Having read the other books concentrating on the character of Matilda, I looked forward to this one brought into the recent past. This five star reard is a captivating novel that weaves together a symphony of voices. Anne Goodwin has a talent for crafting distinct voices and telling compelling stories. Her cast of characters varies greatly and deals with profound themes. Each character is authentically developed, allowing readers to have a deep connection with their unique struggles. Themes of identity, love, loss, and the power of music are explored and entwined through the characters.

The author’s creative use of language when dealing with the thoughts inside Matilda’s head were the highlight of each of these books and really gave the reader a chance to connect the dots, so to speak. For example Matilda calls one group the welder’s – these are the staff who are wearing the protective face covering of plastic that covers their entire face, similar to a welder’s face covering.

I enjoy this author and her ability to show readers the inside of mental issues with heart and a touch of humor.

For more about this author and all her books, CLICK HERE.

SUMMARY

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.

‘a smartly constructed, engaging and compassionate story about family, humanity and ‘lost loss’ ALISON MOORE, Booker prize shortlisted author of The Lighthouse

‘one of the best books I’ve ever read … a very funny and a hugely emotional read’ ALEX CRAIGIE, author of Someone Close to Home

‘vividly illuminates recent inequalities, with humour and humanity’ CAROLINE LODGE, Bookword

‘the author writes with intelligence, understanding and sensitivity’ ANNIE ELLIOTT, Left on the Shelf Book Blog

‘runs the whole gamut of emotions… one of the most memorable and heart-wrenching protagonists I’ve met’ OLGA NÚŇEZ MIRET, psychiatrist, author and translator

‘a well written, chatty book, with great characters’ EMMABBOOKS