I expected to be confronted with an extract reminiscent of badly written fanfiction. A book for one to skim through while getting a tan. Instead, the preview was heart wrenching and drew me right into Sarah's world. I began to wonder 'why hadn't Eddie called her ?' and more about Sarah's past (regarding her younger sister and her ex). The uncertainty Sarah faces made her a relatable protagonist. We all reach a stage in life, where in spite of our prior achievements and our acknowledgement of them, we are plunged into doubt and disbelief. We question ourselves, our capabilities and the direction in which we are headed. For a debut novel, Rosie Walsh has a beautiful grasp of language: "Then suddenly you were
there: a bright autumn leaf cartwheeling over a dull pewter
lawn. I uncurled and smelled life, felt dew on my feet, saw
shades of green. I tried to grab hold of you, that vivid leaf,
cavorting and wriggling and giggling. I tried to take your
hand, look straight at you, but like an optical black spot
you slid silently sideways, just out of reach." Beautifully evocative language demonstrates how Eddie, a single person, has brightened up Sarah's life however briefly.
there: a bright autumn leaf cartwheeling over a dull pewter
lawn. I uncurled and smelled life, felt dew on my feet, saw
shades of green. I tried to grab hold of you, that vivid leaf,
cavorting and wriggling and giggling. I tried to take your
hand, look straight at you, but like an optical black spot
you slid silently sideways, just out of reach." Beautifully evocative language demonstrates how Eddie, a single person, has brightened up Sarah's life however briefly.