The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell begins with two disparate stories alternating back and forth between present day London, and London in the 50’s.

The story of Lexie Sinclair, working and living among writers and artists of post-war Soho, seems to have no connection with the story of Elina, a Finnish artist living with her boyfriend in modern day London.The only tie that binds them is that they are both new mothers, navigating their way through the unknown territory of motherhood.

O’Farrell weaves a wonderful tale that, by the end comes together in the most surprising way. She is a gifted writer and I was drawn in from the start. Recommended read.