There was a lot to love about this book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Phil and Emma. It is quite unusual to have a book centred around a grandmother and her grandson. I liked the dynamic between the two and how Emma is not at all 'grandmotherly'. I also loved to hate the character of 'Heike' and thought she played such an important role in Phil's coming of age subplot.
This was a great adventure around Europe and although at times the plot verged on ridiculous it was all good fun and very enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed the dual timelines (1930's & 1980's) both of which were equally well thought out. I find most new novels with dual timelines tend to flick between the past and current times so it was really good to see the 'current day' to be set in the 1980's for the nostalgic feel that gave me as the reader. All ends tied up nicely at the end.
This was a great adventure around Europe and although at times the plot verged on ridiculous it was all good fun and very enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed the dual timelines (1930's & 1980's) both of which were equally well thought out. I find most new novels with dual timelines tend to flick between the past and current times so it was really good to see the 'current day' to be set in the 1980's for the nostalgic feel that gave me as the reader. All ends tied up nicely at the end.