Andy Mullaney
Now this isn’t the kind of book most men, in my opinion, would initially be drawn to. However, I know the author and have read another of her books, The Legacy Of Mr Jarvis. I simply adore the way that Jude crafts her stories, creates intricate details that paint such vivid and clear pictures in your mind and take you on a journey with her plot. Can you work out where it’s going? Yes and no. This, for sure, leaves you wanting to grab hold of this vulnerable person and shake her into reality, and yet it is this very vulnerability that makes this such a great story. The other characters who come and go all add to the drama that unfolds and again are introduced gently to you so as not to cause shock or confusion. The scenes around London and beyond have colour, depth and are of their time. Incredible detail. Jude thinks about her readers and clearly appreciates what it is like to be suddenly presented with the unusual that makes you have to go back a few pages. It’s written I would say by a reader for a reader. The last 100 pages of this book were a wow and whilst again some predictability was there, the biggest surprises were not so obvious. I loved the ending and found myself smiling and cheering Lily on. Jude has described herself as a writer of women’s fiction. I’d just make it fiction from now on. Bring on the next.
