Lyrics For The Loved Ones- Review

 

Author: Anne Goodwin 

Publisher: Annecdotal Press

Publishing Date: 15th May 2023

Many thanks to the author for reaching out and my digital copy 

Blurb 

After half a century confined in a psychiatric hospital, Matty has moved to a care home on the Cumbrian coast. Next year, she’ll be a hundred, and she intends to celebrate in style. Yet, before she can make the arrangements, her ‘maid’ goes missing.

Irene, a care assistant, aims to surprise Matty with a birthday visit from the child she gave up for adoption as a young woman. But, when lockdown shuts the care-home doors, all plans are put on hold. 

But Matty won’t be beaten. At least not until the Black Lives Matter protests burst her bubble and buried secrets come to light.

Will she survive to a hundred? Will she see her ‘maid’ again? Will she meet her long-lost child?

My Thoughts

This book is well written as it is able to deliver a hard hitting storyline highlighting injustices and inequalities. yet the author is able to add some tactful humour. 

This book was interesting written the chapters alternate every so often between West Cumbria  and then to Bristol and Somerset. 

In west Cumbria we meet 99 year old Matty and In Bristol and Cumbria we come across Gloria who experiences an event that makes her question her surroundings. We also get to hear from Gloria's sons' Brendan and Timothy.  We meet many other characters such as a play on words Oh My Darling, Denise, Gloria Tim and a few more. We do get several different view points throughout the book, so sometimes you have to mindful who it is and gaining that thread again but all comes together really well. 

I liked how the author is able to navigate the reader into the mind of Matty. The confusion but realism of her day to day leading up to her birthday makes the book stand out.  It was interesting to read how different challenges posed for different people and how situations are handled. The author manages to go through some tough subject matters that make you pause and think. The story moves through the pandemic and lockdown and the impact it has on the characters.

I have read a few books from the author and really enjoyed them so if you haven't please give them a go!