A delightful and easy read with heart.

Sybil has spent a lifetime writing letters to people. Some of the letters are to friends, family, authors of books she’s read, indeed anyone she feels deserves written correspondence.

Evans has crafted a story about Sybil and through those letters we glimpse into her life, loves and losses both past and present. The letters reveal a complex character which is compelling as it is enticing. Sybil built a life as a lawyer, divorced and raised three children. In her late seventies, we glimpse who she is and who she interacts with through her correspondence even down to thank you notes with her neighbour.

I love the story revealed in letters and have used them in my own writing. Sybil laments that with the internet, messaging and email, letter writing has all but died but she clings onto hers as it is part of her history, one which may be read by others in the future.

In my own case I hold precious letters between both sets of grandparents more than one hundred years ago and what a story those snippets tell. But they don’t give me a picture of my grandparents inner most feelings nor are they particularly reflective like Sybil’s letters.

There were only a couple of points when my attention waned with letters to people, I wasn’t that interested in eg the University Dean. There are a lot of characters and because I read this book quickly I kept up, but if you’re the sort of person who reads a chapter a week then you might get a little lost. The good news is that are no real chapters, just letters, some long and some just a few lines.

Nevertheless, this one is completely engaging and immersive.

There’s been a bit of hype around this one.

The story is about Jordan (not her real name) and her relationship with Sam and Yash. The three meet as students in their final year of college and they are serious about 17^th century Literature. Jordan begins a love affair with Sam but there is something unrequited with Yash. The story is in three parts and navigates their lives during school and thereafter.

A coming-of-age story it reminded me so much of Normal People by Sally Rooney but better in my opinion. The writing is good and I enjoyed the characters. The decisions they make shaped their lives with emotional consequences. The themes of love, betrayal and frustrating lack of communication together with jealously and deceit all make for riveting reading.

The only thing which readers may not be able to relate to is the 17th century literature which if you’re not familiar can be lost. It certainly did for me.

In fact this one was a page turner for me. I’ve heard it is a tear-jerker for many although not for me.

Check this one out.

I’ve read a spate of Irish authors in the last couple of years and here is another one to add to the list.

It’s a powerful story and if you’re looking for a tension packed novel then this one is for you.

Ciara, a mother with two small children lives with a controlling and emotionally abusive husband. In one impulsive moment of desperation, she hastily grabs some clothes, puts her children in the car and escapes from the family home. With no money, no home and no job she is adrift in a system difficult to navigate during Ireland’s housing crisis.

The themes of abuse, coercive control as well as systemic issues where women face an uphill battle just to feel safe and secure is played out well in this story.

There are a range of emotions from sympathy to outrage to helplessness. And while this may be set in Ireland these issues are certainly not isolated to that country. I’d suggest it’s endemic across the world where patriarchal systems fail to cater adequately for women who need help. The author has put this front and centre which is why this is a powerful novel, shortlisted for a number of prizes.

It’s not all doom and gloom though as Ciara finds support not just from her family but also friends who provide a crutch for her, emotional as well as physical. Heart-wrenching at times, it’s  a hopeful read.