Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell.

Arrow, May 2013.

London, 1920. Arlette works in Liberty by day, and by night is caughty up in a glamorous whirl of parties, clubs, cocktails and jazz. But when tragedy strikes she flees the city, never to return.

Over half a century later, in the grungy mid-’90s, her granddaughter Betty arrives in London.

She can’t wait to begin her new life. But before she can do so, she must find the mysterious woman named in her grandmother’s will.

What she doesn’t know is that her search will uncover the heartbreaking secret that changed her grandmother’s life, and might also change hers for ever…

Laura’s Verdict: 

It’s not a secret that I’m a fan of Lisa’s book ever since I discovered Ralph’s Party. So I was looking forward to reading Before I Met You (also, who could resist such a gorgeous cover?) This book didn’t disappoint. 

This book is more in the style of The Making Of Us than Vince & Joy or 31 Dream St.

I was engrossed from start to finish. The characters are well developed and written. Betty and Arlette go through many changes from the beginning of the book until the end and I can relate to that. I moved to London when I was in my early twenties so I could relate to their fear, excitement and concerns about being in a new city by yourself and like them, I learnt a lot about myself so it was nice when those memories were nudged.

Both the scenes in the 1920’s and 90’s were set out well. I liked Betty’s story but I found myself being drawn to Arlette’s chapters more. Lisa’s writing makes it so atmospheric. By the end, I was sad and happy all at the same time. One part in particular was heartbreaking.

The mystery drawn out in the plot made me want to turn the page to find out what happened.  I like a good mystery when I’m trying to work out what’s going to happen especially when I’m still surprised at the end. It makes you realize how little you can know about your Parents or Grandparents.

Some characters amazed me with their behavior and some are not what they seem.

Overall, I loved this book and I think it’s amongst one of my favourite offerings from Lisa Jewell.

Not that I wasn’t excited before but I am now very much looking forward to reading The House We Grew Up In. 

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.