Book Reviews

‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.’ Alan Bennett

“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka

Wednesday 14 August 2013

A Heart Bent Out of Shape - Emylia Hall




I thought The Book of Summers was a beautifully written debut novel by a gifted new writer, and this captivating second novel by Emylia Hall confirms that talent.

Hadley Dunn is studying English at University, her life quiet and contented, when she discovers there is the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland. She’s still living happily at home, yet, realising this would be a year of freedom and opportunity for her, she grasps it. There she becomes firm friends with Kristina, an enigmatic Danish student. However, one snowy evening there is tragedy. Hadley turns in her anguish to Joel, her American Literature professor, with whom she feels a connection and a shared passion for Hemingway. As they join forces to unravel the mystery of what happened, their relationship looks set to develop beyond the bounds of friendship.

Emylia Hall writes beautiful prose and through her compelling narrative she captures that sense of curiosity and excitement experienced in spending a year overseas when you are young and eager, and the world feels so ripe for discovery and promises new experiences.

The beautiful, enchanting setting of Lausanne is vividly evoked; the lake, the mountains, the people were all conjured up as I read, and the place holds a charismatic presence over the tale.

I had a year abroad myself and I think the author captures this experience wonderfully. I believed in Hadley’s world utterly and felt her sheer delight and her terrible sadness. I was drawn into the characters’ lives, from handsome, damaged Joel, to wise old Hugo.

This is a poignant coming-of-age story of first love, desire, friendship, tragedy, grief and self-discovery in a stunning location.


Published by Headline - 12th September 2013

Originally reviewed for We Love This Book; thanks to them and to the publisher for the chance to read a proof copy of this novel in advance of publication. 

You can follow the author on twitter @EmyliaHall and visit her website here.

10 comments:

  1. This sounds interesting, I will add it to my wishlist!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Kate! Glad you like the sound of this novel.

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  2. Lovely review Lindsay - looking forward to reading this one. I loved the Book of Summers

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    1. Thanks for commenting Josie. I hope you enjoy this one too, look forward to your thoughts. I remember you loved TBOS too.

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  3. Sounds brilliant. I loved The Book of Summers and look forward to reading this. Great review, Lins!

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Treez. I hope you like this one as much as TBOS .

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  4. What a pretty cover!
    There is something we just can't resist about a good story set during the college years.

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    1. Lovely isn't it. Definitely, this took me right back. Thanks for commenting Lindsey.

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  5. I love enchanting stories and this sounds great! Lovely written review :)

    http://laurenslittleblogs.blogspot.co.uk/
    xx

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