About the Book
Lizzie is fast approaching 50. Her once angst ridden teenage daughters, now grown and in their twenties, have flown the nest, Cassie to London and Maisy to Australia. And, although Connor, Lizzie’s sulky, surly teenage son, is now on his own tormented passage to adulthood, his quest to get there, for the most part, is a far quieter journey than that of his sisters. The hard years, Lizzie believes, are behind her.
Only, things are never quite as black and white as they
seem…
My Thoughts
Eva Jordan’s All the
Colours In Between delivers an engaging book about the highs and lows of
contemporary family life.
At the centre of this book is 50-year-old Lizzie Lemalf, an author juggling the demands of her writing career along with those of her husband, children, parents and other extended family members. I did not realise that these characters also featured in Jordan’s earlier book 183 Time a Year. While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I wish I had read the earlier book first to gain a better understanding of the characters.
With a cast of multi-generational characters, we experience the highs and lows, as well as the serious and ridiculous aspects of family life. The books is an emotional one with a liberal dose of humour added in. I found myself laughing out loud at moments – especially Lizzie’s reaction to Oliver – and also crying. Yes, there were tears. Tears of the snotty nose variety. Ultimately, this is an uplifting story, so even knowing the tough times were on the horizon, I was confident that the family would pull through.
While set in the present day, we get a glimpse of what life was like for Lizzie’s parents. In the book, Lizzie’s publisher mentions she should consider writing about her father’s experiences, and I wish Eva Jordan would consider this. I would love to read more about Salocin, Elle, Teddy and Marie.
At the centre of this book is 50-year-old Lizzie Lemalf, an author juggling the demands of her writing career along with those of her husband, children, parents and other extended family members. I did not realise that these characters also featured in Jordan’s earlier book 183 Time a Year. While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I wish I had read the earlier book first to gain a better understanding of the characters.
With a cast of multi-generational characters, we experience the highs and lows, as well as the serious and ridiculous aspects of family life. The books is an emotional one with a liberal dose of humour added in. I found myself laughing out loud at moments – especially Lizzie’s reaction to Oliver – and also crying. Yes, there were tears. Tears of the snotty nose variety. Ultimately, this is an uplifting story, so even knowing the tough times were on the horizon, I was confident that the family would pull through.
While set in the present day, we get a glimpse of what life was like for Lizzie’s parents. In the book, Lizzie’s publisher mentions she should consider writing about her father’s experiences, and I wish Eva Jordan would consider this. I would love to read more about Salocin, Elle, Teddy and Marie.
My one criticism of the book is the character of Cassie. There may
be a generation between Cassie’s character and myself but I felt her portrayal
as a bumbling, naïve young woman about certain things came across as false. Is
a 22-year-old really that ignorant about common words and sayings in the
English vocabulary? I didn’t believe it. She was just plain dumb about some
things. There was nothing cute or endearing about it.
Cassie aside, there is much to recommend about this well written account of families today. The families formed by blood and those formed by bonds of friendship and love.
Cassie aside, there is much to recommend about this well written account of families today. The families formed by blood and those formed by bonds of friendship and love.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
About the Author
Eva Jordan, born in Kent but
living most of her life in a small Cambridgeshire town, describes herself as a
lover of words, books, travel and chocolate. She is also partial to the odd
glass or two of wine.
Her career has been varied including working within the library service and at a women's refuge. She has had several short stories published and currently writes a monthly column for a local magazine. Eva also works on a voluntary basis for a charity based organisation teaching adults to read. However, storytelling through the art of writing is her passion and as a busy mum and step mum to four children, Eva says she is never short of inspiration!
Her career has been varied including working within the library service and at a women's refuge. She has had several short stories published and currently writes a monthly column for a local magazine. Eva also works on a voluntary basis for a charity based organisation teaching adults to read. However, storytelling through the art of writing is her passion and as a busy mum and step mum to four children, Eva says she is never short of inspiration!
https://evajordanwriter.com/
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