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martha_is_reading's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
This is a charming, 'coming-of-old' novel about Millicent 'Missy' Carmichael, a woman in her late 70s. With her son overseas and her daughter estranged, Missy suffers the isolation and loneliness that many elderly people experience, until she happens to meet Sylvie and Angela in her local park. What follows is a lovely story about learning to accept oneself and the restorative power of community.
I've heard it likened to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and I can see the parallels in the theme of loneliness, but it actually reminded me a lot more of The Lido in its slow build and the portrait of a character discovering an unexpected community. There's something so heartwarming about people showing up for each other, particularly in the absence of familial obligation or long-standing relationships - it's just strangers becoming friends and caring for each other in a wonderful way.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK for gifting me a copy of this book as part of the Bookstagrammers Summer Bash
I've heard it likened to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and I can see the parallels in the theme of loneliness, but it actually reminded me a lot more of The Lido in its slow build and the portrait of a character discovering an unexpected community. There's something so heartwarming about people showing up for each other, particularly in the absence of familial obligation or long-standing relationships - it's just strangers becoming friends and caring for each other in a wonderful way.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK for gifting me a copy of this book as part of the Bookstagrammers Summer Bash
jennifleurreads's review
3.0
The story of Saving Missy goes back and forth between the past and the present of Missy's life, giving a more detailed insight to her history. I enjoyed getting to know Missy and it was quite nice to have the perspective of an older lady as the main character and even though there is a bit of an age difference I actually found her relatable.
I found it to be a pleasant read but it wasn't captivating, I found myself getting easily distracted while reading it and sometimes had to make an effort to read it.
I did notice that there were hints of things that happened in the past that she regretted but they weren't explained until later on which would of been fine if it was only done a couple of times, but I feel like it was overdone.
It was heart warming and well written, it just didn't fully engage my attention.
I found it to be a pleasant read but it wasn't captivating, I found myself getting easily distracted while reading it and sometimes had to make an effort to read it.
I did notice that there were hints of things that happened in the past that she regretted but they weren't explained until later on which would of been fine if it was only done a couple of times, but I feel like it was overdone.
It was heart warming and well written, it just didn't fully engage my attention.
lucyp747d4's review
5.0
Heartwarming, honest, real and beautiful. I can think of so many lovely words to describe not only this story but Beth Morrey's writing however these four stand out most of all.
Yes this is a love story but not in the traditional sense. Whilst we learn about Missy and Leo's love over a sixty year span the love story that develops is of a different variety, which I found quite refreshing. The last chapters were particularly emotional but in an amazing way.
There were so many loveable characters in this book but a few stood out more than others. Sylvie was the fairy god mother. Anytime time there was a dilemma or someone in need there she was with her magic wand to save the day. I felt that she was the anchor to Missy's happiness and I think everyone could do with a friend like that. I also loved Angela and her candid ways. You could always rely on her to call a spade a spade but there were some softer moments to her personality which made her more likeable.
By far my favourite character was Bobby! She was always there when Missy needed her and brought the softer side out. During the final chapters I was holding back the tears (and failing miserably) at the bond they both shared.
I have often said that people should make more time for the older generation, they have endless stories about their life. Some stories are more interesting than others and some you have probably heard a million times but these stories shaped that person and in the case of family they can sometimes shape you. I remember listening to my nan talk about her life during the war and it was fascinating, what I would give to listen to one more story.
The same can be said for community. Missy's life changed the minute she opened up to strangers and put herself out there. By getting involved she made friends, became happier and evolved as a person. I'm a firm believe that you only get out of life what you put into it, sitting at home is going to get you no where.
I am so pleased that I was contacted to read this book and whilst I have an ARC version already I feel that this is a book that needs to sit proudly on my bookcase so I shall be purchasing a physical copy too. Beth Morrey has won me over with her writing, her story and this is a great debut novel. Thank you Beth, you've opened up the writing beast within me and inspired me to take a look at my nan's unfinished book.
I can not wait to see what you write next!
Yes this is a love story but not in the traditional sense. Whilst we learn about Missy and Leo's love over a sixty year span the love story that develops is of a different variety, which I found quite refreshing. The last chapters were particularly emotional but in an amazing way.
There were so many loveable characters in this book but a few stood out more than others. Sylvie was the fairy god mother. Anytime time there was a dilemma or someone in need there she was with her magic wand to save the day. I felt that she was the anchor to Missy's happiness and I think everyone could do with a friend like that. I also loved Angela and her candid ways. You could always rely on her to call a spade a spade but there were some softer moments to her personality which made her more likeable.
By far my favourite character was Bobby! She was always there when Missy needed her and brought the softer side out. During the final chapters I was holding back the tears (and failing miserably) at the bond they both shared.
I have often said that people should make more time for the older generation, they have endless stories about their life. Some stories are more interesting than others and some you have probably heard a million times but these stories shaped that person and in the case of family they can sometimes shape you. I remember listening to my nan talk about her life during the war and it was fascinating, what I would give to listen to one more story.
The same can be said for community. Missy's life changed the minute she opened up to strangers and put herself out there. By getting involved she made friends, became happier and evolved as a person. I'm a firm believe that you only get out of life what you put into it, sitting at home is going to get you no where.
I am so pleased that I was contacted to read this book and whilst I have an ARC version already I feel that this is a book that needs to sit proudly on my bookcase so I shall be purchasing a physical copy too. Beth Morrey has won me over with her writing, her story and this is a great debut novel. Thank you Beth, you've opened up the writing beast within me and inspired me to take a look at my nan's unfinished book.
I can not wait to see what you write next!
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