My dearest friend,
If you are reading this, then I am dead!
A little melodramatic, but please indulge my dear deceased heart. And it's not as if we didn't know it was coming...
The Blurb
Three former friends. One last request. The journey of a lifetime!
In life, Norman George – passionate knitter, excellent friend and secret youtube sensation – liked nothing better than a good laugh. And, it seems, he gets the last laugh even in death, because at his funeral, he invites his three closest friends to scatter his ashes in a place close to his heart, the Shetland Islands. The only issue is, while Bridget, Gloria and Derek might have loved Norman, they can’t stand each other.
So it’s with trepidation that the eclectic trio set off in their minivan on the ferry to Lerwick, each harbouring their own reason for wanting to grant Norman this last request. But as storm clouds roll in over the Shetland Islands, all of them are about to discover that some secrets are best shared, and that even after death, good friendship can change everything…
My Review
When I was offered the opportunity to read this book as part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance. Back in January, I read Kate Galley's book, The Old Girls' Chateau Escape. I loved that one, so was very keen to take up this opportunity. The link to my review can be found via the title.
There are few books which could be so instantly appealing to me: a trio of older characters and knitting. When Norman passes away, he leaves each of his three friends a letter. Gloria, Bridget and Derek were all former colleagues of Norman. Unbeknownst to the trio, Norman had become a successful knitting YouTuber during the last few years following an accident at work which forced him to retire.
He asks the three of them to take his ashes and scatter them at the most northern part of the Shetland Islands. This is a huge undertaking for the three of them, who feel some animosity towards one another. However, for Norman's sake, they decide to honour his last wishes and set off to do so.
This was a fabulous book which was both light-hearted and tender. The author has created three wonderful characters. None of them are prepared for the adventure ahead, and this made for fun reading. They are each flawed, complex and relatable, and they come alive vividly on the page.
Indeed, the setting of the Shetland Islands is every bit as important a character as the trio. It is beautifully described, and the author's descriptions of the landscape and weather were visceral. I am sure that anyone who reads this book will be left with a longing to visit there themselves.
I was sorry to finish this book as I so enjoyed spending time with Gloria, Bridget and Derek on their adventure in the Shetland Islands. It was an entertaining read whilst dealing with themes of guilt, forgiveness and friendship.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book, or indeed anything else by this author. I am definitely intending to delve into some of her other books.
Book Details
ISBN: 978 1835338834
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Formats: e-book, audio, hardback and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)
No. of Pages: 264 (paperback)
Purchase Links
About the Author
Kate Galley is the author of uplifting golden years fiction, including The Second Chance Holiday Club. She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser.
You can also find Kate at:
(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)
(all opinions are my own)
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