![Skin Deep: A beautiful read that will get under your skin by [Wilkinson, Laura]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51BkaueLY0L.jpg)
I was given this book by the author as a member of Rosie Amber’s Review Team #RBRT in return for an honest review.
I gave Skin Deep 4* out of 5*
Book Description:
Art student and former model Diana has always been admired for her beauty, but what use are good looks when you want to shine for your talent? Insecure and desperate for inspiration, Diana needs a muse.
Facially disfigured four-year-old Cal lives a life largely hidden from the world. But he was born to be looked at and he needs love too. A chance encounter changes everything and Cal becomes Diana’s muse. But as Diana’s reputation develops and Cal grows up, their relationship implodes.
Both struggle to be accepted for what lies within.
Is it possible to find acceptance in a society where what’s on the outside counts for so much?
My Review:
I have previously read Public Battles, Private Wars by Laura Wilkinson and admired her writing style, so was looking forward to delving into her latest offering. I wasn’t disappointed, even though it is completely different from what I expected.
In a way it’s a strange, almost uncomfortable tale, told in both present time and flashback. But it is one I came to understand; so many times we are judged by how we look and the author skilfully handles the characters; they come to life slowly but surely as the story progresses.
The dialogue is realistic and natural; the internal monologues of Cal as an adult are fascinating.
Some sections of the Northern setting in the 1980s were familiar for me and gave a good sense of place. The descriptions of the darkest parts of the city and the living conditions of the characters were well written and gave an insight to the seedier side of Manchester at that time.
Less than a plot and more of a thoughtful unravelling of the interior lives of both the protagonist, Diana, and the other main character, Cal, Skin Deep is a book that left me pondering on the rights and wrongs of Diana’s actions on how her relationship with Cal. progresses.
Loved the ending by the way.
Links to buy:
Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/2sodsmE
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2soGkes
Judith Barrow 
Thank you Judith.
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My pleasure, Rosie.
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I’ve read one of this author’s books since the excellent Public Battles, and started another; she seems to have completely changed her writing style, her whole ‘voice’ since PBPW. Alas, I preferred the original, but I’d be interested to know the reason for the change.
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I must admit I thought the same, Terry. Odd. Still, an interesting read.
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See below, Terry. All my books are different. 😜
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Check out this review of the book, Skin Deep, by Laura Wilkinson, from Judith Barrow’s blog
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Thank you, Don.
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Sounds like an interesting read Judith. I was equally captivated by the comments here. Interesting how an author can change their voice and writing style after writing previous books when we’re building a following. Wouldn’t the reader expect the same style and story telling? Interesting. 🙂 xx
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I Know, Debbie. Although the writing is equally good there is a difference in style. I can only write in one style so that’s fascinating. 🙂 x
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Me too. 🙂 xx
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Just started reading this – Laura & I did a swap of new books since ours both came out on the same day – and already loving it. This will be the first of Laura’s books that I’ve read, so I’m coming to her ‘new style’ fresh. Will be interesting to read her others afterwards x
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Thanks or dropping by, Sara. I’d be interested in seeing what you think after reading Laura’s earlier books.:)
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Gosh, sorry to be so late to this! Louise Doughty is a genius and I am not but we do share the desire and ability to write in different ways. She puts it so well here, I see little point in burbling on: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/22/louise-doughty-thrillers-apple-tree-yard-black-water
Thanks for reading, Judith. For what it’s worth I feel it’s my best work to date. But isn’t it wonderful that we’re all so different? X
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It is wonderful we are all so different, Laura. And it wasn’t meant to be a harsh criticism of your work. Sometimes different genres need different styles. That you can do that is credit to you. I can’t (well I don’t think I can!) It’s just that I loved your other books so much, I was surprised by the change.x
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Not taken as harsh crit, Judith. I’m interested that you thought PBPW and RS as similar as I feel they’re very different. And it is a good job we’re all different. In many ways, I envy you in that you’ve found a consistent style/genre. It works for you and that’s terrific. I am led entirely my The needs of the story and no doubt there are/will be times when I fail. I can but try! Thanks again for reading and reviewing. Much appreciated.
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