Engaging book about a neighborhood that has a life of its own. There are tragic events that occur, and some not-so-tragic events the seem to get blown out of proportion but none the less, have a major impact on the neighborhood.
Gracie is 10 years old, with best friend Tilly by her side through most of the book. They decide they want to find God, so they interview their neighbors to see if they can find Him. Meanwhile, there are back stories involving the events that have impacted everyone.
My favorite character was Eric, perhaps because he was the most level-headed of the group. And he seemed to be most patient with the girls and their questions.
Delightful story, very well written as debut novel for Joanna Cannon. I'll watch for new books from her.
Gracie is 10 years old, with best friend Tilly by her side through most of the book. They decide they want to find God, so they interview their neighbors to see if they can find Him. Meanwhile, there are back stories involving the events that have impacted everyone.
My favorite character was Eric, perhaps because he was the most level-headed of the group. And he seemed to be most patient with the girls and their questions.
Delightful story, very well written as debut novel for Joanna Cannon. I'll watch for new books from her.
I gave up on this. Didn't care for the child narrator at all: wildly veered between being "cute & childlike" (please note air quotes, I'm being sarcastic) and then suddenly profound & wise beyond years. Set in Britain, in the long, hot summer of 1976, the best the author could do with this was to remind you, at least once per page, that "it was hot." Did I mention it was hot? And random references to foods from the 70s now considered naff. (Angel Delight. Garibaldi biscuits ...) But there was no real depth to the setting -- I moved to the UK in 1976, and I remember that unusually hot summer very well. (Remember innocently saying to my husband "Gosh, are summers always like this?" He almost did himself an injury laughing ...)
