Bibliofemme Reviews
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When the Bough Breaks by June Considine  
(Published by New Island)
Eva Frawley was abandoned at birth, born on a desolate headland and left on the doorstep of a local farm, for weeks she was known as the Anaskeagh Baby, but like all stories this one too faded from the headlines.
Growing up in a happy home with parents who loved her, Eva rarely spared a thought for her birth mother, but at 27, her marriage falling apart and the future only looking uncertain she decides it is time to confront her past.
As Eva endeavours to discover who she really is and where she came from, Beth McKeever decides it is time to face her past, painfully she retraces the steps that led her to the bleak headland on that fateful night. In doing so she must confront the man who dominated her youth and corrupted her innocence.
This is June Considine's debut novel for adults and in writing it she addresses an issue that will be close to many women's hearts. She spans an era from 1957 to 1999 when many things were unmentionable, yet she does not shy away from child abuse, teenage pregnancy and political corruption. She has created a powerful and emotional story filled with believable characters. Dubbed as the next Maeve Binchy, which in itself is a hard cross to bear, judging by this novel it is a role she may readily fill. 
September 2003
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