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Life has thrown me some curveballs recently, and (always the way) my reading mojo immediately upped and left. Just when you need it, the very thing that brings you comfort is no longer there.
The book you choose when that first flicker of reading-desire returns is an important decision. I picked @DoughtyLouise's ON THIS SPOT FELL ONE TEAR OF LOVE, and I couldn't have made a wiser choice. When the foreword gives you goosebumps, you know you're on a winner.
This is the story of Louise's parents, Avis and Ken. How they met, what happened to them, and why. It's also the most fascinating wander around Louise's family tree, and a wonderful journey through Louise's childhood. Growing up in the same era and in roughly the same part of the country, it was filled with so much nostalgia for me. Ideal Milk, and formica worktops, and sliding pantry doors. But this isn't just a fabulous trip down memory lane, it's a brilliant exploration of norms and expectations of that time, a lens on how those norms and expectations affected ordinary people like Avis and Ken, and how, with the slightest shift, our family trees could have grown so very differently. It's also the most beautiful love story.
As you would expect from Louise, this book is exquisitely written. There's brilliant humour within its pages, yet at the same time it is utterly devastating (if you know you know etc. but Mr Simmons nearly ended me). I adored every single page, and it is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful memoirs I have ever read. Most of all, I am in awe of Louise's mother. Avis, wherever you are now, thanks to your brilliant daughter we are all walking up that avenue alongside you, our heads held high.
Reading this book felt like sitting with a friend and having a truly wonderful conversation. The kind of conversation you don't want to end. A huge thank you to @francescamain for sending, and of course to Louise for writing such a brilliant book. It was a privilege to read.
ON THIS SPOT FELL ONE TEAR OF LOVE is out from @Phoenix_Bks in August. Preordering supports your favourite authors, and also the brilliant high street booksellers. Plus it's a fabulous gift to your future self ❤️
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