The Truth about my Daughter

Jo Skinner

Jo Skinner’s poignant debut novel begins with the main character’s memories as a child, particularly the birth of her sister, through to her 40’s. Fin, the elder Steinbauer daughter of Victor and Barb, is brought up in a dysfunctional family where she and her sister George cling to one another for comfort and safety. Fin is brought up to feel less worthy whereas George is indulged, leading them down quite different paths in adult life. It is these family dynamics and the people drawn to the sisters that comprise the story where love, loss, regret, despair and hope play out against a SE Queensland backdrop that is beautifully described.

I was drawn to Fin – the brave, responsible, caring women of the family who is required to deal with the mess left by others. Yet, life doesn’t always return the favour, or at least, not in an expected way. The ending is bittersweet as new beginnings profoundly change her sense of family.