My Last Book Reviews of 2020...

The Servant - Maggie Richell-Davies

Well, I’m not usually a fan of fiction set pre 1950’s but this book came highly recommended so I gave it a whirl and just wow. Maggie Richell-Davies is an absolute wordsmith, so much so that you felt she was actually narrating from the scene. Her research was impeccable and character inferences just drew you in helping you root for the underdog and share the highs and lows of Hannah’s incredible journey as a servant in one of the most unfortunate of circumstances in a time where servants are worthless, women less so and aristocracy abide by their own rules. Ironically pointing out how much life has changed through the ages and yet also, not so much.

A story of triumph and underdogs like no other.

 

Before & After - Andrew Shanahan

What a random and thoroughly enjoyed surprise book. B & A was brought to my attention on Twitter after a request for a fun and unique book recommendation.“Have you ever tried post-apocalyptic humour - I am Legend meets The Biggest Loser.” Sold! Funny, clever and resourceful with a perfect dose of swearing and dry sarcastic wit. One that leaves you thinking about so much, challenging our perceptions of life, chocolate bourbons, fear and DIY survival.

 

Secrets In The Dark - Ceril Campbell

Secrets In The Dark, for a trip back to Chelsea in the 1970’s where everything and anything fun, fashionable and extravagant emerged. A very detailed story of ‘How the other half live’ in the achingly cool Chelsea world before Made in Chelsea came on the scene and laid its version bare. Full with twists and turns, friendship, supposed privilege and triumph over adversity. A great reminder that the grass is not always greener on the other side…

How To Grieve Like A Champ - Lianna Champ

This is a beautiful and intricately written book for anyone who has lost somebody, has tried to support someone through a loss or will lose somebody. So that is all of us. How to grieve like a champ is so obviously written by someone who’s calling it was to support people in times of bereavement and help people through the grieving minefield. Lianna’s dedicated work as a funeral director, a role she knew was for her since her teens and from her experience of such has also become a grief counsellor, aims to help people to live not just survive following a loss.

Listen in to my interview with Lianna on ‘Get Booked’ at Women’s Radio Station in the New Year.

‪Past Book Reviews:

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” ― Mark Twain ‪“

“People who need help sometimes look a lot like people who don’t need help.” ― Glennon Doyle