"The Cold, Cold Sea" & "Chosen Child" Linda Huber

Oh this is good! Perfect start to my holiday reading pile!

The book opens with the disappearance of 3 year old Olivia at the seaside on holiday with her parents and brother. The worst fear of every single parent. Maggie, the mother, is so devastated that she cannot bring herself to leave the spot; she cannot stop searching or pressing the very understanding and kind Detective for more updates. Eventually her son's need for her at home forces her to return and face the damaging cracks appearing in her marriage as her husband continues to blames her for Olivia's disappearance.

The second story line is about Jennifer. She is pregnant with twins and already mother to Hailey, aged 5. Her husband Philip has been in the States for ten weeks with his dying grandmother and Jennifer is keeping her pregnancy a surprise for him on his return. However, she is becoming increasingly stressed with Hailey's uncooperative behaviour. She appears to be such a changed child since their recent move and Jennifer is struggling to remain patient with her.

What's exciting about this novel is that the reader is almost 95% sure of what has happened from quite early on so it is not really a case of them solving the mystery but more so a case of tensely watching from behind the cushions as the other characters try to figure out what has happened to Olivia and why Hailey is behaving so strangely..... as the clock ticks away and events begin to spiral completely out of control. I enjoyed this unusually privileged position and found it more engaging and more riveting. I couldn't wait to read on and find if my intuition was right - particularly as Huber is good at throwing in more twists and turns along the way! It was a kind of "can't look but can't not look" book!

I am a big fan of novels which create psychologically gripping characters and Jennifer really is a brilliant example of this. I can't say too much about her without giving any of the plot away but she is convincing, deceptive, unreliable yet simultaneously apparently truthful so it is difficult to work out what is reality and what is delusion. I love characters who function with such "normality" and are highly conniving in their "believability" but really are darker and more dangerous. Jennifer is also a great example of the impact grief can have on the mind and the mental condition.

Teacher Katie is a hugely likeable character. She faces the dilemma of how involved should she get with a pupil when you have a feeling that something is very wrong but no concrete evidence. She cares deeply for Hailey, but how far can she go to intervene? Is Jennifer merely a tired, pregnant woman, new to the area with a temporary absent husband trying her best to get by? Or is something more sinister going on? There are so many inconsistencies and then explanations that it is confusing. Katie needs to protect Hailey and this means careful handling of both mother and daughter. Her role is well written and captures the instinctive commitment good teachers feel for each and every child in their care. I also like the Detective's closing lines that we often don't see things that are right under our noses and that it's amazing what we don't notice. This is true and makes this novel even more disturbingly resonant.

This is a gripping read with a credible plot, good characters and plenty of suspense and tension!



This again features two different story lines about two different families. Firstly we meet Ella and Rick who, unable to have a child of their own, are going through the gruelling procedure of adoption, ignoring the deepening cracks in their marriage and particularly Rick's more reluctant enthusiasm when they choose a 6 year old girl rather than the baby boy he had wanted. Ella's blindness to this because of her desperate need to be a mother, trigger an unforeseeable chain of deadly events.

The second story line follows pregnant Amanda and Gareth and their son, Jaden a lovely 1 year old. But is the baby Gareth's? One mistake sets Amanda and her lover on a path of no return, deeper and deeper into a situation which keeps becoming more and more complex and sinister with every step; hurtling towards a disastrous conclusion from which there is no escape.

Both plots are engaging and begin relatively innocently, appearing to be a straightforward tale of families and parenting. But very quickly it reveals that it is much more than this. This is a novel full of dramatic twists and a really gripping, page turner - all that we have come to expect from Huber!

This is a story of blackmail, secrets, deceit, murder and kidnapping. It explores how from one small untruth, a web of lies can spread and entrap you, tie you up in such a complication of confusion that the only way out is to continue along the wrong path. I loved the character of Rick; he's like Lady MacBeth - haunted and tormented by his one wrong snap decision, unable to "wash his hands of blood"! The way his mind spirals out of control is captivatingly told; his panic and irrationality completely palpable. He becomes less and less connected with the real world as he pushes himself into further dead ends (like MacBeth too!) and the sense of his complete loss of control is brilliant.

The two story lines then collide with such deadly consequences. The way they interweave, cross over, and affect each other keeps the reader on their toes and we have to keep up with every decision made by each character as they all impact on each other. It is a very cleverly crafted plot and seamlessly controlled.

I loved the way the two plots literally "collide". I liked that the two stories had very different atmospheres and issues but then come together to form one really strong conclusion. I found the characters convincing. I thought Huber explored how people are driven to act when under pressure, or when they want something so much, very well. I liked how easy several of the characters thought it would be to rectify a mistake when actually this is the undoing of everything. The truth will always come out and anyone is foolish to think they can control it - or ever ever get away with murder!

Huber is a talented writer and I would highly recommend these books to people who like gripping psychological dramas! They have been perfect for my holiday and I am glad I saved them until now so I could really enjoy them!

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"The Girls" Emma Cline

Before we are taken back to 1969 to experience Evie Boyd's teenage summer and her involvement with a cult, the novel opens with the unexpected intrusion of her friend's son and girlfriend while she is staying (alone) in their holiday home. Immediately I was captivated by Cline's shrewd observations of teenagers - Julian doesn't remember Evie, why would he, "I was a woman outside his range of erotic attentions." Sasha, the girlfriend, reminds Evie of the "dopey part of teenage girls; the desire for love flashing in her face so directly that it embarrassed me." Through her observations of the young couple, their actions and behaviours, Evie quickly evoked empathy and sympathy from me from her deferential attitude towards herself and her ability to try to make herself invisible. I also found her comments so pertinent that they really struck a cord with me.

Julian does in fact recall Evie. He remembers that she was part of a cult. Evie's admission that she is not in any of the books with the "title bloody and oozing" or the "tomes written by the lead prosecutor with specifics down to undigested spaghetti found in the boys stomach," or the online forums that "jostled for ownership - a veneer of scholarship masking the ghoulishness of the endeavour"  immediately creates a sense of intrigue and tension. A sense of doom maybe and certainly a need to read on and see what this quiet, unassuming, forgettable woman had to do with anything so sensational.

1969. Throughout the entire novel Cline deftly conveys a sense of time and place, heat, boredom, frustration and adolescence. I really enjoyed the attempts of Evie and Connie to "create a new life" for themselves with "rituals" of face washing, hair brushing and experimental make up. Evie's need to be noticed reflects the desperation of sexual awakening and naivety. I could smell her "hair foul with hair spray" and feel the "beige putty" she'd spread on her pimples. It was so resonant and authentic. I loved the comment that they tried so hard to "slur the rough disappointing edges of boys into the shape of someone we could love." Oh, who hasn't?! Cline's insight into teenagers is perfect. Her characterisation of Evie captures her vulnerable yet complex thoughts and emotions, her misguided interpretation of events and people, her exploitation by stronger peers and more manipulative, experienced girls. She is an exceptionally well crafted character.

Evie is lonely, immature, forgotten by her parents and easily influenced by the enigmatic and alluring Suzanne. She is in a perfect position to be brainwashed by cult leader Russell, although I did feel Suzanne is as responsible for this and Evie's obsession with Suzanne more damaging than that of Russell's. The novel then focusses on Evie's fascination with the cult and her inability to see the reality of what it is and what is happening to her. Her need to belong, be loved, be accepted, be an adult, allow her to glamorise events and people even when she is uncomfortable with her experiences. As is often the way with adolescence, she is unable to stop the chain of events, or remove herself from their influence. Cline skilfully explores this dilemma and the emotionally traumatic process of "coming of age".

This is a thoughtful, reflective, resonant novel. It is memorable and interesting. It is exquisite writing and the era is expertly captured. It is not sensational which it could easily have become considering the topic and predatory nature of Russell. The ending is poignant and I was left with the feeling that Evie remains on the periphery of life - even having been part of such dramatic moments in history, she was only really a bystander; an exploited and used one at that.

The blurb on Goodreads really captures how I would sum up the book so at the risk of being repetitive I am including it. I was amazed that this was a debut novel as it is so fluid, absorbing and mature. This is definitely an author to look out for and a title that will no doubt be prizewinning.

Emma Cline’s remarkable debut novel is gorgeously written and spellbinding, with razor-sharp precision and startling psychological insight. The Girls is a brilliant work of fiction—and an indelible portrait of girls, and of the women they become.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or subscribe to email notifications of future posts.

"A Country Road, A Tree" Jo Baker

Jo Baker's "Longbourn" was one of my most favourite reads of 2015 and I have recommended it and bought it for friends ever since so I was thrilled to review her latest book "A Country Road, A Tree".

This is a mesmerising read. The protagonist is an anonymous writer (who Baker reveals in the Author's Note to be Samuel Beckett) and his experiences of living in Paris in the Second World War as he evades the Gestapo, works for the French Resistance, falls in love with a frenchwoman, befriends James Joyce and travels his own literary journey as he struggles to shape and define his own creative voice.

It's clear from Baker's previous novel as well as this one, that she is interested in the characters who "scrape by in the margins of a hostile world." She explains in the Author's Note that she was intrigued by the epiphany Beckett experienced during the war where he realised the kind of writer he would become. This is a fictional version of his story but it realistically conveys his moral choices, his bravery to face the war with his friends rather than return to the neutrality of Ireland and how all these events allowed him to grow as a writer. It is a lyrical and poetic read. The style and pace may take a little getting used to, but do persist and allow yourself to become immersed in a unique and well imagined world.

The novel begins with Part One which is intriguingly called "The End." Our male protagonist is in Ireland looking out to sea, towards Europe, and observes that the "tidal wave is gathering and at any moment now will come the tipping point, the collapse and the rush, the race towards destruction." These half finished phrases float across the page like cadences from a piano symphony and I expect, if I was more well versed in Beckett's own work, they would indeed echo his style. Baker is such an intelligent writer and clearly a master of language and imagery, structure and impact. The book is full of beautiful and stunning descriptions as well as sharp insight. For example, when in Paris the narrator imagines the "queasy idea of England peering across the channel and biting her nails while America stands, arms folded and whistling, pretending not to notice what is going on at all." When working for the Resistance, he handles the information and describes how these small scraps of paper "conjure aeroplanes out of clear skies... bring hell raining down on it...these words could take a hundred lives." It's so gently presented, yet so powerful and effective. The writing really is outstanding.

There is an atmosphere of sadness and defeat in some of the narrator's experiences. He struggles with the consequences and dilemmas of the war as well as that of his writing and purpose. He is haunted by the words of his mother: "What use do you imagine you'd be?" At one point he wonders that "writing is ridiculous...jam one word up against another, shoulder to shoulder...hem them in with punctuation so they can't move an inch....expect something to be communicated, something understood...it's not just pointless it's ethically suspect." Again, the use of personification here is so innovative and impressive and captures so much about the character, writing and literature.

Fortunately the ending sees the protagonist survive his struggle to create a language that will express his experiences and the novel ends with "words form....this is where it begins." I found this an intense and hugely satisfying final sentence. Worthy of a standing ovation.

This is a literary treat. This is for readers who love language, art and the journey of tortured souls. It is a novel that takes some focus and perseverance but this pays off and will leave you in awe of Baker's skill and literary craftsmanship.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advanced copy in return for a fair review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or subscribe to receive future posts via email.

"Happy People Read Books & Drink Coffee" Agnes Martin-Lugand

Ok, it was obviously the title that attracted me to this book! I mean, which bibliomaniac couldn't resist such a line! I'd like to adopt it as a new mantra for myself!

I found out my daughter and husband were still fooling around in the car when the truck crashed into them. I told myself they were still laughing when they died. I told myself that I should have been with them. And for the past year, I've told myself I should have died with them. ....And I'm still alive. Utterly miserable but still alive. 

This is on the opening page of the novel and I had to reread it three times it so shocked me and had completely caught me unawares.

The protagonist, 32 year old Diane, runs a literary cafe "Happy People" with the enigmatic Felix, her one and only friend who does his best to support her and shake her out of her grief. For the past year, she has kept herself imprisoned in her flat, refusing to dress, eat properly, work, leave the flat or get better. She wallows in her grief and depression. Then, following another outburst of bullying from the frustrated Felix, she decides to heal herself. To leave the suffocation of Paris and recover from her debilitating depression. On a whim, she hires a cottage and travels to the remote village of Mulranny in Ireland. Here she hopes she can "bury" herself.

The family who rent the cottage to her are friendly and sensitive, caring and respectful. Their son, Edward, who lives in the neighbouring cottage to Diane is not. He appears unkempt, reclusive, solitary, abrupt and rude. There is immediate tension between the two; both accusing the other of self centred behaviour and judgemental accusations, both believing the other to be devoid of feeling or empathy.

Thus begins a tumultuous romance between the two as their paths are thrown together through a series of events that allow them to reveal the truth behind their behaviours. But what happens when a figure from Edward's past returns? And is the relationship Diane really needs to heal? What of her life in Paris? Can she really move forward from her grief and look to the future?

Unfortunately I don't think this book was really for me. I think I was hoping for more about the bookshop (!) and to be honest I did get a little tired of Diane's lingering depression which began to feel a little self indulgent as time went on, as well as a little repetitive. It almost restricted the storyline from moving on and exploring anything else. At times it is difficult to feel much empathy towards the characters as they are not always presented in the most flattering light. The relationship between Edward and Diane reminded me of Kathy and Heathcliff - or perhaps Max from "Rebecca" which was quite interesting but again, a little obvious and a little unfinished - although the author is publishing a sequel so I guess this will be taken up again in her second book.

Essentially this is a romance novel. It is quite short, the characters and plot are not overly developed, it is predictable and follows the rather generic plot line of a woman needing to find herself after suffering a loss without adding anything particularly memorable or different. However, although it wasn't really my kind of book, I think it would appeal greatly to readers of Maeve Binchy, Amanda Prowse, Cecelia Ahern, Marian Keyes and fans of other romance or chick lit books.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

"The Doll Master" Joyce Carol Oates

This is a collection of 6 short stories from one of the most renowned contemporary writers of our time. I have recently become a real fan of short stories; finding them a real test of a writer's skill to create an effective plot and believable characters within a limited number of pages. I like the fact that it gives an author an opportunity to explore a snapshot in time or conjure a variety of voices within one volume, displaying the diversity and range of their writing. This volume does not disappoint.

These are dark, haunting stories. They are harrowing and quite relentless in their terror and unnerving subject matter. Oates has not been afraid to take on the personas of figures usually ostracised and condemned by society without being given a voice or a chance to be heard. All the characters are vivid and utterly - disturbingly even - believable and convincing. Within the first few lines I knew I was in the hands of an highly accomplished writer and in for a real treat - if scaring yourself silly can be called a treat!

My favourite story was the titled piece "The Doll Master". To me, anything about dolls is immediately terrifying and this story is certainly still haunting me. It starts with the narrator taking us back to when he was 4 and his cousin Amy aged 3. Amy has a beautiful baby doll called "Emily"which she is possessive about although does repeat the adult expression of "You can hold her. But don't drop her." Even this in itself implies the inevitable harm that will follow. After Amy's sudden death from Leukaemia, the narrator becomes obsessed with her doll which he takes and keeps for himself and this then leads to a fascination of collecting "found dolls."

The narrator is unreliable; twisted, unhinged -outwardly showing self control as a good, reliable student but inside someone unable to tell the difference between reality and delusion. He follows the voice of the "Friend" too willingly and whether this friend is a true person or an imagined delusion is unclear. A few references to the mother's need for medication, the rows between his parents, his father's violent despair of his interest in"girl's toys" and the boys visits to a psychotherapist imply that the reader is not being given the whole picture by the narrator and indeed there is more cause for concern than the explanation that he simply collects "found dolls" which he stores in the abandoned carriage shed.

This was a brilliant story and unputdownable. The best thing about a short story is that it can be read in one sitting and with this one it is the only way to read it! The writing is exquisite and disturbing. The linguistic devices and use of language so sophisticated and effective (worthy of much more study) yet it is an effortless and fluid read. It's amazing that a woman can create a male character of such horror with such conviction.

I also liked "Soldier" which is the voice of a character in prison. I thought this was interesting as Oates is giving a voice to those evil characters which are unrepresented or often cliched when in novels. She fully immerses the reader in a world of criminals and murderers.

My second favourite story was "Equatorial" which I could imagine as a great TV series or film. Here we meet a woman who is her husband's third wife and lives in fear of being usurped by a younger model. She is frightened of her husband and constantly apologising for herself despite his subtle attempts to continuously place her in difficult, dangerous situations where an "accident" may "innocently" befall her. They travel around the world to exotic locations but she is plagued by illness and weakness and unable to embrace the challenges and adventures in the same way he does. Her character is so well crafted that her fear, paranoia and anxiety are palpable and infectious. The tension increases when she realises that whilst on the cruise ship they are outside the jurisdiction of US law and instead at the fate of the Equatorial legal system which is open to bribes and rarely sees the perpetrator arrested. Surrounded by pills, poisons. accidents, cliff paths, night walks on the ship's deck, she is frequently presented with the opportunity for death or suicide and it is clear to the reader how these situations are being manipulated by the seemingly charming husband. A great story!

These were a good read. They are like Edgar Allen Poe, MR James and Susan Hill. Oates is a truly talented writer and these stories illustrate her imaginative power to get inside the minds of the frightened, the tormented and the down right evil.

My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book in return for a fair and honest review.

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Children's books: "The Imaginary" & "The Bear & The Piano"

Here is a short review of two books that I saw recommended in the last few days and bought at the opening of our new local bookshop. The first is a picture book for young readers and the second is for "middle grade" readers - probably around 8-11 but could be worth reading aloud to a slightly younger child. Both are different, highly imaginative and beautifully illustrated.


This is a moving and beautiful story; seemingly simple yet full of subtle themes and ideas so anyone between the ages of 0-99 can take something special away after reading it. All of us can experience something magical from this touching picture book.

My four year old enjoyed the story for the story, favouriting the reunion at the end - although more so for the bear's reunion with the old piano than his family and friends! My seven year old liked the fact the story was about a bear not a person playing a piano which she thought made it more interesting and more memorable. She also said it showed that "your family are the most important thing and you should always do what feels right to you." Her favourite picture was the one towards the end - but I don't want to describe it at the risk of spoiling its revelation when you read it yourself! While she was beginning to acknowledge some of the themes in the book, her overriding feedback was about the illustrations and how much she liked looking at them. We both agreed the way the text is organised and displayed with the pictures was really well done. I think this also underlines that there is nothing moralising or patronising about Litchfield's work. He has primarily written a book about a bear and a piano. My nine year old enjoyed the book too despite being a bit too cool for school to really elicit any sustained feedback, but I have caught him listening to us as we reread it and glancing through it when he thinks no one is looking!

The last line is brilliant. I shed a tear! There are so many things you could talk about with children after reading this - perseverance, curiosity, friendship, adventure, talent and music.

But first and foremost it is just a lovely book to look at and a lovely book to read aloud. The words are as musical as the sounds it describes. On some pages the phrases and sentences dance and float across the page like the soft motifs from the symphonies and tunes the bear plays. The lines vary in length and pace, like poetry. Repetition has been used to carefully and skilfully create effect rather than for phonetic benefit. The emphasis is on linguistic charm and to enhance the imagery rather than educate. It is a book that will provoke a gently thoughtful, reflective response. It is a book to read aloud and listen to the words that keep reappearing: wonderful, strange, big, music, bright, world, passion..... Words to excite any child and make them crave adventure and wonder.

Oh do buy it for any young children you know - and any big ones too!



I was a little concerned when I read the opening two pages as we are told about the death of one of the main characters, but the first chapter immediately changes the atmosphere and launches us into the happy, bright and loving world of Amanda. Please do not let this opening put you off sharing with your children as it really doesn't represent the rest of the novel. Although there is an accident and scenes at a hospital, and parts of the story are serious, the novel is also about friendship, adventure, magic and imagination.

I'm not sure quite how to review this book fairly and do it justice! I'm not sure exactly which genre it fits into - it's about families, friendship, memories, adventure.....It's humorous, entertaining, a little scary at times, fantastical, magical and even surreal. It's clever. It's creative. It's immensely imaginative and unique. It will suit children who like Roald Dahl,Alice in Wonderland.

The illustrations are gorgeous and compliment the text so much. I loved the final page where the children disappear off to play. Gravett's illustration shows a black and white back garden with the two children riding on a dinosaur to a new planet - in colour. It is such a simple way to emphasise how children can visualise all sorts from nothing and to them it can be as real as real life.

So Rudger is Amanda's imaginary friend. It's mostly told from his point of view which is a quirky and innovative concept. Following Amanda's accident, her memory of him begins to fade, threatening his survival. He is transported to a different place where the imaginary friends congregate, awaiting their next "imagining". There is a noticeboard with photos of children whose imagination is not strong enough to create their own friend and therefore they need a ready made one to go and present itself. And then, there is the ever present danger of Mr Bunting who hunts imaginaries. Will Rudger find his way back to Amanda? Will she remember him? Can they stop Mr Bunting?

This book is full of lovely quotes and poetic lines. I can't decide which ones to use so think I might have to leave it to you to find your own favourites when you read it! I'm going to read through it again and again. Enjoy the pictures, the characters, the eccentricity of the story, the peculiarity of some of the more fantastical aspects and the celebration of all things imaginary and everyone's imagination. Great book. Extraordinary!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of future posts.

"Little Warrior" Guiseppe Catozzella

This novel is based on the true story of Samia Yusuf Omar, a Somalian athlete who died on April 2nd 2012 aged 21, drowning while trying to reach the ropes tossed out from an Italian vessel as she attempted to get to England and participate in the London Olympic Games. It is an affecting and heart wrenching story about the determination of one spirited woman who never gave up her hopes or dreams despite the suffering and oppression she faced daily, particularly as she began her dehumanising journey as a refugee.

I was attracted to this book as it popped up on my Twitter feed the same day my friend left for Israel to run a charity half marathon - her first big race, her first flight in twenty years and her first trip away from her young family. It just seemed fitting that I should read this following some of the conversations we recently had. I thought the cover was also quite stunning.

The story begins when Samia is 8 years old and Ali, her best friend born only 3 days apart from her and living in the rooms next to her own family, asks her to be his "sister". Their friendship is deep and bound with the loyalty akin to that of a brother and sister. Ali is described as wearing shorts that were worn by all his brothers before ending up on him, he sleeps and lives in one room with the rest of his family and he is a Darod - an enemy of the Abgals to which Samia belongs. She lives in two rooms with her 6 other brothers and sisters and her parents. They have only known war as it began 8 weeks before they were born and as they race through the streets they barely notice the way the walls of buildings are riddled with bullet holes or demolished by bombs.

Ali and Samia are athletes - runners. Samia wants to be a champion and sleeps with a picture of Mo Farah above her bed. They run at night, through the streets where garbage is burned, navigating their way through charred remains and smouldering heaps of ashes, ignoring the curfew. They avoid the beach as this the militia's favourite spot - they can have a straight shot. As the novel begins with the children at such a young age and seen from their point of view, it almost protects the reader from the full impact of the harrowing situation. It's an accepted backdrop to their lives. As Samia says, "It doesn't matter to us. Let them shoot each other in the street, it had nothing to to do with us. War couldn't take away what was important. Him to me and me to him."

However they cannot remain unaffected by the war and one evening they are stopped by the Militia who turn out to be mere boys of 11, "sporting rifles bigger than they were over their shoulders." The Al-Shabaab use children to teach them about holy war and offer in return education; the opportunity to learn Arabic and the laws of the Koran, a bed, three meals a day. Ali and Samia recognise one of the older boys to be someone they know and this affects Ali deeply. He stops running.

Samia does not. She continues, even more determined to become an athlete, and after a while Ali returns and becomes her coach. Following a further devastating turn of events involving both Ali and Samia's fathers, there is a meeting held at Samia's house. They discuss peace and hope while "outside there was a war." "Promise me," says Samia's father, "that you, an Abgal and you a Darod, will live forever in peace. War is only a result of hatred that makes people blind and content only with blood. We are all Somoli brothers regardless of tribe and clans." Samia vows to become a little warrior; running for peace and to lead Somali women to liberation.

The novel moves forward, several years at a time. The Al-Shabaab gain more power. Life becomes more impossible, particularly for women. Music is barred, cinema closed, men are not allowed to wear shorts and have to shave their heads. Women are not allowed to do anything and had to wear black burkas. "Hopes and freedom had been wiped out in the blink of an eye."

But Samia won't be beaten. She talks to her photo of Mo Farah. She wants to hope. She wants to win. Her first big race offers her freedom and an irresistible euphoria which feeds her desire to succeed even further. Her participation in a competition and the necessary travel it involved becomes symbolic. The running is her freedom. She wins. She is the fastest woman in her country. "I would win the Olympics," she decides, "I would lead the resurgence of Muslim women."

There is some lovely imagery and language used to describe Samia's passion and drive at this point in her story. Words such as champion, glittering, dazzling, celebration and pride scatter the pages. She receives letters from Muslim women and realises she is becoming a legend for thousands of women and their hopes and dreams.

Following her sister's recent journey to Europe by boat, Samia sets out to join her. This is a very traumatic part of the story due to the risks, danger, horrifying reality of people trafficking and the suffering endured. It is made bearable by Samia's inspirational ability to still feel hope and her determination to live. It is a dramatic section; moving, urgent, poignant and tragic.

If you liked "The Kite Runner" and "The Other Hand" you will want to read this book. It is an important story even though it is a hard one to read. Much more so as it is a true story. The closing lines of the novel are powerful.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

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