The Last Piece

By: Imogen Clark

Narrated by: Laura Kirman

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A sudden departure. A story decades in the making.

The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily - whose children can't remember her ever being remotely spontaneous - disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation.

Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organised mother-of-five Lily. What connection could she possibly have with Kefalonia?

But Cecily has gone to continue a story she thought ended decades ago - one that could have a huge impact on her family. And when she returns, she'll have to tell them the truth.

Will Cecily be able to hold her family together once she reveals her big secret? And might she discover that she's not the only one with a story to tell?

©2020 Blue Lizard Books Ltd. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This is a wonderful novel about the secrets we keep from the ones we love the most. Imogen Clark has a real talent for shining a light on the idiosyncrasies of family life and revealing past traumas, present hurts, and future hopes.”—Victoria Connelly, author of The Rose Girls and Love in an English Garden

“The Last Piece is a beautifully crafted, insightful tale about family and the cracks below the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Clark’s characters, with their various secrets and flaws, leap off the page. A most enjoyable and riveting read.”—S.D. Robertson, author of My Sister’s Lies and Time to Say Goodbye

“I couldn’t resist going on this journey with the Nightingale family. With emotion on every page and mystery swirling around each character, The Last Piece explores how the past can be as unpredictable as the future. I raced through this life-affirming book, which left me buoyed with the promise of second chances.”—Jo Furniss, author of The Last to Know

Enjoyable read

Spoiler alert: Do not read below if you want to be surprised by the story. Excellent narration and character development. I enjoyed the listen very much. I was attracted to the book by the mention of Kefalonia, one of Greece's most idyllic islands!

Now the Spoiler: Our family has adoption on many fronts, just as in this novel. I felt that part of the novel was honest and authentic in the way it portrays adoption. Every family has its own journey so this is just one story. But from the facets I know personally I enjoyed this aspect of the book. It did make me pause and think as it moved along.

good listen

very good book. not as intense or suspenseful as some of her others, but good just the same. will recommend.

good story

good story, performance was ok. I did enjoy the book. owner all good book perfok

An excellent story

I was entirely delighted as I listened to the charming narration of this story of an imperfect family that was so real. The characters were alive and knowable, and their story fresh and unexpected. I enjoyed it completely and highly recommend it.

Started out a little slow but....

....I’m so glad I finished it. It was a heart wrenching, delightful story of acceptance and love in a modern English family.

An ok read

I did not like the ending. The overall read was quick. I didn't like the ending. The characters lacked depth.

Good listen

I enjoyed listening to this book very much. Wasn’t sure how it would end but liked the way it flowed together.

Disappointing!!

Definitely thought it would be more exciting!! It was all rather dull.
Spoiler alert!!!!!!!
Main character explained that she had no other option,but she did-Her dad offered her one, she rejected it because she was selfish & wanted to pursue her own plans. The dumb thing was that she relayed this to the person,but kept on crying how she was pushed to make the choice she did.
That alone made me not like this whole story. I don’t want to say much more to give to much away

Families Arent What Others See

When the truth comes out about their mother the girls want to be supportive, but does everyone?

Great story and narrator

You won’t be disappointed if you’ve read other books by this author. It’s a wonderful and very relatable story. The characters are so real and genuine. I LOVE this narrator too!