My favourite book of 2021 so far! I knew from the blurb that I would enjoy this book as I love dual narrative fiction - in this case 1973 and the present day. The story follows Imelda Burova, tarot reader, palmist and clairvoyant, who works on Brighton seafront. Over the years she's seen her fair share of dramas, and kept many secrets. One of these secrets is Billie, a woman on a quest to discover her real identity, a quest that leads back to a fateful summer in Brighton in 1973.
I've never actually read anything set in the 1970s before so this was a refreshing change, and I loved the insight into the holiday camps and seaside entertainment. This book has a wonderful cast of characters in both narratives - particularly the '70s - quirky individuals who all have something to add to the story. Some I loved, some I hated, but they were all brilliantly written and I found myself really caring about them. I was instantly drawn into Billie's story, the short chapters kept me gripped, and I was kept guessing right up until the end just what the outcome was going to be.
This is my first book by Ruth Hogan but it certainly won't by my last.
I've never actually read anything set in the 1970s before so this was a refreshing change, and I loved the insight into the holiday camps and seaside entertainment. This book has a wonderful cast of characters in both narratives - particularly the '70s - quirky individuals who all have something to add to the story. Some I loved, some I hated, but they were all brilliantly written and I found myself really caring about them. I was instantly drawn into Billie's story, the short chapters kept me gripped, and I was kept guessing right up until the end just what the outcome was going to be.
This is my first book by Ruth Hogan but it certainly won't by my last.