Crocodile on the Carousel

by Sally Tissington

A magical book by debut novelist, Sally Tissington where three generations of women s lives are dominated by a carousel in their back garden. This is not just any carousel the only horse is an injured, bloodied war horse, a model of a vulture rips up meat for its chicks under the shadow of the Gates of Death and there is even a giant crocodile with a hook through its mouth. The monstrous carousel contains a message, a reminder that life comes with suffering. This is a lesson the three women have learnt through the pain of illegitimacy, bullying and betrayal. The carousel will never let them forget that life is not about being happy but knowing that there will come a time when happiness ends. But can Amanda change her fate and find love or will someone have to suffer first The ending will be worse than any of them ever imagined and it all started with a candle, gently floating down the river in a tin foil dish, outside a country pub.

356 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nicola Bullivant-parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll get my (minor) moans out of the way immediately - I didn't become hooked straightaway. And the book is a bit odd. Now, onto the good bits - what a fascinating proposition and what an interesting cast of characters this debut novel presents. Would you wish to meet Cath Furnish aka Gran and her assorted family members? Would you want that carousel in your garden? A plot with several twists (none of which I saw coming - excellent!) and genuinely fascinating protagonists who created as many questions as they answered on this journey through episodes in their lives. Thoughtful, dark, oppressive and provocative, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure.

[Anette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars actually...
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/i...

[Karen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Took a couple of chapters to hook me in but then I was completely absorbed; great characters, quirky style, genuinely surprising plot twists so thoroughly recommended.