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Seal Island #1
Keep Me Safe
'My book of the year.' 'Heartache and lots of love.' This book blew me away!' 'I'm smiling through tears.' 'Beautiful.'
Discover the million-copy-selling Daniela Sacerdoti. Lose your heart. Find your home...
When Anna's partner walks away from their relationship, she is shattered. But it is her little girl Ava who takes it hardest of all, falling silent for three days. When she does finally speak, Ava talks about a new place - a small island of beauty, salt and sea in the Western Scottish Isles. In search of a new start, Anna and Ava embark on a journey to the remote and gorgeous Island of Seal. Falling in love with the locals and the landscape, could Seal offer the second chance they both need?
Readers adore Keep Me Safe:
'A brilliant read. Love Daniela's books. *****' A reader
'My book of the year. Highly recommended' A reader
'I've already read Daniela's Glen Avich books and loved them but this one surpassed them' A reader
'I could almost hear the sea and the wind. A great book' Lesley Pearse
'I couldn't put it down' Daily Mail
'Astoundingly good' The Sun
'I fell in love with this book' Prima magazine
'Heartwarming and mysterious' Katie Fforde
'A mysterious journey to Seal, a place I already want to revisit' Dani Atkins
'Exciting and emotional. I'm thrilled to find this is the first in a new series' Linda's Book Bag
Discover the million-copy-selling Daniela Sacerdoti. Lose your heart. Find your home...
When Anna's partner walks away from their relationship, she is shattered. But it is her little girl Ava who takes it hardest of all, falling silent for three days. When she does finally speak, Ava talks about a new place - a small island of beauty, salt and sea in the Western Scottish Isles. In search of a new start, Anna and Ava embark on a journey to the remote and gorgeous Island of Seal. Falling in love with the locals and the landscape, could Seal offer the second chance they both need?
Readers adore Keep Me Safe:
'A brilliant read. Love Daniela's books. *****' A reader
'My book of the year. Highly recommended' A reader
'I've already read Daniela's Glen Avich books and loved them but this one surpassed them' A reader
'I could almost hear the sea and the wind. A great book' Lesley Pearse
'I couldn't put it down' Daily Mail
'Astoundingly good' The Sun
'I fell in love with this book' Prima magazine
'Heartwarming and mysterious' Katie Fforde
'A mysterious journey to Seal, a place I already want to revisit' Dani Atkins
'Exciting and emotional. I'm thrilled to find this is the first in a new series' Linda's Book Bag
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
166 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Daniela Sacerdoti
34 books377 followersDaniela Sacerdoti is a mother and a writer. Born in Naples, but brought up in a small village in the Italian Alps, she lives near Glasgow with her husband and sons. She steals time to write when everyone has gone to bed, or before they wake up. She’s a Primary teacher, but she chose to be at home with her children. She loves being with her boys, reading anything she can get her hands on and chatting with her girlfriends. But she also adores being on her own, free to daydream and make up stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 23, 2017
I picked this book up this morning and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I forgot how much I like Daniela Sacerdoti and this has to be her best book yet. I fell in love with the characters and I now want to pack up my life and move to the island of Seal. 'Keep me Safe' is about a six year old girl that has bad dreams and wakes up asking for her other mother and talks about remembering things that happened with her other family on Seal. I absolutely loved this book.
August 14, 2017
Three and a half stars.
When Toby, Anna’s partner walks out on her and their daughter, Anna is upset. Six year old Ava does not speak for three days. When she does, she asks for her mother but it is not Anna she is talking about. She says says she wants to go home. Home is a Scottish island called Seal. In an effort to unravel Ava’s strange utterings, Anna set off with Ava to Seal. What starts as a short trip designed to unravel the mystery turns into so much more than Anna expects. She meets some interesting people including Shuna and her son Sorren, both of whom have had their share of sorrow.
I found this an easy and pleasant read with likeable characters. The setting was beautifully portrayed. Most of the story is told from either Anna’s or Sorren’s point of view, although there are a couple of chapters from other characters. I didn’t read the author’s letter titled ‘Dear Reader’ till after I had finished the book. I didn’t think it was necessary at all.
I picked up this book because the premise sounded interesting. It is probably a good beach or holiday read, that engages without any great surprises. An enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
When Toby, Anna’s partner walks out on her and their daughter, Anna is upset. Six year old Ava does not speak for three days. When she does, she asks for her mother but it is not Anna she is talking about. She says says she wants to go home. Home is a Scottish island called Seal. In an effort to unravel Ava’s strange utterings, Anna set off with Ava to Seal. What starts as a short trip designed to unravel the mystery turns into so much more than Anna expects. She meets some interesting people including Shuna and her son Sorren, both of whom have had their share of sorrow.
I found this an easy and pleasant read with likeable characters. The setting was beautifully portrayed. Most of the story is told from either Anna’s or Sorren’s point of view, although there are a couple of chapters from other characters. I didn’t read the author’s letter titled ‘Dear Reader’ till after I had finished the book. I didn’t think it was necessary at all.
I picked up this book because the premise sounded interesting. It is probably a good beach or holiday read, that engages without any great surprises. An enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
August 29, 2017
Brilliant!!
This is the first book, I've read by Daniela Sacerdoti, surely won't be the last. Love her style and the way, how she described the Seal Island, I literally felt like I was there.
This is the story of a six year old girl, Ava. She is a daddy's girl, so when her father walked away, she was heartbroken and she stopped speaking for three days. Of course, her mother Anna, was worry about her daughter's state and when Ava finally spoke again, the joy she felt was immense. But then her daughter, told her, that she wants to go and see her other mother. Anna was in shock, why her daughter is asking about her other mother? she doesn't have another mother. Anna was hers.
Days passed, still her daughter wasn't improving, she talks about a place, where she lived before. Anna felt helpless, she had no one to talk about what her daughter is going through. How can she help her daughter? Could she help her? There was one thing to do, take her daughter, to this place. Terrified of the unknown, she puts her daughter's interest first and hope that things will be back to normal. But, what if it won't be possible to go back to their normal life? It would be a bad or good thing? Is Anna ready to face, her fears? Is her daughter in danger?
This is the first book, I've read by Daniela Sacerdoti, surely won't be the last. Love her style and the way, how she described the Seal Island, I literally felt like I was there.
This is the story of a six year old girl, Ava. She is a daddy's girl, so when her father walked away, she was heartbroken and she stopped speaking for three days. Of course, her mother Anna, was worry about her daughter's state and when Ava finally spoke again, the joy she felt was immense. But then her daughter, told her, that she wants to go and see her other mother. Anna was in shock, why her daughter is asking about her other mother? she doesn't have another mother. Anna was hers.
Days passed, still her daughter wasn't improving, she talks about a place, where she lived before. Anna felt helpless, she had no one to talk about what her daughter is going through. How can she help her daughter? Could she help her? There was one thing to do, take her daughter, to this place. Terrified of the unknown, she puts her daughter's interest first and hope that things will be back to normal. But, what if it won't be possible to go back to their normal life? It would be a bad or good thing? Is Anna ready to face, her fears? Is her daughter in danger?
December 5, 2017
I’ll confess from the start that I don’t read a lot of romance or fantasy so this book was perhaps always going to have to work hard for me to love it.
There were quite a few things I did really enjoy:
• The theme of the healing qualities of the natural world
• The engaging picture of an island community, where everyone knows everyone else and you’re not just an anonymous figure amongst thousands
• The exploration of grief and guilt following a bereavement and how silence can be a barrier to healing
• The process of learning to trust and opening up to another person after a failed relationship
In the end, however, I found the supernatural element didn’t really do it for me and I found it hard to believe in the relationship that Anna forms when she arrives on Seal. It all seemed too sudden and convenient although I appreciate the author was probably trying to explore the idea of fate or destiny. I also felt the introduction of two new points of view towards the end of the book was unnecessary.
Keep Me Safe is undoubtedly romantic, though, and I’m sure there are many readers who will simply adore the story. In my case, I enjoyed it but didn’t fall in love with it.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of NetGalley and publishers Headline in return for an honest and unbiased review.
There were quite a few things I did really enjoy:
• The theme of the healing qualities of the natural world
• The engaging picture of an island community, where everyone knows everyone else and you’re not just an anonymous figure amongst thousands
• The exploration of grief and guilt following a bereavement and how silence can be a barrier to healing
• The process of learning to trust and opening up to another person after a failed relationship
In the end, however, I found the supernatural element didn’t really do it for me and I found it hard to believe in the relationship that Anna forms when she arrives on Seal. It all seemed too sudden and convenient although I appreciate the author was probably trying to explore the idea of fate or destiny. I also felt the introduction of two new points of view towards the end of the book was unnecessary.
Keep Me Safe is undoubtedly romantic, though, and I’m sure there are many readers who will simply adore the story. In my case, I enjoyed it but didn’t fall in love with it.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of NetGalley and publishers Headline in return for an honest and unbiased review.
May 29, 2017
Keep Me Safe is the best book by Daniela Sacerdoti is the best book that she has written, it certainly draws out the emotional feelings.
Anna shares her thoughts in how will she look after a baby, with her shifts and little money and no family to help.
Anna introduces readers to what she is thinking the moment Ava is born, she didn't recognise her like she thought she would.
The story touches your heart, with some of us who have been through the same ordeal, makes the scenes so real life.
The sparkle has gone out of little Six year old Ava's life , when one afternoon her father packs a suitcase and walked out. Poor little Ava sobbed her heart out. It's the children's life that crumble when their parents split up. Ava's life becomes destroyed to the point where she falls silent for three days.
I very highly recommend Keep Me Safe by Daniela Sacerdoti who has delivered a story that no reader will ever forget.
Anna shares her thoughts in how will she look after a baby, with her shifts and little money and no family to help.
Anna introduces readers to what she is thinking the moment Ava is born, she didn't recognise her like she thought she would.
The story touches your heart, with some of us who have been through the same ordeal, makes the scenes so real life.
The sparkle has gone out of little Six year old Ava's life , when one afternoon her father packs a suitcase and walked out. Poor little Ava sobbed her heart out. It's the children's life that crumble when their parents split up. Ava's life becomes destroyed to the point where she falls silent for three days.
I very highly recommend Keep Me Safe by Daniela Sacerdoti who has delivered a story that no reader will ever forget.
April 14, 2017
When Ava's father & Anna's partner leaves suddenly, Ava is understandingly devastated and refuses to speak for 3 days. When she finally does it is to ask for her mother, but she doesn't mean Anna. Suddenly Ava has memories of a whole other life. A life with a different family on a remote Scottish Island called Seal. Determined to find out what the memories mean, Anna books a holiday to Seal but what will they find there and why is Ava having these recollections?
Beautiful, magical and uplifting, Keep Me Safe is a wonderfully told story. The Spiritual/ Magical side of this book was very interesting and quite unusual. I enjoyed learning about this side of the book and really hope that what happens is true as it would be wonderful if it was! The fact that it helped Anna, Ava and some of the islanders come to terms with what happened to them was very uplifting, though a tad poignant. When I figured out what was happening it did bring a bit of a lump to my throat. It was beautifully done and felt quite realistic.
I loved all the characters and thought they were all well drawn and well developed. I especially liked Shauna, the Grandma I think we would all love. Her warmth and compassion for everyone was great to read about and created some heart warming scenes. I think we could all do with a Shauna in our lives! I also had a soft spot for Anna who was so brave in a difficult situation. I have kids myself and don't think I would have reacted with such grace. The author doesn't rely on the stereotypical small island characters you normally get in a book like this. I kept waiting for them to turn up but they don't and instead the author creates a wonderful close knit community which was lovely to read about.
The descriptions of the natural beauty of the Island were amazing and really vivid. I felt that I could picture Seal Island in my mind, with the changing sea and windswept beaches. I want to go visit now sad I thought it sounded so lovely!
The pace of the book does slow down a little in the middle but please keep reading as it soon picks up and I thought the ending was brilliant. I thought I had figured out quite early on what was happening and I love that the author surprised me.
This was the first book by this author that o have read but it won't be my last. I believe this is the first book in a new series based on Seal Island, so I look forward to reading the next book. If you liked The Lovely Bones I think you will like this book as I thought it was similar.
Huge thanks to Frances Gough & Headline for my copy of this book.
Beautiful, magical and uplifting, Keep Me Safe is a wonderfully told story. The Spiritual/ Magical side of this book was very interesting and quite unusual. I enjoyed learning about this side of the book and really hope that what happens is true as it would be wonderful if it was! The fact that it helped Anna, Ava and some of the islanders come to terms with what happened to them was very uplifting, though a tad poignant. When I figured out what was happening it did bring a bit of a lump to my throat. It was beautifully done and felt quite realistic.
I loved all the characters and thought they were all well drawn and well developed. I especially liked Shauna, the Grandma I think we would all love. Her warmth and compassion for everyone was great to read about and created some heart warming scenes. I think we could all do with a Shauna in our lives! I also had a soft spot for Anna who was so brave in a difficult situation. I have kids myself and don't think I would have reacted with such grace. The author doesn't rely on the stereotypical small island characters you normally get in a book like this. I kept waiting for them to turn up but they don't and instead the author creates a wonderful close knit community which was lovely to read about.
The descriptions of the natural beauty of the Island were amazing and really vivid. I felt that I could picture Seal Island in my mind, with the changing sea and windswept beaches. I want to go visit now sad I thought it sounded so lovely!
The pace of the book does slow down a little in the middle but please keep reading as it soon picks up and I thought the ending was brilliant. I thought I had figured out quite early on what was happening and I love that the author surprised me.
This was the first book by this author that o have read but it won't be my last. I believe this is the first book in a new series based on Seal Island, so I look forward to reading the next book. If you liked The Lovely Bones I think you will like this book as I thought it was similar.
Huge thanks to Frances Gough & Headline for my copy of this book.
March 13, 2017
When Toby tells his six year old daughter Ava he’s leaving she goes in to shock and doesn’t speak. Three days later she speaks again, asking for her other mother – not Anna, the woman who gave birth to her.
Ooh. I really enjoyed Keep Me Safe. Although I’m not usually keen on multiple first person perspectives I thought the different voices in Keep Me Safe were very well defined and distinct so that I could keep the individuals perfectly clear in my mind. I found the characters realistic and believable and rather wish there was a Sorren in my life too!
I loved the premise for the narrative and found the plotting exciting and captivating. When I wasn’t reading Keep Me Safe I was thinking about it. I was frustrated by Anna’s reluctance to confide in others and kept wanting to read on to see what might happen next and whether she would reveal quite what Ava was going through. As well as enjoying the mystery behind Ava’s words, Keep Me Safe also made me consider memory and human connection very deeply and wonder if the brain can accommodate far more than we yet understand.
The themes of second sight, the supernatural, nature, family, loyalty and love were woven together in a spell-binding way that made me reluctant to tear myself away so that I’m thrilled to find this is the first in a new series. I definitely want to read more and part of the reason for this is Seal itself. Daniela Sacerdoti has such an exquisite touch when it comes to creating settings that I could picture Seal perfectly. The capricious weather, the scent of salt on the air, the effect of moonlight were all so well described I felt as if I was on Seal too.
If you’re looking for a story that will transport you to another place, for characters who will captivate you and you’ll care about and a narrative that is exciting and emotional Keep Me Safe is exactly what you’re after. I highly recommend it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/03/13/...
Ooh. I really enjoyed Keep Me Safe. Although I’m not usually keen on multiple first person perspectives I thought the different voices in Keep Me Safe were very well defined and distinct so that I could keep the individuals perfectly clear in my mind. I found the characters realistic and believable and rather wish there was a Sorren in my life too!
I loved the premise for the narrative and found the plotting exciting and captivating. When I wasn’t reading Keep Me Safe I was thinking about it. I was frustrated by Anna’s reluctance to confide in others and kept wanting to read on to see what might happen next and whether she would reveal quite what Ava was going through. As well as enjoying the mystery behind Ava’s words, Keep Me Safe also made me consider memory and human connection very deeply and wonder if the brain can accommodate far more than we yet understand.
The themes of second sight, the supernatural, nature, family, loyalty and love were woven together in a spell-binding way that made me reluctant to tear myself away so that I’m thrilled to find this is the first in a new series. I definitely want to read more and part of the reason for this is Seal itself. Daniela Sacerdoti has such an exquisite touch when it comes to creating settings that I could picture Seal perfectly. The capricious weather, the scent of salt on the air, the effect of moonlight were all so well described I felt as if I was on Seal too.
If you’re looking for a story that will transport you to another place, for characters who will captivate you and you’ll care about and a narrative that is exciting and emotional Keep Me Safe is exactly what you’re after. I highly recommend it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/03/13/...
November 22, 2017
This book is not what I expected.
From the blurb I was waiting for a paranormal, psychological, creepy story about past lives! But this was more of a chick flick. I did like the mix of having the (almost) paranormal element, but the whole 'love at first sight' etc side of a book, just isn't for me. I like action and crime!
This was a good book, and the sort I can see plenty of women reading by the pool on holiday, but it weren't for me.
From the blurb I was waiting for a paranormal, psychological, creepy story about past lives! But this was more of a chick flick. I did like the mix of having the (almost) paranormal element, but the whole 'love at first sight' etc side of a book, just isn't for me. I like action and crime!
This was a good book, and the sort I can see plenty of women reading by the pool on holiday, but it weren't for me.
March 22, 2017
Imagine your six year old daughter tells you that she remembers living on the island of Seal with her mum? Her other mum? She draws pictures of that island, the sea, the water....
Wouldn’t you want to go there to see what she is on about and how on earth she is suddenly talking about a place you’ve never taken her to with her ‘other mum’? Children have imaginary friends burt imaginary parents?
This chilled from the off and there was a creepy visit to the island to find out more. I was keen to unravel the mystery of Ava’s drawings and felt sorry for Anna who must have been terrified of what she might find and how her daughter knew all this!
Not surprisingly there are themes of the supernatural and second sight but it’s done with skill that draws you in and the whole eerie, mist covered island in Scotland is the perfect setting for a story like this. These islands are well known for its myths and folklore and Selkie appearances......seals in disguise....
At the heart of the story, a lyrical message can be heard...
March 3, 2019
"A cage with an open door" is sometimes the most difficult to escape from.... it's like we are the prisoners of our own selves. Everything folded right in its place with a fairytale happy ending; no matter how old we may be getting, a fairytale love story touches not only our heart but magically winds our soul. A perfect story for this specific week in my life....
April 16, 2017
I wanted to love this book as the premise was intriguing when I first saw it. Unfortunately it very quickly changed into something else which was very predictable.
Saying that the story is written well, the characterisation is good, and there are a few twists on the way. It was a decent read, but one where I found myself skipping a lot as I wanted to get to the end.
This is simply my opinion though.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
Saying that the story is written well, the characterisation is good, and there are a few twists on the way. It was a decent read, but one where I found myself skipping a lot as I wanted to get to the end.
This is simply my opinion though.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
June 21, 2018
Salve lettrici.
Questa settimana piovosa l’ho trascorsa in piacevolissima compagnia.
Siamo già a mercoledì e io, nel giro di tre giorni, ho letto due libri meravigliosi. Il primo, già recensito per voi, era “Cruel and Beautiful”, il secondo è quello di cui vi parlo oggi.
“Tienimi accanto a te” di Daniela Sacerdoti è un libro magico e assolutamente meraviglioso. È una lettura intensa e una storia incantevole.
È una storia che inizia con un dramma familiare ma che si conclude con la gioia di aver trovato il proprio posto nel mondo, la propria casa.
Il romanzo inizia a Londra, dove la dolce Anna sta compiendo sacrifici enormi per regalare un po’ di serenità a sua figlia.
Il suo compagno è assente, disoccupato e non conosce la parola amore.
Anna, però, non vuole lasciarlo, non vuole che la piccola Ava abbia una vita infelice.
Un giorno Toby, compagno di Anna e padre di Ava, decide che la loro vita a Londra gli sta stretta e così prepara una valigia e parte. Lontano dalla sua famiglia.
Anna da una parte si sente sollevata, ma il sollievo dura davvero poco.
Sua figlia Ava, dopo lo shock per la perdita del padre, per tre giorni interi non mangia e non parla. Resta inerme sul letto.
Al terzo giorno Ava finalmente si risveglia, ma la gioia di Anna viene spenta dalla richiesta di sua figlia. Ava sta cercando sua madre, le chiede dove si trova, non vede che la madre è davanti ai suoi occhi. Ava non cerca sua madre Anna, cerca un’altra madre, un’altra vita.
Da quel giorno Ava inizia a ricordare cose di un’altra vita, una vita che non ha mai vissuto, un’altra madre, un’altra famiglia. Ricorda del mare che si vede dalla sua scuola e ricorda la sua casa lontano da Londra, ricorda della sua scuola, ricorda del suo paese. Ava ricorda di Seal, il posto dove viveva con l’altra sua mamma, un’isola della Scozia.
Ad Anna non resta che farsi coraggio e, piena di dolore, la porta su quell’isola che sua figlia chiama casa. La porta a Seal dove inizia la loro nuova vita.
Lì Ava sembra rinascere. Riprende vita e riesce finalmente a sentirsi a casa. Riesce a vedere i luoghi dei suoi ricordi e Anna, che dovrebbe spegnersi per quello che sta vivendo, si riaccende.
Insomma lettrici, la storia mi aveva conquistato fin da subito grazie alla sua trama. Emanava potenza, magia e mistero.
Sono così felice di averla letta e sono così felice di aver scoperto questa nuova autrice. Daniela Sacerdoti è stata bravissima a raccontare questa storia con il suo tratto romantico e delicato.
Ha saputo cogliere ogni sfumatura di questi personaggi così interessanti e li ha resi reali ai miei occhi.
Anna e Ava sono così spezzate che solo l’amore può ricucire ogni pezzo quando la vita è così crudele.
Solo l’amore che troveranno in questa isola può rimarginare i loro cuori. Solo l’amore di Sorren, un’abitante dell’isola, può illuminare i loro sguardi spenti.
Sorren è un personaggio meraviglioso. Lui vive per la famiglia e non rinuncerebbe mai alla sua vita a Seal. Quell’isola è casa sua, i suoi abitanti sono la sua famiglia. Nemmeno il richiamo dell’amore lo spinge a lasciarli. È un uomo segnato dal passato, tormentato.
È un uomo che pensa di non avere un futuro, ma che ancora non sa che la sua vita è da sempre legata con quella di Ava e Anna.
Loro tre e le loro famiglie sono legati dal destino e da un qualcosa di magico. Sono legati da un filo invisibile che li porterà tutti alla salvezza.
Ringrazio dunque la mia amica Kat per aver pensato a me per questa bellissima lettura. L’ho adorata, divorata e amata.
Il mistero che lega tutti questi personaggi mi ha spinto a iniziare questa storia, ma a tenermi incollata fino alla fine è stata la magia che essa racconta.
È un romanzo intenso, profondo, e tratta di un tema caro a noi tutte: quello della famiglia. La famiglia è l’essenza di questo romanzo, ne è il cuore, senza di essa nulla sarebbe potuto andare a buon fine. Senza l’amore che lega questa famiglia nessuno sarebbe potuto essere salvato.
Forse potrà sembrare una lettura assurda, ma per me nulla è stato assurdo in questa storia perché sono riuscita a leggere tra le righe. Sono riuscita a scavare dentro e a trovare il messaggio che l’autrice voleva passare.
Nonostante alcuni avvenimenti misteriosi non ho trovato questa storia assurda, bensì magica, perché mi piace pensare davvero che l’amore che proviamo sia più grande di ogni barriera, anche più grande del confine tra la vita terrena e quella celeste. Mi piace pensare che la forza dell’amore di una famiglia sia più forte di tutto.
La penna e il messaggio che l’autrice ha voluto far passare sono stati meravigliosi per me.
Daniela Sacerdoti ha descritto perfettamente i luoghi e le emozioni, i personaggi e i loro pensieri. E soprattutto ci ha regalato una storia ricca e piena d’amore. Non solo Anna e Sorren potranno dire la loro in questa storia, ma ci saranno brevi spazi anche per i personaggi secondari, perché tutti, dico tutti, hanno qualcosa da dire.
Buona lettura!
Questa settimana piovosa l’ho trascorsa in piacevolissima compagnia.
Siamo già a mercoledì e io, nel giro di tre giorni, ho letto due libri meravigliosi. Il primo, già recensito per voi, era “Cruel and Beautiful”, il secondo è quello di cui vi parlo oggi.
“Tienimi accanto a te” di Daniela Sacerdoti è un libro magico e assolutamente meraviglioso. È una lettura intensa e una storia incantevole.
È una storia che inizia con un dramma familiare ma che si conclude con la gioia di aver trovato il proprio posto nel mondo, la propria casa.
Il romanzo inizia a Londra, dove la dolce Anna sta compiendo sacrifici enormi per regalare un po’ di serenità a sua figlia.
Il suo compagno è assente, disoccupato e non conosce la parola amore.
Anna, però, non vuole lasciarlo, non vuole che la piccola Ava abbia una vita infelice.
Un giorno Toby, compagno di Anna e padre di Ava, decide che la loro vita a Londra gli sta stretta e così prepara una valigia e parte. Lontano dalla sua famiglia.
Anna da una parte si sente sollevata, ma il sollievo dura davvero poco.
Sua figlia Ava, dopo lo shock per la perdita del padre, per tre giorni interi non mangia e non parla. Resta inerme sul letto.
Al terzo giorno Ava finalmente si risveglia, ma la gioia di Anna viene spenta dalla richiesta di sua figlia. Ava sta cercando sua madre, le chiede dove si trova, non vede che la madre è davanti ai suoi occhi. Ava non cerca sua madre Anna, cerca un’altra madre, un’altra vita.
Da quel giorno Ava inizia a ricordare cose di un’altra vita, una vita che non ha mai vissuto, un’altra madre, un’altra famiglia. Ricorda del mare che si vede dalla sua scuola e ricorda la sua casa lontano da Londra, ricorda della sua scuola, ricorda del suo paese. Ava ricorda di Seal, il posto dove viveva con l’altra sua mamma, un’isola della Scozia.
Ad Anna non resta che farsi coraggio e, piena di dolore, la porta su quell’isola che sua figlia chiama casa. La porta a Seal dove inizia la loro nuova vita.
Lì Ava sembra rinascere. Riprende vita e riesce finalmente a sentirsi a casa. Riesce a vedere i luoghi dei suoi ricordi e Anna, che dovrebbe spegnersi per quello che sta vivendo, si riaccende.
Insomma lettrici, la storia mi aveva conquistato fin da subito grazie alla sua trama. Emanava potenza, magia e mistero.
Sono così felice di averla letta e sono così felice di aver scoperto questa nuova autrice. Daniela Sacerdoti è stata bravissima a raccontare questa storia con il suo tratto romantico e delicato.
Ha saputo cogliere ogni sfumatura di questi personaggi così interessanti e li ha resi reali ai miei occhi.
Anna e Ava sono così spezzate che solo l’amore può ricucire ogni pezzo quando la vita è così crudele.
Solo l’amore che troveranno in questa isola può rimarginare i loro cuori. Solo l’amore di Sorren, un’abitante dell’isola, può illuminare i loro sguardi spenti.
Sorren è un personaggio meraviglioso. Lui vive per la famiglia e non rinuncerebbe mai alla sua vita a Seal. Quell’isola è casa sua, i suoi abitanti sono la sua famiglia. Nemmeno il richiamo dell’amore lo spinge a lasciarli. È un uomo segnato dal passato, tormentato.
È un uomo che pensa di non avere un futuro, ma che ancora non sa che la sua vita è da sempre legata con quella di Ava e Anna.
Loro tre e le loro famiglie sono legati dal destino e da un qualcosa di magico. Sono legati da un filo invisibile che li porterà tutti alla salvezza.
Ringrazio dunque la mia amica Kat per aver pensato a me per questa bellissima lettura. L’ho adorata, divorata e amata.
Il mistero che lega tutti questi personaggi mi ha spinto a iniziare questa storia, ma a tenermi incollata fino alla fine è stata la magia che essa racconta.
È un romanzo intenso, profondo, e tratta di un tema caro a noi tutte: quello della famiglia. La famiglia è l’essenza di questo romanzo, ne è il cuore, senza di essa nulla sarebbe potuto andare a buon fine. Senza l’amore che lega questa famiglia nessuno sarebbe potuto essere salvato.
Forse potrà sembrare una lettura assurda, ma per me nulla è stato assurdo in questa storia perché sono riuscita a leggere tra le righe. Sono riuscita a scavare dentro e a trovare il messaggio che l’autrice voleva passare.
Nonostante alcuni avvenimenti misteriosi non ho trovato questa storia assurda, bensì magica, perché mi piace pensare davvero che l’amore che proviamo sia più grande di ogni barriera, anche più grande del confine tra la vita terrena e quella celeste. Mi piace pensare che la forza dell’amore di una famiglia sia più forte di tutto.
La penna e il messaggio che l’autrice ha voluto far passare sono stati meravigliosi per me.
Daniela Sacerdoti ha descritto perfettamente i luoghi e le emozioni, i personaggi e i loro pensieri. E soprattutto ci ha regalato una storia ricca e piena d’amore. Non solo Anna e Sorren potranno dire la loro in questa storia, ma ci saranno brevi spazi anche per i personaggi secondari, perché tutti, dico tutti, hanno qualcosa da dire.
Buona lettura!
April 6, 2017
**4.5 stars**
I've read a couple of Daniela Sacerdoti's previous novels and really enjoyed them, so I was eager to read her the first of her new series....and to me it was just like coming home.
Anna has been continually let down by her partner Toby but she sticks with him for the sake of their young daughter Ava. Toby finally decides to leave the relationship and travel to Australia. Although this is a relief to Anna, it hits Ava very hard and she remains silent for three days. Upon talking again, Ava starts to say some very odd things and Anna is determined to get to the bottom of this. Their journey takes them to Seal, a very small Island in the Western Scottish Isles.
I can't believe that every time I picked up this book I became totally immersed in the story and it evoked such contentment. With some second sight and gentle supernatural elements woven through the story, it was something I really enjoyed. Told in multiple view points over various chapters, it was easy to follow. I loved meeting the characters and could sense the beauty, salt and sea of the small Island.
I will certainly follow this series and thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
I've read a couple of Daniela Sacerdoti's previous novels and really enjoyed them, so I was eager to read her the first of her new series....and to me it was just like coming home.
Anna has been continually let down by her partner Toby but she sticks with him for the sake of their young daughter Ava. Toby finally decides to leave the relationship and travel to Australia. Although this is a relief to Anna, it hits Ava very hard and she remains silent for three days. Upon talking again, Ava starts to say some very odd things and Anna is determined to get to the bottom of this. Their journey takes them to Seal, a very small Island in the Western Scottish Isles.
I can't believe that every time I picked up this book I became totally immersed in the story and it evoked such contentment. With some second sight and gentle supernatural elements woven through the story, it was something I really enjoyed. Told in multiple view points over various chapters, it was easy to follow. I loved meeting the characters and could sense the beauty, salt and sea of the small Island.
I will certainly follow this series and thank Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
November 30, 2017
This is my first book with this author and I was left with a lump in my throat at her clear sensitive writing. Author Daniela Sacerdoti writes the book with a heavy hand of emotions and tears.
When Ava after 3 days of silence asks for her other mother, Anna is devastated. Yet to get to the bottom on these memories in Ava's mind, Anna takes them both to the island of Seal. And the secrets are revealed...
The characters in the book are all special and the grandmother is especially loving. The descriptions of the island landscape are vivid and mind blowing.
I read this book with an open mind, not trying to guess, so to me, the ending was unexpected and apt.
The book touches on spiritual and extra sensory perception along with love and emotions and author has done a brilliant job with the story.
When Ava after 3 days of silence asks for her other mother, Anna is devastated. Yet to get to the bottom on these memories in Ava's mind, Anna takes them both to the island of Seal. And the secrets are revealed...
The characters in the book are all special and the grandmother is especially loving. The descriptions of the island landscape are vivid and mind blowing.
I read this book with an open mind, not trying to guess, so to me, the ending was unexpected and apt.
The book touches on spiritual and extra sensory perception along with love and emotions and author has done a brilliant job with the story.
April 24, 2017
A book good to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon . I loved seal island particularly because as a child I went there often therefore it brought back so many wonderful memories . A book well written but , although the touch of supernatural was interwoven well , I found this a touch off putting . All in all I enjoyed this book . 3.5 star read with my thanks to netgalley and publisher for my arc
April 23, 2018
Novel set in the HEBRIDES, a must read for anyone visiting the islands...
Anna, a newly qualified nurse, is devastated when her live-in partner, Toby, announces that he’s leaving her and their young daughter, Ava, and emigrating to Australia. Throughout their time together, Toby has proved himself unreliable, selfish and capable of cruelty, so you might have thought that Anna would have been relieved to be rid of him but, being a product of an extremely dysfunctional family herself, she is determined to provide a stable home with both parents present for her daughter.
Toby then makes matters worse by rather brutally telling six-year-old Ava of his decision while Anna is at work. The child is traumatized and doesn’t speak or eat for three days and, when speech returns, she seems to recall a life by the sea on an island called Seal and repeatedly refers to a mother who isn’t Anna. Understandably, Anna is very disturbed by these developments and takes Ava to see a specialist who thinks that Ava is inventing this alternative life to soothe herself following her father’s abrupt departure. When Ava’s school expresses concern about the child’s behaviour Anna decides that she needs to investigate Ava’s tales. Some internet research identifies Seal as an island in the Hebrides and the concerned mother decides to book a holiday there for the two of them.
When they arrive, Ava confuses Anna further by behaving as though she has been there before and showing understanding of island customs and language that ought to have been impossible. Enter Sorren, ruggedly handsome islander and his mother, Shuna, and Ava proceeds to behave towards the two as though she has known them all her life. From this point on the story evolves into a fairly predictable love story with supernatural elements that unfortunately stretch credibility to its limits.
Despite this, Keep Me Safe is an engaging story with skilful characterisation and the description of the island of Seal is quite beautiful. Sacerdoti evokes the Hebridean island through wonderful sensual imagery so that the reader can almost smell the soft, sweet scent of peat fires, see the beautiful, white shell-laden beaches, taste the burn of whisky on your throat and hear the sound of the haunting music and soft lilting voices. Leaving aside the supernatural element, there is a real sense of the way the islanders are subject to the vagaries of nature and the power of elemental forces.
Keep Me Safe is the first book in Sacerdoti’s new Seal island series and won’t disappoint fans of her past work, including the million selling thriller Watch Over Me. I think it’s her best so far and shows a honing of skill and tightness in prose and plotting that wasn’t quite there in earlier works.
This is a definite must-read for lovers of romance and anyone contemplating a visit to a Hebridean island in the near future.
Anna, a newly qualified nurse, is devastated when her live-in partner, Toby, announces that he’s leaving her and their young daughter, Ava, and emigrating to Australia. Throughout their time together, Toby has proved himself unreliable, selfish and capable of cruelty, so you might have thought that Anna would have been relieved to be rid of him but, being a product of an extremely dysfunctional family herself, she is determined to provide a stable home with both parents present for her daughter.
Toby then makes matters worse by rather brutally telling six-year-old Ava of his decision while Anna is at work. The child is traumatized and doesn’t speak or eat for three days and, when speech returns, she seems to recall a life by the sea on an island called Seal and repeatedly refers to a mother who isn’t Anna. Understandably, Anna is very disturbed by these developments and takes Ava to see a specialist who thinks that Ava is inventing this alternative life to soothe herself following her father’s abrupt departure. When Ava’s school expresses concern about the child’s behaviour Anna decides that she needs to investigate Ava’s tales. Some internet research identifies Seal as an island in the Hebrides and the concerned mother decides to book a holiday there for the two of them.
When they arrive, Ava confuses Anna further by behaving as though she has been there before and showing understanding of island customs and language that ought to have been impossible. Enter Sorren, ruggedly handsome islander and his mother, Shuna, and Ava proceeds to behave towards the two as though she has known them all her life. From this point on the story evolves into a fairly predictable love story with supernatural elements that unfortunately stretch credibility to its limits.
Despite this, Keep Me Safe is an engaging story with skilful characterisation and the description of the island of Seal is quite beautiful. Sacerdoti evokes the Hebridean island through wonderful sensual imagery so that the reader can almost smell the soft, sweet scent of peat fires, see the beautiful, white shell-laden beaches, taste the burn of whisky on your throat and hear the sound of the haunting music and soft lilting voices. Leaving aside the supernatural element, there is a real sense of the way the islanders are subject to the vagaries of nature and the power of elemental forces.
Keep Me Safe is the first book in Sacerdoti’s new Seal island series and won’t disappoint fans of her past work, including the million selling thriller Watch Over Me. I think it’s her best so far and shows a honing of skill and tightness in prose and plotting that wasn’t quite there in earlier works.
This is a definite must-read for lovers of romance and anyone contemplating a visit to a Hebridean island in the near future.
September 11, 2018
I wanted to love this book. I would even have been happy liking it, but I couldn't.
It wasn't the plot, or the character development or the romance or even the writing.
It was the SODDING FIRST PERSON points of view!!!!
WHY?? WHY ruin what could have been magical and uplifting and engrossing by writing it in multiple first person povs??
It's hard enough get engaged in a story when all the time you are listening to someone go on and on and on with the 'I did this, I did that, I walked, I thought,...' but when every single character is written in 1st person there was NO moment when I found myself 'living' the story. It was always something I was reading, never experiencing. And the whole point of reading -for me at any rate -is to forget that I am reading and just enjoy the journey. It didn't happen here. The need to put 'Anna' , 'Sorren', 'Anna'... etc at the start of every single change of pov (and there were a LOT of them) ruined any hope I had of sinking into the story.
This could have been wonderful. but it wasnt. Had it been written in 3rd person, it would have been 5 stars. I honestly don't know why authors are so fixated on 1st person - its an incredibly difficult pov to carry off successfully and doing it in multiple viewpoints simply doesn't work. Everyone ends up sounding the same.
I really should have known better. I wanted to love this story but I didn't. It held so much promise and it failed miserably.
It wasn't the plot, or the character development or the romance or even the writing.
It was the SODDING FIRST PERSON points of view!!!!
WHY?? WHY ruin what could have been magical and uplifting and engrossing by writing it in multiple first person povs??
It's hard enough get engaged in a story when all the time you are listening to someone go on and on and on with the 'I did this, I did that, I walked, I thought,...' but when every single character is written in 1st person there was NO moment when I found myself 'living' the story. It was always something I was reading, never experiencing. And the whole point of reading -for me at any rate -is to forget that I am reading and just enjoy the journey. It didn't happen here. The need to put 'Anna' , 'Sorren', 'Anna'... etc at the start of every single change of pov (and there were a LOT of them) ruined any hope I had of sinking into the story.
This could have been wonderful. but it wasnt. Had it been written in 3rd person, it would have been 5 stars. I honestly don't know why authors are so fixated on 1st person - its an incredibly difficult pov to carry off successfully and doing it in multiple viewpoints simply doesn't work. Everyone ends up sounding the same.
I really should have known better. I wanted to love this story but I didn't. It held so much promise and it failed miserably.
September 2, 2018
I absolutely adore Daniela Sacerdoti's books. They have just that little something extra that make her books unforgettable, heartwarming and just good for the soul.
This book is no different. One might think it a little creepy when a little girl all of a sudden asks for her OTHER mummy but somehow it's not. It's endearing. And I think it's because of the writing. There's jus so much love and soul in the words that it's magic leaps off the page.
The scenery, the Isle of Seal, adds an extra element to this book - it has it's own magic. The characters are lovingly drawn, each with their own distinct personalities and each go through such character development that it doesn't seem possible in just one book. Even though the book is centered around the main characters' POVs, the little look-ins into the other characters' POVs also adds more depth to the story.
Keep me safe is a lovely, heartwarming story of coming home and finding love and peace, and family. A beautiful, magical story you never want to finish reading. Enjoy 🙂
This book is no different. One might think it a little creepy when a little girl all of a sudden asks for her OTHER mummy but somehow it's not. It's endearing. And I think it's because of the writing. There's jus so much love and soul in the words that it's magic leaps off the page.
The scenery, the Isle of Seal, adds an extra element to this book - it has it's own magic. The characters are lovingly drawn, each with their own distinct personalities and each go through such character development that it doesn't seem possible in just one book. Even though the book is centered around the main characters' POVs, the little look-ins into the other characters' POVs also adds more depth to the story.
Keep me safe is a lovely, heartwarming story of coming home and finding love and peace, and family. A beautiful, magical story you never want to finish reading. Enjoy 🙂
November 30, 2017
This is my first book with this author and I was left with a lump in my throat at her clear sensitive writing. Author Daniela Sacerdoti writes the book with a heavy hand of emotions and tears.
When Ava after 3 days of silence asks for her other mother, Anna is devastated. Yet to get to the bottom on these memories in Ava's mind, Anna takes them both to the island of Seal. And the secrets are revealed...
The characters in the book are all special and the grandmother is especially loving. The descriptions of the island landscape are vivid and mind blowing.
I read this book with an open mind, not trying to guess, so to me, the ending was unexpected and apt.
The book touches on spiritual and extra sensory perception along with love and emotions and author has done a brilliant job with the story.
When Ava after 3 days of silence asks for her other mother, Anna is devastated. Yet to get to the bottom on these memories in Ava's mind, Anna takes them both to the island of Seal. And the secrets are revealed...
The characters in the book are all special and the grandmother is especially loving. The descriptions of the island landscape are vivid and mind blowing.
I read this book with an open mind, not trying to guess, so to me, the ending was unexpected and apt.
The book touches on spiritual and extra sensory perception along with love and emotions and author has done a brilliant job with the story.
July 9, 2017
Despite many other fantastic reviews this book certainly wasn't for me. It was a little too " soft " and certainly wasn't what I was expecting from the the blurb . I was put off before the first page by the author's " Dear Reader " letter which I found cheesy . Anyway I'm glad many others enjoyed it
March 31, 2017
Really liked this once it got going. A lovely bit of magic ... Full review soon!
September 10, 2018
Azt hiszem, szeretni fogom Sacerdotit. :)
June 6, 2020
Looking forward to more of this series
August 7, 2017
Keep Me Safe drew me in from the beginning. The author did a really great job with character development and story line. When Ava's father decides to leave she goes through the trauma very deeply and starts seeing herself living in a different place with a different Mum. Anna not having a stable house growing up does what she needs to do to help Ava and takes a trip to the Seal Island where Ava believes she's lived before. Once on the island there are some twists and turns that keep you engaged. The story is told in multiple viewpoints which helped with getting to know the characters even better. Seal Island sounds like a slice of heaven. I would definitely recommend the book. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC for providing an honest review.
May 12, 2018
a really good story that I didn't want to end. almost eerie in places how ava aged 6 says she has another mother and lived somewhere else.
June 13, 2018
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/t...
Recensione di Veronica – Tienimi accanto a te di Daniela Sacerdoti edito Newton Compton e pubblicato a maggio di quest’anno.
“Sapevo da sempre che Toby ci avrebbe lasciate; rimasi perfino sorpresa che avesse aspettato così a lungo. Nonostante tutti i miei sforzi, non ero riuscita a tenere insieme questa famigliola traballante.”
Anna, Toby e Ava sono una famiglia, anche se con dei limiti non indifferenti… un padre e compagno che passa da un lavoro all’altro senza trovare stabilità e ama vivere alla giornata, e lei, una madre che cerca di realizzare i propri sogni non facendo mancare nulla a questa figlia che, inaspettatamente sull’orlo della crisi sentimentale tra loro due, era arrivata. Ma se Anna è sempre stata quella forte, quella disponibile ad andare avanti accanto ad un uomo che non ama più, lo stesso non si può dire per Toby che un giorno, all’improvviso, prepara i bagagli comunicando alla figlia che lei e la sua mamma sarebbero state meglio senza di lui.
Per Ava questo è un durissimo colpo, molto unita a suo padre, non riesce a superare l’abbandono e cade in una sorta di sconforto. Per tre giorni non parla e non mangia, non dimostra alcuna emozione, poi al quarto giorno, sembra risvegliarsi ma quello che dice sconvolge totalmente Anna.
Non dimenticherò mai il momento in cui, mentre la tenevo tra le braccia, con il viso così vicino al suo che i nostri nasi quasi si toccavano, mi chiese con calma e tranquillità: «Dov’è la mia mamma?».
Ava comincia a raccontare e rivivere una vita immaginaria, che non le appartiene, vissuta in un altro luogo, con altre persone, un’altra famiglia.
Cosa è successo in quei tre giorni in cui Ava si è rinchiusa in sé stessa?
Anna si trova così ad un bivio: assecondare l’immaginazione di sua figlia cercando di trovare con lei delle risposte alle sue visioni, o nascondere la testa sotto la sabbia e attendere con l’aiuto di specialisti che Ava superi il turbamento dovuto all’abbandono del padre?
«Per i nostri figli desideriamo solo la perfezione. Vogliamo proteggerli da tutto, tenerli al sicuro. Ma la vita si mette in mezzo. La vita non potrà mai essere perfetta. Può essere buona se noi la rendiamo tale».
La tristezza negli occhi di Ava ogni volta che rivive quegli assurdi momenti della sua seconda vita, i suoi ricordi così precisi e dettagliati di una vita che le manca e nella quale era felice, spingono Anna a prendere la decisione di partire per il luogo di cui Ava parla. Partono così per Seal, una minuscola isola al largo della Scozia occidentale.
Durante questo viaggio saranno moltissimi i sentimenti, le emozioni, i ricordi che Anna e Ava vivranno.
Ad accoglierle al loro arrivo e dare loro un posto dove stare sarà Sorren, un uomo legato alla sua isola, così tanto da rinunciare persino all’amore piuttosto che lasciare quel luogo per lui magico e meraviglioso. Un uomo segnato da un evento del passato che lo tormenta ancora oggi e per cui prova un senso di colpa infinito. Un uomo che pur di non pensare si è buttato a capofitto nel lavoro e si rende sempre disponibile per tutti coloro che hanno bisogno.
“Mi dividevo tra i miei genitori, il Soccorso marino e chiunque avesse bisogno di me, e tutto questo per tenere Isla lontana dalla mia mente. Cercando di fare ammenda, e di non dovermi mai fermare a pensare. Tentando di occuparmi delle persone intorno a me perché non ci ero riuscito con la sola persona di cui avrei dovuto prendermi cura.”
Sorren ancora non lo sa, così come non lo sa Anna, ma lui, la sua famiglia, l’isola, Ava e Anna sono tutti legati da un filo sottilissimo di mistero. Legati nel passato e nel presente, nelle gioie e nei tormenti. L’uno diventerà la salvezza dell’altro.
Forse l’isola non avrebbe aiutato solo Ava a mettere ordine nei ricordi che viveva, forse inaspettatamente, Seal avrebbe sostenuto anche Anna, l’avrebbe aiutata a ritrovare ciò che aveva perso, le avrebbe regalato amore, bellezza, felicità, e magari una famiglia, lei che una famiglia non l’aveva mai avuta. Forse era stata proprio l’isola ad averle volute lì perché provassero un po’ di pace nei loro cuori e in quelli di Sorren e la sua famiglia. Anna deve solo imparare a fidarsi, aprire il suo cuore e accettare che anche lei merita di essere felice.
Seal è casa. Una casa che non la soffoca e non la fa sentire sola ed estranea come ultimamente succedeva nella Londra che tanto ama.
“L’isola stava lavorando su tutte e due. Faceva luccicare gli occhi di Ava e alleviava le mie peggiori preoccupazioni. La pelle di mia figlia aveva cambiato odore; il mio cuore si stava ammorbidendo. Il viso di Ava aveva perso quell’aspetto ansioso che aveva da quando Toby se n’era andato; e la ruga tra i miei occhi si stava spianando. Seal ci stava cambiando da dentro, riuscivo a percepirlo. Sia lei, sia me.”
Quando ho letto la trama di questo libro sono stata immediatamente colpita dall’alone di mistero dietro il quale si celavano i fatti raccontati e posso garantirvi che non ne sono rimasta delusa.
Il romanzo è molto profondo, a tratti forse angosciante. Come reagireste voi se la persona che più amate al mondo inizia a raccontarvi momenti che non ha realmente vissuto, di una vita della quale voi non fate parte? Non so se vi piace questo genere di romanzo, però io stessa, che non sono una persona molto spirituale e di fede, ne sono rimasta colpita. Sia per i temi trattati, sia per la delicatezza e profondità della narrazione. Forse per alcuni può sembrare forzato, ma vi posso garantire che l’autrice non è mai andata oltre il limite cadendo nell’assurdo, e poi… può l’essere umano negare l’esistenza di qualcosa che va al di là della vita terrena? Quello che Anna compie per amore di sua figlia, è un atto di fiducia, ma come accade per ogni cosa a cui non riusciamo a dare una spiegazione razionale, proviamo paura.
I personaggi presentati sono perfetti. Ho ammirato la forza di Anna, il suo amore incondizionato per la figlia, la sua voglia di ricominciare, se non addirittura iniziare, a vivere, e ho provato moltissime emozioni per Sorren, un uomo fragile ma al contempo deciso, in grado di amare in modo totalizzante, un uomo con un grande peso da portare e bisognoso di qualcuno che gli permetta di perdonarsi e concedersi una seconda possibilità.
Nel romanzo molti messaggi sono veicolati anche dalle parole di Catriona, da sempre amica di Sorren e da sempre innamorata di lui e da quelle di Fraser, collega e amico di Sorren, un uomo schivo, taciturno, amante della natura, un uomo che ama l’avventura ma bisognoso del suo posto nel mondo.
La penna di Daniela Sacerdoti si è rivelata meravigliosa anche in questo caso. Le descrizioni dei luoghi e delle emozioni, la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, i temi trattati e la trama interessante, ti catturano attraverso una lettura che è difficile interrompere.
Recensione di Veronica – Tienimi accanto a te di Daniela Sacerdoti edito Newton Compton e pubblicato a maggio di quest’anno.
“Sapevo da sempre che Toby ci avrebbe lasciate; rimasi perfino sorpresa che avesse aspettato così a lungo. Nonostante tutti i miei sforzi, non ero riuscita a tenere insieme questa famigliola traballante.”
Anna, Toby e Ava sono una famiglia, anche se con dei limiti non indifferenti… un padre e compagno che passa da un lavoro all’altro senza trovare stabilità e ama vivere alla giornata, e lei, una madre che cerca di realizzare i propri sogni non facendo mancare nulla a questa figlia che, inaspettatamente sull’orlo della crisi sentimentale tra loro due, era arrivata. Ma se Anna è sempre stata quella forte, quella disponibile ad andare avanti accanto ad un uomo che non ama più, lo stesso non si può dire per Toby che un giorno, all’improvviso, prepara i bagagli comunicando alla figlia che lei e la sua mamma sarebbero state meglio senza di lui.
Per Ava questo è un durissimo colpo, molto unita a suo padre, non riesce a superare l’abbandono e cade in una sorta di sconforto. Per tre giorni non parla e non mangia, non dimostra alcuna emozione, poi al quarto giorno, sembra risvegliarsi ma quello che dice sconvolge totalmente Anna.
Non dimenticherò mai il momento in cui, mentre la tenevo tra le braccia, con il viso così vicino al suo che i nostri nasi quasi si toccavano, mi chiese con calma e tranquillità: «Dov’è la mia mamma?».
Ava comincia a raccontare e rivivere una vita immaginaria, che non le appartiene, vissuta in un altro luogo, con altre persone, un’altra famiglia.
Cosa è successo in quei tre giorni in cui Ava si è rinchiusa in sé stessa?
Anna si trova così ad un bivio: assecondare l’immaginazione di sua figlia cercando di trovare con lei delle risposte alle sue visioni, o nascondere la testa sotto la sabbia e attendere con l’aiuto di specialisti che Ava superi il turbamento dovuto all’abbandono del padre?
«Per i nostri figli desideriamo solo la perfezione. Vogliamo proteggerli da tutto, tenerli al sicuro. Ma la vita si mette in mezzo. La vita non potrà mai essere perfetta. Può essere buona se noi la rendiamo tale».
La tristezza negli occhi di Ava ogni volta che rivive quegli assurdi momenti della sua seconda vita, i suoi ricordi così precisi e dettagliati di una vita che le manca e nella quale era felice, spingono Anna a prendere la decisione di partire per il luogo di cui Ava parla. Partono così per Seal, una minuscola isola al largo della Scozia occidentale.
Durante questo viaggio saranno moltissimi i sentimenti, le emozioni, i ricordi che Anna e Ava vivranno.
Ad accoglierle al loro arrivo e dare loro un posto dove stare sarà Sorren, un uomo legato alla sua isola, così tanto da rinunciare persino all’amore piuttosto che lasciare quel luogo per lui magico e meraviglioso. Un uomo segnato da un evento del passato che lo tormenta ancora oggi e per cui prova un senso di colpa infinito. Un uomo che pur di non pensare si è buttato a capofitto nel lavoro e si rende sempre disponibile per tutti coloro che hanno bisogno.
“Mi dividevo tra i miei genitori, il Soccorso marino e chiunque avesse bisogno di me, e tutto questo per tenere Isla lontana dalla mia mente. Cercando di fare ammenda, e di non dovermi mai fermare a pensare. Tentando di occuparmi delle persone intorno a me perché non ci ero riuscito con la sola persona di cui avrei dovuto prendermi cura.”
Sorren ancora non lo sa, così come non lo sa Anna, ma lui, la sua famiglia, l’isola, Ava e Anna sono tutti legati da un filo sottilissimo di mistero. Legati nel passato e nel presente, nelle gioie e nei tormenti. L’uno diventerà la salvezza dell’altro.
Forse l’isola non avrebbe aiutato solo Ava a mettere ordine nei ricordi che viveva, forse inaspettatamente, Seal avrebbe sostenuto anche Anna, l’avrebbe aiutata a ritrovare ciò che aveva perso, le avrebbe regalato amore, bellezza, felicità, e magari una famiglia, lei che una famiglia non l’aveva mai avuta. Forse era stata proprio l’isola ad averle volute lì perché provassero un po’ di pace nei loro cuori e in quelli di Sorren e la sua famiglia. Anna deve solo imparare a fidarsi, aprire il suo cuore e accettare che anche lei merita di essere felice.
Seal è casa. Una casa che non la soffoca e non la fa sentire sola ed estranea come ultimamente succedeva nella Londra che tanto ama.
“L’isola stava lavorando su tutte e due. Faceva luccicare gli occhi di Ava e alleviava le mie peggiori preoccupazioni. La pelle di mia figlia aveva cambiato odore; il mio cuore si stava ammorbidendo. Il viso di Ava aveva perso quell’aspetto ansioso che aveva da quando Toby se n’era andato; e la ruga tra i miei occhi si stava spianando. Seal ci stava cambiando da dentro, riuscivo a percepirlo. Sia lei, sia me.”
Quando ho letto la trama di questo libro sono stata immediatamente colpita dall’alone di mistero dietro il quale si celavano i fatti raccontati e posso garantirvi che non ne sono rimasta delusa.
Il romanzo è molto profondo, a tratti forse angosciante. Come reagireste voi se la persona che più amate al mondo inizia a raccontarvi momenti che non ha realmente vissuto, di una vita della quale voi non fate parte? Non so se vi piace questo genere di romanzo, però io stessa, che non sono una persona molto spirituale e di fede, ne sono rimasta colpita. Sia per i temi trattati, sia per la delicatezza e profondità della narrazione. Forse per alcuni può sembrare forzato, ma vi posso garantire che l’autrice non è mai andata oltre il limite cadendo nell’assurdo, e poi… può l’essere umano negare l’esistenza di qualcosa che va al di là della vita terrena? Quello che Anna compie per amore di sua figlia, è un atto di fiducia, ma come accade per ogni cosa a cui non riusciamo a dare una spiegazione razionale, proviamo paura.
I personaggi presentati sono perfetti. Ho ammirato la forza di Anna, il suo amore incondizionato per la figlia, la sua voglia di ricominciare, se non addirittura iniziare, a vivere, e ho provato moltissime emozioni per Sorren, un uomo fragile ma al contempo deciso, in grado di amare in modo totalizzante, un uomo con un grande peso da portare e bisognoso di qualcuno che gli permetta di perdonarsi e concedersi una seconda possibilità.
Nel romanzo molti messaggi sono veicolati anche dalle parole di Catriona, da sempre amica di Sorren e da sempre innamorata di lui e da quelle di Fraser, collega e amico di Sorren, un uomo schivo, taciturno, amante della natura, un uomo che ama l’avventura ma bisognoso del suo posto nel mondo.
La penna di Daniela Sacerdoti si è rivelata meravigliosa anche in questo caso. Le descrizioni dei luoghi e delle emozioni, la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, i temi trattati e la trama interessante, ti catturano attraverso una lettura che è difficile interrompere.
March 25, 2017
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of this book. I haven’t read any books by Daniela Sacerdoti before, but after this I will definitely be looking out for more of her works.
Keep Me Safe is a tender hearted read with an intriguing paranormal twist.
After a traumatic event, Anna’s daughter Ava goes silent for three days. When she finally emerges from her muteness she makes a disturbing revelation. She asks Anna where her other mother is, and declares she wants to go home. Home to a place she has never been, or seen, or heard of. But she has vivid memories of Seal and its beach. Memories that can’t possibly be hers. In order to unravel the mystery, Anna and Ava embark on a journey to a small Scottish Island. There they become invested in the locals and the landscape.
The islands inhabitants have their own past traumas to deal with, and as Ava and Anna become more enmeshed with the locals the recovery begins. There are small town secrets and paranormal oddities, crushes and love triangles. A great combination.
The characters are engaging, I especially like Sorren and Shuna. It resolves well and there is a feeling of healing and unity at its conclusion.
The only sticky point for me is that there were two characters that were in the background that I really would have liked to have heard more from during the story.
The pace and tone of the book have a softness to them that appeals to me. Definitely one for fans of stories with heart. If you like Nicholas Sparks type tales this one might be for you.
Keep Me Safe is book 1 in the Seal Island series. I am eagerly awaiting its sequel.
Keep Me Safe is a tender hearted read with an intriguing paranormal twist.
After a traumatic event, Anna’s daughter Ava goes silent for three days. When she finally emerges from her muteness she makes a disturbing revelation. She asks Anna where her other mother is, and declares she wants to go home. Home to a place she has never been, or seen, or heard of. But she has vivid memories of Seal and its beach. Memories that can’t possibly be hers. In order to unravel the mystery, Anna and Ava embark on a journey to a small Scottish Island. There they become invested in the locals and the landscape.
The islands inhabitants have their own past traumas to deal with, and as Ava and Anna become more enmeshed with the locals the recovery begins. There are small town secrets and paranormal oddities, crushes and love triangles. A great combination.
The characters are engaging, I especially like Sorren and Shuna. It resolves well and there is a feeling of healing and unity at its conclusion.
The only sticky point for me is that there were two characters that were in the background that I really would have liked to have heard more from during the story.
The pace and tone of the book have a softness to them that appeals to me. Definitely one for fans of stories with heart. If you like Nicholas Sparks type tales this one might be for you.
Keep Me Safe is book 1 in the Seal Island series. I am eagerly awaiting its sequel.
March 26, 2017
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the arc of this book in return for an honest review.
I'll start by saying that this is not the type of book I would usually read, so my 2 star rating needs to be taken with that in mind.
This book is my equivalent of cosy Sunday evening pre-watershed tv. There's nothing challenging or confrontational to deal with, just a nice plot where everyone ends up exactly where he or she should be. It's the sort of book I will have forgotten about by the end of the week.
There's is a touch of supernatural which I thought added an intriguing element, but everything else felt a little romance by numbers for my liking.
The descriptions of the island of Seal see gorgeous, and I could picture an idyllic rural spot where a really welcoming community existed. ( although I suspect that the reality of such a place would be very different. )
I think this would be a perfect holiday read for those that like neat endings, unfortunately that's not me.
I'll start by saying that this is not the type of book I would usually read, so my 2 star rating needs to be taken with that in mind.
This book is my equivalent of cosy Sunday evening pre-watershed tv. There's nothing challenging or confrontational to deal with, just a nice plot where everyone ends up exactly where he or she should be. It's the sort of book I will have forgotten about by the end of the week.
There's is a touch of supernatural which I thought added an intriguing element, but everything else felt a little romance by numbers for my liking.
The descriptions of the island of Seal see gorgeous, and I could picture an idyllic rural spot where a really welcoming community existed. ( although I suspect that the reality of such a place would be very different. )
I think this would be a perfect holiday read for those that like neat endings, unfortunately that's not me.
May 20, 2017
3.5* I have read the Glen Avich series and the two related novellas and loved them, so was eagerly awaiting this new book. Whilst I enjoyed it, for me I felt that there was something missing. It was quite slow paced and it didn't turn into the page turner that I had hoped for. However, Daniela sets a beautiful scene of the Scottish highlands and her characters and their relationships are likeable and believable and I admit to feeling emotional at the end. I will definitely return to Seal Island for the next instalment.
May 31, 2018
Recensione:
Leggendo la trama mi ero preparata alle lacrime, che però, per fortuna, non sono arrivate. Si, perché sebbene l'inizio non sia allegro, né se per questo il proseguo, i luoghi, i personaggi e le loro reazioni più che tristezza trasmettono speranza.
Anna è una giovane madre che di punto in bianco, anche se non del tutto, si è ritrovata a doversi occupare di una figlia ferita dall'abbandono del padre. Per la figlia Ava ha sempre desiderato una famiglia tradizionale, e gliela ha data, per quanto ha potuto, mettendo se stessa e i suoi sentimenti da parte. Anna sa bene cosa vuol dire crescere in solitudine, e non vuole che accada a sua figlia. Anna è una donna disposta a lavorare, a sacrificarsi e a spingersi verso i confini nebulosi dell'aldilà pur di far felice sua figlia.
Ava era stata un bimba felice prima che il padre l'abbandonasse. Da quel giorno tutto è cambiato. Ma soprattutto è cambiata lei, perché comincia a ricordare cose e a parlare di luoghi e persone che non ha mai incontrato in vita sua. Non ha vissuto lei quella vita, ma allora chi altro?
Anna ed Ava si mettono in viaggio verso un luogo che scopriranno essere nell'anima di entrambe, sia per legame affettivo che spirituale. Questo luogo è Seal, in Scozia.
L'autrice con uno stile poetico e fluido ci descrive i colori dell'isola, del mare, del sole, i colori delle anime delle persone che, in quel luogo, sembrano quasi uscire fuori dai corpi che le ospitano. Seal è un'isola che accoglie e stringe tra le sue morse, se l'anima è pronta ad accettarla.
In un continuo equilibrio tra realtà e spiritualità, Ava ed Anna si lasciano accogliere dalla gente del posto grazie alla quale riusciranno ad ottenere un nuovo inizio.
Nell'isola ad aspettarle c'è Sorren. Sorren è un uomo che soffre di una perdita subita e di cui si incolpa e che è rimasto legato a un'isola che sembra togliergli le donne che ama. Per volere del destino, Sorren sarà il primo ad accogliere Anna ed Ava a Seal e sarà lui a dare loro un inizio inaspettato.
Alla realtà dell'isola si somma una realtà che posso solo definire spirituale, perché anche degli affetti perduti, delle anime che hanno qualcosa da compiere e da risolvere giocano un ruolo importante in tutto questo. Attraverso le figure di Anna e Ava alcuni dolori saranno risanati e alcune azioni raddrizzate. Questo è un aspetto che mi ha affascinato ed impaurito, soprattutto quando mi mettevo nei panni di Anna che sentiva la figlia parlare di cose che non riusciva a capire cercando di dare una spiegazione logica. Ma come presto lei stessa ammette, alcune cose non devono essere spiegate, devono solo essere accettate, con fede. Non si parla di una fede religiosa, ma fede che tutto andrà bene e che ci sia un motivo per cui alcune cose accadano. E nel caso di Anna ed Ava, un motivo c'è, un motivo dal nome Isla.
Non voglio anticiparvi nulla, perché Tienimi accanto a te è un romanzo che narra di dolori, di perdite, di battute d'arresto, di morte, di amori perduti e amori ritrovati, di sogni infantili e di famiglia. Con uno stile elegante, Daniela Sacerdoti ci fa entrare in un mondo dove ogni cosa accade per un motivo e quel motivo non è sempre visibile agli occhi.
In conclusione, consiglio davvero di leggere questo romanzo a tutte voi che amate quei libri velati di mistero e amore.
Claudia
Leggendo la trama mi ero preparata alle lacrime, che però, per fortuna, non sono arrivate. Si, perché sebbene l'inizio non sia allegro, né se per questo il proseguo, i luoghi, i personaggi e le loro reazioni più che tristezza trasmettono speranza.
Anna è una giovane madre che di punto in bianco, anche se non del tutto, si è ritrovata a doversi occupare di una figlia ferita dall'abbandono del padre. Per la figlia Ava ha sempre desiderato una famiglia tradizionale, e gliela ha data, per quanto ha potuto, mettendo se stessa e i suoi sentimenti da parte. Anna sa bene cosa vuol dire crescere in solitudine, e non vuole che accada a sua figlia. Anna è una donna disposta a lavorare, a sacrificarsi e a spingersi verso i confini nebulosi dell'aldilà pur di far felice sua figlia.
Ava era stata un bimba felice prima che il padre l'abbandonasse. Da quel giorno tutto è cambiato. Ma soprattutto è cambiata lei, perché comincia a ricordare cose e a parlare di luoghi e persone che non ha mai incontrato in vita sua. Non ha vissuto lei quella vita, ma allora chi altro?
Anna ed Ava si mettono in viaggio verso un luogo che scopriranno essere nell'anima di entrambe, sia per legame affettivo che spirituale. Questo luogo è Seal, in Scozia.
L'autrice con uno stile poetico e fluido ci descrive i colori dell'isola, del mare, del sole, i colori delle anime delle persone che, in quel luogo, sembrano quasi uscire fuori dai corpi che le ospitano. Seal è un'isola che accoglie e stringe tra le sue morse, se l'anima è pronta ad accettarla.
In un continuo equilibrio tra realtà e spiritualità, Ava ed Anna si lasciano accogliere dalla gente del posto grazie alla quale riusciranno ad ottenere un nuovo inizio.
Nell'isola ad aspettarle c'è Sorren. Sorren è un uomo che soffre di una perdita subita e di cui si incolpa e che è rimasto legato a un'isola che sembra togliergli le donne che ama. Per volere del destino, Sorren sarà il primo ad accogliere Anna ed Ava a Seal e sarà lui a dare loro un inizio inaspettato.
Alla realtà dell'isola si somma una realtà che posso solo definire spirituale, perché anche degli affetti perduti, delle anime che hanno qualcosa da compiere e da risolvere giocano un ruolo importante in tutto questo. Attraverso le figure di Anna e Ava alcuni dolori saranno risanati e alcune azioni raddrizzate. Questo è un aspetto che mi ha affascinato ed impaurito, soprattutto quando mi mettevo nei panni di Anna che sentiva la figlia parlare di cose che non riusciva a capire cercando di dare una spiegazione logica. Ma come presto lei stessa ammette, alcune cose non devono essere spiegate, devono solo essere accettate, con fede. Non si parla di una fede religiosa, ma fede che tutto andrà bene e che ci sia un motivo per cui alcune cose accadano. E nel caso di Anna ed Ava, un motivo c'è, un motivo dal nome Isla.
Non voglio anticiparvi nulla, perché Tienimi accanto a te è un romanzo che narra di dolori, di perdite, di battute d'arresto, di morte, di amori perduti e amori ritrovati, di sogni infantili e di famiglia. Con uno stile elegante, Daniela Sacerdoti ci fa entrare in un mondo dove ogni cosa accade per un motivo e quel motivo non è sempre visibile agli occhi.
In conclusione, consiglio davvero di leggere questo romanzo a tutte voi che amate quei libri velati di mistero e amore.
Claudia
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