Publicataion June 11, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. This is my first Clare Pooley book but it won't be my last. She does an amazing job of mixing humorous moments with heartfelt ones, never letting us lose track of either. From the hilarious opening scene on the bus/van to the very end, it held my attention completely and, more telling, kept me thinking about the story even when I wasn't reading. There's even an adorable dog, not to mention memorable senior citizens, a teenage father who had lost hope and his charming daughter that he is raising alone.
The senior citizens, though, they dominate and I mean that in a marvelous way. Viewpoints switch, so we get to not only see most in action but see their innermost thoughts, hopes, and fears. As older citizens, most feel ignored, even invisible, and it's a delight to see the impromptu group responding to Lydia's meeting notice come together and bond for a cause: the need to save the sadly in need of repair community center. Oh, did I mention that having a collapsing ceiling fall on you can be fatal? Yep, that's one of the bizarre happenings. In any case, coming together isn't easy. None of them are particularly gregarious. Daphne and Art, who is estranged with his daughter, clash immediately. Ironically , they met beforehand on the street when Daphne, after years of isolation, went out to prepare to make friends. Let's just say, she was anything but friendly. Daphne is a bit of a mystery but with obvious organizational skills and the gumption to stand face-to-face with obstacles and those who'd oppose their efforts to save Mandel Community Center. She's the catalyst.
While some of their efforts and the resulting antics might not be orthodox, it does get them noticed. They even combine forces with the neighboring daycare center to present what must have surely been one of the most entertaining Nativity plays around. A mobility scooter as a donkey? Maggie the dog as a sheep? You'll meet the children involved, too, including teen father Ziggy's lovely daughter as the Baby Jesus. Hey, she was the only one young enough to fit the part. The childcare center is his lifeline, allowing him to, hopefully, finish school and, assuming the "bad guys" don't end him first, maybe, just maybe go on to college with the help of a teacher who still believes in him, as does the mysterious Daphne.
And, just when things are finally going smoothly....well, I'm not telling, but it's one of those moments when hilarity and pathos collide. There are so many, from Lydia dealing with a worthless husband to the mystery yarn bomber, not that it's much of a mystery to readers. I probably felt more connection to Lydia than the others, sympathizing with her insecurities galore even without the complication of a worthless, cheating husband, but Daphne made the story. She's tough, outspoken, and retains that air of mystery throughout the book. Her story isn't fully revealed until near the end, but don't skip ahead. Too many heartwarming moments, often combined with belly laughs. Hopes and dreams are reborn, and this incredible group of senior citizens find themselves no longer ignored.
Heck, there is even romance in the air. Romance, cute dog and baby, scenes that might provoke belly laughs and/or sad eyes/tears, and hope for tomorrow. Old age may slow them down but they are determined to live their best lives without being relegated to the shadows. Bottom line, I've only touched the surface of the plot. So much happening. So many human emotions. So much sadness....and joy. These are characters that are going to stay with me for a long time. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #PenguinGroupViking - #PamelaDormanBooks for introducing me to this marvelous book and cast of characters. In fact, I'm thinking this may be the perfect book to gift to the local retirement village library when it comes out. It shatters the image of the stereotypical senior citizen and that is a good thing.
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