Every Shade Of Happy by Phyllida Shrimpton

 

Algernon is at the end of his life.
His granddaughter is at the start of hers.
But they have more in common than they think...
 
Every day of Algernon's 97 years has been broken up into an ordered routine. That's how it's been since the war, and he's not about to change now.
 
Until his 15-year-old granddaughter arrives on his doorstep, turning Algernon's black-and-white life upside down. Everything from Anna's clothes to the way she sits glued to her phone is strange to Algernon, and he's not sure he likes it.
 
But as the weeks pass, Algernon is surprised to discover they have something in common after all – Anna is lonely, just like him. Can Algernon change the habits of a lifetime to bring the colour back into Anna's world?

My Review:

The intergenerational story of ninety-seven-year-old Algernon Edward Maybury and fifteen year old Anna (Algernon's granddaughter). A story told from both characters point of view, we start to see life from each perspective especially when both feel life isn’t going the way they thought.

I loved all the characters, from the initially grouchy Algernon, to Anna, Jacob next door and Helene – all so believable and real.

Algernon is all set in his ways and is a typical grouchy and grumpy old man, but we do see his softer, sweeter side as the book progresses. Its understandable that he is how he is because of his own upbringing. Anna is a teen who yearns for the life she has had to leave behind, her bright, colourful personality changes and something big is needed for both characters to break through the hard shells they have encased themselves in.

Algernon’s world is rocked with their arrival and initially it is awkward and difficult, they all need time and space to get to know and get used to each other. Jacob befriends Anna and plays an important part in her figuring out her new life.

A beautiful journey takes place with Jacobs help, both physically and figuratively for both characters and it’s fantastic to see how all grow as individuals, no matter of their age (Algernon) and that they really see one another, understanding them and supporting to live life.

A wonderful, emotional story that will stay with you for a long time afterwards. It’s written well and although it starts slowly, keep with it as you will not regret it.

About the author:

Phyllida Shrimpton obtained a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management, a career choice which was almost as disastrous as her cooking. Thankfully her love of books and writing led her to a new career as an author. Her young adult novel Sunflowers in February won the Red Book Award for YA Fiction in 2019. Having lived in London, The Netherlands and the Cotswolds with her husband, daughter, giant Saint Bernard and grumpy old terrier, she now lives on the Essex Coast in a place she likes to describe as being where the river meets the sea. Every Shade of Happy is her first adult novel.

Follow Phyllida:

Instagram: @phyllidashrimpton

Twitter: @shrimpyshrimpy1

#EveryShadeOfHappy

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Buy links:

Buy from Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3QaYSaG

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JI97ku