The Reunion- Amy Silver

Having previously enjoyed Amy Silver's other books, I had been waiting with anticipation to read The Reunion.  A bit more grown up in both style and subject matter, I was keen to see how her latest offering compared to the successful One Minute to Midnight and All I Want for Christmas.

 

The Reunion is the story of six friends.  Jen, Conor, Lilah, Andrew, Nat and Dan were exceptionally close at university, and thought it would always be that way.  Now, nearly twenty years later, they are all gathering together in the French Alps, where the tragedy that affected them all took place.  As they seek to rid themselves of the torment they bear, can they also bring themselves to forgive each other for the lies, betrayals and actions that took place so long ago?

A painful study in how one event can affect people in different ways, The Reunion was a touching and emotive read.  I'm not ashamed to admit that there were moments where I had tears in my eyes, particularly in the sections of the book delivered in letters and emails from the past.  The friendships and relationships were beautifully portrayed-believable and real, raw and passionate.  I really cared for every member of the group, even though I couldn't always relate to them.  It was interesting to watch them grow and try to find themselves as the story progressed, almost a coming-of-age novel for adults.

It was evident how Amy Silver has grown as a writer, the plot was strong and I found The Reunion to a be compelling read.  Serious subjects tackled head-on with a strong emphasis on friendship and family made for a gripping read. 

It also provided me with food for thought as I considered the long-lasting friendships that I have myself and how various events, albeit none so tragic as those in the book, have affected them over the years (decades!).

Would I recommend it?  Definitely.  But my advice would be to maybe purchase a box of Kleenex to go with it if you are as soppy as me!  The ending broke my heart.

The Reunion is available from 12th September 2013, published by Arrow.

8.5/10

With thanks to Arrow for providing me with a review copy of this book.

The Life List-Lori Nelson Spielman

Brett is devastated when her beloved mother dies, and hurt beyond recognition when her brothers get given an inheritance and she doesn't.  Her mother's will instructs Brett that in order to gain her share she must complete the 'life list' she wrote as a teen.  Brett is reluctant-she doesn't even want half these things any more- but does mother know best?  Reluctantly, she sets out to achieve her childhood dreams, hoping that they can bring fulfilment to relieve the pain of grief.

I have a life list.  I wrote it aged 31 and am actively trying to reach my goals.  This book really spoke to me about how many of our dreams and desires are built in us from an early age.  It also reminded me that if you want anything enough you should do all you can to get it.  Inspiring stuff!

Although sometimes slightly farfetched, The Life List was actually a very uplifting, motivating read.  Filled with romance, friendship and family upheavals, the chaos and unpredictability of life is explored in a humorous and touching way.  There were moments where my eyes glistened with tears and others where I silently chuckled to myself.  Sentimental yet not mawkish, I found The Life List a tender and immersive read.  Brett was a likeable protagonist and I was actively willing her to achieve her goals and find out exactly what made her tick.

Lori Nelson Spielman has written a fantastically readable book that will appeal to fans of Cecelia Ahern's bestseller P.S I Love You.  This is not just chicklit, it is chicklit with a heart.

The Life List is out now, published by Arrow.

9/10

With thanks to Arrow, who provided me with a review copy of The Life List in return for an honest review.

You can find out more about Lori Nelson Spielman on her website.

Swimming Pool Summer- Rebecca Farnworth

Swimming Pool Summer is definitely a holiday read.  I've been enjoying reading it outside in the recent heatwave, not by a pool, but sprawled on a blanket in the garden and lounging in a shaded spot of the local park.  Even the cover is alluring- a sky-blue pool that is just crying out to be dipped into.

Set on an idyllic Greek island, Swimming Pool Summer is the story of Frankie, Leila and Tor.  These thirty-something friends each have a secret that they can't share- Tor, who thought she was infertile, is pregnant, strong-minded Frankie is in love with her friend Patrick and workaholic Leila is trying to forget the one night stand that could ruin her marriage and tear her family apart. 

I found the plot believable and the characters were very human- they weren't all perfect size 8s, happy and carefree with no misdemeanours.  I particularly liked the portrayal of Frankie as hard-nosed and judgmental, until later in the book when her behaviour is justified through a revelation.  Each chapter of Swimming Pool Summer examines the friends in turn, which makes for a pacy, page-turning read and allows the characters to develop throughout.

I wasn't overly keen on the ending, I'm not generally a huge fan of books that do a 'one/five/ten year(s) on' summary.  Overall, however, I was thoroughly entertained by the fun, frolics and frivolity of Swimming Pool Summer.  I think fans of Jane Green and Marian Keyes might enjoy this story of friendship and romance.

Swimming Pool Summer is out now, published by Arrow.

8/10

With thanks to Arrow Books for providing me with a review copy of Swimming Pool Summer.
You can find out more about Rebecca Farnworth here.