Reviews

I really want to give this 3 and 1/2 Stars. The beginning of the book is extremely slow, and the story doesn’t really pick up until well into the second half of the book. I enjoyed how the author incorporated major historical events into his own narrative. I appreciate the overall perspective we get from the author and how he struggles within society as well as with himself. I did question how he managed to get lucky so many times in his life though

pattyspages's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

"Maybe there were no villains in my mother’s story at all. Just men and women, trying to do their best by each other. And failing".

✨️ GORGEOUS!!!!!
This story is gorgeous!

A coming of age masterpiece that tackles so many difficult issues of the time and culture in which it's set.

One thing that took me by complete surprise is how humorous the characters are.

I mean, some truly awful things happen to so many of the people we meet through the story and even our darling Cyril falls victim to making choices that also cause others harm and yet the delivery of some of the lines and the way certain mindsets are portrayed made me literally throw my head back and howl with laughter!??!?

But don't be fooled, it's an emotional read that will have you tearing up in parts but will also pull at your heartstrings and compell you to keep reading, even through the devastation.

I am so glad I finally got around to reading this because I was so moved by it.
The narrative voice is welcoming, the writing style is delivered with an ease that makes it feel like you're sat with a mate, listening to their life story over a drink and I urge everyone to add it to their shelves!