Going Back Blog Tour – Review

Going Back by Rachael English.

How do you know where you belong?

In June 1988, Elizabeth Kelly’s parents think she belongs at home in Ireland. Her boyfriend is certain of it. Unwilling to settle down just yet, she decides to spend the summer in Boston with her college friends. But the next four months change all of them, especially Elizabeth. Quiet and dutiful at home, she surprises herself and everyone else by falling for Danny Esposito, a restless charmer with a troublesome family.

More than 20 years later with opportunities in Ireland scarce once again, a new generation looks to America, awakening memories of a golden summer for their parents. When a crisis occurs, Elizabeth returns to Boston where she is drawn back into the life she once lived. But will she be able to reconcile the dreams of her 20-year-old self with the woman she has become?

This book interested me when I read the blurb and it was a story I got engrossed in very quickly, reading it in almost one sitting. It does jump around a little between characters but once I was used to that, I flew through it.

Elizabeth sounds a little like me when I was her age in that I was a serious person so I could relate to that. Her behaviour is a little questionable and is something I am sure will cause you to be on her side, Danny’s or Liam’s. I know that I picked a side to start with and then questioned my choice as the book went on. I asked myself what I would do in Elizabeth’s situation.

I did prefer the first half to the second half. I think partly due to the nostalgia. I was only seven in 1988 but I can still remember some of the music etc. The 1988 section gave a little of a St Elmo’s Fire vibe which I liked. The first half had some feisty characters. Also, it was about Elizabeth finding herself and I wanted to know what would happen next especially between her and Danny.

The plot was compelling and there were some very funny lines too.

Michelle and Orla were great supporting characters and I would have loved to have seen more of their story although I get the feeling that would have made it a very long book. There was a nice ending to the book too (I won’t give too much away.)

Overall, it’s a great summer read if you want a good book for a beach or a nice day in the garden. I would recommend it. I loved it.

(Published by Orion, May 2014. Available in paperback and e-book.)

The tour continues tomorrow with Afternoon Bookery.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.