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Blitz Spirit at Harbour House by Fenella J Miller #Review

  I am delighted to be on the tour to celebrate the next in the Harbour House series by Fenella J Miller . Blitz Spirit at Harbour House   continues life in 1940,with the Second World War underway. It was published by Boldwood Books on October 7th.   September 1940 As the new housekeeper at Harbour House, Lily Turner and her teenage daughter Daphne have forged a resilient life since Lily’s husband Patrick abandoned them. But as war rages, Patrick, now vital to the war effort, is dispatched to Wivenhoe shipyard, forcing him to confront his past—and Lily—once more. He's no longer the reckless boy who deserted his family; hardened by the years, he’s determined to make amends. Yet, for Lily, the scars of abandonment run deep, and forgiveness is a luxury she's not sure she can afford. But she finds this new version of Patrick intriguing nonetheless.. With the Blitz intensifying and German bombers pounding Britain, life is precarious. When Patrick, Lily, and Daphne are...

This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell

   

     I try not to be too gushing when I write about the books I have read so I tend to stay away from words like, 'amazing' or 'wonderful'. However, I have to say it. This Must Be the Place is a wonderful, amazing book. Where to start? I can't possibly do it justice but here goes.     There are so many characters to follow that you might worry that you cannot keep a handle on them all. This isn't the case. The story is centred on a married couple, Daniel and Claudette and their extended families and friends. They are skilfully interwoven across continents and time.

    The narrative follows a non- linear framework as you go back and forward through time. This means that the story is slowly unfolded and you get different perspectives from different characters who take the lead. Knitting it all together at the centre is Daniel and Claudette's relationship which is as nuanced and complex as their characters are drawn. As an examination of a marriage, it works. You see the characters' faults and their virtues and really come to care about them, as secrets emerge.
    
 I find Maggie O'Farrell's writing style and use of language to be marvellous. It draws you in. You feel that she has crafted the words carefully together. I particularly liked it when she changed the format, such as the auction catalogue where we learnt of developments through the objects and text attached to them or the transcript of an interview. 


In short: a complex mosaic of time, place and character shimmering like a jewel. 

Thanks to Georgina Moore who sent me a copy of the book on behalf of the publishers, Headline Publishing Group via Bookbridgr.

  

Comments

  1. This sounds like such an interesting novel! I hadn't heard of it before, to be honest, but your review has certainly caught my attention. I will be looking into it a little bit more and I'm quite sure I'll be buying it some time soon! Thanks for the recommendation :)

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    1. Thanks for your comment. I can definitely recommend it, I loved it all. It looks gorgeous as well with its turquoise edges.

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