Having grown up on the quiet island of Guernsey, Betty Dean can't wait to start her new life in London. On a mission to find Clara Pickle - the mysterious beneficiary in her grandmother's will - she arrives in grungy, 1990s Soho, ready for whatever life has to throw at her. Or so she thinks...
In 1920s bohemian London, Arlette - Betty's grandmother - is starting her new life in a time of post-war change. Beautiful and charismatic, Arlette is soon drawn into the hedonistic world of the Bright Young People. But less than two years later, tragedy strikes and she flees back to Guernsey for the rest of her life.
As Betty searches for Clara, she is taken on a journey through Arlette's extraordinary time in London, uncovering a tale of love, loss and heartbreak. Will the secrets of Arlette's past help Betty on her path to happiness?
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a really interesting read.
I loved the way Before I met you was told. It is the story of Arlette and her step granddaughter Betty. After Arlette dies Betty heads to London to find out more about her past and the mysterious people mentioned in Arlette's will that no one in the family have ever heard of. The story then unfolds in a split narrative following Betty on her discovery but often going back and following the story of Arelette in the 1920s. I loved getting this chance to look back at the past and finding out more as Betty herself did.
I actually really loved the main character in this book. I loved following her story as she arrived in London on her own adventure living in the middle of Soho and meeting all the variety of secondary characters she met along the way including nice guy John, rock star Dom and her other new friends. I also loved looking back at Arlette's story and seeing for myself the glamour and glitz for her adventure again living for the first time in the middle of London and meeting all the people she became friends with.
A well written and rich story which draws you in completely. I literally couldn't get it read fast enough and didn't want to put it down. A fab read and an author I will be seeking out to read more from
Comments