Picked this up on a whim from my local charity bookshop, and spent far too long avoiding it as I felt it was perhaps – a bit beneath me? Maybe not my sort of thing? I think I chose it because it’s set in the late 50s and I like that time period; otherwise, not sure why I’d go for it. The cover is a bit ‘chick lit’ which I’m well aware is a pejorative term and I don’t use it to judge, just not my cup of tea. Folks can read what they like, as long as they read.
Which is kind of where this book goes. Sylvia Blackwell arrives in a small countryside town as the new Children’s Librarian, full of dreams about how to inspire the local youth with literary fervour. But a poorly conceived love affair with the local doctor puts all her hopes in jeopardy. I was surprisingly captivated by all this. I’ve not read any Salley Vickers before, but she reminds me of Patchett and Tyler with her uncanny ability to create seemingly innocuous characters that you care about a great deal.
Also, the story is s tribute to reading, and the power of books, especially for children. I’ve always been a prolific and enthusiastic reader and I’m delighted my daughter is the same. I find it weird that some people don’t read. Anyway, I’m inspired to read some books mentioned in this one that I think I’ve missed in the past – Tom’s Midnight Garden (surely I read that as a child?) and Lolly Willowes to name two.
In short…
I was surprised by how much I liked this book, it’s deceptively well-written and reminiscent of my fave Ann (and Anne). Thoroughly enjoyable 9/10
Books Fran Has Read 