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Lyrics for the Loved Ones is in a league of its own
I’m truly honoured that book blogger Veronika Jordan loved Lyrics for the Loved Ones. In fact, it’s one of her favourite books of the year: At times very emotional, at others filled with warmth and humour, it’s so beautifully written, it’s stunning. It will stay with me for a long time and is one of…
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A mature, sensitive portrayal of a life equally squandered and well lived
I was immediately impressed by the author’s ability to convey exactly what her characters are thinking and feeling. Equally skilful is the use of dialect to create both setting and character. Linda Hill
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Written with insight and sensitivity
Thanks to Cathy Ryan for this wonderful review. Anne Goodwin portrays Matty beautifully and in a way that endears her to the reader, both in the confusion of her thoughts and also the rarer moments of clarity. Her skull is a cutting room, celluloid clippings strewn across the floor. She plunges in, gathers armfuls, splices…
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It is a delight to read
The title is a quote from Annie’s review of Lyrics for the Loved Ones, but also applies to the author’s (i.e. my) response to discovering such positive reviews. Here’s a quote from Left on the Shelf book blog: I have read many, many books over the years and Matty remains one of my favourite characters.…
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Vividly illuminates recent inequalities, with humour and humanity
Caroline Lodge, co-author of The New Age of Ageing and Retiring with Attitude, has been on a quest to find books that depict older people, especially older women, as real humans, with the full range of emotions and experiences. She has now reviewed over sixty, and has also questioned assumptions about older women writers, on…
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Chatty novel of interesting characters and life
“There is a lot going on in this novel, which was a little overwhelming at times, however the inclusion of the impact of recent events (such as the Windrush scandal) on the lives of ordinary people, got me talking to others about this book – which is always a good sign!” Read Emma’s review.
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An evocative and uplifting journey
I’m truly honoured that book blogger Yvonne Gill has taken such care with her review of Lyrics for the Loved Ones. Not only has she beautifully articulated her response to the novel – both her reservations and appreciation – she’s shared some of her favourite quotes from the text. I’m delighted that, overall, she found…
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Parent-child relationships are an integral theme
I’m delighted to reference Stephanie Jane’s thoughtful review of Lyrics for the Loved Ones. “Matty herself is a lovely character to spend time with and I loved being part of her world.” Read the full review on My World Reads
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Matty is the cement that binds it all together
Here’s a taster of a lovely new review of Lyrics for the Loved Ones. Click the link below to read the full review. Anne Goodwin has the knack of striking that balance between injecting an element of lightheartedness into the narrative without diffusing the gravity of the situations. Neither does any one thrust swamp another.…
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Weaves together a symphony of voices
On the eve of publication, I’m pleased to share another review of Lyrics for the Loved Ones. Jennie Rosenblum has picked out the themes of identity, love, loss, and the power of music for special mention, along with Matty’s alternative nomenclature. Read her full review here
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A witty but emotional tale
I’m pleased to share another blogger review of Lyrics for the Loved Ones. Follow the link to see what Jenny Lou has to say about my latest novel.
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I have laughed and I have cried
I’m delighted to share an extract from Judith Barrow’s review of my novel, Lyrics for the Loved Ones. None of us live in a vacuum; what goes on within our communities, and in the wider world, affects us. This is the same for Anne Goodwin’s characters. This story is set against the background of the…
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You’re never too old to become whole again
You can read the review in full here: A microcosm of recent British society and international current affairs as portrayed by an assortment of unique individuals and a collection of families that are anything but traditional. Matty, one of the most memorable and heart-wrenching protagonists I’ve met, comes into her own for her centenary, surviving…
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I’m blown away by this review of Stolen Summers
I’m truly honoured by this fabulous review from Judith Barrow, an author whose novels about the challenges facing families I very much admire. Here are just a few of her kind words – pop along to her blog to read the full account. “I admire this author’s writing style and her ability to draw the…