I was really excited to be asked to review a secret release last month, and it wasan’t any old book, but a story by world famous comedienne, Dawn French!
How cool was that?
It was all a bit secretive, as it hadn’t been publicised that Dawn was releasing a new book, so I had to hold my review close to my chest… and, here it is, now the book, Because Of You, has been published.
But first, the blurb!
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock . . . midnight.
The old millennium turns into the new.
In the same hospital, two very different women give birth to two very similar daughters.
Hope leaves with a beautiful baby girl.
Anna leaves with empty arms.
Seventeen years later, the gods who keep watch over broken-hearted mothers wreak mighty revenge, and the truth starts rolling, terrible and deep, toward them all.
The power of mother-love will be tested to its limits.
Perhaps beyond . . .
Because Of You is Dawn French’s stunning new novel, told with her signature humour, warmth and so much love.
And my review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was extremely excited to be chosen to read an advanced copy of Dawn French’s new book, Because of You, having read all of her previous novels, and enjoyed them immensely.
The story centres around two women, due to give birth on New Year’s Eve/Day, 2000.
Anna, wife of wannabe politician Julian, and Hope, the girlfriend of gentle Isaac.
Tragedy surrounds both women, yet out of the despair, one baby, Minnie, emerges.
It took me a little while to really get into the book, but within a few pages, I was truly immersed in the story.
A story about mothers and daughters, and love that grows. How real relationships are formed. Matters of the heart.
Dawn French has created beautiful, rounded, characters, that cause you to either to care deeply about them, or want to throttle them (Julian, anyone?)
Every step of the way, I wondered when the truth would be exposed. I had an inkling, but I wasn’t sure.
The book is written from the point of view of Hope, Anna and Minnie, in turn, with snippets of Julian and Isaac too, giving you a complete picture of the thoughts of everyone throughout a surreal situation.
I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice to say, I had tears in my eyes by the end of the book. Absolutely wonderfully written.
Available at all good retailers.
Dawn French has been making people laugh for thirty years. On purpose.
As a writer, comedian and actor, she has appeared in some of the
UK’s most long running, cherished and celebrated shows, including
French and Saunders, The Comic Strip Presents …, Murder Most Horrid,
The Vicar of Dibley, Jam and Jerusalem, Lark Rise to Candleford, and more
recently, Roger and Val Have Just Got In.
But I Smile Anyway... 
Oct 17, 2020 @ 23:35:44
Sounds also very interesting, Sis! Great about having your review. Thank you! Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 18, 2020 @ 00:21:50
Thanks you, Bro!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 18, 2020 @ 12:49:06
🌷 Alway a great pleasure,Sis!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 21:23:52
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 08:59:52
It sounds great.
I wondered if she was involved in the writing of “The Trouble With Maggie Cole” – we absolutely loved that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 09:05:37
She is a talented woman 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 08:37:18
It sounds really good and exciting! 😊 Can’t wait to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 09:05:49
Well, I enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 11:49:17
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:15:54
Congratulations, sis! I know something like this is a big honor for you. The title made a song play in my head immediately… hehe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:19:59
He he! Thank you, Sis. I was very excited!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:25:47
I can imagine that so well, dear 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 06:44:20
awesome book review ritu! Loved it! 😍❤😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 06:47:33
Thank you Carol Anne. I hope you’re well 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:03:49
I am okay, thank you for asking I hope you are as well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:19:31
Crawling through to the last week of term. I can’t wait for next Friday when half term starts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:20:19
I bet you can’t wait 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 07:23:01
I really can’t!!
LikeLike
Oct 16, 2020 @ 04:31:31
I also love Dawn French you were so lucky to get an advance copy…I can’t wait to read it 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 16, 2020 @ 06:43:42
It took me a few pages to really get into it, but once I was there, it was brilliant! 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 15, 2020 @ 22:11:05
I love Dawn French and I’m sure the book is excellent. Lucky you to get an advance copy! Thanks for the great review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 15, 2020 @ 22:17:48
Thanks Darlene! Counting my blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 15, 2020 @ 21:28:57
That is awesome! She is hilarious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oct 15, 2020 @ 21:32:31
She is. This book isn’t comedy though, but still great x
LikeLike