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Bright Stars
Longlisted for the Guardian Not the Booker prize 2016
'Bright Stars is beautifully written, has original, endearing characters and a story that pulls you along. I loved it.' -Katie Fforde
Cameron Spark's life is falling apart. He is separated from his wife, and awaiting a disciplinary following an incident in the underground vaults of Edinburgh where he works as a Ghost Tour guide. On the day he moves back home to live with his widowed dad, he receives a letter from Canada.
It is from Christie. Twenty-five years earlier, Cameron attends Lancaster University and despite his crippling shyness, makes three unlikely Christie, the rich Canadian, Tommo, the wannabe rock star and Bex, the Feminist activist who has his heart.
In a whirlwind of alcohol, music and late night fox raids, Cameron feels as though he’s finally living. Until a horrific accident shatters their friendship and alters their futures forever.
Christie’s letter offers them a reunion after all these years.
But has enough time passed to recover from the lies, the guilt and the mistakes made on that tragic night?
Or is this one ghost too many for Cameron?
'A wonderful and witty page turner, combined with compelling storytelling that stays with you.' -Helen Lederer
'Intriguing tale about friends reuniting and secrets coming to light'. -Heat magazine
'Bright Stars is beautifully written, has original, endearing characters and a story that pulls you along. I loved it.' -Katie Fforde
Cameron Spark's life is falling apart. He is separated from his wife, and awaiting a disciplinary following an incident in the underground vaults of Edinburgh where he works as a Ghost Tour guide. On the day he moves back home to live with his widowed dad, he receives a letter from Canada.
It is from Christie. Twenty-five years earlier, Cameron attends Lancaster University and despite his crippling shyness, makes three unlikely Christie, the rich Canadian, Tommo, the wannabe rock star and Bex, the Feminist activist who has his heart.
In a whirlwind of alcohol, music and late night fox raids, Cameron feels as though he’s finally living. Until a horrific accident shatters their friendship and alters their futures forever.
Christie’s letter offers them a reunion after all these years.
But has enough time passed to recover from the lies, the guilt and the mistakes made on that tragic night?
Or is this one ghost too many for Cameron?
'A wonderful and witty page turner, combined with compelling storytelling that stays with you.' -Helen Lederer
'Intriguing tale about friends reuniting and secrets coming to light'. -Heat magazine
- GenresFiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Duffy
9 books15 followers'Eurovision might not be what it once was, when you had to sing in your mother tongue and didn’t vote for your allies, but that’s lie. Life is all about change.' This Holey Life
A child of the 70s, Sophie Duffy grew up on a diet of Blue Peter and the Wombles which has fed her nostalgic outlook on life. But it’s not all been Space Dust and Arctic Roll. Over the years she has curated a catalogue of loss including her father, her womb and part of her right boob following a recent bout of breast cancer. But her sense of the world being a good place shines through the heartache.
Duffy finds the humour in the mundane and the tragic and her novels have an upbeat quality. She is particularly fond of dysfunctional, unconventional families and the complexities of everyday modern life. Her female leads range from dippy to delinquent, but they are brave and authentic. Her settings, described by Laurie Graham as ‘so atmospheric you can almost smell the Brylcreem’, range from a sweetshop in Torquay to a vicarage in Penge, but somehow they always provide the love Duffy’s protagonists crave.
She is the author of four novels. 'The Generation Game' was her debut novel, inspired by her childhood growing up in a sweet shop in Torquay. Her second novel, 'This Holey Life', is about a reluctant curate's wife. Her third, 'Bright Stars', is a modern day Brideshead, her fourth 'Betsy and Lilibet', a story of two women born on the same day - one an undertaker, the other the Queen.
As part of Creative Writing Matters, Sophie appraises manuscripts, runs workshops and mentors novelists. CWM run the Exeter Novel Prize and the Exeter Story Prize as well as other writing competitions.
She lives on the Wirral and also writes under the pseudonym Lizzie Lovell.
http://www.sophieduffy.com
http://www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk
A child of the 70s, Sophie Duffy grew up on a diet of Blue Peter and the Wombles which has fed her nostalgic outlook on life. But it’s not all been Space Dust and Arctic Roll. Over the years she has curated a catalogue of loss including her father, her womb and part of her right boob following a recent bout of breast cancer. But her sense of the world being a good place shines through the heartache.
Duffy finds the humour in the mundane and the tragic and her novels have an upbeat quality. She is particularly fond of dysfunctional, unconventional families and the complexities of everyday modern life. Her female leads range from dippy to delinquent, but they are brave and authentic. Her settings, described by Laurie Graham as ‘so atmospheric you can almost smell the Brylcreem’, range from a sweetshop in Torquay to a vicarage in Penge, but somehow they always provide the love Duffy’s protagonists crave.
She is the author of four novels. 'The Generation Game' was her debut novel, inspired by her childhood growing up in a sweet shop in Torquay. Her second novel, 'This Holey Life', is about a reluctant curate's wife. Her third, 'Bright Stars', is a modern day Brideshead, her fourth 'Betsy and Lilibet', a story of two women born on the same day - one an undertaker, the other the Queen.
As part of Creative Writing Matters, Sophie appraises manuscripts, runs workshops and mentors novelists. CWM run the Exeter Novel Prize and the Exeter Story Prize as well as other writing competitions.
She lives on the Wirral and also writes under the pseudonym Lizzie Lovell.
http://www.sophieduffy.com
http://www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 22, 2018
Bright Stars was an okay read. However, I didn’t find it as exciting or engaging as I’d hoped. I’m used to reading books that jump from one time period to another, but this felt a little too choppy and the start was rather slow. Perhaps I just didn’t connect with the characters well enough to fully engage with the story. The pace does pick up later on in the book, and I would recommend it if you enjoy quite depressing books with secrets and regret.
I borrowed this through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
December 27, 2016
Cameron has moved back in with his father. He has problems with his wife and has lost his job because of an unfortunate incident. His student years are far behind him, but they come to the surface again when he receives a letter from his old friend Christie. She now lives in Canada and has a successful career. They used to be a group of four, but Cameron hasn't seen his university friends in twenty-five years. He was the quiet shy one in the group. Christie used to be outgoing and she was really pretty. Tommo was the rock star who could get away with everything and Bex was the cute activist. Bex is the love of Cameron's life, but she's with Tommo and Cameron never stood a chance. Will Cameron be ready to see them again? They didn't part on good terms, something tragic happened and that messed up their friendship forever. Can he let go of the past or does the reappearance of his old friends make his present even more difficult than it already is?
Bright Stars is a beautiful story about a shy student who doesn't feel at ease with anyone. Cameron is smart, but he's awkward. He loves Bex very much, but when Tommo makes his move he can't do anything against it. I was really curious to find out what happened between the four students. Sophie Duffy tells her story in such an impressive way. She gives the reader tiny pieces of information in every chapter. She slowly builds the suspense which I loved. Bright Stars isn't fast-paced, it's a fabulous present you get to unwrap bit by bit until something stunning appears. It broke my heart to read what actually happened. It brought tears to my eyes. The story is really good and the finale is both shocking and surprising, I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Bright Stars is one of those brilliant novels that will stay with you for a very long time. I keep thinking about the story and can't get it out of my head. I instantly loved Cameron. He isn't perfect, but he's very real. I felt protective of him and was hoping someone would rescue him, but instead he has to learn to survive on his own, which sometimes is terrifying to witness. I loved how close I could get to him, how Sophie Duffy gives her readers the chance to see into his soul. She is such a great writer, I really enjoyed her elegant style. Bright Stars is impressive, it's fascinating, it's moving, gripping and absolutely fantastic.
Bright Stars is a beautiful story about a shy student who doesn't feel at ease with anyone. Cameron is smart, but he's awkward. He loves Bex very much, but when Tommo makes his move he can't do anything against it. I was really curious to find out what happened between the four students. Sophie Duffy tells her story in such an impressive way. She gives the reader tiny pieces of information in every chapter. She slowly builds the suspense which I loved. Bright Stars isn't fast-paced, it's a fabulous present you get to unwrap bit by bit until something stunning appears. It broke my heart to read what actually happened. It brought tears to my eyes. The story is really good and the finale is both shocking and surprising, I couldn't believe what I was reading.
Bright Stars is one of those brilliant novels that will stay with you for a very long time. I keep thinking about the story and can't get it out of my head. I instantly loved Cameron. He isn't perfect, but he's very real. I felt protective of him and was hoping someone would rescue him, but instead he has to learn to survive on his own, which sometimes is terrifying to witness. I loved how close I could get to him, how Sophie Duffy gives her readers the chance to see into his soul. She is such a great writer, I really enjoyed her elegant style. Bright Stars is impressive, it's fascinating, it's moving, gripping and absolutely fantastic.
September 11, 2015
4 stars!
I liked this book in the fact that it centered on four characters that went to uni together. Not all of them would be the type that you would necessarily see hanging together. Actually, Cameron is the type you would not see hanging with anyone. The story goes back and forth from uni days with the four of them to Cameron's present day. Then one day they are all invited to the unveiling of one of the four friend's newest wine. While there, they reminisce about uni days and a secret known by three of them comes out to the worst damaged of the four of them.
I really enjoyed reading this and was definitely kept interested. The characters were all pretty likable except for Tommie. I didn't and still don't like him. And his dad should have done more at that coffee shop meeting towards the end of the book other than just offer up his condolences. Cameron was done wrong in SO many ways.
This was an emotional ride wherein I felt mixed emotions for all the characters at times. I found it to be a great read and I seriously recommend it!!
Thanks Legend Press and Net Galley for providing me a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book in the fact that it centered on four characters that went to uni together. Not all of them would be the type that you would necessarily see hanging together. Actually, Cameron is the type you would not see hanging with anyone. The story goes back and forth from uni days with the four of them to Cameron's present day. Then one day they are all invited to the unveiling of one of the four friend's newest wine. While there, they reminisce about uni days and a secret known by three of them comes out to the worst damaged of the four of them.
I really enjoyed reading this and was definitely kept interested. The characters were all pretty likable except for Tommie. I didn't and still don't like him. And his dad should have done more at that coffee shop meeting towards the end of the book other than just offer up his condolences. Cameron was done wrong in SO many ways.
This was an emotional ride wherein I felt mixed emotions for all the characters at times. I found it to be a great read and I seriously recommend it!!
Thanks Legend Press and Net Galley for providing me a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2018
Cameron Spark's life has not turned out as he had once hoped. He is the youngest of four brothers, whose dear Mum died when he was just an adolescent. Once he was the bright one, the studious, nerdy, asthmatic, clumsy one who was the only one in his family to attend university. Now, at age forty-six, he has gone home to live with his father in the three-story granite terrace house he grew up in. The reasons for this are twofold. He is (temporarily?) separated from his wife Amanda, and, he has been suspended from the job he has held for the last quarter decade. Suspended, and under investigation due to an 'incident'.
For the last twenty-five years, Cameron has worked for Skeletours Inc., a tour company working historic 'Old Town' Edinburgh. Bringing history alive, he leads 'ghost tours', with myriad tourists following his every word and footstep.
Cameron is now seeing a therapist to work through his problems. To discover the 'why' behind the incident, and to get his life back on track. The therapist, Jeremy, coaxes Cameron to keep a journal detailing all the events in his life that led up to what happened. It is through this journal that the reader meets teenage Cameron. He has just left his home in Scotland to go to university in Lancaster, England. There is meets three friends that will shape the course of his life.
Bex (Rebecca Stone), is a vibrant, strong, opinionated girl who is fierce in her beliefs and her loyalties. He loves her and is intimidated by her in equal measure. Tommo (Ptolemy Dulac), a lanky, skanky rock musician who is alienated from his rich parents. Tommo is the popular guy, the guy who Cameron is least likely to befriend. And finally, Christie, a Canadian student who has the beauty and brains to take her far...
"And that would become the pattern of our relationship: Tommo taking me for granted, me being both flattered and annoyed." "I felt privileged, I suppose, to be allowed into the Inner Circle of Coolness, nerd-boy that I was."
The narrative skips from present day back to 1986 as Cameron relates the events leading up to his present circumstances.
Back in Edinburgh, and the present day, Cameron attempts to deal with his situation aided by his loyal Dad and his father's mouthy dachshund dog, Myrtle.
"Myrtle sits on my foot. She's the weight of a small dinosaur rather than a ridiculous stumpy-legged, wee-and-poo machine."
"Dad has been trying to get me to eat porridge all my life. I hate porridge. It makes me gag. This can be emasculating for a Scot."
As Cameron awaits the verdict of the investigation his thoughts travel back in time to that fateful year, 1986.
"One act of recklessness, one ill-formed decision, can echo down the years."
MY THOUGHTS
I always marvel when an author chooses to write a story with a protagonist of the opposite sex. It must be quite a challenge. Sophie Duffy has met this challenge with aplomb.
The novel is laced with humour, which I enjoyed tremendously. The characters were fully developed and believable. The settings were described with skill and obvious first-hand knowledge.
I'll confess, the thing about this novel that I didn't care for were the use of footnotes. To me they seemed surplus to requirements. Surely someone writing a journal would not use them? Also, they were not at the end of the page, but at the end of the chapter. This meant that you had often forgotten what the footnotes referred to by the time you got to them...
This is a novel about friendship, about a life-altering event, but mostly it is about guilt. Corrosive, devastating guilt. It is literary fiction that strives to make a point and succeeds. A novel that takes the often dour aspects of life and finds the humour hidden within. A novel with an ending that ties up the novel in a satisfactory way.
I very much enjoyed this book and will gladly read other work by this talented author.
4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads.
I received a complimentary digital copy of "Bright Stars" from Legend Press via NetGalley in consideration of a review which I was only too happy to provide.
For the last twenty-five years, Cameron has worked for Skeletours Inc., a tour company working historic 'Old Town' Edinburgh. Bringing history alive, he leads 'ghost tours', with myriad tourists following his every word and footstep.
Cameron is now seeing a therapist to work through his problems. To discover the 'why' behind the incident, and to get his life back on track. The therapist, Jeremy, coaxes Cameron to keep a journal detailing all the events in his life that led up to what happened. It is through this journal that the reader meets teenage Cameron. He has just left his home in Scotland to go to university in Lancaster, England. There is meets three friends that will shape the course of his life.
Bex (Rebecca Stone), is a vibrant, strong, opinionated girl who is fierce in her beliefs and her loyalties. He loves her and is intimidated by her in equal measure. Tommo (Ptolemy Dulac), a lanky, skanky rock musician who is alienated from his rich parents. Tommo is the popular guy, the guy who Cameron is least likely to befriend. And finally, Christie, a Canadian student who has the beauty and brains to take her far...
"And that would become the pattern of our relationship: Tommo taking me for granted, me being both flattered and annoyed." "I felt privileged, I suppose, to be allowed into the Inner Circle of Coolness, nerd-boy that I was."
The narrative skips from present day back to 1986 as Cameron relates the events leading up to his present circumstances.
Back in Edinburgh, and the present day, Cameron attempts to deal with his situation aided by his loyal Dad and his father's mouthy dachshund dog, Myrtle.
"Myrtle sits on my foot. She's the weight of a small dinosaur rather than a ridiculous stumpy-legged, wee-and-poo machine."
"Dad has been trying to get me to eat porridge all my life. I hate porridge. It makes me gag. This can be emasculating for a Scot."
As Cameron awaits the verdict of the investigation his thoughts travel back in time to that fateful year, 1986.
"One act of recklessness, one ill-formed decision, can echo down the years."
MY THOUGHTS
I always marvel when an author chooses to write a story with a protagonist of the opposite sex. It must be quite a challenge. Sophie Duffy has met this challenge with aplomb.
The novel is laced with humour, which I enjoyed tremendously. The characters were fully developed and believable. The settings were described with skill and obvious first-hand knowledge.
I'll confess, the thing about this novel that I didn't care for were the use of footnotes. To me they seemed surplus to requirements. Surely someone writing a journal would not use them? Also, they were not at the end of the page, but at the end of the chapter. This meant that you had often forgotten what the footnotes referred to by the time you got to them...
This is a novel about friendship, about a life-altering event, but mostly it is about guilt. Corrosive, devastating guilt. It is literary fiction that strives to make a point and succeeds. A novel that takes the often dour aspects of life and finds the humour hidden within. A novel with an ending that ties up the novel in a satisfactory way.
I very much enjoyed this book and will gladly read other work by this talented author.
4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads.
I received a complimentary digital copy of "Bright Stars" from Legend Press via NetGalley in consideration of a review which I was only too happy to provide.
November 24, 2015
Many thanks to NetGalley and Legend Press for providing me a copy of Bright Stars in exchange for an honest review.
Originally on https://nivthebooklovingnerd.wordpres...
This is one of those times when you are confused about how you feel about story when you are so disputed about your thoughts that you'd rather not review than say anything. But since I've been asked to review, I will give a non-spoiler-y summary of my thoughts.
The story is told by Cameron Sparks, a misfit, awkward guy whose life is currently in a turmoil because he recently fought with his wife, which means he is currently living with his Dad, and due to some incident at work, he might lose his job. And to top it all, his college friend just invited him to an event which means he will meet his other college friends, with whom he has a very terrifying past; a past that he is trying to forget. Reading the synopsis got me intrigued, particularly about the incident in their past which changed their lives. The story was building tremendous hype around it and it would have been heartbreaking if the incident didn't live up to the hype. Thankfully, it did. It wasn't a major twist that kills you, but it was something. Also, the story is told in two different voices, a young Cameron from 1986 attending Lancashire University and a middle aged Cameron, who is currently struggling with his life. The two voices are so realistic and amazingly expressed, that you actually flow through the book easily.
The major setback though, plot-wise, is it was very slow to begin. Actually, things didn't really start happening properly until the first 20% of the book. I might have given up, if I wasn't intrigued about the book, and also, it usually takes me a lot of hatred to give up on a book.
If I want to talk about characters, I would never stop raving about them. Cameron Sparks, our protagonist, is the kind of guy who you want to hug for eternity and never leave. Even though he doesn't have a high opinion of himself because of his awkward self, I personally loved him. From beginning to start, he is the guy who does the right thing, without thinking. He is the kind of guy you need in your life. Also, he is the only characters who has gone through a movie character development.
Cameron was in love with Bex, a girl who considers herself strong, but is actually broken inside. She is a character I have mixed feelings for. I mean, I love her spirit, but she is one of those pseudo-activist, who believes in everything correct, but is simply afraid to do it. Christie is my favorite female character in this story. She is the actually badass in this story who is, as Cameron says, "the brightest star in the group". And lastly, Tommo, a character I'd love to hate. He is everything I would never want in a guy. Hell, he is the guy I'd have a major crush on, but in the end, I'd never have anything serious with him. The characters in this book are so real that it scares me.
If I want to talk about the writing, I cannot yet form an opinion about it. As much as I loved the two different time periods and the way young Cameron had a different voice than the middle-aged one, I cannot bring myself to like the writing as much. It wasn't bad. But I lost interest and I could fall asleep in between because the writing wasn't interesting enough to catch my attention. But yes, since the situation and the characters seemed so real, I cannot say I hate it. As I said, I'm confused about it.
Originally on https://nivthebooklovingnerd.wordpres...
This is one of those times when you are confused about how you feel about story when you are so disputed about your thoughts that you'd rather not review than say anything. But since I've been asked to review, I will give a non-spoiler-y summary of my thoughts.
The story is told by Cameron Sparks, a misfit, awkward guy whose life is currently in a turmoil because he recently fought with his wife, which means he is currently living with his Dad, and due to some incident at work, he might lose his job. And to top it all, his college friend just invited him to an event which means he will meet his other college friends, with whom he has a very terrifying past; a past that he is trying to forget. Reading the synopsis got me intrigued, particularly about the incident in their past which changed their lives. The story was building tremendous hype around it and it would have been heartbreaking if the incident didn't live up to the hype. Thankfully, it did. It wasn't a major twist that kills you, but it was something. Also, the story is told in two different voices, a young Cameron from 1986 attending Lancashire University and a middle aged Cameron, who is currently struggling with his life. The two voices are so realistic and amazingly expressed, that you actually flow through the book easily.
The major setback though, plot-wise, is it was very slow to begin. Actually, things didn't really start happening properly until the first 20% of the book. I might have given up, if I wasn't intrigued about the book, and also, it usually takes me a lot of hatred to give up on a book.
If I want to talk about characters, I would never stop raving about them. Cameron Sparks, our protagonist, is the kind of guy who you want to hug for eternity and never leave. Even though he doesn't have a high opinion of himself because of his awkward self, I personally loved him. From beginning to start, he is the guy who does the right thing, without thinking. He is the kind of guy you need in your life. Also, he is the only characters who has gone through a movie character development.
"And after all, this was my chance to be a superhero. To shine like a bright star."
Cameron was in love with Bex, a girl who considers herself strong, but is actually broken inside. She is a character I have mixed feelings for. I mean, I love her spirit, but she is one of those pseudo-activist, who believes in everything correct, but is simply afraid to do it. Christie is my favorite female character in this story. She is the actually badass in this story who is, as Cameron says, "the brightest star in the group". And lastly, Tommo, a character I'd love to hate. He is everything I would never want in a guy. Hell, he is the guy I'd have a major crush on, but in the end, I'd never have anything serious with him. The characters in this book are so real that it scares me.
If I want to talk about the writing, I cannot yet form an opinion about it. As much as I loved the two different time periods and the way young Cameron had a different voice than the middle-aged one, I cannot bring myself to like the writing as much. It wasn't bad. But I lost interest and I could fall asleep in between because the writing wasn't interesting enough to catch my attention. But yes, since the situation and the characters seemed so real, I cannot say I hate it. As I said, I'm confused about it.
October 16, 2015
We are back to the 1980's here were there are four lads at Uni.
Each of the lads are very different in character and make up, which I sometimes wondered how they merged together as a friend unit, but they do say that Opposites attract right?
This story goes back and forth to the time in Uni to present day events, gradually leading us up into the 'now'.
We learn about a tremendous tragedy and they each go their separate ways.
One of those lads..Cameron Sparks is now 25 years old, he's lost his wife, job is on the line and he has to move back with his Dad. He still hasn't got his head around the tragedy he's recently learnt. What a blow...
Anyway, a letter arrives, or should I say, an Invitation from one of the others he knew back in the day..Christie.
He has a dilemma now, does he go? Or should he leave the past where it is and build on what he has left?
This is a heart rending, sometimes emotional read for poor old Cameron, he surely needs a break in his life for some good to happen.
A well written story that kept my attention through out.
My thanks to ^Legend Press and Net Galley for my copy^
May 7, 2016
I am always sorry to say that I did not like a book. I know authors invest a lot of time in writing it, but you can't please everybody and it seems like I am one of the few people here who could not enjoy it. I did not like any of the characters and the story got more on my nerves than gave me pleasure reading it. Out of respect I finished it but I have to admit I was happy when I reached the end.
June 18, 2016
4,5 Stars!
Cameron is struggling through life. He never really stands up for himself. He was a nerdy student and by accident he became friends with Bex, Tommo and Christie. They are all very different characters, not very nice ones. But somehow they formed a friendship. Until a tragic accident happened, after that they lost contact. Now, 25 years later Christie offers them a reunion.
This book is more like a journal. Cameron was told by his therapist, that he should write everything down what happened. The story springs back and for. The first half is more a about the time at the university, how they met and how they became so unlikely friends. We learn about the accident and how it changed their lives forever.
Cameron was the first of his family to go to university. First he met Bex and fell in love with her. Cameron idealized her a bit. She is not very nice, she is egoistic and as soon as she meets Tommo, everything is all about for her. Later Cameron meets Christie and they became friends. He brings them all together. Beeing students, they go to lectures and they have fun. Tommo is a wannabe rock star and he drinks and takes drugs.
Switching forward to 46 year old Cameron we meet him on the edge of losing his job. His wife already left him because she wants a baby and he doesn’t. He moves back to his childhood home with his widowed father. He receives this letter from Christie. She owns a winery in Canada and she launches her vine in the UK. She invites him to come to London and meet her. Bex and Tommo are also invited.
Their reunion starts as if nothing ever happened and no time passed by. But this tragic accident is hanging like a dark cloud above them. But soon they begin to come to terms with the past.
The book is very well written. The characters are all unique and well developed. They are all not very likable, they all have their flaws. But they are all very realistic. I asked myself many times why they are all friends. They are so unlikely. Their lives are all haunted by the ghost of the past. At the end it comes more or less to and an “all ends well” conclusion. But I think this is for us readers to be happy and satisfied.
I liked this book and enjoyed reading it very much.
I received this book from Legend Press through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
Cameron is struggling through life. He never really stands up for himself. He was a nerdy student and by accident he became friends with Bex, Tommo and Christie. They are all very different characters, not very nice ones. But somehow they formed a friendship. Until a tragic accident happened, after that they lost contact. Now, 25 years later Christie offers them a reunion.
This book is more like a journal. Cameron was told by his therapist, that he should write everything down what happened. The story springs back and for. The first half is more a about the time at the university, how they met and how they became so unlikely friends. We learn about the accident and how it changed their lives forever.
Cameron was the first of his family to go to university. First he met Bex and fell in love with her. Cameron idealized her a bit. She is not very nice, she is egoistic and as soon as she meets Tommo, everything is all about for her. Later Cameron meets Christie and they became friends. He brings them all together. Beeing students, they go to lectures and they have fun. Tommo is a wannabe rock star and he drinks and takes drugs.
Switching forward to 46 year old Cameron we meet him on the edge of losing his job. His wife already left him because she wants a baby and he doesn’t. He moves back to his childhood home with his widowed father. He receives this letter from Christie. She owns a winery in Canada and she launches her vine in the UK. She invites him to come to London and meet her. Bex and Tommo are also invited.
Their reunion starts as if nothing ever happened and no time passed by. But this tragic accident is hanging like a dark cloud above them. But soon they begin to come to terms with the past.
The book is very well written. The characters are all unique and well developed. They are all not very likable, they all have their flaws. But they are all very realistic. I asked myself many times why they are all friends. They are so unlikely. Their lives are all haunted by the ghost of the past. At the end it comes more or less to and an “all ends well” conclusion. But I think this is for us readers to be happy and satisfied.
I liked this book and enjoyed reading it very much.
I received this book from Legend Press through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2016
Much as I would have loved to read this in a single sitting, a multitude of things got in the way and I had to be content with intermittent half hours and the odd 15 minutes over the course of several days. With many novels you'd have to shake your head and spend a few seconds getting back into the story - not so with Bright Stars. As soon as I would open the Kindle app to read the next line it was as if I'd not had to put the book down, the storytelling is that good.
The characters are wonderfully three dimensional with flaws and strengths and multiple shades of grey. Cameron's father was an especial favourite - actually, that's another thing I loved about this, even the less-than-main characters are so well written, not just plot devices.
I loved this book and before I was even half way through I was here on Amazon treating myself to the author's other novels.
It's hugely recommended to all, but especially if the soundtrack to your education included The Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam [insert your favourite punk and post punk bands here] and a feigned disdain for Top of the Pops on a Thursday evening.
The characters are wonderfully three dimensional with flaws and strengths and multiple shades of grey. Cameron's father was an especial favourite - actually, that's another thing I loved about this, even the less-than-main characters are so well written, not just plot devices.
I loved this book and before I was even half way through I was here on Amazon treating myself to the author's other novels.
It's hugely recommended to all, but especially if the soundtrack to your education included The Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam [insert your favourite punk and post punk bands here] and a feigned disdain for Top of the Pops on a Thursday evening.
October 14, 2015
Bright Stars is one hell of a page turner. Flitting between 1986, 2013 and 2014, we are dropped into the lives of Cameron (his family, and Myrtle the dog), Christie, Bex and Tommo; four fantastic, albeit, unusual friends. As teenagers they go through the mill, their troubles culminating in one, life changing event. The story is told by Cameron, who takes everyone else's issues on his shoulders in a bid to look out for the people he loves and holds dear.
Later on, we get to follow the four friends and the paths their lives have taken.
This is a fantastic bit of story-telling and a book I don't think I will ever forget. I'm not going to give spoilers; it will ruin it. All I'll say is this; you NEED to read Bright Stars. It's funny, pitiful, sad, angry, heartwarming, nostalgic and just downright brilliant!
Later on, we get to follow the four friends and the paths their lives have taken.
This is a fantastic bit of story-telling and a book I don't think I will ever forget. I'm not going to give spoilers; it will ruin it. All I'll say is this; you NEED to read Bright Stars. It's funny, pitiful, sad, angry, heartwarming, nostalgic and just downright brilliant!
March 30, 2017
.Many thanks to NetGalley and Legend Press for providing me a copy of Bright Stars in exchange for an honest review.
I put off reading this book for so long because I didn't think it was my cup of tea but it turned out that it was, this is a novel a group of unlikely friends who meet at university, we have Cameron the Scot who is a bit of a nerd and has never really belonged anywhere even in his own family, Bex the hippy who is a feminist and an activist, Tommo the rich spoilt kid with no regard for anyone or anything other than himself and Christine the Canadian exchange student, we follow Cameron our narrator through two timelines, the present day where he has just lost his job and his marriage is falling apart and then in 1986 where we meet the four friends at uni and witness a tragic event that will change the course of all of their lives forever.
I wasn't keen on the writing style of this book and there were a lot of footnotes which I'm not a fan of especially reading on Kindle, there was also a lot of repetition especially towards the end and I felt myself screaming "YES I GOT THE HINT THE FIRST TIME!" apart from this it was a good read, it really delves into friendship and what life can throw at you, I also liked the modern day parts in this book especially the Scottish referendum being spoke about and the thought and feelings of Cameron towards it was done well, especially from an English author.
Over all a good read but not one I was blown away by.
I put off reading this book for so long because I didn't think it was my cup of tea but it turned out that it was, this is a novel a group of unlikely friends who meet at university, we have Cameron the Scot who is a bit of a nerd and has never really belonged anywhere even in his own family, Bex the hippy who is a feminist and an activist, Tommo the rich spoilt kid with no regard for anyone or anything other than himself and Christine the Canadian exchange student, we follow Cameron our narrator through two timelines, the present day where he has just lost his job and his marriage is falling apart and then in 1986 where we meet the four friends at uni and witness a tragic event that will change the course of all of their lives forever.
I wasn't keen on the writing style of this book and there were a lot of footnotes which I'm not a fan of especially reading on Kindle, there was also a lot of repetition especially towards the end and I felt myself screaming "YES I GOT THE HINT THE FIRST TIME!" apart from this it was a good read, it really delves into friendship and what life can throw at you, I also liked the modern day parts in this book especially the Scottish referendum being spoke about and the thought and feelings of Cameron towards it was done well, especially from an English author.
Over all a good read but not one I was blown away by.
August 22, 2016
Bright Stars is about four people who became friends at university and their lives become intertwined one fateful evening in 1986. The story is narrated by Cameron Sparks in the form of his journal; it takes place in the present day, and during his time at university 25 years earlier.
Cameron Sparks is 46 years old and his life is spiralling out of control. He has been suspended from his job as a Ghost Tour guide in the underground vaults in Edinburgh. He is separated from his wife and is living back at home with his dad. Then one day a letter arrives out of the blue from Christie, a Canadian girl he knew during his university days.
This takes the story back to 1986 when Cameron was an awkward, cripplingly shy teenager trying to find his way at university. He finds a friend in Christie, and then by chance also becomes friends with wannabe rock star, Tommy, and he falls head over heels in unrequited love with Bex, a feminist activist. The unlikely foursome spend their time getting drunk, listening to or making music and attempting to be activists. Then one fateful night an accident happens and it changes everything.
None of the characters in this book are particularly likeable, they all have such flaws but it makes the novel so very readable. Tommo always seems to land on his feet, trouble finds him but he manages to shake it off over and over again. Bex is very focused on her causes, like being a sab, and then when she and Tommo get together her life becomes about him. Cameron is not a bad person, he’s just easily led because he so badly wants to feel like part of the crowd but it’s often hard to like him in the early part of the novel because he appears so feeble. Christie is probably the nicest of the group but is the one we seemed to get to know the least as Cameron wasn’t as fixated on her as he was on Tommo and Bex.
No one won on the fateful night when everything changed in the lives of these four but some of them lost more than others. This novel has such a depth to it, and has been going round and round in my head since I finished reading it. I’m finding it hard to review because there is so much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
This novel is really about the fine line between good and bad. About how everyone has to take responsibility for the things they do and if they don’t it will catch up with them in some form or another. There are some people who take, or are given, more than their share of blame and heartache and still spend a large part of their lives trying to come to terms with that, and perhaps punishing others rather than the ones they know who should be punished. It is ultimately a novel about how the ghosts of the past are doomed to haunt us, about how redemption never comes in the way we expect it and how karma doesn’t run an exact course.
I received this book from Legend Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Bright Stars is released on 1st October and is available for pre-order now from Amazon
Cameron Sparks is 46 years old and his life is spiralling out of control. He has been suspended from his job as a Ghost Tour guide in the underground vaults in Edinburgh. He is separated from his wife and is living back at home with his dad. Then one day a letter arrives out of the blue from Christie, a Canadian girl he knew during his university days.
This takes the story back to 1986 when Cameron was an awkward, cripplingly shy teenager trying to find his way at university. He finds a friend in Christie, and then by chance also becomes friends with wannabe rock star, Tommy, and he falls head over heels in unrequited love with Bex, a feminist activist. The unlikely foursome spend their time getting drunk, listening to or making music and attempting to be activists. Then one fateful night an accident happens and it changes everything.
None of the characters in this book are particularly likeable, they all have such flaws but it makes the novel so very readable. Tommo always seems to land on his feet, trouble finds him but he manages to shake it off over and over again. Bex is very focused on her causes, like being a sab, and then when she and Tommo get together her life becomes about him. Cameron is not a bad person, he’s just easily led because he so badly wants to feel like part of the crowd but it’s often hard to like him in the early part of the novel because he appears so feeble. Christie is probably the nicest of the group but is the one we seemed to get to know the least as Cameron wasn’t as fixated on her as he was on Tommo and Bex.
No one won on the fateful night when everything changed in the lives of these four but some of them lost more than others. This novel has such a depth to it, and has been going round and round in my head since I finished reading it. I’m finding it hard to review because there is so much I want to say but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
This novel is really about the fine line between good and bad. About how everyone has to take responsibility for the things they do and if they don’t it will catch up with them in some form or another. There are some people who take, or are given, more than their share of blame and heartache and still spend a large part of their lives trying to come to terms with that, and perhaps punishing others rather than the ones they know who should be punished. It is ultimately a novel about how the ghosts of the past are doomed to haunt us, about how redemption never comes in the way we expect it and how karma doesn’t run an exact course.
I received this book from Legend Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Bright Stars is released on 1st October and is available for pre-order now from Amazon
October 27, 2015
Please check out my other reviews at http://ultraviolentlit.blogspot.ca!
The synopsis of this book tells us that four students are involved in a tragedy that rips their friendship apart, and they are reunited twenty five years later. I found this a bit misleading, because the “tragic event” really played such a small part in the story. There wasn’t even much anticipation leading up to it, and in fact I forgot that we were waiting for some sort of climax to occur.
Complicating things further was the fact that there were actually two incidents we were supposed to be looking forward to – one in 1988 when the four were students, and another in 2013, in which Cameron lost his marriage and may be losing his job. Because there were not many clues to either incident, they just didn’t seem that exciting and it was sort of a let-down when we discovered what actually happened.
With two incidents set in different time periods, there was a lot of jumping back and forth between the timelines. It was very choppy, and the time changes happened randomly, with no flow. It also didn’t help that there were multiple footnotes at the end of each chapter that explained small details and didn’t really add anything to the story – they were mostly just Cameron trying to be clever.
While the insecure Cameron is uncertain how he fits into the group, he is in fact the one holding it all together. I did like the four oddball main characters, who were all very flawed and yet likeable. Aside from Cameron, there is also Bex, a politically minded beauty who Cameron is quietly in love with. Tommo, Bex’s boyfriend, is the classic bad boy, playing in a band and getting into trouble. Then there’s Christie, on exchange in England from Canada, so of course she gets along with everyone. There were some clever lines and astute character-building. Their actions show the fine line between good and evil, as the four young people grow into mature adults and learn to take responsibility for their actions.
The title of the novel is from one of Tommo’s band’s songs, taken from a John Keats’ poem. It was who they were, until one tragic event dimmed the light of their friendship. The storyline is original and unusual, and doesn’t fall easily into any one genre – part mystery, part romance, part coming-of-age story. The pace accelerated towards the final reveal, but in the end, it was anticlimactic because it didn’t really matter at all. The ending was somewhat happy, but tied everything up a little too neatly. There were some bright moments in this novel, but I was left wishing for more.
I received this book for free from Legend Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2015
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: 3 STARS
I hate to say it but although this book was (mostly) beautifully written, it was so, so depressing. That is, this book is ultimately about looking back on your life 30 years later and realizing how horrible it is to get old and to have regrets. Ostensibly, the characters' regrets stem from one night and a whole lot of lies but there was just this overarching sadness in the book concerning aging and death. The beginning of the book really dragged on but it did get better as the event and secrets were revealed. Ultimately, I couldn't help but feel sad at the end of the book since everything that happened was so heartbreaking.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary British literature written by women -- it definitely had a similar voice as other authors such as Susan Lewis.
I hate to say it but although this book was (mostly) beautifully written, it was so, so depressing. That is, this book is ultimately about looking back on your life 30 years later and realizing how horrible it is to get old and to have regrets. Ostensibly, the characters' regrets stem from one night and a whole lot of lies but there was just this overarching sadness in the book concerning aging and death. The beginning of the book really dragged on but it did get better as the event and secrets were revealed. Ultimately, I couldn't help but feel sad at the end of the book since everything that happened was so heartbreaking.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary British literature written by women -- it definitely had a similar voice as other authors such as Susan Lewis.
By the end of the song, I'd slid down the wall, was slumped on the dirty fag-strewn floor, cross-legged, head in my hands trying to stop the small monkey pogoing around inside it. I was back in the class room, the boy on the edge, listening to the popular kid reading out his work. I didn't know why, but I was on the verge of tears.
If only I drank like the other students. If only I drank like a true Scot. If only I drank properly, idiotically, paralytically, so I could reach that haven of oblivion. But I couldn't even do that.
March 10, 2017
**I received a Kindle edition of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Cameron is 46 years old and has recently moved back in with his father while he and his wife are separated. He is facing a disciplinary hearing regarding an event that occurred while he was working as a ghost tour guide. He receives an invitation in the mail from a college friend to attend the launch of an Icewine. He hasn't seen his college friends in 25 years, and with good reason. He decides to attend the wine celebration and have a reunion a long time coming.
I did not like this book at all. None of the characters were particularly likable, especially Cameron. 25 years later and he is still pining over a girl in college who showed absolutely zero interest in him. He's quiet and awkward and uncomfortable. I found the major premise of what happened in college to be unbelievable. Cameron really thinks he only had 2 drinks? The orange juice tasted "bitter" and he didn't know why, even though Tommo got it for him at the bar and was smirking when he handed it to him? (insert eye roll here). I don't think Cameron would have done what he did for Tommo either, especially considering there were witnesses. There's also no way there wouldn't have been a lawsuit brought against Cameron. Christine says in the book that it's because she wouldn't let her father go through with it. Um. No. Not happening. I'm confused at all the 4 and 5 stars this book got. I was just happy to be done with it. I didn't care what happened at the reunion and the "tragedy" that happened in college was anti-climatic.
Cameron is 46 years old and has recently moved back in with his father while he and his wife are separated. He is facing a disciplinary hearing regarding an event that occurred while he was working as a ghost tour guide. He receives an invitation in the mail from a college friend to attend the launch of an Icewine. He hasn't seen his college friends in 25 years, and with good reason. He decides to attend the wine celebration and have a reunion a long time coming.
I did not like this book at all. None of the characters were particularly likable, especially Cameron. 25 years later and he is still pining over a girl in college who showed absolutely zero interest in him. He's quiet and awkward and uncomfortable. I found the major premise of what happened in college to be unbelievable. Cameron really thinks he only had 2 drinks? The orange juice tasted "bitter" and he didn't know why, even though Tommo got it for him at the bar and was smirking when he handed it to him? (insert eye roll here). I don't think Cameron would have done what he did for Tommo either, especially considering there were witnesses. There's also no way there wouldn't have been a lawsuit brought against Cameron. Christine says in the book that it's because she wouldn't let her father go through with it. Um. No. Not happening. I'm confused at all the 4 and 5 stars this book got. I was just happy to be done with it. I didn't care what happened at the reunion and the "tragedy" that happened in college was anti-climatic.
June 5, 2016
Legend Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Bright Stars, in exchange for an honest review.
Rebecca "Bex" Stone and Cameron Spark met at the University and became fast friends. He held a torch for her, but her eyes were set on Tommo from the moment they met. A tight foursome with Christie, one tragic night changes their lives forever. Years later, separated from his wife, Cameron gets an invitation from Christie, celebrating a new wine she has created. Curious as to whether Bex and Tommo will be there, Cameron decides to attend. Although Cameron met Bex first, he could not manage enough courage to ask her for a date. She and Tommo had a spark, leaving Cameron with a life full of "what ifs."
Bright Starts was all over the place, with time shifts from past to present. As the author unfolds the reason for Cameron to have not been in touch with his closest friends since their time together in college, she spends too much time on explaining the entire history of the foursome. By the time the book reached the midpoint, I was no longer interested in the conclusion. Cameron's character bothered me, as did his decisions. I am not a fan of books that use flashbacks to the past to tell the story, as I feel that a more linear approach creates a stronger focus. In the end, I found that the premise of Bright Stars was interesting, but the format dragged the book down.
Rebecca "Bex" Stone and Cameron Spark met at the University and became fast friends. He held a torch for her, but her eyes were set on Tommo from the moment they met. A tight foursome with Christie, one tragic night changes their lives forever. Years later, separated from his wife, Cameron gets an invitation from Christie, celebrating a new wine she has created. Curious as to whether Bex and Tommo will be there, Cameron decides to attend. Although Cameron met Bex first, he could not manage enough courage to ask her for a date. She and Tommo had a spark, leaving Cameron with a life full of "what ifs."
Bright Starts was all over the place, with time shifts from past to present. As the author unfolds the reason for Cameron to have not been in touch with his closest friends since their time together in college, she spends too much time on explaining the entire history of the foursome. By the time the book reached the midpoint, I was no longer interested in the conclusion. Cameron's character bothered me, as did his decisions. I am not a fan of books that use flashbacks to the past to tell the story, as I feel that a more linear approach creates a stronger focus. In the end, I found that the premise of Bright Stars was interesting, but the format dragged the book down.
October 6, 2015
This was a fantastically moving story involving four people who became friends at university in the 1980's. A strange bunch, who come together mostly by accident, they find themselves muddling along together, until tragedy strikes and they are sent their separate ways.
25 years later, and Cameron Sparks is struggling to hold his life together. His job is on the line, his wife has left him, he is living back home with his dad and still struggling to come to terms with the outcome of the tragedy. Then an invitation arrives from Christie, one of the university four, and a dilemma surfaces. Can he face the old gang and finally put his demons to bed?
Wonderful writing made this book a pure joy to read. The characters were so interesting and the plot involving. I just loved Cameron, that person for whom life never seems to offer a break, and really enjoyed that the story is narrated through him. A very good read, and if you enjoy this then I recommend her book 'This Holey Life', which I liked even more.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
25 years later, and Cameron Sparks is struggling to hold his life together. His job is on the line, his wife has left him, he is living back home with his dad and still struggling to come to terms with the outcome of the tragedy. Then an invitation arrives from Christie, one of the university four, and a dilemma surfaces. Can he face the old gang and finally put his demons to bed?
Wonderful writing made this book a pure joy to read. The characters were so interesting and the plot involving. I just loved Cameron, that person for whom life never seems to offer a break, and really enjoyed that the story is narrated through him. A very good read, and if you enjoy this then I recommend her book 'This Holey Life', which I liked even more.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2015
Cameron is the main narrator in this story of self evaluation. He is meeting 3 friends from his college days, a time that changed his life forever. He realizes the problems he facing now are all related to Chrissie, Bex and Tommo. I enjoyed the journey through Cameron's life. We meet his family, and feel his pain and joy. A book that makes you think about your own life.
July 8, 2016
Sophie Duffy is a wonderful writer, and I've read her other two books. This one is equally sharp with some lovely twists and turns, and original characters who at times, I wasn't sure I liked or not. But it works because of this and doesn't settle for the predictable or mundane formula. A compelling read and a story that stayed with me. A must read.
August 5, 2019
This was, as I expected, an undemanding read but I did find it reasonably engaging. The problem was that none of the characters was particularly likeable or credible.
The protagonist/narrator, Cameron, is a (self-confessed and self-obsessed) drip. I found it hard to believe that a man of 46 would still carry a torch for a rather dull girl he'd had an unrequited teenage crush on. The author's idea of what constitutes a Scottish cultural identity also felt quite odd to me - and I'm an Edinburgh-born Scot! However, her description of 1970s/'80s Edinburgh was mainly accurate.
Another irritation throughout the book were the frequent footnotes. Footnotes are fine in non-fiction, but in novels I just find them annoying and distracting.
Duffy's Byronic anti-hero, Tommo, is never fully developed, so his part in the story, and especially the ending, seems like a cliché as a result. Just in case you didn't get the Keats connection from the storyline or title, it is hammered home with quotes from his poem Bright Star.
Frequent literary name dropping is rather risky in any lightweight novel. Here, it just feels like a self-conscious, but unsuccessful, attempt to add gravitas.
Despite those criticisms, I did enjoy some aspects of the book - there are moments of warmth and humour. The main storyline and sub-plots are neatly resolved at the end, so in that sense it was satisfying, if a little trite.
The protagonist/narrator, Cameron, is a (self-confessed and self-obsessed) drip. I found it hard to believe that a man of 46 would still carry a torch for a rather dull girl he'd had an unrequited teenage crush on. The author's idea of what constitutes a Scottish cultural identity also felt quite odd to me - and I'm an Edinburgh-born Scot! However, her description of 1970s/'80s Edinburgh was mainly accurate.
Another irritation throughout the book were the frequent footnotes. Footnotes are fine in non-fiction, but in novels I just find them annoying and distracting.
Duffy's Byronic anti-hero, Tommo, is never fully developed, so his part in the story, and especially the ending, seems like a cliché as a result. Just in case you didn't get the Keats connection from the storyline or title, it is hammered home with quotes from his poem Bright Star.
Frequent literary name dropping is rather risky in any lightweight novel. Here, it just feels like a self-conscious, but unsuccessful, attempt to add gravitas.
Despite those criticisms, I did enjoy some aspects of the book - there are moments of warmth and humour. The main storyline and sub-plots are neatly resolved at the end, so in that sense it was satisfying, if a little trite.
April 29, 2021
‘Bright Stars’ is story of four friends who are very different characters. A tale of what happens to them at university; and the problems when they meet up again twenty five years later.
On the whole, I enjoyed this read. However, like many other reviewers, I found all of the main characters unlikeable. In particular, I disliked Cameron, the narrator, but then I think this was intentional on the part of the author. He wasn’t in control of his own life; he’d had the hots for someone for twenty five years, who didn’t care one iota about him. One felt like you wanted to give him a good shake, or a kick up the backside.
I disliked the footnotes and the quotes from historical figures at the end of some chapters. Initially, they were amusing. After a while they became irritating. I also considered that the digs about the English and the supposed superiority of the Scots went too far. Hated the final chapter!
But, I’m giving this novel a four star rating. I loved Sophie Duffy’s style of writing. It’s fresh, amusing and moves the story along quickly. The author is a great observer of human behaviour, and portrays her characters with skill. Her basic plot was simple, and worked well for me.
On the whole, I enjoyed this read. However, like many other reviewers, I found all of the main characters unlikeable. In particular, I disliked Cameron, the narrator, but then I think this was intentional on the part of the author. He wasn’t in control of his own life; he’d had the hots for someone for twenty five years, who didn’t care one iota about him. One felt like you wanted to give him a good shake, or a kick up the backside.
I disliked the footnotes and the quotes from historical figures at the end of some chapters. Initially, they were amusing. After a while they became irritating. I also considered that the digs about the English and the supposed superiority of the Scots went too far. Hated the final chapter!
But, I’m giving this novel a four star rating. I loved Sophie Duffy’s style of writing. It’s fresh, amusing and moves the story along quickly. The author is a great observer of human behaviour, and portrays her characters with skill. Her basic plot was simple, and worked well for me.
August 3, 2020
What an evocative and nostalgic read this was. It’s 1985 and Cameron is a quiet and contemplative 18 year old who, after living at home with just his 3 brothers and dad for many years after the loss of his mum, embarks on student life as an undergraduate at the university of Lancaster. There he meets a group of 3 who will shape his time there and map out his future; the lovely Canadian Christie, the love of his life Bex, and the confident and cocky Tommo.
Oh this book gripped me from the start. What an incredible job the author did of depicting the awkwardness of being 18-19, forced out of your comfort zone to start new journeys and make new friends, we’ve all been there. I cringed and cried for Cameron, he lacked so much self confidence despite having such a lovely dad. There were so many interesting characters in this book, and although it wasn’t a hugely dramatic tale in any way I just could not put it down. One of those books where you think, “I’ll just read a chapter” then you realise you’re 100 pages down. Read in 24 hours, that speaks volumes to me. Simply wonderful.
Oh this book gripped me from the start. What an incredible job the author did of depicting the awkwardness of being 18-19, forced out of your comfort zone to start new journeys and make new friends, we’ve all been there. I cringed and cried for Cameron, he lacked so much self confidence despite having such a lovely dad. There were so many interesting characters in this book, and although it wasn’t a hugely dramatic tale in any way I just could not put it down. One of those books where you think, “I’ll just read a chapter” then you realise you’re 100 pages down. Read in 24 hours, that speaks volumes to me. Simply wonderful.
January 17, 2018
This book was great because it was real! I know it sounds weird, but I get so bored with books that are strictly "happy endings". I like more realistic ones that you can relate to.
I wouldn't necessarily say that the main character was a likable guy. He was kind of whiney and a perv. The perv part was extra disturbing since it was aimed at his love interest's teenage daughter. Also, I feel like the book tried to make him out to be a selfless hero, but I didn't get that vibe. I saw him more as desperate for attention and acceptance, even if that meant going to jail for someone else. It would make him a hero to the girl he loved, and his father who needed the money.
Like I said, this book was a breath of fresh air in the realism of it. I plan to read other books from this author.
I wouldn't necessarily say that the main character was a likable guy. He was kind of whiney and a perv. The perv part was extra disturbing since it was aimed at his love interest's teenage daughter. Also, I feel like the book tried to make him out to be a selfless hero, but I didn't get that vibe. I saw him more as desperate for attention and acceptance, even if that meant going to jail for someone else. It would make him a hero to the girl he loved, and his father who needed the money.
Like I said, this book was a breath of fresh air in the realism of it. I plan to read other books from this author.
September 4, 2018
I really hated Cameron. That coloured the entire book for me. I know you're supposed to hate Tommo, and I get it, he's a bit of a waste of space, but Cameron is SO WHINEY, pathetic and sexist despite thinking he isn't (thinking women need to be rescued all the time, which jarred with the end note about Maid Lilliard massively because it seemed to me Cameron didn't view women as warriors at all). Even his actions to save his family later in the book didn't redeem him in my eyes.
I felt sorry for Cameron's wife, who seemed to be hanging around for him to remember she existed and stop being in love with someone he met at university and put on a pedestal.
I'm giving this three stars because the plot was quite good and it may just be personal to me that I hated Cameron so much.
I felt sorry for Cameron's wife, who seemed to be hanging around for him to remember she existed and stop being in love with someone he met at university and put on a pedestal.
I'm giving this three stars because the plot was quite good and it may just be personal to me that I hated Cameron so much.
January 7, 2019
This book wasn't what I expected it to be, but not in a bad way. I really enjoyed the book.
I bought it because it is partly set in Edinburgh, which is my favourite city. And there were some truly stunning descriptions of the Royal Mile that were exactly what I was hoping for.
The actual plot is nowhere near as dramatic as it could've been, but then this is not a thriller, so I sense that wasn't really the point. For me, this is a story that is more about the characters than the plot, and that's fine. The characters were wonderfully crafted, and I found I cared so, so much about Cameron, Bex and Christie (not so much Tommo, but he was wonderfully written!)
Good book, glad I picked it up
I bought it because it is partly set in Edinburgh, which is my favourite city. And there were some truly stunning descriptions of the Royal Mile that were exactly what I was hoping for.
The actual plot is nowhere near as dramatic as it could've been, but then this is not a thriller, so I sense that wasn't really the point. For me, this is a story that is more about the characters than the plot, and that's fine. The characters were wonderfully crafted, and I found I cared so, so much about Cameron, Bex and Christie (not so much Tommo, but he was wonderfully written!)
Good book, glad I picked it up
October 14, 2018
It took me a while to get into this book but I was determined to read it. Iv not read a book with footnotes in it for years, which can sometimes be off putting. The book got better as I got further into it. I felt so sorry for Cameron, both girls are idiots to not give him a chance at a relationship and Tommo just treated him like crap. I wanted to shout at Bex most of the time because of Tommos treatment of her. But Christie I wanted as my best friend, she knew what she wants and goes out to get it. I still don’t know how I feel about this book, did I love it or just like it? Ahhhh
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June 12, 2023
I found this book to have a very different, interesting and (kind of) relatable story line. I truly loved reading and progressing with the characters throughout the years, although the timelines were a bit confusing at first. It’s definitely a good read and it shows when the only thing I could complain about is how annoying the footnotes were on each page.
July 20, 2025
I adored this book, the style of writing, and the ease of reading. In my opinion it has great flow. I resonated with one of the main characters (Cameron) in many ways. Feeling in the shadows of someone else in the music industry and trying to do right by others, putting your needs last.
I enjoyed this book very much, and it gets 5 stars from me l!
I enjoyed this book very much, and it gets 5 stars from me l!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2020
An interesting read, a little different. I did enjoy the book. However there were clearly two incidents that had occured in Cameron`s life, one relating to work and one that had happened quite a few years ago at university. It did seem to take a long time to get to these incidents.
December 23, 2025
This is an engaging story.
I have to admit that it took me a while to like the characters but I certainly did by the end of the book.
Sophie Duchy writes cleverly. We are kept guessing throughout and therefore we keep reading.
The main character intriguingly provides end notes to his own musings which makes him seem more real.
I'll certainly read more of Duchy's work.
I have to admit that it took me a while to like the characters but I certainly did by the end of the book.
Sophie Duchy writes cleverly. We are kept guessing throughout and therefore we keep reading.
The main character intriguingly provides end notes to his own musings which makes him seem more real.
I'll certainly read more of Duchy's work.
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