How to Save a Life by Clare Swatman #Review

 Today I am featuring How to Save a Life by Clare Swatman which was published by Boldwood Books on 8th June.

One night in December, twenty-two year old Ted Green makes his way to Waterloo Bridge determined to end his life. Lonely, despairing and utterly hopeless, it seems the only choice to make.

That same night in December, Marianne Cooper is running away from a party. Having found her boyfriend in a passionate clinch with someone else, Marianne can’t get away fast enough. But as she makes her way along London’s South Bank, a figure catches her eye on top of the bridge.

Then she sees him, a man ready to jump.

When Marianne saves Ted’s life, this night in December becomes one they’ll never forget, but as Ted watches Marianne leave in a black taxi, all he can think is he should have asked her name.

In a story spanning twenty years, join Ted and Marianne as they navigate life’s twists and turns, joys and heartbreaks, while all the time wondering - will fate ever bring them together again…

 

 

My Thoughts

In this story, the lives of two people, Marianne and Ted, are brought together at the beginning of the book, due to a chance encounter. Both going through emotional episodes, they make a deep impression on each other but part before they exchange names. For the next twenty years, you see their lives pan out. You always wonder if they will meet again as their paths come perilously close at times. Seen through the eyes of the two characters, by the end, you feel that you have got to know them quite well!

    Ted's story has some contemporary relevance as he is an ex-soldier who has returned from Kuwait with severe mental issues caused by the conflict. Whether he is able to put himself back together I will not go into but his backstory certainly helps to flesh out his character. Mariann's story seems lighter but she has her dreams and ambitions which she sets out to fulfil.  There is enough in the story to convince you that each character seems credible and you become quite invested in their lives. As they go through ups and downs, you see the implications of the chance encounter which altered both their life paths. This is an enjoyable read, with a clever use of perspective.

In short: two lives collide 

About the Author

Clare Swatman is the author of three women’s fiction novels, published by Macmillan, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire. Before We Grow Old, was published in January 2022.

 

You can follow Clare here:  Facebook

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Book link: Amazon UK

Thanks to Clare Swatman, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 

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