Author: Carys Bray
Published: 16th June 2016
Publisher: Hutchinson
You will know Carys Bray from her critically acclaimed Richard and Judy book club pick A Song for Issy Brady and that it was shortlisted for the Costa first novel award. There of course is high anticipation for her second book The Museum of You and it's safe for me to say that it lives up to her debut.
This was one of those beautifully written stories that will capture your heart. Despite the simplicity of the story, it was one that I greatly savoured. You get a very delicate unravelling of the mystery surrounding Clover's past and her Mum and what part the other characters played.
A wonderful cast of characters, from main characters Clover who is trying to create a picture of the Mum that she never knew, and Darren who is trying to be a Dad and a Mum to Clover, through to the surrounding cast such as Mrs Mackerel who talks in loud bursts and gets her sayings mixed up. I think if I had to choose a favourite character it would definitely be her as she brings light where there is a dark kind of sadness. Carys captures the warmth and tenderness of her characters so well that you are instantly immersed in their lives. They just come across so real and believable that you can't help but feel you are part of their story.
The Museum of You also portrays how people handle grief differently and my heart practically bled for Darren as he is constantly making sure that Clover sees the happy things in life, whilst he is still struggling with his own anxiety to bring her up right and still secretly grieving for the woman he lost. But as well as grief there is love and friendship and the bare bones of what makes us human. I think this is why I loved this story so much.
Full of emotion, this gently told, beautiful story will work its way into your heart.
beautiful cover!
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