The Storyteller's Daughter

I very much enjoyed The Storyteller's Daughter by Maria Goodin, her debut novel.  [Note  - has been published under two other names Nutmeg and From the Kitchen of Half Truth]. The story is set in the English countryside where Meg May goes to stay with her dying mother, Val.  Meg was brought up in a "make-believe" world with her mother spinning stories about everyday events and even about Meg's birth.  Meg has rejected this take on the world by becoming a scientist, only interested in facts and the most important fact she wants to learn about is her birth.  Meg is pressured by her boyfriend to find out the truth about her birth and upbringing, however, Meg is somewhat reluctant to broach the subject because of her mother's illness.  A young man comes to help with the garden at Val's house and he has a much more relaxed manner while being very helpful to both Meg and Val.  Will Meg learn the truth before it is "too late"?  Does it really matter?  The reader will be asked to question whether the truth is always necessary to know. A lovely story. 4/5