The Last Anniversary

by Liane Moriarty
The Last Anniversary cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 10606
  • Added: 2026-02-01
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780330442312
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Connie Thrum of Scribbly Gum Island is the matriarch of a rather unconventional family, and her word is law, especially when it comes to the important things in life. Her authority is put to the test when a decades-old mystery about a missing couple and their baby resurfaces, forcing Connie and her family to confront the past they thought they had left behind. As secrets begin to unravel, Connie must navigate the complexities of her family's history and the impact it has on their present. The Last Anniversary is a compelling tale of family dynamics, hidden truths, and the enduring power of the past to shape our present.

Reviews
Yggdrasille · 2023-06-22
mixed 3.00

Moriarty's light touch and sparkling writing somewhat redeems an overstuffed tale that doesn't fully succeed as either mystery or romance.

This reviewer appreciates Moriarty's writing style, which adds a layer of charm to an otherwise overstuffed narrative. The story tries to blend mystery and romance but doesn't quite hit the mark in either genre. The characters are engaging, and the setting is intriguing, but the plot feels stretched thin. The reviewer acknowledges that Moriarty's talent shines through, making the book enjoyable despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    Moriarty's light touch and sparkling writing somewhat redeems this overstuffed tale that doesn't really succeed as either mystery, romance or ...

    The characters are engaging, and the setting is intriguing, but the plot feels stretched thin.

    The reviewer acknowledges that Moriarty's talent shines through, making the book enjoyable despite its flaws.

Catherine Cheek · 2021-12-06
great 4.25

This novel had great characters, a fast-moving plot, and some mysteries to keep the reader engaged. It's romantic without being overly romantic.

The reviewer found the characters to be well-crafted and the plot to be fast-paced and engaging. The mysteries woven throughout the story kept them hooked, and the romantic elements were handled in a way that felt natural and not overdone. The setting and the dynamics between the characters added depth to the narrative, making it a satisfying read. The reviewer appreciated the balance between mystery, romance, and personal growth, which made the book enjoyable from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    This novel had great characters, a fast-moving plot, and some mysteries to keep me engaged.

    It's romantic without being overly romantic, and it's mostly ...

    The setting and the dynamics between the characters added depth to the narrative, making it a satisfying read.

At Least I'm Well Read · 2016-05-01
good 3.75

The novel is well-written with a style that ranges from lighthearted to cruel. It explores relationships and personal growth in a compelling way.

This reviewer found the novel to be a well-crafted piece of fiction that balances humor and darkness effectively. The characters are well-developed, and the exploration of relationships is both insightful and engaging. The story's ability to shift tones keeps the reader invested throughout. However, the pacing can feel uneven at times, and some of the more dramatic moments may feel overly contrived.

Quick quotes

    The Last Anniversary is, for the most part, a rather well-written novel, with a style that veers from fluffy to astonishingly cruel as needed.

    The characters are well-developed, and the exploration of relationships is both insightful and engaging.

    The story's ability to shift tones keeps the reader invested throughout.

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