Amanda Prowse is an author that I had not come across until ‘The Book Taster’ announced that she would be at the Live Event this year. So, when a beautiful book buddy and I decided that we would read a book by a Live Event author ahead of the big day, we settled on ‘Swimming to Lundy’ by Amanda Prowse.
Now, if I judged a book by its cover, then I would not have picked this book up. However, that would have meant that I would have missed out on a treat.
Amanda Prowse has written a lovely character-focused story about relationships – whether in a family, romantically or a friendship – she has created a story that is beautiful to read and reminds you about what is important in life. And how easy it can be to lose your way because you do not think that you deserve something, or you have forgotten to think about what is important.
Taw is the most wonderful main character for the story, I would happily hang out with her. Taw is a young woman who decides that she is going to try swimming in the sea every day because she believes that it will keep her close to her father, who died when she was younger. However, that decision sparks a change in her life. It allows her to escape her home life and do something for herself, it allows her to make new friends with the other ‘Peacocks’, and it leads her to meet ‘Bear’.
Now, as you can imagine, this does not mean that everything that is ahead of Taw is smooth sailing. But it does mean that Taw starts to learn more about herself and her mother, their relationship – and the misconception that she may have about her past. It is a journey of self-discovery for Taw, but it is one that you are more than happy to join her on – and you will probably wish you could sit down with her for a drink afterwards too.
One key thing I really loved about this book, is there is a dual timeline to begin with, and you are not really sure why, but it has you hooked and definitely gives you a reason to keep reading, as you have to know how these unconnected stories will eventually connect. And, for a buddy read, this is great, as you can pop your ideas in your WhatsApp and see what comes of them.
So, as usual, ‘The Book Taster’ has introduced me to a new author who has a backlist that I need to get on top of. But, also, I absolutely can’t wait to hear Amanda Prowse speak at ‘The Book Taster Live’ this month. I guess the next question is, which Amanda Prowse book do I read next?