I think we can well and truly say that Winter has arrived this week. With the drop in temperature and talk of potential snow around the corner, nothing seems more ideal than the evening one of our book club members had this week - time out after a hectic day, taking just an hour to herself to read more of our book of the month for November - ‘The Book Of Beginnings’ by Sally Page. As the light of the day gradually faded outside the window the book must have almost felt like a comfort blanket of escapism as the busy day slowly eased away and our reader’s thoughts were taken over by the life of Jo Sorsby. Jo is hiding from her past when she agrees to run her uncle’s beloved stationary shop. Friendships form with the customers who regularly visit her shop including Ruth, a vicar running from a secret and Malcolm, a septuagenarian still finding himself, and of course, Eric the Viking!
All of their stories play a part in changing Jo’s life. We enjoyed watching the relationships build as Jo slowly let them in and the playful teasing early on between Jo and Eric was fun.
We felt the book showed that sometimes friendships can be found in unexpected places and it reminded us to never pre-judge people and to always give people a chance.
We loved the interesting true facts that popped up throughout the book and most of the group were keen to find out more about some of the people mentioned in the book.
We had a chat about the book cover and wondered what the key would unlock and we think it probably signified Jo unlocking herself and letting people in or unlocking the beginning of friendships and fresh starts.
We felt the ending of the story was slightly predictable, BUT agreed that it HAD to end as it did! Overall, we felt it was a good book to read on holiday, whether that be in the sunshine by the pool, or taking time out for yourselves over the Christmas holidays with a lovely hot chocolate!
We awarded it a solid 3 stars!
Comments