Moving by Jenny Eclair

Synopsis

Edwina Spinner has lived in the same house for over fifty years. It used to be a busy, crowded family home but now Edwina lives alone and it has grown too big for her. She has decided to sell it.

The young estate agent who comes to value the house sees potential. Knock down a few walls, add a wet room. 'People like a project.' But as Edwina takes him from room to room, she is transported back to her old life as a young mother. Back to her first husband Ollie and their twins, James and Rowena. Back to lies and dark secrets and to a stepson whose name Edwina cannot even bear to speak aloud.

As Edwina's story unravels she is revealed as a complex and intriguing person. Not just the 'frail old lady' trapped in her dated house, but a woman who has lived an extraordinary life, full of love and tragedy. Why is she now so alone? What happened to Edwina's family all those years ago?

My Review

This is the first book I have read by Jenny Éclair and it certainly wont be the last. To say I enjoyed this book is an under statement.

Moving follows the life of a lady named Edwina who has lived in the same house since getting married. Edwina decides the house is getting too much for her as she is getting on and she decides to put the house on the market. When the estate agent comes round to value the house, each room they go into triggers a memory for Edwina. The other characters in the story are Edwina's twins Rowena and Charlie, her second husband Dickie, his ex-wife Barbara and their son Lucas. We follow the children through childhood and onto becoming adults. The chapters are split into Edwina, Fern and Lucas each telling their own individual story and point of view. I loved the characters of Edwina and Fern, I just wanted to envelope Edwina in a big hug and go for a drink with Fern.

I have always heard people use the term "book hangover" but never really got it until I read this book. The characters from this book will stay with me for a long time and I really hope Jenny Éclair writes more about this family.

I  received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 5/5 for this book.