A review by snazzybooks
Wish You Were Here by Catherine Alliott

4.0

Wish You Were Here is Catherine Alliott’s newest book, which follows her many previously-released and well-loved novels. Having never read any of her previous work, I wasn’t sure what to expect- but I’m certainly converted now!

Firstly, the characters in this novel were just great! Flora in particular was so likeable and funny. Though she had her dubious moments where she could have thought things through a little better, I never felt like I wanted to give her a proper shake as much as I did with certain other characters (husband James and sister-in-law Sally in particular)! I found her very entertaining and at various points throughout the story I laughed out loud at what she had said or thought to herself. Her self-deprecating personality, with its at-times fiery edge, made her good fun and who, along with the other great characters, I really enjoyed reading about. Pretty much everyone in this story were convincing and well-developed, and this means you actually care about what’s happening to them- or I did, anyway!

The setting of Wish You Were Here made me want to just run away on holiday. Now. Not just because things get stressful here at home, but because the descriptions of Provence were so inviting! If you were on holiday somewhere sunny (or even if you’re not!) then it makes the perfect book for summer. Though it’s got some quite intense moments and lots of ups and downs, the vein of humour that runs through the story as well as the brilliant characters ensures that it remains a fairly light, easy read that is bound to leave you smiling at the end.

I certainly want to read more of Catherine Alliott’s work after reading this novel, and would definitely recommend this novel to anyone wanting a great summer read.

(More book reviews on my blog: www.snazzybooks.com)

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.