Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Sally Hepworth, with the audiobook narrated by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!
Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is eighty-one years old. She's lived on Kenny Lane for sixty years and is known as the local curmudgeon. When a new little girl, Persephone, moves into the neighborhood, she instantly befriends Elsie. But unfortunately, Elsie's past comes rearing back and her old nickname of Mad Mabel come back as well. Elsie eventually agrees to do a YouTube interview about her past.
I'm a huge fan of Sally Hepworth's books, but I think this is my absolute favorite. What characters she has created in both Elsie and Persephone - they captured my heart. It's wonderful when older women are portrayed as strong, capable, and sassy to boot. I liked how the story is told - in the Now chapters, we meet Elsie where she is, but we learn how she got there in the Then chapters. You will be hard pressed not to shed a tear or two. It's heartbreaking, charming, emotional and just a fabulous mystery with the most amazing characters. Have I gushed enough? This is a must read, although the audiobook's narration was so wonderful, that I would probably recommend listening to it.
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