portybelle 's review for:

The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

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The book tells the story of Jo Sorsby who has gratefully taken up the challenge to run her elderly uncle’s stationery shop at a time when she really wants to disappear from her old life. The relationship she thought was going well has ended and, as well as being devastated by the end of the relationship, she is also grieving the possibilities which might have come from it.

At the heart of this book is friendship and finding it when you perhaps least expect it. Jo becomes friends with customers of the shop, in particular Ruth ‘the runaway vicar’ and elderly Malcolm who is just beginning to become the person who he always wanted to, especially with the encouragement of his new friends. There’s a lot about love in the book too and I thought what Ruth says at one point is just wonderful “…a best friend can be a lifelong love. There is a fundamental truth, comfort and joy in having a best friend…. All over the earth there are unacknowledged love stories, making the world a better place.”

All three main characters are to some extent still trying the find their place in the world and find out just what they want from life. The author writes so beautifully about the yearnings, fears, worries and dreams of her characters and imbues her story with hope. Faith and belief is an important theme too with Ruth obviously living her life according to her faith, Malcolm lost his when younger and Jo just isn’t sure. I appreciated that Ruth never tries to convert her friends but quietly shows how everything she did was influenced by her beliefs. As Jo comes to realise, when Ruth works with those who are sick, scared or bereaved what she really brings to them is hope.

I particularly enjoyed the part of the story revolving around Highgate cemetery ghosts. Malcolm has a great interest in those buried in the cemetery whether famous or just an average person. The three friends imagine the ghosts of two of the ‘residents’ meeting and what they would say to each other. It was fascinating to read about the people they had chosen and despite being so different, they all taught Jo, Malcom and Ruth something important about themselves.

I loved getting to know Jo, Ruth and Malcolm and seeing how they blossomed as their friendship developed. The Book of Beginnings ends with one of the shortest epilogues I’ve ever seen and it was absolutely perfect!

I just adored The Book of Beginnings from beginning to end. It is a gorgeous book full of warmth, emotion, hope and new beginnings. I’m really pleased to hear that Sally Page has another novel due out in August this year and I can’t wait to read that one too.