If My Father Loved Me by Rosie Thomas is a deeply emotional exploration of family relationships, identity, and the long shadows cast by parental influence. The novel centers on Sadie, a successful but emotionally guarded woman, whose life is upended when her estranged father, Theo, reappears after years of absence. As Theo battles illness, Sadie is forced to confront painful memories of her childhood and the complicated dynamics of their relationship.
Thomas’s storytelling is tender yet unflinching, delving into themes of forgiveness, love, and the yearning for parental approval. The novel’s nuanced characters and layered emotional conflicts resonate deeply, offering readers a reflective and bittersweet experience.
Ideal for fans of character-driven stories that delve into family drama with empathy and insight.