The Last Piece by Imogen Clark is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of the Nightingale family, whose seemingly harmonious existence is disrupted when Cecily, the matriarch of the family, suddenly disappears to a Greek island without any prior notice or explanation. This unexpected turn of events sends shockwaves through the family, particularly because Cecily has always been perceived as a responsible and predictable individual, leaving her loved ones bewildered and concerned.

The story revolves around the Nightingale family, consisting of Cecily, her husband Tom, and their two children. The family has always maintained a sense of order and stability, with Cecily being the anchor that holds everything together. She is known for her meticulous planning and structured approach to life, which has earned her the reputation of being reliable but somewhat predictable.

However, when Cecily decides to embark on an impulsive journey to a Greek island, it leaves her family in a state of chaos and confusion. Her sudden disappearance raises numerous questions among her loved ones, who struggle to understand why she would leave without any warning or explanation. The absence of any apparent motive or justification only adds to their anxiety and concern.

As the story unfolds, the Nightingale family grapples with the aftermath of Cecily’s departure. Tom, who is left to take care of their children and manage the household on his own, finds himself overwhelmed by the sudden change in circumstances. He struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy for his children while simultaneously trying to comprehend why Cecily would choose to leave them behind.

Meanwhile, their children, who have always known their mother as someone who values routine and stability above all else, find themselves questioning their own understanding of their mother’s true nature. They begin to uncover hidden aspects of Cecily’s personality that they were previously unaware of, leading them to question whether they truly knew their mother at all.

As the narrative progresses, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, not only for the Nightingale family but also for Cecily herself. Through a series of flashbacks and revelations, the novel explores the reasons behind Cecily’s sudden departure and the impact it has on her own sense of identity and fulfillment.

The Last Piece delves into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of familial relationships. It explores the notion that even those closest to us can harbor hidden desires and dreams that may not align with societal expectations or our preconceived notions of who they are. The novel challenges the idea that individuals must conform to a certain mold in order to be considered responsible or fulfilled, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self and pursuing personal happiness.

In conclusion, The Last Piece by Imogen Clark is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the lives of the Nightingale family as they navigate the unexpected disappearance of their matriarch, Cecily. Through its exploration of identity, personal growth, and familial relationships, the book offers a compelling narrative that captivates readers from beginning to end.

• The Last Piece

• By: Imogen Clark
• Narrated by: Laura Kirman

The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is disturbed when Cecily – whose children can’t remember she was ever spontaneous from afar – disappears to a Greek island without a word. any warning or explanation.

The reason she did something so out of the ordinary is a complete mystery to her three daughters, senior executive Felicity, the unsuccessful GP Julia, and the mother-of-five. Lily’s organization. What connection could she have with Kefalonia?

But Cecily continued a story she thought ended decades ago – one that could have a huge impact on her family. And when she returns, she will have to tell them the truth.

Will Cecily be able to keep the family together after she reveals her big secret? And can she discover that she’s not the only one with a story to tell?

I was entirely delighted as I listened to the charming narration of this story of an imperfect family that was so real. The characters were alive and knowable, and their story fresh and unexpected. I enjoyed it completely and highly recommend it.

Spoiler alert: Do not read below if you want to be surprised by the story. Excellent narration and character development. I enjoyed the listen very much. I was attracted to the book by the mention of Kefalonia, one of Greece’s most idyllic islands!

Now the Spoiler: Our family has adoption on many fronts, just as in this novel. I felt that part of the novel was honest and authentic in the way it portrays adoption. Every family has its own journey so this is just one story. But from the facets I know personally I enjoyed this aspect of the book. It did make me pause and think as it moved along.

Audiobookss audio player

Hi everyone, please be noticed that the Audio player doesn't play next track on IOS version < 15.6. If you are facing that issue, just upgrade your IOS to version 15.6 to fix it. Enjoy!