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...
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
Follow Head of Zeus:
Twitter: @AriaFiction
Facebook: @AriaFiction
Instagram: @headofzeus
Website: www.headofzeus.com
Buy links:
Buy from Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3QaYSaG
Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JI97ku
This sounds lovely. I like a generational story.
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