Darling Rose Gold

A mom with Munchhausen by Proxy, even though that term is never mentioned in the book. More of an aftermath of her getting convicted of child abuse.

Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rose Gold was sick her entire life and then her mother Patty was sent to prison for keeping her sick. Patty got 5 years in prison but insisted that everything she ever did was for Rose Gold. This story is told from Rose Gold's POV after her mother went to jail and from Patty's POV starting at her release date. Different voices and different points in time. The time lines converge in the last chapter.

Gosh, how to go on without giving anything else away. Patty insists throughout the entire book that she didn't keep Rose Gold sick. She tries to come off as a victim herself. She is very manipulative and there is a lot of 'punishing' for 'bad behavior' from both Patty and Rose Gold. Rose Gold is very manipulative, as well. Learned behavior.

Neither character is very likable. I did find myself relating a little more to Rose Gold though. Just wanting a friend or family after being held hostage in a way for so many years. Not understanding the nuances of teenage girls or basic social interactions and blundering through new situations.

In the end, while I was impressed with the final few chapters and how everything played out, it still felt like something was missing. Maybe it was just that feeling of everything being right with the world or that everyone got what they deserved? I think it is a book that will stick with me for a while though.


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