Beth Morrey’s tender debut, Saving Missy, is the ideal read for these uncertain times, reflecting as it does, the loneliness felt by many people, and how a simple act of kindness can make all the difference.
The story is narrated by Missy, a woman in her late 70s, learning to live without her beloved husband Leo. She is estranged from her daughter, while her son and his family have moved to live in Australia. For her whole life Missy has dedicated herself to caring for her husband and family at the expense of her own interests and ambitions. Now she is alone in a huge house with no one to share it with, and with no real purpose to her life. However, when she takes a walk to her local park and is taken ill, she discovers that there are kind and friendly people on her doorstep who, despite Missy’s initial reluctance, welcome her into their lives, and help her to rebuild her own.
Saving Missy is undoubtedly a feel good book, perhaps this year’s Elinor Oliphant. Although I enjoyed Elinor Oliphant very much, I do usually avoid ‘feel good’ novels; however, I could easily have sat and read Saving Missy in one sitting. It is a warm hearted book, with thoroughly likeable characters, a wonderful dog, and family dramas that some readers may empathise with; a heartfelt examination of relationships. I really enjoyed how two very different women with very different lives take Missy under their wings, and each bring something new and treasured into her life. At the same time, Missy adds to their lives too.
Missy’s backstory is shown in flashback allowing you to understand the depth of her love for her husband and the sacrifices she has made in her life. It also examines the relationships Missy has with her two children and as the book progresses you see this is where Missy is most vulnerable, often causing her to react against her best interests. While reading these sections my heart was in my mouth at the damage Missy was doing, all the time totally understanding the hurt that was causing her to act in such a damaging way.
The most important relationship in Missy’s new life is with Bobby, the dog she reluctantly agrees to look after for a friend. Gradually the relationship develops into friendship and then devoted love. The scenes between Missy and Bobby are written with such tenderness that it suggests Beth Morrey has had a dog in her life.
This is a genuinely enjoyable story, with revelations from Missy’s life coming right to the very end to surprise and delight the readers. The conclusion is perhaps rather unrealistic, but it is perfect for this book, and also for these times.
The story is narrated by Missy, a woman in her late 70s, learning to live without her beloved husband Leo. She is estranged from her daughter, while her son and his family have moved to live in Australia. For her whole life Missy has dedicated herself to caring for her husband and family at the expense of her own interests and ambitions. Now she is alone in a huge house with no one to share it with, and with no real purpose to her life. However, when she takes a walk to her local park and is taken ill, she discovers that there are kind and friendly people on her doorstep who, despite Missy’s initial reluctance, welcome her into their lives, and help her to rebuild her own.
Saving Missy is undoubtedly a feel good book, perhaps this year’s Elinor Oliphant. Although I enjoyed Elinor Oliphant very much, I do usually avoid ‘feel good’ novels; however, I could easily have sat and read Saving Missy in one sitting. It is a warm hearted book, with thoroughly likeable characters, a wonderful dog, and family dramas that some readers may empathise with; a heartfelt examination of relationships. I really enjoyed how two very different women with very different lives take Missy under their wings, and each bring something new and treasured into her life. At the same time, Missy adds to their lives too.
Missy’s backstory is shown in flashback allowing you to understand the depth of her love for her husband and the sacrifices she has made in her life. It also examines the relationships Missy has with her two children and as the book progresses you see this is where Missy is most vulnerable, often causing her to react against her best interests. While reading these sections my heart was in my mouth at the damage Missy was doing, all the time totally understanding the hurt that was causing her to act in such a damaging way.
The most important relationship in Missy’s new life is with Bobby, the dog she reluctantly agrees to look after for a friend. Gradually the relationship develops into friendship and then devoted love. The scenes between Missy and Bobby are written with such tenderness that it suggests Beth Morrey has had a dog in her life.
This is a genuinely enjoyable story, with revelations from Missy’s life coming right to the very end to surprise and delight the readers. The conclusion is perhaps rather unrealistic, but it is perfect for this book, and also for these times.