I am delighted to bring you a takeaway for this excellent read.
For starters: Five people.
Five secrets.
Each needing healing, support and acceptance.
Derek’s life has changed suddenly. His wife of the past few decades has left him, unable to live with his secret anymore. Inspired by a TV show, he decides to start a dinner club to make new friends, the kind that might accept him if he can be brave enough to tell them the truth.
Eddie is grieving, a widower, struggling as a single parent. The void in his life slowly destroying him and his relationship with his young daughter.
Florence, supported by her carer Jessie, craves one more adventure to round off the last 80 odd years.
Violet needs a focus, a new identity, until she has the confidence to escape her grim reality with abusive husband, Ben.
Cara is lost, with nowhere to call home and no one to go home to, now she’s aged out of the care system.
Will this mishmash group fill each other’s souls as well as their plates?
For main course:
It is fair to say that even though putting something in the microwave to me is cooking, I really want to join this group for dinner club.
We start by meeting Derek and whilst he is getting to grips with his new world without his wife, he experiments with cooking. He is a very endearing character, and coming to terms with being comfortable in himself is something he strives for.. Its adorable.
Eddie, Florence, Violet and Cara make up a wonderful cast list. Each have their own different battles to face which are far from easy, The group works so well as an accidental support group and I love that.
These characters all felt very rich and real to me, and I like that the point of view shifts between the characters. I think its that which adds to the depth.
There are sections which will make you giggle, some will make you cry- this is an emotional rollercoaster of a read in the best possible way. This does tackle some tricky subjects of loss, grief and domestic violence but also lots of love, positivity, and embracing your individuality.
If you fancy some foodie escapism, this is the read for you. If you like quirky, good hearted characters, look no further.
Engaging, sweet and charming.
Out tomorrow.
Link: www.books2read.com/tdc
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