Today, we have the chance to take a closer look at Michelle Vernal's novel, When We Say Goodbye.
Can you love when all seems lost?
Ellie Perkins life was right on track until her boyfriend
Sam suffers a near-fatal car accident, leaving him in a coma and all their
future plans in limbo.
Desperately in need of something to fix, Ellie has to find a
project and when her grandparents old house is put up for sale, she jumps at
the chance. Because, like Ellie, the house is broken. And if she can fix the
house, then surely, it's just a matter of time before she and Sam are back on
their path to happily-ever-after...
In life, when the worst happens how do you pick up the
pieces?
A heart-breaking story of love, loss and the path to
forgiveness, perfect for fans of Faith Hogan and Amanda Prowse. To be read with
tissues.
My Thoughts
Set in Christchurch, New Zealand, you get to see some of the day to day problems that have affected the population, since the earthquake which decimated part of the city. What comes through strongly, is the warmth of the community and the 'can do' attitude which exists. Ellie is a slightly quirky, endearing twenty- something whose sense of humour is undimmed by the tragic circumstances which have put a sledgehammer through her life. You are fully aware of her grief and anguish which she feels about her partner Sam, who has had a catastrophic accident and has been in a coma for months. Bi-polar and mental health issues are also found within the story.
As you follow Ellie over the next year, as she rebuilds her family home, you find out quite a lot about some dark aspects which have been buried below the surface. Her sense of abandonment, insecurity and complicated relationship with her mother is set against the warmth of her extended family and the resilience which is within her. This is an emotional read at times and alternates between the present day and the recent past. It is a human story which will touch your heart.
In short: Joy and sadness in equal measure.
About the Author
Michelle Vernal loves a happy ending. She lives with her
husband and their two boys in the beautiful and resilient city of Christchurch,
New Zealand. She’s partial to a glass of wine, loves a cheese scone, and has
recently taken up yoga—a sight to behold indeed. She writes books that she
hopes make you feel you are curled up with your best friend having a cosy chat.
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