Wednesday 24 July 2019

Spotlight & Review: I Can't Tell You Why by Elaine Robertson North



I Can’t Tell You Why by Elaine Robertson North


Having an affair is inconceivable to Dani and yet she’s having one with Alex. He’s married, he’s an actor and she’s his agent.

Then Dani meets Sean, a paparazzi photographer with a formidable reputation. It’s a profession that makes him unpredictable at best. A dangerous trait when his motivation to expose becomes personal.

Dani knows she’s made mistakes. She also knows she’s not the first person who wilfully hurt someone they love and is simply unable to explain why.


Love triangles are like Kryptonite to me...I know I should avoid them to avoid breaking my heart, but in this case, I'm weak-willed… Therefore, I didn't hesitate to read I Can't Tell You Why, the début novel by Elaine Robertson North.

It defies logic why a successful talent agent embarks on an affair with her married with children client, Alex Cambridge. Yet, it's just what Dani does. On getting to know the respected paparazzi photographer Sean Mc Donald on a more personal level, Dani still can't break free from Alex. It's a complicated web of deceit and lies...

This is a story which began slowly but quickly gained momentum. The unfolding of the main plot-line is realistic and relatable as secondary characters voice their opinions about their friend's reckless behaviour. It's an example of what can happen when circumstances spiral uncontrollably and how the fallout impacts those involved. The scenario involves three players but the net is wide to include those affected by their actions.

What's lacking in this narrative is emotion. I wanted to feel what Dani, Alex and Sean Mc were going through but didn't. Yet, the author still managed to pull me into their story, allowing me to connect with the characters based on what we are told. It's enticing, fuelling my enthusiasm to keep turning the pages.

Overall, the author has written an unputdownable novel. I love the unexpected and appreciated the twist. Of course, I could say more, but I'm not going to-ha! Let's say, the ending isn't how I imagined it to be...and I'm more than okay with that.

***Review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***

Elaine spent 25 years working in marketing and communications in the media and entertainment industries. This included seven years marketing national newspapers and a variety of senior executive roles in TV, radio and film. I Can’t Tell You Why is her first novel.

Elaine lives in North London with her husband and their two sons. When she’s not writing, she can be found looking harassed on the school run, cheering on the side lines of her sons’ football matches or singing her heart out at her local branch of Popchoir.

Twitter: @RobbieNorth

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