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The Love Island Bookshop by Kate Frost #Review #ARomanticEscapeBook

 If you can't fly over to the Maldives at the moment, how about escaping there through the pages of a book? Kate Frost's The Love Island Bookshop was published on 8th April by Lemon Tree Press. A dream job, two handsome men, one destructive act. Will Freya’s opportunity of a lifetime end in tears? When Freya leaves her publishing job in London to be a barefoot bookseller in the Maldives, it’s the push she needs to move on from her sadness and reignite her passion for life. While resort owner Zander is charming, it’s handsome dive instructor Aaron who befriends her when she needs it most. But all is not what it seems and there’s trouble brewing in paradise. Taking a chance on happiness is harder than she imagined. Can Freya let go of her heartache and allow herself to fall in love again? My Thoughts  Yes this novel certainly lived up to its series, A Romantic Escape . What could be blissful than spending the Summer on a remote island in the Maldives? Well, running the
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The Ballroom by Anna Hope






    Anna Hope's second novel is set in Sharston Asylum which is on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors. The year is 1911 and they are in the middle of a heatwave summer. Although it is fictionalised, the inspiration for the story comes from her great great grandfather, an irishman who she discovered was admitted to Menston Asylum, in West Yorkshire, from 1909-1918. Sharston is modelled on that vast asylum which had extensive buildings and a huge, impressive ballroom.

    The story centres around three characters, two of whom are inmates. Ella Fay is a young mill worker who has been admitted because she broke a window at work and was accused of attempting to damage machinery. John Mulligan a destitute irishman, has been in the asylum for longer, following melancholia after the death of his child and her mother. The third character is Dr. Charles Fuller who works at the asylum and is the bandmaster. Men and women are strictly segregated with the only opportunity to meet being a weekly dance in the ballroom which Charles leads. Only the men are allowed outside the building.

   This novel will resonate with anyone who has an interest in how mental illness was regarded at the turn of the twentieth century. Reasons for admitting patients varied from hysteria, eating disorders, self-harming and melancholia, to being a pauper or what was known as 'feeble minded'. The story is set against the eugenics movement with some advocating sterilisation. Dr Charles Fuller is anxious that Sharston should be involved in this research. As the story progresses, you find yourself questioning who exactly is mad and who is sane.

     I like the structure of the story which is developed through the perspectives of these three main protagonists: Ella, John and Charles. Their stories unfold and it is interesting to see how those who have power over others exercise it. Charles' views develop and you are shown his vulnerability. They are all three victims of others in their own way. At the centre of the story is a love story against the odds. I found the whole book moving, especially the ending.

In short: an atmospheric and thought provoking love story.

I received an e-copy of this novel from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, via NetGalley.
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  1. Luccia Gray at Rereading Jane Eyre13 February 2016 at 17:50

    I'm looking forward to reading this book. A small but important part of my WIP takes place in a Victorian asylum in Yorkshire. I've read Victorian diaries and novels where asylums are prominent, so I'm keen to read a contemporary writer's approach. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters also has some scenes in a Victorian asylum. Thanks for sharing your review. Sounds fascinating.

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    1. Pamela13 February 2016 at 20:07

      The size of the asylum really shocks, about 2000 people, some of whom are sent there for reasons we wouldn't think merited it. I found the book quite affecting. Very interested to hear about your writing. I would be willing to read if you ever need some more readers. Thanks for your comments.

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