The Youngster by Bibi Berki - #bookreview

From a distance. they could have been the same age. Two older women, sitting on a park bench on an overcast late winter morning...

The Blurb

Georgie and her mother Cherry have had their ups and downs. But now they're devoted to each other – and when Cherry learns that she’s in the early stages of dementia, Georgie is with her every step of the way…

…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.

In turns deeply moving and deeply chilling, The Youngster is about one woman's spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by a damaged younger man.

My Review

This was a tense book to read, and it had me holding my breath at times.

The book begins with the main character, Georgie, feeling unwell as she sits on a park bench with her mother, Cherry, who has recently been diagnosed with dementia. They have a close relationship, and through Georgie's thoughts and reminiscences, we learn that Cherry has been a charismatic woman, who is feisty and very much knows her own mind.

When Georgie's illness turns into covid at an early point in the lockdown process, she is hospitalised and is very ill, leaving Cherry with no one to care for her. At least, this is Georgie's supposition when she is conscious but nothing could be further from the truth. The titular Youngster, has insinuated himself into Cherry's life and erected a barrier between her and her daughter. 

This made for fabulous reading. It was an utterly believable scenario and made for compelling reading. I could not put it down and I felt very invested in the story line.

The author wrote with authenticity of the empty streets during lockdown, along with the claustrophobic atmosphere of those who were locked inside within their bubbles. However, the thing that she accomplished so well was the gradual shift from dread and suspicion to Georgie's absolute horror of this man who she realises is coercively controlling her mother. What begins with the shock of her illness develops into something far more sinister with Cherry and the man she dubbed "The Youngster." 

There were points at which I questioned the reliability of Georgie as a narrator. She is frequently confused following her illness. Could she equally be confused concerning her mother's situation?

This is an outstanding book. It oozes with tension. The author has written very skillfully and laid out her story in a way which was engaging and edgy.  I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller written with literary style. If you want a book which will get under your skin, then this is the book for you.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1917090094

Publisher:  Deixis Press

Formats: e-book, hardcover and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  274 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Deixix Press

Blackwell's

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the Author

Bibi Berki is the author of novels, articles and podcasts, including psychological thrillers The Youngster and The Watch, and the film history series, The Kiss – The Women who made a Movie Masterpiece. She writes both fiction and non-fiction, and contributes to many sites and publications.

Bibi is based in South East London, where many of her stories are set. She is also the co-founder of Tempest Productions, which makes original audio stories.

You can also find Bibi at:

Author Website

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Instagram

Linked In

(ARC courtesy of the publicist)

(author photo and bio courtesy of the author's website)

(all opinions are my own)

Books I Read in June 2025

This month I went on holiday.  Two weeks in the glorious Lake District filled with good food, good books and good walks. In fact, my dog Roxie, is finding home walkies far inferior as there are no lakes in which she can paddle in the shallows!

We had a fabulous time and were able to sit in the sunshine with a good book or two. In fact, I have read several five star reads this month so it will be difficult to choose a favourite, but I will try.

What have you been reading this month? Anything you would think I might enjoy?

The Last Train to Freedom by Deborah Swift

I seldom give books of this type five stars, but this one fully deserves it for bringing something new and refreshing to the genre. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

Rainbows and Lollipops by Mo Fanning

This is a wonderful book about friendship and family that I enjoyed reading very much, and it earned a five star review from me. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

What Will Survive of Us by Howard Jacobson

I really struggled to like the characters in this book. Well written but I found it somewhat lacking.

Great and Horrible News: Murder and Mayhem in Early Modern Britain by Blessin Adams

I haven't had an opportunity to review this excellent non-fiction title yet. It was extremely well researched and put together. 

The Rabbi's Suitcase by Robert Kehlmann

This was an enjoyable book based on the discovery of the author of a cache of hidden letters and will appeal to those interested in Jewish history. You can find my mini review by clicking here.

Wartime Comes to the West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva

This was a really enjoyable read. My review won't be available until my stop on the blog tour on 25th July. Watch this space.

Libby and the Highland Heist by Jo Clarke

This is another book by my granddaughter's favourite author. It's a really enjoyable continuation of the Libby series.

A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant

An enjoyable book in the cosy crime genre. My review of this book will be up on 3rd July.

Ladies Lunch and Other Stories by Lore Segal

I really wanted to enjoy this book of interconnected stories but alas, the book didn't live up to my hopes.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

This was very different to anything I have read recently. I enjoyed it and my review is scheduled for the 8th July.

The Heirloom by Julie Brooks

Probably my favourite read this month.  It had everything that I love in a book. It is a dual timeline narrative, being set in both 1821 and 2024. Consequently, historical fiction runs alongside a contemporary narrative. I loved it. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor

This was a gripping and engaging novel which I really loved, and it's about three sisters who are running the family bakery.  If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

Women in Lockdown by The Wayfinder Woman Trust

The book is full to the brim with the writing, artwork and photographs of women in lockdown.   If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

Women in Lockdown - Ed. by Wayfinder Woman #bookreview

 

This beautiful and by turns, poignant, powerful, sad and amusing book you hold in your hands came about by accident. It is the culmination of an unexpected and topsy turvy 18-month journey into, through and, we hope, beyond the Covid-19 pandemic that swept the globe...

***

The Blurb

When the UK entered lockdown in the Spring of 2020 a call went out from The Wayfinder Woman Trust for ordinary women's voices to be heard so that they could feel supported, connected and valued. They asked women to communicate their hopes, fears and experiences of the pandemic so their stories could be told.

Now experience these extra-ordinary women's responses in this unique collection of stories, poems, diary entries and artwork, sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous and often uplifting. Their voices will not be forgotten but live on for future generations in this inspiring book.

My Review

Recently, I was fortunate enough to meet Laura Murphy when she came to speak at my Women's Institute meeting. Laura is the founder of The Wayfinder Woman charity and she was fascinating to listen to. So, I am very happy to be writing a short review of this book, which they have published.

The book is full to the brim with the writing, artwork and photographs of women in lockdown. The artwork in itself is testament to the talents that we women possess. For many, lockdown gave women the opportunity to express themselves creatively in a way that they perhaps had not had time to do before. The artworks appear in several medias; painting, textile and photographic. There are several inspiring examples in the book.

The writing is in many different forms also. Prose, diary entries, poetry and even as the minutes taken during a meeting. The writings portray the frustrations and challenges they faced. However, there are many that saw the time as an opportunity to put in place the things that they had been putting off.

The collection of experiences has been well put together and it was interesting to read how other women coped with the lockdown situation. You will find the good and the bad portrayed here, all of which were fascinating to read.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1838102210

Publisher:  Thought Centre Publishing

Formats:  Paperback

No. of Pages:  202

Purchase Link

Wayfinder Woman

About the Wayfinder Woman Charity

Wayfinder Woman is a charity run by women for women. They are an organisation that provides support and resources to women of working age who need help.

Their vision is to empower every woman to live a life of confidence, skill, and strength to create the life that she desires.

Their mission is to have a positive social impact on the women and communities they serve. Their purpose is to give women access to the resources, networks and assistance they need to build and maintain their lives.

You can find them at:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

(book courtesy of The Wayfinder Woman)

(all opinions are my own)

Newborn: Running Away, Breaking From the Past, Building a New Family by Kerry Hudson - #bookreview

 

When I go back into the bathroom there it is. No more than a whisper, a shadow of a second line. A life changed in a 1mm by 2mm blush of pink. I call Peter in and we stare, shining a phone torch light on it. I laugh and cry all at once...

***

In Newborn, prizewinning writer Kerry Hudson navigates trying to build a nourishing, safe and loving family - without a blueprint to work from

Kerry Hudson is celebrated for her emotionally and politically powerful writing about growing up in poverty. Her books and journalism have changed the conversation and touched countless lives.

In this new book she asks: what next, after a childhood like hers? What hope is there of creating a different life for herself, let alone future generations? We see how Kerry found love, what it took to decide to start a family of her own and how fragile every step of the journey towards parenthood was. All along the way, she faces obstacles that would test the strongest foundations, from struggles with fertility to being locked down in a Prague maternity hospital to a marriage in crisis. But over and over again, her love, hope, fight -- and determination to break patterns and give her son a different life -- win through and light her path.

Newborn is a beautiful, empowering memoir about creating a family in the midst of chaos, and learning new ways to find happiness. It continues the journey Kerry started in her bestselling memoir Lowborn, illuminating her experiences of becoming a mother, reshaping her future and reclaiming her identity.

***

I have not read the author's previous book, Lowborn, but there was sufficient reference to it during this book for me to pick up the gist. Having now read Newborn I would definitely like to go back and read her earlier work.

Kerry Hudson is a remarkable woman who has overcome great difficulties in her life. This is a brilliantly honest memoir. Not many of us would be brave enough to share our vulnerabilities in the way that she has and she is to be admired for it.

In Newborn, she has written a candid and authentic account of the challenges of pregnancy and new motherhood whilst trying to deal with personal illness in a foreign country. In fact, her descriptions of living in Prague are vibrant and imbue the book with life and colour. The difficulties of living as an expat whilst pregnant and during the pandemic were not insignificant as Ms. Hudson describes her experience extremely well.

She is an excellent writer and has honed her skill as a journalist. She tells her story succinctly and without sentimentality. She writes with intelligence and integrity and I highly recommend this book.

ISBN:  978 1784744991

Publisher:  Chatto & Windus

Formats:  e-book, audio and hardback

No. of Pages:  272 (hardback)

About the Author:

Kerry Hudson was born in Aberdeen. Her first novel, TONY HOGAN BOUGHT ME AN ICE-CREAM FLOAT BEFORE HE STOLE MY MA was published in 2012 by Chatto & Windus (Penguin Random House) and was the winner of the Scottish First Book Award while also being shortlisted for the Southbank Sky Arts Literature Award, Guardian First Book Award, Green Carnation Prize, Author’s Club First Novel Prize and the Polari First Book Award. Kerry’s second novel, THIRST, was published in 2014 by Chatto & Windus and won France’s most prestigious award for foreign fiction the Prix Femina Étranger. It was also shortlisted for the European Premio Strega in Italy. Her books are also available in the US (Penguin), France (Editions Philippe Rey), Italy (Minimum Fax) and Turkey.

Her book and memoir, LOWBORN, takes her back to the towns of her childhood as she investigates her own past and what it means to be poor in Britain today. It was a Radio 4 Book of the Week, a Guardian and Independent Book of the Year. It was longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and Portico Prize and shortlisted in the National Book Token, Books Are My Bag Reader’s Awards and the Saltire Scottish Non-Fiction Book of the Year.

(book courtesy of the publisher)

(all opinions are my own)

Maybe It's About Time by Neil Boss - #Bookreview #Blogtour @WriteReadsTours @iamneilboss #maybeitsabouttime #neilboss

 

The concourse at Waterloo Station was rammed as Marcus Barlow emerged from the warm cocoon of the Underground like a pupating moth. Thousands of Monday evening commuters were awaiting their fate at the hands of South Western Trains. He took his AirPods out of their case. For years he had resisted, insisting they looked like hearing aids. Now they were as much a part of his uniform as his Cartier cufflinks and Ferragamo tie.

His smartphone came to life. A picture of his family taken the previous year on holiday in the Maldives. Four tanned bodies, squinting into the sun waist-deep in a turquoise ocean. A happy picture taken at a happy time...

***

Two people trapped in their different worlds. One by wealth and one by poverty. Twenty years working for The Firm has given Marcus Barlow everything he wants but has taken his soul in return. Finding a way to leave has become an obsession.

Claire Halford’s life hits rock bottom when she is caught stealing food from Tesco Express. Left alone by her husband with two small children and an STI, her suicide music is starting to play louder in her head.

A chance meeting brings them together. As a mystery virus from China starts to run riot across the country, their world’s collide and they find they have more in common than they knew.

Set in the early months of 2020, Maybe It’s About Time is a story about the difficulty of changing lives for the better. Starting as a funny and satirical view of the egocentric world of professional services, it gives way to a heart-warming story of an unlikely friendship that rejuvenates Marcus and Claire, giving them both hope for a better future.

***

There is something original about this book, and it kept me completely hooked. Set during the run up to, and during the pandemic lockdown it was so much more than a novel of 'unprecedented times'. 

There were some marvellous characters in this novel. The main characters, Marcus and Claire were both well drawn and utterly believable. However, the author does an equally good job with the secondary characters. I loved Mr Mahoney and Claire's other neighbours. Equally, Marcus' family were well portrayed.

I laughed at the way Marcus' colleagues were depicted as soulless human beings and it was a joy to see him come to understand his role within this. It was no surprise to discover that Mr. Boss has worked in the corporate sector and I suspect that much of himself is reflected in Marcus.

The novel is about self-evaluation, and questions what constitutes a family. It was also about friendship and how it can occur in the most unlikely of places and situations.

It is a fairly lengthy novel at just over 500 pages but it was worth every page and I flew through it. It was both heartwarming and funny whilst dealing with a serious subject. I did not anticipate the ending, and I cannot wait to read the sequel when it is published.

ISBN:  978 1803135038

Publisher:  Matador

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  552 (paperback)

Support Independent Bookshops - Buy from Bookshop.org *

About the Author:

Neil retired from a career in the corporate world in November 2019 with three objectives. To travel around the world and fly fish in the most exotic locations, to play his electric guitar better and to write a novel that he could be genuinely proud of. The pandemic and lockdown in March 2020 put his first two objectives on hold leaving him no option but to start writing. Two and half years later, Maybe It's About Time, his first novel, was published.

As a piece of work, he is incredibly proud of it. It makes him laugh and cry in equal measure. He is even more proud that readers seem to be enjoying it just as much and it is getting great reviews.

Travel and fly fishing has now started again, his guitar playing is improving and a sequel to Maybe It's About Time is planned to start in 2023!

Support Independent Bookshops - Buy from Bookshop.org *

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

(book provided courtesy of The Write Reads)

Lyrics for the Loved Ones by Anne Goodwin - #BookReview

Matty would have have stayed snug in her room with her precious belongings around her, but she hates to disappoint Oh My Darling. Whereas some maids are brassy, Oh My Darling was born to serve. Matty panders to her whims, no matter how outlandish, rewarding her docility as the Lord bestows His blessing on the meek.

As the maid hooks her arm to lift her from the chair, Matty hears coughing in the corridor. "Is this a fire drill?" That would account for Oh My Darling's haste.

Oh My Darling cocks her head in that charming manner of hers "Can't smell no smoke. Can't hear no alarm. Can you?

Matty cannot...

***

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?

Rooted in injustice, balanced with humour, this is a bittersweet story of reckoning with hidden histories in cloistered times.

***

This book is a sequel to Matilda Windsor is Coming Home. It is a fantastic book which I can't recommend highly enough. Although Lyrics for the Loved Ones works perfectly well as a standalone novel you will enjoy it all the more if you familiarise yourself with the main character, Matty, before doing so. If you would like to read my review of Matilda Windsor is Coming Home you can do so by clicking here.

Ms. Goodwin has also written a prequel. Stolen Summers was an equally great read and you can read my review by clicking here.

Lyrics for the Loved Ones provided me with the wonderful opportunity to spend more time in Matty's company. She is a wonderful character, who has been misunderstood all of her life, been incarcerated in a mental institution for having a baby out of wedlock and we now find her living in Cumbria in a care home. I have read many, many books over the years and Matty remains one of my favourite characters.

As ever, the author writes with intelligence, understanding and sensitivity. Her prose is beautiful to read, and she has carefully placed every single word. There is no waffle, not a word is wasted. It is a delight to read.

This particular book is set during the covid pandemic and it follows Matty and those connected with her. It is written with poignancy as well as moments of humour amidst such challenging circumstances.

I have read almost all of the books which Anne Goodwin has written and with each one I have observed her writing become more accomplished. She has become one of my favourite authors, and I wholeheartedly recommend them.

ISBN: 978 1739145026

Publisher:  Anecdotal Press

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages: 345 (paperback)

About the Author:

Anne Goodwin’s drive to understand what makes people tick led to a career in clinical psychology. That same curiosity now powers her fiction.

Anne writes about the darkness that haunts her and is wary of artificial light. She makes stuff up to tell the truth about adversity, creating characters to care about and stories to make you think. She explores identity, mental health and social justice with compassion, humour and hope.

An award-winning short-story writer, she has published three novels and a short story collection with small independent press, Inspired Quill. Her debut novel, Sugar and Snails, (my review can be found here) was shortlisted for the 2016 Polari First Book Prize. Lyrics for the Loved Ones is her fourth novel.

Away from her desk, Anne guides book-loving walkers through the Derbyshire landscape that inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.

Available to purchase from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Books to Read

The Guinea Pig Chronicles by Patricia Maxwell Watts - #BookReview

 

Fluffy was a guinea pig, but not just any guinea pig! He was young, clever, brave and adventurous. If Fluffy had been a man, he would have been an explorer. Fluffy lived with Minky, another guinea pig, in a hutch in the garden belonging to the human family. Fluffy didn't think his name reflected his personality at all, but it had been given to him by his human mum, so he didn't really mind. Minky was older than Fluffy, and not quite as clever, so Fluffy felt it was his responsibility to look after Minky.

***

Do you ever wonder about your pets and what adventures they may get up to? What they might experience when you're not around? And, finally, where you'd be without them?

The Guinea Pig Chronicles is based on the lives and adventures of six real life guinea pigs, owned by the author and her family over a period of twenty years.

Fluffy was a brave explorer, and rescued his friend from the jungle garden. Hamish was beautiful, but very unlucky. What he experienced shows how brave he was as well. A sore eye, sunstroke and toothache meant he got to know the vet very well! Jynesse was named after a well-known health drink, and ‘narrowly escaped’ becoming a celebrity. Winter and her friend experienced snow for the first time - and met Father Christmas! Autumn was a born mother and fulfilled her destiny by meeting handsome Valentino. Two became seven after the arrival of five beautiful baby guinea pigs. Stripey was one of Autumn’s babies and stayed with Autumn when the other babies found new homes. Finally, Stripey was special because she was the ‘last one’.

Each of the stories also shows how, when caring for a pet, human beings learn some valuable and important lessons. With charming illustrations by Katie John to accompany the stories, The Guinea Pig Chronicles is perfect for 7 - 9 year olds or anybody who loves guinea pigs!

***

I do not often review children's books but as a lover of guinea pigs I could not resist reading this one.

I am so glad that I decided to as this is a delightful little book. It is a collection of individual stories based on the lives of guinea pigs that have belonged to the author over the years. The author tells the stories in a way that made me feel as though she were telling me a bedtime story.

Supported by charming pencil drawn illustrations, this book will please both children and grown ups alike who have a fondness for our cavy friends.

ISBN:  978 1803135236

Publisher:  Matador

Formats:  e-book and hardcover

No. of Pages:  64 (hardcover)

About the Author:

Patricia Maxwell Watts is a seventy-four year old widow. She was born in 1947, and attended the Convent of the Sacred Hearts school in Epsom.

Over the last fifty years she has worked for an airline, an executive hotel, a further education college, and a well-known health care company. She retired from the latter after 21 years, in 2017.

She married her chef/musician husband (now deceased) in 1969, and their son was born in 1978. The Guinea Pig Chronicles is dedicated to him.

Patricia enjoys reading, swimming, 80s music and cooking. She is a sun worshipper, and loves Kefalonia, a Greek island. She once owned a Morgan sports car, and drove it every day for eleven years.

The idea for The Guinea Pig Chronicles came to her while sunbathing in the back garden during the long hot summer of the first lockdown in 2020.

(ARC courtesy of NetGalley)

(Author bio and info courtesy of Troubador Publishing)

Reading Roundup - May 2022

 

May has been a mixed month for me. We were finally able to take a long needed holiday. My husband and I packed up the car with the dog and a pile of books, and headed off to spend a week in Yorkshire followed by a week in Lincolnshire.

Yorkshire is a beautiful county and we had a wonderful week there. The photograph above is one that I took at the library in Cottingham. I love to visit libraries when I visit other parts of the country.

Our week in Lincolnshire got off to a great start. Our accommodation was beautiful and we were surrounded by yellow rape seed fields. It was stunning. Unfortunately, part way through this week we both contracted covid which was far from ideal. 

However, regardless of that, it was wonderful to get away for a while to two such beautiful parts of the country. It was so good to relax with our books and we had some lovely walks with the dog. We are back home now, refreshed and recovered and looking forward to a new month ahead.

Books I Have Read This Month

Still Life by Sarah Winman - this was my book group choice this month. I adored everything about this book.

Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon - a nice cosy read which was ideal for holiday reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga - this has been languishing on my TBR for so long. It was my favourite book this month and you can read my review by clicking here.

The Shocking Price of a Pair of Shoes by Andy Tilley - The premise of the book was interesting but I didn't enjoy it much.

A Rip in the Veil by Anna Belfrage - This did not work for me either.

Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen by Alison Weir - I am enjoying this series of books. My review is written and will be up very soon.

Tell Me Everything by Laura Kay - I enjoyed reading this very much and you can read my review by clicking here.

Tearoom on the Bay by Rachel Burton - This was my first foray into audio books in decades and I really enjoyed it. 

The Ascension of Mary by William West - An interesting story with chapters being told by three generations of a family.

Tea at the Palace by Carolyn Robb - This is a lovely book full of recipes fit for a Queen. I will be uploading my review for this in the next few days.

Books I Did Not Finish

Munich by Robert Harris

Books I am Partway Through

A History of Herbalism: Cure, Cook and Conjure by Emma Kay

A Silent Voice Speaks by Trishna Singh

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore

Hope: a History of the Future by G.G. Kellner