Reviews - The Book of Beginnings

380 reviews for:

Having split up with her boyfriend, who she worked with, Jo has left her job to take on her Uncle Wilbur's stationery shop while he recovers. Growing up as Average-Jo with two more remarkable brothers she has a special relationship with her Uncle who always treated her as his favourite, spending time with her in the shop and giving her bits of damaged stock to play with. Here Jo meets some special friends, Ruth the Runaway Vicar, Malcolm an octogenarian who never felt he lived up to the example set by his brave Mother - a Spitfire Girl in the war - and Eric the Viking, the optician from the shop next door.

I really liked the characters, I would love to meet Ruth, Malcom and Eric the Viking in real life. The chapter about wild swimming has really made me want to go.

I was about 20% of the way through the story before I started getting into it. It probably took me as long to read the first 20% as it did to read the remaining 80%. I thought it was just me, but I've seen a few reviews saying the same thing.

The story was mainly told through the point of view of Jo. I would have quite liked to get some other points of view or flashbacks to the back-story of Jo and James. It felt like Lucy was being really petty in not replying to Jo's messages and then when they had an arguement it came out about how Jo dropped her friends in favour of spending time with James and his mates.

Ultimately a lovely story about friendships, loss and love. I would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

meglikesreading's review against another edition

2.0

The concept of this book is wholesome but I found it to be overly descriptive and lacking enough speech for my liking. I didn't feel any investment or reason to read this book and I felt no connection to the story. This feels more aimed at older readers and I can see why others may like this but it just wasn't for me.

angelan's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

trioniperera's review against another edition

5.0

I absolutely adore how this story revolves around books and stationary! I mean, who hasn't dabbled in collecting stationary at some point in their life?! I definitely did! It's so heartwarming to see Jo Sorsby, the main character, running her uncle's stationery shop while keeping her past a secret. And then she meets Ruth, a vicar, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian, who have a story that has the power to completely transform Jo's life. Oh, and let's not forget the mention of my all-time favorite British drama, Downton Abbey, and the fascinating historical accounts woven into this novel. It's just pure joy to read!

vicvicvic's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

nixmouse's review against another edition

5.0

The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page is the story of Jo Sorsby, who runs away from her past when she volunteers to run her uncle's stationery shop in London while he is in hospital. Right from the start I felt immersed in this story like it was a huge warm hug in a snuggly blanket, the narrative has both a humourous lightness and a sincere depth of feeling which is very satisfying. Touching on themes of regret, loneliness and the meaning of faith., it is overall an uplifting story of the restorative powers of friendship even in unlikely circumstances. The protagonists are quirkly but relatable and I thoroughly enjoyed their stories and their secrets, who doesn't love intriguing characters with mysterious pasts? There's also a subplot revolving around Highgate Cemetery and its inhabitants which I found fascinating and it's now on my travel wishlist!