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No Greater Love #3
Clover's Child
A love affair between a British girl and a West Indian soldier in 1960s London has heart-wrenching consequences When 18-year-old Dot meets Sol, she feels that love has arrived at last. Solomon Arbuthnott is a man who can bring color and warmth to her drab life in 1960s London—and what's more, he is a young, handsome soldier with excellent prospects. He is someone who wants to give her everything she has dreamed of; someone who can promise her blue skies, laughter, sun, and love. And for a while, life is truly like a song. They stroll hand-in-hand by the Serpentine, dance cheek-to-cheek in Soho's smoky bars, and begin to plan their idyllic future, growing old together in Sol's ancestral home on the island of St. Lucia. But this is 1961, and East End girls don't date West Indian boys, let alone fall in love with them and leave the country. They stay at home and live the life their parents planned for them. Even if it leaves them lonelier than they ever thought possible. Even if it rips their heart in two. Includes book club notes.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
487 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,957 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 26, 2013
I am a huge fan of Amanda Prowse, and I was ever so excited to learn that she would be releasing Clover’s Child. I like many others was eagerly anticipating the release, and I was so keen to delve into the novel and get started.
I spent the weekend in the wonderful company of this book and after turning the last page my first thought was – wow.
Amanda Prowse has a true talent for writing. Her way with words is amazing, she drew me in straight away with her descriptions and the settings – I find Amanda’s writing to be so delicate yet so powerful, and it moves me every single time I read her novels. Amanda really brought the story to life – everything was so vivid and I found that I lost myself in the novel. I could picture every single scene clearly in my head and I felt as though I had been transported back in time, watching Dot and the scenes play out in front of me. I would recommend Amanda’s books based on her descriptions alone – the writing is SO good that it feels realistic, and I genuinely felt as though I was living every moment.
The characters were very-well written. I absolutely loved Dot – I warmed to her straight away, she was so easy to like, and by the end of the novel Dot felt as though she was my best friend. I really invested myself in her journey, I put all of my emotions and heart into Dot’s situation and I was full of hope for her, and rooting for her throughout.
I don’t want to give away any of the plot other than the description given, because I truly believe it is much more enjoyable to go in not knowing too much and to let everything unravel at exactly the right time and in the way that Amanda has intended. What I will say is that it is a gripping novel so make yourself comfy before you start reading as you won’t want to put the book down!
Clover’s Child was for me a very emotional read, and I felt as though I went on a huge roller-coaster of emotions and feelings with the characters involved. I laughed with them and experienced all of the happy moments with them. But I also felt their pain, I especially felt Dot’s emotions and hurt that she felt, and I just wanted to reach out to her throughout the book. My heart ached for her, and oh how I cried at some scenes, I went from laughing one minute to full on sobbing later on. This is a novel where you will definitely need tissues handy because although the story is so beautiful, it is at times heartbreaking and it will move you.
Clover’s Child is a truly stunning story that has blown me away. Ever since finishing the novel my mind is still with the characters. It is an emotional and powerful story of love and definitely one of my favourite books of the year. I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending it to everyone.
I spent the weekend in the wonderful company of this book and after turning the last page my first thought was – wow.
Amanda Prowse has a true talent for writing. Her way with words is amazing, she drew me in straight away with her descriptions and the settings – I find Amanda’s writing to be so delicate yet so powerful, and it moves me every single time I read her novels. Amanda really brought the story to life – everything was so vivid and I found that I lost myself in the novel. I could picture every single scene clearly in my head and I felt as though I had been transported back in time, watching Dot and the scenes play out in front of me. I would recommend Amanda’s books based on her descriptions alone – the writing is SO good that it feels realistic, and I genuinely felt as though I was living every moment.
The characters were very-well written. I absolutely loved Dot – I warmed to her straight away, she was so easy to like, and by the end of the novel Dot felt as though she was my best friend. I really invested myself in her journey, I put all of my emotions and heart into Dot’s situation and I was full of hope for her, and rooting for her throughout.
I don’t want to give away any of the plot other than the description given, because I truly believe it is much more enjoyable to go in not knowing too much and to let everything unravel at exactly the right time and in the way that Amanda has intended. What I will say is that it is a gripping novel so make yourself comfy before you start reading as you won’t want to put the book down!
Clover’s Child was for me a very emotional read, and I felt as though I went on a huge roller-coaster of emotions and feelings with the characters involved. I laughed with them and experienced all of the happy moments with them. But I also felt their pain, I especially felt Dot’s emotions and hurt that she felt, and I just wanted to reach out to her throughout the book. My heart ached for her, and oh how I cried at some scenes, I went from laughing one minute to full on sobbing later on. This is a novel where you will definitely need tissues handy because although the story is so beautiful, it is at times heartbreaking and it will move you.
Clover’s Child is a truly stunning story that has blown me away. Ever since finishing the novel my mind is still with the characters. It is an emotional and powerful story of love and definitely one of my favourite books of the year. I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending it to everyone.
September 11, 2015
Such a beautiful story, though it is filled with hateful people, I have met just the most beautiful characters in these pages. I have to admit that I was drawn into this story initially because on of the characters is from my country, but the beauty really is in the character not from my country. Dot is a heroine in every sense of the word, the things she had to ensure, and woman she became after, I believe that Amanda Prowse is a realist but she is also a brilliant writer. Sol was just such a great male lead for someone like Dot. I couldn't believe how kind and caring he was, and how much he loved this girl.
So why 4 stars?
Well the ending was not as happy as I wanted it to be, while it was realistic, I didn't want real for these 2 I wanted the fantasy.
So why 4 stars?
Well the ending was not as happy as I wanted it to be, while it was realistic, I didn't want real for these 2 I wanted the fantasy.
July 21, 2016
I had read several favourable reviews about this author, so decided this should be the first venture into her work. The synopsis sounded intriguing, if rather brief. Apparently this story is one of several of a similar theme, which I hope to read in the near future.
Set in London during the early swinging sixties, Dot is working dutifully in the haberdashery of a popular department store, whilst living at home with her parents and little sister. Although simple, she is enjoying her life and has plans to become a famous dress designer. Until one day, her world collides with the rich, handsome Soloman, from the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Deemed of higher social class, his family does not approve of his flourishing relationship with Dot, not least because of the colour of her skin. Conversely, Dot's family is angered to find she is dating a man of colour. Among other things, this book gives an interesting insight into racial tension in sixties London.
Although this book is peppered with east end rhyming slang, it is definitely readable and potential readers shouldn't be put off by this.
I found the story to be moving, with interesting plot and character development. I loved Dot's naivety, her belief that 'love conquers all' and the way in which she attempted to integrate tolerance into a society which classed dual race relationships the ultimate sin. Soloman was a bit of a mystery at his introduction, I couldn't figure out if he was to be trusted or not. Supporting characters are well described, especially Dot's family. I could picture their faces, their movements and how they interacted with each other. Although this is a work of fiction, the story that underpins Soloman and Dot's relationship was, I fear, all too common at the time.
Towards the final quarter of the book, it began to feel a little slapdash and almost as if the author was rushing towards finishing a deadline. The last chapter skips forty-five years and ends with an epilogue, by which point Dot is not mentioned. What became of her? Perhaps the author expected the reader to make their own mind up. Sometimes this method of writing works, other times it doesn't. Unfortunately Prowse misses the mark here.
Overall, an enjoyable read, just short of making this a five star novel. Very recommended.
Set in London during the early swinging sixties, Dot is working dutifully in the haberdashery of a popular department store, whilst living at home with her parents and little sister. Although simple, she is enjoying her life and has plans to become a famous dress designer. Until one day, her world collides with the rich, handsome Soloman, from the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Deemed of higher social class, his family does not approve of his flourishing relationship with Dot, not least because of the colour of her skin. Conversely, Dot's family is angered to find she is dating a man of colour. Among other things, this book gives an interesting insight into racial tension in sixties London.
Although this book is peppered with east end rhyming slang, it is definitely readable and potential readers shouldn't be put off by this.
I found the story to be moving, with interesting plot and character development. I loved Dot's naivety, her belief that 'love conquers all' and the way in which she attempted to integrate tolerance into a society which classed dual race relationships the ultimate sin. Soloman was a bit of a mystery at his introduction, I couldn't figure out if he was to be trusted or not. Supporting characters are well described, especially Dot's family. I could picture their faces, their movements and how they interacted with each other. Although this is a work of fiction, the story that underpins Soloman and Dot's relationship was, I fear, all too common at the time.
Towards the final quarter of the book, it began to feel a little slapdash and almost as if the author was rushing towards finishing a deadline. The last chapter skips forty-five years and ends with an epilogue, by which point Dot is not mentioned. What became of her? Perhaps the author expected the reader to make their own mind up. Sometimes this method of writing works, other times it doesn't. Unfortunately Prowse misses the mark here.
Overall, an enjoyable read, just short of making this a five star novel. Very recommended.
November 3, 2013
ANOTHER book that lets me down. Got into this book quite quickly, good characters and potential for a really good story but did it live up to expectations.... NO! It seemed as if Prowse had run out of ideas for the characters to develop, so after a storyline which seemed to be getting a bit silly - so let's simply jump 45 years and go to an Epilogue shall we? Err, I don't think so. And as for the Epilogue and the plausibility of the situation - ridiculous. VERY disappointed, would not bother to recommend.
October 28, 2018
Knížka mi byla doporučená, a popravdě jsem asi čekala něco víc...
Nedostala jsem od knížky, to co jsem očekávala, ale to nevadí. I tak se mi hodně líbila, především teda svým příběhem. Ten byl poutavý a nádherně dojemný, přestože s kapkou smutku.
Ale i přesto, že jsme u knihy strávila jen dva dny, mi něčím nesedla. Nečetla se mi úplně dobře a bohužel jsem se někdy přistihla, že přeskakuju pasáže, které mě moc nebavily. :( Kdyby nebylo toho pocitu, že to nebylo ono, dostala by kniha hvězdičky čtyři ...
Nedostala jsem od knížky, to co jsem očekávala, ale to nevadí. I tak se mi hodně líbila, především teda svým příběhem. Ten byl poutavý a nádherně dojemný, přestože s kapkou smutku.
Ale i přesto, že jsme u knihy strávila jen dva dny, mi něčím nesedla. Nečetla se mi úplně dobře a bohužel jsem se někdy přistihla, že přeskakuju pasáže, které mě moc nebavily. :( Kdyby nebylo toho pocitu, že to nebylo ono, dostala by kniha hvězdičky čtyři ...
March 17, 2022
This was my first book by the author and won't be my last. Felt so sorry for poor Dot and a bit surprised the way things turned out. Also the ending was that little bit too clichéd but in general a very good read
June 22, 2018
I loved this book. It was sad but heartwarming. I’m enjoying most of the Amanda
Prowse books in this series. They are making good reading.
Prowse books in this series. They are making good reading.
February 4, 2018
Another brilliant book by Amanda prowse. Made me see how different life was back then to how it is now and shows that you can’t help who you fall in love with no matter what ur race, religion etc is
March 5, 2016
Another lovely read from this Author. I love the fact that the very talented Ms Prowse writes about women and in a ver sensitive way. Some of the characters were lovely and others you took an instant dislike to and in my opinion never redeemed themselves! I have yet to read one of this authors books and would recommend them to anyone. The may appear to be "chick lit" but definitely have a gritty edge to them that will make you laugh, cry and gasp!
May 12, 2016
O wat vond ik dit een mooi en indrukwekkend boek. Tranen in mijn ogen. Aanrader! Het maakte me ook weer bewust van het feit dat je het als moeder/ouder niet altijd eens hoeft te zijn met de keuze van je kind. Maar laat het los en laat ze hun eigen keuze maken. Natuurlijk gaat dit niet voor alles op maar ik vond het een mooie boodschap.
July 20, 2013
What a wonderful book. So beautifully written and so emotional. Totally absorbing. Loved it - can you tell?
January 14, 2015
Lovely story and well written . Some phrases not correct in 1960s setting which let it down and there were parts that were too unlikely to be convincing but overall a good read
January 6, 2015
* I was given this book from the publisher and NetGalley to read and review with my honest opinion.
May 17, 2022
Dot has her whole life ahead of her, full of hopes and dreams. I loved her carefree nature and her friendship with her best friend Barb when we first meet her. Her home life whilst they may not have much, is one that is comforting and happy and I loved the banter between the family.
When Dot meets Sol, the reader gets swept up in the romance between the pair. With Sol being West Indian and the story being set in the 1960’s, I was praying that everyone would be as happy as I was about this union but it soon becomes apparent they aren’t. If anything it was Clover’s own parents whose attitudes I was most shocked at, having loved this couple from meeting them, seeing how they put the feelings of others and what they would think before their own daughter’s happiness, it literally broke my heart. Seeing people’s attitudes back then was hard to stomach. More so when there are hate crimes and racism still very much around in the here and now.
Whilst there are some parts that made my blood boil within the story, there was also so much to love. A certain recording artist and song will be forever in my heart and I have no doubts that whenever I hear that song it will remind me of Sol and Dot.
Clover’s Child is a story of impossible choices and how those decisions shape the person we become. You would think a story of true love would be one of the fairy tales we were brought up on where everyone lives happily ever after. This is a stark reminder though of the real world we live in and how life has it’s ups and downs. The ending was left a little open for me as I love everything wrapped up nicely but then my heart had been captured by these characters and I wasn’t ready to leave them behind when I turned the last page. An emotional page turner that will pull on your heart strings!
When Dot meets Sol, the reader gets swept up in the romance between the pair. With Sol being West Indian and the story being set in the 1960’s, I was praying that everyone would be as happy as I was about this union but it soon becomes apparent they aren’t. If anything it was Clover’s own parents whose attitudes I was most shocked at, having loved this couple from meeting them, seeing how they put the feelings of others and what they would think before their own daughter’s happiness, it literally broke my heart. Seeing people’s attitudes back then was hard to stomach. More so when there are hate crimes and racism still very much around in the here and now.
Whilst there are some parts that made my blood boil within the story, there was also so much to love. A certain recording artist and song will be forever in my heart and I have no doubts that whenever I hear that song it will remind me of Sol and Dot.
Clover’s Child is a story of impossible choices and how those decisions shape the person we become. You would think a story of true love would be one of the fairy tales we were brought up on where everyone lives happily ever after. This is a stark reminder though of the real world we live in and how life has it’s ups and downs. The ending was left a little open for me as I love everything wrapped up nicely but then my heart had been captured by these characters and I wasn’t ready to leave them behind when I turned the last page. An emotional page turner that will pull on your heart strings!
January 23, 2019
I'm reviewing one of Amanda Prowse's earlier books today. I am a big fan of her writing but this one was a little different from most I've read as it's set in the past, 1960s London to be precise. Would I enjoy it as much as her more contemporary novels? Well, of course I did!
As with many of this author's books, love is at the heart of the story. In this case it is a forbidden love between East End working class girl Dot Simpson and soldier Sol Arbuthnott. They meet at a function where Dot is waitressing and, unknown to her, Sol is the son of the guest of honour. So why the opposition to their love? Quite apart from the difference in social class, Sol is from St Lucia in the West Indies and nice white girls from London just don't get into relationships with black men. The story follows the couple as they face prejudice and opposition to their relationship.
My heart just went out to this young couple, so much in love and yet denied the opportunity to be together as they so wanted. They faced so much prejudice from both their families and that was really uncomfortable to read at times. The story was so heartbreaking that there was a lump in my throat on a few occasions. Yet it is also a story of great courage and never forgetting your dreams, however impossible they may seem. Things may not work out as exactly you hope but sometimes the most unexpected situations can bring joy.
Clover's Child is an emotional and romantic story and despite the sadness is also surprisingly uplifting. It is true to the attitudes of the era and although our society is by no means perfect yet, you can see how far we have come since then. Recommended to those who enjoy a touching and engaging family drama.
As with many of this author's books, love is at the heart of the story. In this case it is a forbidden love between East End working class girl Dot Simpson and soldier Sol Arbuthnott. They meet at a function where Dot is waitressing and, unknown to her, Sol is the son of the guest of honour. So why the opposition to their love? Quite apart from the difference in social class, Sol is from St Lucia in the West Indies and nice white girls from London just don't get into relationships with black men. The story follows the couple as they face prejudice and opposition to their relationship.
My heart just went out to this young couple, so much in love and yet denied the opportunity to be together as they so wanted. They faced so much prejudice from both their families and that was really uncomfortable to read at times. The story was so heartbreaking that there was a lump in my throat on a few occasions. Yet it is also a story of great courage and never forgetting your dreams, however impossible they may seem. Things may not work out as exactly you hope but sometimes the most unexpected situations can bring joy.
Clover's Child is an emotional and romantic story and despite the sadness is also surprisingly uplifting. It is true to the attitudes of the era and although our society is by no means perfect yet, you can see how far we have come since then. Recommended to those who enjoy a touching and engaging family drama.
June 23, 2018
Amanda Prowse writes this story based on life in the early 1960's for young women who were unmarried and pregnant. The shame the family felt that their daughter had brought such disgrace to their front door. It was a time when these girls were sent away to mother and baby homes with the expectation that the child would be adopted and no one would ever know that the girl had given birth to a baby and she would return home and have to act as though nothing had happened. Amanda Pearse lets us into what this was like for the girl Clover. Her naivety gets her into trouble. A rich Asian man falls in love with her whilst staying in England and she trusts him completely to know best for her. She gives herself to him, her first and only love. When his parents know they are serious they threaten that Clover's family will suffer if he does not leave and return home and because of his love for her he leaves England without a goodbye. Clover is heart-broken to find she is expecting a baby and very frightened. This is the worst scenario for her, to give birth to a child of mixed race. It is a painful story of those times, but it shares the courage and strength that young girls showed at such times, whilst living their life keeping a very painful secret locked in their hearts.
November 6, 2022
Not a big Amanda Prowse fan but working my way through a pile of her books given to me by a friend. This one is a bit better than the others I have read but STILL it bothers me that she often gets the language wrong for the period the story is set it. This story is set in the 1960s yet a lot of the expressions are from the current time.
Why did the handsome and wealthy, educated black soldier fall in love with a young girl who can barely string a sentence together and who seems to have nothing in common with him? He speaks beautifully and intelligently and she is such a rough diamond. Still, we’ll let that one go. But towards the end she is speaking in a completely different tongue!
The part about her time in the mother and baby home was reasonably well written and I did feel sorry for her but it wasn’t what I would call a “tear jerker.” The final chapters were not good but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
Why did the handsome and wealthy, educated black soldier fall in love with a young girl who can barely string a sentence together and who seems to have nothing in common with him? He speaks beautifully and intelligently and she is such a rough diamond. Still, we’ll let that one go. But towards the end she is speaking in a completely different tongue!
The part about her time in the mother and baby home was reasonably well written and I did feel sorry for her but it wasn’t what I would call a “tear jerker.” The final chapters were not good but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
November 1, 2021
It's 1961. 18 year old Dot meets Soloman, a young West Indian soldier living in London with his affluent family. Not only is Sol in a different social class to Dot which would be a challenge for her family to accept, but also East End girls just don't date West Indian boys.
They fall in love and dream of a future in St Lucia together, hoping against hope that Dot's family will grow to love Sol as much as Dot does.
A tale of hope, true descriptions of 60's London, the prejudices, the down to earth families, the girl who has been no further than the West End. St Lucia and all it's tropical loveliness is also spot on.
For me, a little bit of escapism and romance with a big 'R', typical Amanda Prowse.
They fall in love and dream of a future in St Lucia together, hoping against hope that Dot's family will grow to love Sol as much as Dot does.
A tale of hope, true descriptions of 60's London, the prejudices, the down to earth families, the girl who has been no further than the West End. St Lucia and all it's tropical loveliness is also spot on.
For me, a little bit of escapism and romance with a big 'R', typical Amanda Prowse.
September 21, 2024
Another heart breaking tale by this author. Set in the late 60's and early 70's this is the story of Dot Simpson, who lives a simple life in a poorer part of London. Her father is out of work with a bad back, and they get by on the earnings of Joan who is a cook. At an event at which Joan is catering and Dot is working as a waitress, Dot meets West Indian Solomon and is bowled over. She then does the unthinkable and falls for a 'coloured person'. The road ahead is a very rocky one, the odds are against them and their parents are determined to end the relationship.
A great story!
A great story!
October 19, 2024
Heart rending
It took me a while to really get into this book, but then I found it hard to put down; it was shocking to read about how racist Londoners were in the 1960's.
The central characters are each faced with a terrible predicament holding long term consequences whatever they decide. I've rated the story a four, as
I feel the relationship between the two central characters, fairly unlikely, due to their vastly different backgrounds, but I still really enjoyed reading this book!
It took me a while to really get into this book, but then I found it hard to put down; it was shocking to read about how racist Londoners were in the 1960's.
The central characters are each faced with a terrible predicament holding long term consequences whatever they decide. I've rated the story a four, as
I feel the relationship between the two central characters, fairly unlikely, due to their vastly different backgrounds, but I still really enjoyed reading this book!
September 28, 2018
Beautiful story that's so powerful. A real love story and an emotional roller coaster. It's simply breathtaking. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and Dot is such a wonderful Character.
A truly heart breaking and heart warming story. A rainbow of emotions and again I felt so invested in each and every character. The authors ability to immerse me so completely inside the intricate lives never ceases to amaze me. So beautifully written, another one of Amanda's books I just couldn't put down. I hated the ending, but in a really good way. Wishing for just one more chapter. One more glimpse.
A truly heart breaking and heart warming story. A rainbow of emotions and again I felt so invested in each and every character. The authors ability to immerse me so completely inside the intricate lives never ceases to amaze me. So beautifully written, another one of Amanda's books I just couldn't put down. I hated the ending, but in a really good way. Wishing for just one more chapter. One more glimpse.
May 7, 2018
Meh. Interesting start - white girl falls in love with black man in 1960's London - but turned into bland chick lit, with one-dimensional characters and the central (and potentially most interesting) theme, that of the reasons for society's disapproval - on both sides - was just stated but not developed or explored.
January 31, 2021
I když jsem od toho příliš neočekávala, dostala jsem toho více...nad očekávání více.
Je to velmi dobře napsaná kniha. Ohromně čtivá. Vysloveně vás to vtáhne do děje. Jde o jednoduchý styl ideální pro všechny.
MNO. Na rozdíl od moderních trendových manipulativních knih celkem na rovinu ukazuje, jak to chodilo, jak to bylo špatně a co to všechno způsobilo. Tu knihu jsem zhltla za 3 hodiny.
Je to velmi dobře napsaná kniha. Ohromně čtivá. Vysloveně vás to vtáhne do děje. Jde o jednoduchý styl ideální pro všechny.
MNO. Na rozdíl od moderních trendových manipulativních knih celkem na rovinu ukazuje, jak to chodilo, jak to bylo špatně a co to všechno způsobilo. Tu knihu jsem zhltla za 3 hodiny.
March 9, 2024
As with all Amanda Prowse’s books, this was a fascinating storyline. The character of Dot left a lasting impression and she was very likeable. There were some holes in the storyline I felt - would someone like Dot have the possibility of flying to the Caribbean? Did anyone back then? Would she have had a passport? I felt the ending was rushed but overall I enjoyed the book.
March 31, 2025
I found parts of this book deeply emotional, so much so it stopped me sleeping one night. Which is probably why I felt so disappointed in the ending - for a book full of love and loss, it did not feel like the reader was given enough time to conclude the story at the end - too much was left unsaid and what was said, was in a couple of shorter chapters.
July 24, 2017
Prejudice
Love's young dream thwarted by prejudice . An untimely pregnancy , adoption, lack of support .A bit of a none event .Not at all realistic .The glossing over of slavery early in the book should have warned me how trite this tale was to be .
Love's young dream thwarted by prejudice . An untimely pregnancy , adoption, lack of support .A bit of a none event .Not at all realistic .The glossing over of slavery early in the book should have warned me how trite this tale was to be .
November 13, 2017
This isn’t the kind of book I normally read but my mum gave it to me after she’d finished it. I was totally hooked from the time I picked it up, it had me in tears more than once. The night I finished it I couldn’t sleep because I was so moved by the story and the sadness. Really fantastic book.
January 26, 2020
This had some strong parts, but at others felt a little clichéd. Many of the scenes and characters felt like I'd read them before. However it was enjoyable enough even if the ending and epilogue were a little far fetched.
July 2, 2020
A complete tear jerker. It is a story that will have you getting angry at the fact that Dot is given such an unfair hand in life.
I'd love to write more but I don't want to include spoilers!
Read it, enjoy and have a tissue to hand.
I'd love to write more but I don't want to include spoilers!
Read it, enjoy and have a tissue to hand.
March 30, 2022
The story of a bi-racial relationship which did not end well. At least the progeny of the relationship seemed to have a good life.
Perhaps the author is not a gardener, despite mentioning the importance of having one. Bulbs were planted in the corner of a backyard plot and produced chrysanthemums.
Perhaps the author is not a gardener, despite mentioning the importance of having one. Bulbs were planted in the corner of a backyard plot and produced chrysanthemums.
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