Ruth Hogan's 'Madam Burova' is a charming novel set in 1970's Brighton, England. Spread over fifty years, it follows one Imelda Burova, a seaside tarot card reader and clairvoyant and Billie, a woman who's down on her luck.
The magic with which author Hogan weaves this novel is indisputable. Not only are its pages full of characters brimming with personality, but it tackles some heavy topics with a uniquely refreshing realism.
While I recognise that certain aspects of this book are a tad predictable, I appreciated the atmosphere and characters too much to care. In the beginning, the pacing was a little slow, but once it picked up after the fifty-to-sixty page mark, it was just right.
I highly recommend this novel for those who appreciate books featuring dual timelines, a colourful cast of characters and hard-hitting subjects.
The magic with which author Hogan weaves this novel is indisputable. Not only are its pages full of characters brimming with personality, but it tackles some heavy topics with a uniquely refreshing realism.
While I recognise that certain aspects of this book are a tad predictable, I appreciated the atmosphere and characters too much to care. In the beginning, the pacing was a little slow, but once it picked up after the fifty-to-sixty page mark, it was just right.
I highly recommend this novel for those who appreciate books featuring dual timelines, a colourful cast of characters and hard-hitting subjects.