My Dream of You [Kindle Edition]

The romantic start of this novel gives no hint of what comes after. One teeny tiny careless act leads to a lifetime of searching and heartbreak, made more poignant and troubling by the fact that we all know this kind of thing really happened, in real life, in the real World, up until very recently. That said, there is nothing sinister about this lovely book, it's a beautiful yarn, cleverly spun around complex, believable characters. Nothing negative to say about it, read it soon.

I wasn't overly sure what to expect from this book to begin with but I honestly loved it! It totally frustrated me at times but that was the story not the way it was written. I loved the way the story was told. It ended too quickly for me ie I wanted it to last forever and once finished hoped desperately for a sequel. What a thought provoking tragic yet familiar topic, thankfully a desperate reminder of another generation where somethings are well worth hanging onto but others are so detached one is grateful for progression.

A beautiful story delightfully told.

My Dream of You starts in the present then quickly reverts to the past where Betty and Maggie were cousins and the best of friends. Betty, who was constantly bullied by her mother and Maggie who only had a father to look after her, were delighted when the fair came to town. When they met the lovely young man Joe, it meant that Maggie could indulge in her love of horses and Betty could see more of this wonderful boy that she adored. Neither realised that the fair and the people they met there would have such a huge impact upon the rest of their lives.

This was a book with many "Oh My God" moments throughout that left me totally open mouthed and lost for words! It also brought back many stunning memories for me when talking about childbirth and the overwhelming love between a mother and her child. The experience of breast feeding that DJ Kirkby describes was so accurate and conveyed my exact thoughts and emotions. She has a real skill for portraying motherhood.

This book was sad, emotional, heart-breaking, and wrenching at times yet compassionate, wonderful and joyous at others.

I felt myself so strongly willing things to happen to the young and courageous Betty almost shouting out loud at her at one point and cheering her on when they did. What a mixture of emotions this book churned up for me and I have to admit to openly sobbing in parts!

DJ Kirkby has an amazing way of writing your innermost thoughts and feelings and I really think she must have been living inside my head! I reviewed another book of hers - Without Alice - a few months ago and my review can be found here.

It is an absolute pleasure to read her books which really are works of art and her very cleverly crafted characters are perfectly formed and almost become members of your own family - that's how well you feel that you know them! It was a book where the pages turned with ease and again one where I couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end.

Fabulously emotional and a most enjoyable reading experience.