One of her earlier works。 Interesting story。 #netgalley

Anni

I have enjoyed Lisa Jewell's other books and The Truth About Melody Browne was no different。 It is a mystery that kept me guessing from the beginning, wanting to know the whole story。 I have enjoyed Lisa Jewell's other books and The Truth About Melody Browne was no different。 It is a mystery that kept me guessing from the beginning, wanting to know the whole story。 。。。more

Karen R。

A sad story with a happy ending。 Melody is worried she isn’t who she thought she was after seeing a hypnotist。 Following a fatal fire, what really happened to Melody? Can she find out the truth, or is her fragmented momory to damaged to be reliable?

Barb Hegreberg

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 This is the story of a 33 year-old woman who is content with her life just the way it is。 And then one night everything changed!

Jennifer C

3。5

Julia

~ 3。5 stars ~ An enjoyable read, beautiful writing by Lisa Jewell, indeed much different from her thriller-work。 I was particularly touched in the chapters about the protagonist's childhood, I loved the way little Melody's innocence came through。 Beautiful and endearing!But definitely not a thriller。。。 just worth saying! More in-depth review to come。。。 ~ 3。5 stars ~ An enjoyable read, beautiful writing by Lisa Jewell, indeed much different from her thriller-work。 I was particularly touched in the chapters about the protagonist's childhood, I loved the way little Melody's innocence came through。 Beautiful and endearing!But definitely not a thriller。。。 just worth saying! More in-depth review to come。。。 。。。more

Emily Carter

I loved this story。 It was very moving and really drew me in。 Melody, such a great journey discovering her past and finding out who she really is。 So original, and touching。

Jill Norman

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 I did not love this book。 Honestly, I was a little like “Thank God this is over”。 I think my main problem with it was that is was overly long and descriptive where it didn’t need to be, and then glossed over details I felt should have been more important。I was also disappointed that it turned out to be more of a family drama and less salacious or mysterious than I wanted it to be。 “The truth about Melody Browne” sounds like something super crazy will be revealed。。。 but, there are ID Documentarie I did not love this book。 Honestly, I was a little like “Thank God this is over”。 I think my main problem with it was that is was overly long and descriptive where it didn’t need to be, and then glossed over details I felt should have been more important。I was also disappointed that it turned out to be more of a family drama and less salacious or mysterious than I wanted it to be。 “The truth about Melody Browne” sounds like something super crazy will be revealed。。。 but, there are ID Documentaries with more interested twists and turns。 I was hopeful about Ken really turning out to be a cult and she was brainwashed and lost the memories of something horrific she might have participated in。。。 or that her family murdered him to escape the cult。。。 but, no, he just turned out to be an old man free love hippie。Possibly it’s just not what I expected- hence my disappointment- but I got too far in to give up on it once I realized it wasn’t really interesting to me。 。。。more

Claudia

Actually this one is worth more than 4 stars。 If you think you had a rough childhood read this book。 Melody Browne probably had the worst childhood in American history。 As the story unfolds, Melody learns more and more about her repressed past。 Very little of it is good and much of it is horrifying。 It is a wonder that Melody managed to make something decent of her life and raise her son to responsible adulthood。 I liked that part of the story。 In spite of everything that happened in her past, s Actually this one is worth more than 4 stars。 If you think you had a rough childhood read this book。 Melody Browne probably had the worst childhood in American history。 As the story unfolds, Melody learns more and more about her repressed past。 Very little of it is good and much of it is horrifying。 It is a wonder that Melody managed to make something decent of her life and raise her son to responsible adulthood。 I liked that part of the story。 In spite of everything that happened in her past, she overcame and conquered。 I don't know if this novel was supposed to be uplifting or inspirational, but I really liked Melody, and felt like I got to know a strong and special person。 I would read this author again。 。。。more

Elisha (lishie)

Some writing!Something about Lisa Jewell’s writing touches me enough where I cry at some parts & equally cringe at others。 It’s so human & the stories are so marred & real。

Sue Altman

3 1/2

Alyssa Stein

A heartfelt story that made me cry, laugh, and feel warm and fuzzy inside。 It went from past to present beautifully。 I really liked this one!

Hannah Brown

Compelling book- a little confusing to listen to but I’m sure easier to follow in book form

Doris Fisher

InterestingI never really connected with this book。 The different times of the chapters and numerous characters seemed confusing。 It all wrapped up in the end, but not as intriguing as I wanted it to be。

miss lc day

Really good book

Jodi

Meh。。。 kindof slow, kindof boring。 Definitely didn’t seem to have the “Lisa Jewell dysfunction and suspense” that I’ve grown to love in her books。 Cute story though。

T。 Rosado

4。75 Stars!It’s been a long time since a book has made me really cry and here I am, ugly crying。 I’m not even sure it was meant to evoke that kind of reaction, but sometimes a book will simply hit at the right feels and cause an emotional reaction。The Truth About Melody Browne was a compelling domestic mystery that slowly unfolded throughout the duration of the story。 It’s not suspenseful in the mystery/thriller kind of way, but suspenseful nonetheless。 I anticipated the slowly revealed truth vi 4。75 Stars!It’s been a long time since a book has made me really cry and here I am, ugly crying。 I’m not even sure it was meant to evoke that kind of reaction, but sometimes a book will simply hit at the right feels and cause an emotional reaction。The Truth About Melody Browne was a compelling domestic mystery that slowly unfolded throughout the duration of the story。 It’s not suspenseful in the mystery/thriller kind of way, but suspenseful nonetheless。 I anticipated the slowly revealed truth via Melody’s memories, while at the same time, my heart broke for her and the reasons behind her repressed history。This story was honest, unapologetic, and full of unconventional characters。 I enjoyed it so much。 。。。more

Read with Kaylie Seed

Lisa Jewell's novel The Truth About Melody Browne was first published in 2009 and is now, twelve years later, being relaunched。 Jewell's novel follows Londoner and single mom Melody, who is just trying to get by in life。 When Melody was nine years old, a fire destroyed her childhood home, and that is the only thing she remembers of her childhood。 After going on a date to a hypnotist show, Melody starts having flashbacks of the life that she's been unable to recall。 With these new flashbacks and Lisa Jewell's novel The Truth About Melody Browne was first published in 2009 and is now, twelve years later, being relaunched。 Jewell's novel follows Londoner and single mom Melody, who is just trying to get by in life。 When Melody was nine years old, a fire destroyed her childhood home, and that is the only thing she remembers of her childhood。 After going on a date to a hypnotist show, Melody starts having flashbacks of the life that she's been unable to recall。 With these new flashbacks and memories, Melody decides to figure out what really happened to her in her childhood and ends up on a journey of self-discovery as she learns who Melody Browne truly is。Not only is Melody trying to figure out who she was, she is also trying to figure out who she is in the present。 Through flashbacks, the reader will have the opportunity to see Melody as she's growing up, and to see why she is the way she is as an adult。 Jewell has created a brilliant story showing just how resilient we can be when life throws unexpected things our way。 Melody has experienced great trauma throughout her childhood, so it only makes sense that she's repressed most of her childhood。 Melody's childhood is also set during the 1970s and early 1980s, when mental health in general was not discussed openly like it is today。Jewell’s writing was brilliant twelve years ago and still holds up today。 The Truth About Melody Browne isn’t just a story about a woman who’s reclaiming her childhood, it’s a story about truth, redemption, strength, heartache, and finding out who you are and how your past impacts your present。 There were a couple of things that felt like loose ends that were never tied up, but overall, this story is incredibly lovely and easy to read。 The mystery behind Melody’s life will have the reader constantly wanting to know what is going to happen next and who exactly this Melody Browne is。 A true master of her craft, Jewell has proven that her writing holds up a decade later, and that she will continue to create stories that leave the reader wanting more。*Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review。*Originally posted on Cloud Lake Literary, link below:https://www。cloudlakeliterary。ca/blog。。。 。。。more

Jenn

Melody was saved from a house fire when she was nine years old。 But she was left with a blank for the time before the fire and doesn't remember anything。 But when a date takes her to a hypnotist's show, she passes out after being hypnotized。 Ever since, her memory has started coming back in pieces and it looks like Melody had an entirely different life before the fire。This book evidently was first released in 2009。 I'm not sure if it was never released in the US or this is just a re-release。 Eit Melody was saved from a house fire when she was nine years old。 But she was left with a blank for the time before the fire and doesn't remember anything。 But when a date takes her to a hypnotist's show, she passes out after being hypnotized。 Ever since, her memory has started coming back in pieces and it looks like Melody had an entirely different life before the fire。This book evidently was first released in 2009。 I'm not sure if it was never released in the US or this is just a re-release。 Either way, this was different from the other books I've read by this author。 It wasn't nearly as suspenseful, but it was still a good story。 。。。more

Stefanie

3。75 stars

Dhritishmita

It's an amazing book!!! It had me excited about the end the whole time。 It's literally the definition of un-put-downable。 I love it!!! I think I'll be recommending this to everyone until the day I die。 It's an amazing book!!! It had me excited about the end the whole time。 It's literally the definition of un-put-downable。 I love it!!! I think I'll be recommending this to everyone until the day I die。 。。。more