Book Review | Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

Darling Rose Gold

by Stephanie Wrobel

Berkley Publishing

Publication Date : March 17, 2020

Pages : 320

Synopsis From Publisher :

For the first eighteen years of her life, Rose Gold Watts believed she was seriously ill. She was allergic to everything, used a wheelchair and practically lived at the hospital. Neighbors did all they could, holding fundraisers and offering shoulders to cry on, but no matter how many doctors, tests, or surgeries, no one could figure out what was wrong with Rose Gold.

Turns out her mom, Patty Watts, was just a really good liar.

After serving five years in prison, Patty gets out with nowhere to go and begs her daughter to take her in. The entire community is shocked when Rose Gold says yes.

Patty insists all she wants is to reconcile their differences. She says she's forgiven Rose Gold for turning her in and testifying against her. But Rose Gold knows her mother. Patty Watts always settles a score.

Unfortunately for Patty, Rose Gold is no longer her weak little darling...

And she's waited such a long time for her mother to come home.

To most Rose Gold Watts is a victim.  For years she was abused, drugged, and starved by her mother Patty. After being convicted of child abuse and sentenced to five years in prison, the town of Deadwick Indiana breathes a sigh of relief. After serving her time Patty is released from prison and lives with Rose Gold. The citizens of Deadwick see Rose Gold’s decision as further evidence of Patty’s control, however Rose Gold is not the same helpless little girl she was five years ago. Darling Rose Gold is a tangled and disturbing tale of a mother’s obsession and a daughter’s revenge. 

The town of Deadwick plays a huge role in Rose Gold’s story. While she was “sick," the town stood by Rose Gold and Patty. Donating time to raise money for medical bills. Giving money and food to Patty so she could take care of her daughter rather than work. After learning what was really going on, the town felt betrayed. With Patty once again in their community they do not hide their displeasure. Patty was able to deceive a whole town. Wrobel describes a town which sees Rose Gold as their collective child and feel it is their duty to protect her. Wrobel uses the town of Deadwick to show how easily kindness can be exploited. 

Upon first glance I thought I would not be able to relate to Patty or Rose Gold. However my assumption could not have been more wrong. When we meet Rose Gold she is eighteen, an awkward time when we are adults yet teenagers; expected to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives. Wanting independence but unclear how to get it. Rose Gold is feeling all these things as well as carrying the baggage that comes with a lifetime of physical and emotional abuse. Readers may not like her nor agree with some of her choices but most will understand and sympathize with Rose Gold. 

Most shockingly I was able to understand Patty as well. I did not like her but all she wants is to be loved; by her daughter and her community. Unsurprisingly Patty is a victim of abuse. Although the cycle of abuse manifested itself in a different manner, the cycle is clear. 

The subject manner in Darling Rose Gold is very dark but Wrobel does not place a lot of focus on what was done to Rose Gold as child. The story mostly revolves around the consequences of the abuse. Readers will know pretty early on that Rose Gold and Patty both have more sinister plans than just reconciling. The mystery readers must solve is who’s plan will fall into place first. Readers looking for an entertaining yet reflective read should add Darling Rose Gold to their list of must reads. 

Murder and Moore Rating :

4.5 out of 5 Stars