Review By Gabrielle

Things I Wish I Told My Mother is a lovely book highlighting the ins and outs of mother-daughter relationships.

Favourite Quote:

“You know,” she says in her best Queen Elizabeth II voice, “at thirty-six, it might behoove you to invest in a real suitcase.”

Behoove? That’s a pretty fancy word for the way I like to travel.

I stand my duffel bag on its side, as if holding it vertically will somehow make it more attractive.

I see my mother is clutching a single black leather Louis Vuitton carry-on and a train case with silver clasps. A very elegant, very expensive two-piece matched set.

“Is that all you’re bringing?” I ask her, surprised.

“Don’t be silly. I already checked my big bags.”

Correction: make that a four-piece Louis Vuitton matched set.

Goodreads Synopsis: 

A mother and daughter unpack a lifetime’s secrets while on vacation in Paris.

Every daughter has her own distinctive voice, her inimitable style, and her secrets.

Laurie Ormson is an artist, a collector of experiences. She travels the world with a worn beige duffel bag.

Every mother has her own distinctive voice, her inimitable style, and her secrets.

Laurie’s mother is the famous “Dr. Liz.” An elegant perfectionist. She travels the world with a matched set of suitcases.

When Laurie invites her mother on a trip to Paris and Norway, she sees an unexpected sparkle in her mother’s eyes. So begins Things I Wish I Told My Mother. You will wish this novel never ends.

Laurie and Dr. Liz are the female version of The Odd Couple.

I really enjoyed this book that is written almost like a travel memoir. As Laurie and Dr. Liz embark on a whirlwind trip, the authors give plenty of delicious details about the sights, sounds and foods along the way. From the catacombs of Paris to the northern lights in Norway, readers get a front seat to all the attractions. Although I’ve never been to any of the places they visited, I felt like I was right there with them thanks to their engrossing explanations. And the food! Oh my, the food. These main characters are certified foodies and their accounts of their various meals had my mouth watering (with the exception of all the fish in Norway – not really my thing). I loved being a fly on the wall for their meals at high-end restaurants with their fabulous tasting menus, as well as their more humble meals.

The story is told from the point of view of Laurie. I don’t know why, but I was expecting a dual perspective. Throughout the book I found myself longing for the perspective of Dr. Liz, but by the end you get a better understanding of why it was written this way. I can’t give too much away, but suffice it to say there is a good reason.

Both main characters are well developed and I enjoyed them both. Better than each on their own though is them together. The Odd Couple indeed! This mother and daughter duo couldn’t be more different. Their relationship is strained and watching them navigate both their surroundings and their relationship was fun. I got a kick out of some of their arguments. The more touching moments when they really connected were emotional and tugged at my heartstrings.

Overall, a wonderful read that made me want to plan a trip with my own mom.

Thank you, Hachette Book Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.