Tag: Fiction

A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I had seen ‘A Terrible Kindness’ all over the bookstagram world, and it was always getting so much love with every post and review that I saw. So, when Jo Browning Wroe was announced as one of the authors for ‘The Tasting Notes Live 2023’, I knew I had to read the book that had been sitting on my shelf.

And what an incredible read it is – inspired by the work of the embalmers at the Aberfan disaster in 1966, this tells the story of William, a young embalmer from the West Midlands who goes to help, and what he experiences but also tells us how William ended up on the career path he is on which brings him to that tragic event.

This is a beautifully told story, which Jo Browning Wroe has carefully researched and sensitively presented to the reader. This has not been written to shock but to remember and educate. The events of Aberfan are the start and end of the tale, with William’s childhood and early adulthood as the main focus of the story.

‘A Terrible Kindness’ brings to life some fantastic characters, examines how the people we meet influence our lives and how complex those relationships can be – but also how tragedy and the relationships we make throughout our lives can influence so much of what we do and who we become.

For me also, the fact there were some places I know very well mentioned in the book, I felt a connection to the book, or I could see characters in particular places which always brings a story to life just that little bit more.

This is a book that I will be recommending to everyone because I think we would all like to meet William and his family and friends. Also, having heard Jo Browning Wroe talk about this book, I know how much research and passion went into this book and I think she has treated the memory of what happened at Aberfan with such respect that it will ensure that those who were tragically impacted by the events will be remembered and acknowledged, and never forgotten.

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you Tandem Collective UK for having me along for a buddy read of ‘People Person’ by Candice Carty-Williams, and gifting me a copy of the book too. What a treat for the May half-term break.

I had been a big fan of ‘Queenie‘ so I had high hopes for this book. And it did not disappoint. ‘People Person’ is a fantastic study of people (I guess the title gives that away) and their relationships. It especially reflects on the idea of family and what makes a family what it is.

We meet a group of siblings, who all have the same father, Cyril, but different mothers. Different women that Cyril met throughout his younger days, and promised the world to, but did not hang around to deliver. Each of the five siblings has handled this differently over the years, and they have rarely spent a lot of time together. However, when Dimple needs a team around her, after a difficult encounter with her on/off boyfriend Kyron, her siblings are all there for her, in their different ways. Even if, like Lizzie, they are a little reluctant in some ways.

Dimple is really the central character to this story, as she is the one who calls the siblings back together and it is her relationships that form the focus of the story. Dimple really goes on a journey of self-discovery as she finds out more about each of her siblings, and this forces her to reflect on the relationships she has with her father and her mother (who never really seems to have got over Cyril – and who Cyril may have had on a pedestal all those years, too).

I really enjoyed the reflection of nature versus nurture, how each of the siblings had little to do with their father and had been brought up just by their mother – yet their experiences had been very different but still similar. Some had a harder time than others, some were much happier than others but, all in all, they do realise that maybe they do need each other. There is also a clear investigation on how the past of parents can impact the future of their children.

I do not like to spoil books in my posts (as you know, and I say it nearly every time) but if you enjoyed ‘Queenie’, I think you will enjoy this. If you enjoy family drama (rather than saga), I think you will enjoy this. And, if you like strong female characters, then I think you will like this. Candice Carty-Williams writes characters and relationships brilliantly, and this is a book that is worth picking up.

Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I feel I have been very lucky so far this year, as I have read some absolutely stunning books. And many of those have been thanks to recommendations. ‘Isaac and the Egg’ is exactly one of those books.

It will be no surprise to any of you that I did not read the blurb before picking this book up – I had just seen that so many bookstagrammers I admire had enjoyed it, so I needed to give it a go. Isaac is a man suffering in grief: his wife has died and he is struggling to come to terms with it (as any man would) – in fact, he is probably in the darkest place he could be when we meet him at the start of the book. However, he meets Egg (a bit like Elliot meets ET, in ‘ET’), and caring for Egg gives Isaac some purpose. Slowly, Issac tackles some of those things he has avoided, and seems to reconnect with those who care for him – but then Egg forces him to deal with the most important thing he has been avoiding.

I absolutely can not spoil this for anyone who may be considering reading it – you have to pick it up and immerse yourself in it, because I think, for different people, this book will mean different things. For me, it was a story about tackling grief, and understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with this.

Do not let this make you think that this is a book that is depressing to read – because it’s a story of hope, and of Isaac rediscovering love for himself and for those around him. I can’t promise you will not have your heartstrings well and truly pulled on by the final chapters, and that maybe the odd tear won’t be shed, if only for the happy ending.

For this to be Bobby Palmer’s debut novel, he has set himself a very high bar. I would expect this to come from the pen of a very experienced writer, well into their career. I absolutely can’t wait to see what Bobby Palmer does next, as he has definitely secured me as a fan.

The Lido by Libby Page

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Sometimes a book just leaves you wanting more – and stays with you long after you finish it – making it a very difficult job to pick up another read. I believe that this describes a ‘book hangover’ – and that was what ‘The Lido’ gave me.

‘The Lido’ has been sitting on my shelf since the start of the year, and I just had not picked it up, not for any particular reason, other than the fact that I am a mood reader. However, I should have realised that this book would actually have been a perfect read to boost my mood (until the ‘book hangover’ bit at the end).

I could really relate to Kate and the loneliness that she feels at the start of the book; it really reflected how I found some of my experience of living in Italy for a year. It was very easy once you were home to close a door and retreat back into your own company and avoid socialising. Until, for me, I met the family that treated me as though I had always been part of their family. And, for Kate, it is the moment that she meets Rosemary, an 86-year-old widow, who wants to save the lido in Brixton. For Rosemary, the lido is the place that keeps her connected to her husband George and, for Kate, the lido becomes the place that allows her to feel as though she belongs in her new home town. So, the unlikely pair, along with many other fantastic characters, campaign to save the lido and preserve it for future generations.

This is a fantastic, uplifting story that reminds you of the importance of friendship, and that friendship can be found anywhere – but it also reminds you of the importance of community spirit.

I really liked the way that memories of George held by Rosemary were seamlessly entwined into the narrative (and, trust me, they pull at your heartstrings). You move between past and present (for both Kate and Rosemary) without fully realising it’s happening and with no interruption to the story being told.

I honestly cannot rave about this book enough. I felt truly connected to the stories and the characters. I cannot fault anything, and I will be recommending it to everybody who feels that they need an uplifting and positive read – and to be reminded of the beautiful side of human nature.

So, if you only pick up one book I have reviewed this first half of 2023, then make it this one.

The Exiles by Jane Harper

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was so excited when I went to the library and discovered that they had ‘The Exiles’ by Jane Harper on the shelf. I absolutely love the books of Jane Harper and I could not wait to have the chance to be reacquainted with one of my favourite characters, Aaron Falk. And, as we know, I am on a bit of a thriller/crime streak with my book choices at the moment, so that meant I could definitely take the book out, despite all those books on my shelf at home (where I am suposed to be making my choices from).

Now, I am not going to spoil this book for anyone, as I know there are so many Jane Harper and Aaron Falk fans out there, but I am going to try and share some thoughts about the novel with you all. It will be no surprise that I absolutely loved this book.

I think the thing I always like most about these books is that the scenery and the landscape become as much of a character as the actual characters do. And that was the case in this book, just as it had been in the others. I felt like I was there in the small Australian town, experiencing all the things that the characters were experiencing. So, it will come as no surprise that this was a real page-turner that I could not put down.

This book also felt like a natural progression for Aaron Falk: he again manages to solve a crime (well, more than one) and helps the town and its residents move on. But, also, Aaron Falk seems to have naturally developed as a character in this book, as he has found a solid group of friends who have made him feel as though he belongs. He certainly seemed a more vulnerable character than we have seen before. I thought this was fantastic because, as a reader, I felt as though I have been on Aaron Falk’s journey of discovery with him.

I think it is safe to say that Jane Harper has secured herself a place as one of my favourite authors, and Aaron Falk as one of my favourite characters. He may be a flawed man (as they all are – I mean, that is what seems to make a fantastic detective), but he is a definitely a believable character.

If you have enjoyed Jane Harper’s other books, then I can guarantee that you will enjoy this one, too.

Do No Harm by Jack Jordan

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

My desire to read thrillers continues and I had seen ‘Do No Harm’ everywhere in the book world. So, when this book hit the shelves in paperback, I knew I had to read it.

This is such a fascinating concept: a surgeon asked to do something that goes against everything she stands for…but if she does not, then her son’s life is in the balance. (This is not a spoiler, as this is all in the blurb…) As you can imagine, this leads to all sorts of twists and turns before we reach the end of the book.

Now, I did enjoy this book – even though I am never sure that ‘enjoy’ is the correct word for a thriller – and I did want to find out what was going to happen. However, I am not sure it was quite up to all the hype. It has a well-constructed plot, but there was something that held it back from being quite the hyped thriller that it has been in the book world. I think the ‘sparkle’ was missing for me, because I found the characters very dislikable and not people I felt much sympathy for, despite the very difficult situations they found themselves in. And I was not sure if some of the plot was a little far-fetched – which meant, at moments, you had to suspend your belief for some of the plot points.

I can understand why so many people have enjoyed this book, but, for me, it just slightly missed the hype. However, I would still suggest that people who want to read this and pick it up give it a go because there is so much love for this novel, and I did keep reading it until the end – so, something in there had me turning the pages and wanting to find out what happened.

If this is one you have read, I would love to know what you think.

Wahala by Nikki May

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

In preparation for the up and coming ‘Tasting Notes Live‘ I am starting to make sure that I have read the books by the incredible authors who will be appearing at the event. And one of those incredible authors is Nikki May. I am also still shopping my shelves, as this was a little treat to myself earlier this year after a visit to one of my favourite independent bookshops – Warwick Books.

‘Wahala’ is Nikki May’s debut novel and – wow – what a read it is. I was attracted to stunning cover of the paperback and thought I was letting myself in for a bit of a cosy read about female friendships. But this book is about so much more.

I mean, do not get me wrong, female friendships are a strong central theme – and a fascinating study of them it is too. But (and this is why I love not reading the blurb) this was a bit of a thriller too, which, if you judge the book by its cover, you would not expect. Why exactly is so much ‘wahala’ occurring and causing strain for three best friends who have always been rock solid?

I think this book has one of the best villains that I have met amongst the pages of a book. A true character that you love to hate. And that really added to the enjoyment of reading this book, especially as it is not exactly who you expect it to be.

There is so much in this book and I do not want to spoil it for anyone else if they hope to pick it up, but I will add that if you decide to read this then you will not be disappointed. This is a sophisticated story about friendships, relationships, family dynamics and self-discovery, with the edge of a thriller. It will keep you turning the pages and just wanting to find out more about these three women and their lives.

I am even more excited about the next live event now I have read this book, and about having the chance to hear Nikki May talk about her fantastic debut novel.

The Favour by Nicci French

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you to ‘Tandem Collective’ for the gifted copy of Nicci French’s latest novel. I had not read any books by Nicci French before, so I was very excited to start, especially as I am a fan of a thrilling read.

This thriller is definitely more of a character-driven story than plot-driven. The plot is engaging – after all, what exactly is ‘the favour’? But it is the characters that keep the story going and keep the reader reading.

Jude has her life together – and always has. She is young, she is successful and she does not appear to let the events of the past haunt her or hold her back. However, Liam, her first love, reappears one random morning and asks her for a favour, which she appears to agree to, with hesitation. Little does Jude know that this may well change her life beyond recognition and drag her into a world that she would be better off leaving alone.

I did find this book a page-turner, as I just had to know what was going to happen and who was involved with what throughout the narrative. And, the phrase ‘the favour’ takes on so many different meanings as you work your way through the story – some having much more significance than the other. Occasionally, Jude’s actions seem a bit bizzare for an educated woman, but as the story unfolds you begin to understand why some things are like they are (although it still makes some of her actions a little questionable – I mean, she really does not seem to spot a warning sign…).

The revelation at the end was not quite what I was expecting. I had seen some of the secrets worked out before they were revealed, but not the final revelation. There are plenty of red herrings as we meet different characters – and some of them do seem a little wasted, as they do not bring much to the plot other than a little bit of distraction.

If you enjoy a pacy thriller with a complex plot, then this may not be the book for you – but if you enjoy a well-crafted character-led story full of secrets, then this definitely is the book for you.

The Book-Lover’s Retreat by Heidi Swain

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you to Tandem Collective UK for my gifted copy of ‘The Book-Lover’s Retreat’ by Heidi Swain. This was a buddy read for the publication of the paperback edition of the book, and what fun it has been. This was also my first Heidi Swain novel, so I was excited to read it.

‘The Book-Lover’s Retreat’ is definitely a book for book lovers (as the title may suggest): a book about books – can there be anything better? Emily, Rachel and Tori are each big fans of the book ‘Hope Falls’, each has their own personal connection to the book and the film, and finally they are going to have the chance to stay at the cottage used in the film and visit all the places the characters visit. There is just one snag: Tori has to drop out and they need to find someone to replace her pretty quickly to not to lose out on their long-awaited dream holiday. Along comes Alex to save the day – but Alex is not quite who Emily and Rachel expect, and the holiday possibly becomes more than any of them ever expected.

This was such a lovely book to read. It delicately handled so many key issues and showed the importance of being supported by fantastic friends. There is a little bit of romance between the pages but it is so much more than a romantic piece of fiction and, quite honestly, it had me wanting to pack my bags and head for the Lake District with my best friends.

The character development is something that made this book particularly enjoyable. It was lovely to have strong female characters who worked together to support each other and help each other to achieve their dreams, or find their correct place in the world. As well as some male characters that were just as supportive of the dreams of their friends. There is one baddy among the pages, but this allows for the difficult subject of toxic relationships to be handled sensitively, while still raising awareness of such issues.

This book was a delight to read, especially ideal as we move towards the spring and summer months. This may not be my last read from the pen of Heidi Swain.

The Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Shopping my shelves is going well, as I have discovered another hidden gem that has been sitting there waiting for me to read it. I picked this up as my ‘To Be Read Pile Tarot Cards’ from Don’t Judge Books suggested I pick up a book by a male author and that led me to ‘The Man I Think I Know’.

I have enjoyed Mike Gayle’s book before, and the joy of having discovered him a little later in his career is that there is a whole back catalogue of books to start enjoying, too.

This book was truly wonderful. I know that it is not unusual to have male characters in books or male authors. However, it does seem unusual to have male characters written with such sensitivity and tackling some more complex emotions and relationships.

James has been struggling to rebuild his life since ‘The Incident’ changed his life forever, and destroyed his hopes and dreams. Danny has made some poor choices in life as a result of a tragic event in his family that he has been carrying the guilt for. Both men used to be on such different paths, but a twist of fate brings them back together in a way neither of them expected and together they help each other face their pasts and rebuild their lives. And a wonderful friendship blossoms along the way.

I really enjoyed the fact that this book gives male characters a more sensitive treatment. It allows them to be vulnerable and support each other through difficult times – and yet present them both as strong without losing the integrity of their character. For me, Mike Gayle has created characters, again, that I would quite happily sit down with and get to know more about.

This book made me laugh and made me cry (sometimes even happy tears) but has also stayed with me since I read that final word. I will be recommending this book to so many people as it was just wonderful and incredibly thought-provoking.

I have one more Mike Gayle on my shelves that is standing unread, so I will be sure to pick it up very soon, as he has so many wonderful stories to tell, about so many wonderful characters.