Home Truths by Charity Norman

Two years earlier, Livia was a probation officer in Yorkshire, England. She was enjoying life with her husband Scott, a teacher and their two children, Heidi and Noah.

Everything changed the day her brother-in-law Nicky died. Overwhelming grief leaves her husband desperately searching for answers. Soon he becomes engrossed in conspiracy theories that he believes explain his brother’s death. As Scott loses his grip on reality, his obsession leads to a decision that could end in tragedy for the entire family. 

What’s left when your family is destroyed by lies? How do you fight an invisible enemy? These are just some of the questions I contemplated as I devoured Home Truths by Charity Norman.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, I was fascinated to learn more about conspiracy theories in Fake Believe. For some, these theories help make sense of the world by providing a purpose for the believer. Something as simple as watching a documentary may be enough to adopt a new worldview and Scott’s experience echoes this. Disturbingly, it’s nearly impossible to argue someone out of a conspiracy theory and Livia quickly discovers this in Home Truths. Despite the facts, her husband’s reasoning is circular and any evidence she provides is used to reinforce his new beliefs.

Home Truths is a suspense-filled thriller exploring family dynamics and the impact of conspiracy theories on personal relationships. Set against the backdrop of a courtroom drama where Livia is on trial for attempted murder, the tension is palpable. The family’s unravelling and the events that led to the courtroom are realistically portrayed. Charity has also created a family of believable characters, who could just as easily be one of us! Home Truths explores multiple themes including grief, guilt and family protection. Guilty or not guilty?

I was fully engaged in the gripping narrative until the last pages, waiting to learn what happened in the end. Charity Norman was formerly a barrister and lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her previous books include Freeing Grace, Second Chances, See You in September, The Secrets of Strangers and Remember Me.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Allen & Unwin