Switching between the present day and Brighton in the early 1970s, this warm-hearted, easy to read story very quickly introduces the reader to a large cast of (mostly!) likeable, colourful characters, some of whom will play a part in revealing the mystery surrounding who Billie’s parents were. In addition to giving readings in her promenade booth, Madame Burova also offers them to guests at Larkins Holiday Park (think a Butlin’s camp with a sleazy, ‘wandering hands manager!) where she gets to know the other entertainers, including Sara-Jade the contortionist, Jeanie the singer, Dolly, Daisy and Dixie the ‘dancing mermaids’, talented pianist Charlie and, most important of all, Wall of Death rider Cillian, someone who will always hold a special place in her heart.
Using all these characters, as well as Imelda’s relationships with her parents and her delightful group of friends in the community, the author paints a wonderfully nostalgic picture of summer holidays in a seaside town – I could almost smell the briny sea, the candyfloss, the hotdogs and suntan lotion! She also conjures up an authentic feel of what life was like in the 1970s, a time when overt racism, discrimination and sexism were commonplace and seldom challenged. I did find it a bit frustrating that these darker themes appeared to be treated rather superficially, with none of them being explored in any depth. However, I soon came to understand that to have done so would have undermined the essentially ‘feel-good’, optimistic and occasionally rather mystical nature of Ruth Hogan’s storytelling. She creates a world in which, however tragic or upsetting some experiences are, love and friendships are stronger than enmity and good will always triumph over evil. Maybe there are times when, even for the most cynical among us, it’s good to allow oneself to be immersed in such generous warm-heartedness and optimism!
In addition to the cast of larger-than-life human characters, the story features four unforgettable dogs Dasha, Star, Mabel and Sparrow, all of whom added a very enjoyable dimension to my reading … in fact there were moments when I found myself yearning to join them (and their owners) in their walks along Brighton’s pebbly beach!
Some of the scenes in the book are set in St Pancras railway station and the author’s wonderfully evocative descriptions of the statue of Sir John Betjeman (who can resist touching it as they pass!), the piano players and the Betjeman pub brought back happy memories of meeting friends there when I lived in London. One unexpected result of reading this story has been that it has prompted me to reread some of his poems and I’m enjoying being reminded of how much I enjoy them!
Even though I’ve never had my cards read, the scenes featuring Madame Burova’s Tarot cards readings felt very authentic so it came as no surprise to discover that the author, keen to ensure she was writing ‘knowledgeably and respectfully’ about Imelda and Shunty-Mae’s culture, gifts and profession, spent many weeks learning how to read the cards. Apparently the life story of Eva Petulengro, the famous clairvoyant and fortune teller whose booth remains on Brighton’s sea front, was the author’s inspiration for this novel and, as far as I can judge, she did justice to both her fictional characters and her real life ‘muse’ in her portrayals.
This is an entertaining, well-written ‘feel-good’ story – ideal as a summer read or an antidote to all those ‘pandemic blues’!
Using all these characters, as well as Imelda’s relationships with her parents and her delightful group of friends in the community, the author paints a wonderfully nostalgic picture of summer holidays in a seaside town – I could almost smell the briny sea, the candyfloss, the hotdogs and suntan lotion! She also conjures up an authentic feel of what life was like in the 1970s, a time when overt racism, discrimination and sexism were commonplace and seldom challenged. I did find it a bit frustrating that these darker themes appeared to be treated rather superficially, with none of them being explored in any depth. However, I soon came to understand that to have done so would have undermined the essentially ‘feel-good’, optimistic and occasionally rather mystical nature of Ruth Hogan’s storytelling. She creates a world in which, however tragic or upsetting some experiences are, love and friendships are stronger than enmity and good will always triumph over evil. Maybe there are times when, even for the most cynical among us, it’s good to allow oneself to be immersed in such generous warm-heartedness and optimism!
In addition to the cast of larger-than-life human characters, the story features four unforgettable dogs Dasha, Star, Mabel and Sparrow, all of whom added a very enjoyable dimension to my reading … in fact there were moments when I found myself yearning to join them (and their owners) in their walks along Brighton’s pebbly beach!
Some of the scenes in the book are set in St Pancras railway station and the author’s wonderfully evocative descriptions of the statue of Sir John Betjeman (who can resist touching it as they pass!), the piano players and the Betjeman pub brought back happy memories of meeting friends there when I lived in London. One unexpected result of reading this story has been that it has prompted me to reread some of his poems and I’m enjoying being reminded of how much I enjoy them!
Even though I’ve never had my cards read, the scenes featuring Madame Burova’s Tarot cards readings felt very authentic so it came as no surprise to discover that the author, keen to ensure she was writing ‘knowledgeably and respectfully’ about Imelda and Shunty-Mae’s culture, gifts and profession, spent many weeks learning how to read the cards. Apparently the life story of Eva Petulengro, the famous clairvoyant and fortune teller whose booth remains on Brighton’s sea front, was the author’s inspiration for this novel and, as far as I can judge, she did justice to both her fictional characters and her real life ‘muse’ in her portrayals.
This is an entertaining, well-written ‘feel-good’ story – ideal as a summer read or an antidote to all those ‘pandemic blues’!