Michelle Posted February 27, 2008 Posted February 27, 2008 When Emily Kingsley arrives at the church, late and sad, for her Great Aunt Mary's funeral, she has no idea that her life is about to change completely. Still grieving for her broken relationship with the vain, mean and unfaithful Ted, and trying to come to terms with the cracks which seem to be appearing in her parents' marriage, she sobs her heart out in the church. At the wake afterwards, however, she and her cousin Clemmie are told that Mary has appointed them executors of part of her Will. They are to transport her ashes to Mali, in western Africa and her final resting place is to be Timadjlalen, in the Saharan desert. And so begins Emily and Clemmie's adventure -- a journey that will be the most important of their lives. The start of this book, although interesting, seemed to read like most other 'general fiction' books that I've read. Thankfully that doesn't last for long, as the girls start their journey. The story strolls along at a leisurely pace, until suddenly I was finding it hard to put it down. It starts to grab hold of you, and by the end, I absolutely loved it, and didn't want it to end. The reasoning behind Mary's wishes remain a mystery until near the end, so you share the girls puzzlement along with them.. although there are some tantalising hints. As her story unfolds, it is interesting to witness the differences between the two time zones. The ending is possibly slightly predictable, but is still beautifully written, and rather emotional. It was at this point when I realised just how much I had grown to know the two girls,and how I felt I had shared their journey with them. This is another author that I shall be watching out for! Quote
Janet Posted February 28, 2008 Posted February 28, 2008 Great review, Michelle. *Adds to Amazon Wishlist* Quote
Louiseog Posted February 28, 2008 Posted February 28, 2008 I have this one its on the world book day list moving it up now! Quote
Inver Posted March 4, 2008 Posted March 4, 2008 Sounds good. What else has she written...the name sounds familiar? Quote
Michelle Posted March 4, 2008 Author Posted March 4, 2008 Amazon list here. I would quite like to try some more of hers. Quote
Inver Posted March 14, 2008 Posted March 14, 2008 Thought I had read one...Blackthorn Winter was the title. Can't remember much about it, but was probably enjoyable enough. Quote
Esiotrot Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 Great review Michelle, this book sounds really good - added to my wish list Quote
Michelle Posted March 16, 2008 Author Posted March 16, 2008 *Adds to Amazon Wishlist* Just added it to my amazon wish list added to my wish list It's really scary when people do this! You might all hate it! Quote
Janet Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 It's really scary when people do this! You might all hate it! LOL - I won't hold you personally responsible if I buy it and don't like it. Quote
Heather Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 :DIf we all have it at the same time we could start a book circle:D Quote
madcow Posted March 17, 2008 Posted March 17, 2008 Reserved a copy whilst at the library this morning, looking forward to it arriving . Quote
Michelle Posted March 22, 2008 Author Posted March 22, 2008 I'm running a little give away for Premium Members, to win a copy of this book. So if you've been considering it, maybe now's the time? Quote
Heather Posted March 22, 2008 Posted March 22, 2008 I have this book on my Amazon wish list would love a chance to win this book Quote
Weave Posted March 25, 2008 Posted March 25, 2008 Just added to my wish list too, don't be afraid Michelle Quote
Thistle Do Posted April 7, 2008 Posted April 7, 2008 mmm does sound good,..Ok tis on my wish list (which is quite long) But have a birthday in may Jo x Quote
madcow Posted April 17, 2008 Posted April 17, 2008 What a lovely book, by the time I was half way through I couldn't put it down and didn't realise how involved I was till hubby said 'What are you crying for?'! Don't get me wrong it's not sad just beautifully written. I'd recommend it to anyone Quote
Michelle Posted April 17, 2008 Author Posted April 17, 2008 Phew.. I'm so pleased someone else liked it! It does pull you in without your realising, doesn't it? Quote
madcow Posted April 17, 2008 Posted April 17, 2008 What can I say, yes it does pull you in and thanks for recommending it Michelle. It was just such a lovely story and left me wishing I could have the same sort of adventure. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.