Du und ich und das Meer

Brighton Girls Trilogy #2

by Sandy Taylor, Marion Ahl (Translator)

Brighton 1954: Mary und ich sind 8 Jahre alt. Nichts kann uns auseinanderbringen. Dank einer Tüte Süßigkeiten haben wir uns kennengelernt - und gemeinsam sind wir unbesiegbar.

Brighton 1963: Mit 17 teilen Mary und ich alles miteinander: Höhen und Tiefen, Familiendramen, Hoffnungen und Träume. Wir arbeiten im selben Kaufhaus, tanzen in unserer Freizeit auf dem Palace Pier und haben uns in zwei miteinander befreundete Männer verliebt … Umso weniger kann ich es fassen, dass Mary mich nun so betrügen konnte - und dass sie mir auf die schmerzhafteste Weise die zwei Menschen genommen hat, die ich am meisten auf der Welt liebe …

"Was ich von diesem Roman halte? Ich liebe ihn! Er ist so wunderbar und so fesselnd, weil so viel Wahrheit in der Geschichte steckt."

The Book Cafe

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, British Literature, Contemporary, Ebooks, Audiobook

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2015

About the author

Sandy’s eighth novel, THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 1 September 2022 reaching #1 in the British and Irish Historical Literature category within six days of publication.

Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Pickles and Dottie Perks had been best friends since they were eight years old – now, it was 1963 in Brighton and they were both seventeen years old; working together in Woolworths and having the best time they could at the beach, checking out the shops, buying records with their pay. Mary’s plans for the future always included Dottie – seeing the world, standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower with the boy she loved – Dottie didn’t want to leave Brighton, but she always agreed with Mary.

When Mary fell for Ethol, she fell hard. He was lead singer in a local band and his best friend was Ralph. Dottie and Ralph became friends while Mary joined all the other girls who mooned over Ethol; but Mary wanted to be his number one girl; his only girl.

For Dottie and Mary, things were changing. But they’d always remain friends – wouldn’t they? Only a few short months after they had turned eighteen, the heartache and pain put a severe strain on their friendship - would it stand the test of time?

The Girls from See Saw Lane by Sandy Taylor is the second I have read by this author – The Runaway Children was my first. She is now firmly on my favourite author’s list! The Girls from See Saw Lane is a wonderful story – it brought back my own childhood of having fun on the weekends with best friends – highly emotional, unputdownable with a great storyline, the characters were perfectly written. Narrated by Dottie throughout, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable novel which I highly recommend – I’ll be reading the next (Counting Chimneys: A novel of love, heartbreak and romance in 1960s Brighton) in the near future.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girls from See Saw Lane is a nostalgic, heart-breaking and tragic coming of age tale set in the 1960s.

The main focus is on two best friends, Mary Pickles and Dottie Perks (I love those names), who met as children and grow up into young women together.

This touching story covers the trials and tribulations of adolescence, first love, mistakes, regrets, jealousy, betrayal, and the harrowing impact it can have on one’s own life as well friends and family.

There were so many things I loved about this book. Despite being set in the 1960s, at times I felt I could relate to it with my childhood years in the 1980s. My dad was a huge Rolling Stones fan, so I thought Mick Jagger was great. One of my favourite sweets were Black Jacks. I couldn’t get enough of them as a child, and still eat them from time to time nowadays. It was impossible not to fall into their nostalgic world, and experience every thought, feeling and emotion with them.

This was an emotional story. I laughed, I gasped with surprise, I fell in love for the first time all over again, I felt angry, and I had tears in my eyes.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy. I hope I don’t have to wait too long.

I would like to thank the publisher, Bookouture for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure at first whether I would like this book or not. The writing seemed very immature at the beginning, and yes, I realize that the girls were very young at first, but I hoped that the writing wouldn't continue like that. I'm happy to say that it didn't! The writing got stronger as the book got further in the story. I ended up really enjoying the friendship of Dottie and Mary. The story was about their friendship and all the ups and downs that came with it. There was laughter, tears, boys, betrayal, and forgiveness as these two girls grew up. I also want to mention how much I loved Dottie's family:) Plus, by the end I was crying. I will definitely read the sequel!

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
Oh the days when little girls could off by themselves into town and their biggest concern was what candy they were going to buy with their nickel or dime. That's what this book has given us, a time of innocence and coming of age. A time where deciding what they were going to play that day was their biggest concern. A time when two little girls did everything together. So much so that it was like they were sisters instead of just friends.

Then comes puberty and boys.

The author did a great job telling the story of those two little girls and their growing up. The fun, joys, excitement, wonder, and then later on the secrets, the jealousies, the betrayals, the shame and the forgiveness.

This story will have you laughing, smiling, disgusted, exasperated, emotional, sad, happy and downright teary eyed. You will definitely shed tears, so get those kleenex's ready. A certain event will leave you speechless. The book is full of emotion, raw, ironic and tender, and is definitely a great read. I earnestly enjoyed reading this book and was so glad that I requested it. I loved the time that I spent with Mary and Dottie. They grow on you right from the start and stay with you long after you finish reading the book. I most certainly recommend you read this book and see what I'm talking about.

Thanks Bookouture and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and Dottie were childhood friends- sharing dreams and bags of sweets. This was a wonderful story of friendships and romance with the twists and turns that life throws at them- testing the friendships. It was set in the 60's and was a lovely trip into that era. The characters are so well drawn that you share in their experiences and wish that their dreams come true. At times you feel a real catch on the heartstrings as the story cleverly takes unexpected turns. This is a debut book and I am already very keen to read the next in this series. I can see Sandy joining my list of favourite authors and I already want to know more.
Many thanks to Bookoutre who always deliver the very best in books and NetGalley for the chance to discover a wonderful new author.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow oh Wow oh Wow!!!

The Girls From See Saw Lane is a beautiful tale of friendship, love, betrayal and forgiveness and one that will stay with me for a long time to come.

Dottie and Mary have the type of friendship that many of us would envy. Since Mary moved into See Saw Lane, her and Dottie have been firm friends. They do everything together, even working in the same shop when they leave school.

Even though they are firm friends, they are both very different. Mary has her head in the clouds, wanting to move well away from their childhood homes and make something of herself. She is fixated on Elton and is determined that she will make him hers. Dottie on the other hand is happy with the simpler things in life. She’s happy to stay where she has grown up, all she wants is to meet someone, marry, have children and settle down. When she bumps into Ralph, it seems her prayers have been answered.

Even though I was born in the seventies, I loved being taken back in time to the 1960’s and upwards to see how family life has changed since then. Through the authors writing, the book very much came to life for me. I felt like I was with Mary and Dottie when they went to eat chips on the pier or to the amusement arcades. The descriptions were very vivid in my head.

The Girls From See Saw Lane is a truly beautiful story that will touch your heart. Mary and Dottie will certainly live on in my head and my heart. I would love the author to do some sort of sequel to this book as that is how much I loved it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet raw emotional journey.

We follow Dottie and Mary who are the best of friends, from young to women.

I had so many thought about this nostalgic read. When all us kids has to worry about was what sweets to buy with our pocket money. I so remember the Black Jacks, sweet chews.

Then the fan following of Mick Jagger [Rolling Stones]

Dottie and Mary as they 'discover' boys are not annoying anymore as they go through puberty and fall in love.....romance on the horizon.

Things did not always go smooth and we meet times when the reader will cry along with them, feel along with them, laugh along with them.

This is book 2, be sure to read book 1.

I've enjoyed this series and glad that at last I got to read the secound part of the series

My thanks to Bookoutour and Net Galley

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful début novel from Sandy Taylor. Its about the friendship of 2 girls that lived on See Saw Lane, Mary Pickles and Dottie Perks in the 1960's Brighton. The story spans from when they first met at 5 years old, to early adult hood. Mary the outgoing one, who wants to come an artist and live in Paris and Dottie who is the quiet one, contented to get married and stay in Brighton. The author describes Brighton, the fashion and what life that was like in the 1960's really well, that you thought you where actually there. I found this book really refreshing to read. The story started so innocently, but then bang, a incident happened that changed the course of their lives together and the people around them. The ending of this story was a real tear jerker.
This is a must read. I cant wait for the next book. I loved it.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really really really did not like this book. It was 340 something pages, which means it was 200 pages too long. The first half of the book was mind numbingly boring and then the last half was frustrating. It took forever for Mary to die. No one wants to read over 100 pages of a character dying. Then Dottie was just plain weak. It's okay to forgive someone, but you don't have to be a spineless person and still be their best friend and then claim you betrayed her. It was just plain ridiculous.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this beautiful book. It transported me into the 1960s. The author writes beautifully and with heart and creates such a fabulous and atmospheric sense of place with a few choice words. A story of love and friendship and coming of age. Loved it so much.A stunning book. I didn't want it to end. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick book about two best friends growing up in the 60's. Throw in first loves, betrayals, and forgiveness to those you love.

[Hannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een mooi verhaal over hoe vriendschap alles kan overwinnen. Het eindigt wat triest, maar toch heb ik van het boek genoten. Het verhaal begint luchtig, maar wordt gaandeweg serieuzer. In tegenstelling tot wat op Goodreads staat is dit het eerste deel van de trilogie. Jammer genoeg zijn deel 2 en 3 niet vertaald. Deze delen zijn daardoor helaas niet verkrijgbaar bij mijn bibliotheek. Ook niet in het Engels. Wellicht dat ik die daarom toch maar ga kopen. Want ik ben wel nieuwsgierig hoe het verhaal verder gaat.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a treasure trove of 1960's history regardless if which side of the Atlantic you grew up in! I was a teenager in the 60's and remember so much of what it felt like - very similar to Mary and Dottie, so it was a bit of a walk down memory lane for me.

Oh, the emotions of that age! That time was all about boys and school - Mary and Dottie's emotions ran the gamut. Could their friendship withstand all the changes that they were going through?

I enjoyed this book tremendously and recommend it to anyone. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book and read it in just over a day.. It's one of those books that will make you laugh and cry. Brilliant characters and a wonderful story. Can't wait for the next one in the series.

I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. Many thanks to netgalley and bookouture for this.

[emily star ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diese Geschichte um Mary und Dottie ist so viel mehr als sich in Worte fassen lässt. Ein Zeitzeugnis Südenglands der 60er Jahre, berührend, witzig, tragisch und lebensecht. Ein Buch, das ohne Zweifel besonders ist und noch lange nachhallt.

Ich habe mich beim Lesen in die 60er zurückversetzt gefühlt, vor allem dank der Echtheit, die in diesem Roman eingearbeitet wurde. Mary und Dottie sind ebenso echt, wie es die Atmosphäre ist, die Sandy Taylor meisterhaft zum Leben erweckt.

Eine Geschichte, die berührt und für sich selbst spricht. Viel mehr möchte ich dazu gar nicht sagen.
Den deutschen Titel „Du und ich und das Meer“ finde ich sehr treffend gewählt und ich werde das Buch wärmstens weiterempfehlen.

[Janneke Maat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Het eerste deel van een trilogie? Welke kant zou het verhaal opgaan bij de andere twee delen.. Wil ik dat wel weten/lezen? Dit boek heeft me tot tranen toegeraakt, het is goed zoals het is.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel, The Girls From See Saw Lane, Sandy Taylor has proven herself to be a very talented and gifted storyteller with an immense insight into family, friendship, love, and forgiveness. Dottie Perks and Mary Pickles, living in the seaside resort village of Brighton in East Sussex, England, develop a friendship in childhood that carries them well into early adulthood. They share their hopes and childhood dreams and become ever more inseparable as the years pass. But can this friendship endure an unintentional betrayal and the resulting heart-ache that follows? Is forgiveness possible while they still have the time together to do so? This is one of the most endearing, yet heart-breaking, novels that I have encountered in quite some time and will certainly not soon forget. Taylor's writing style is a treasure to behold with her ability to draw a reader into the story in a very intimate manner. I felt as though Dottie's and Mary's characters were so well-developed and quickly felt as though I were visiting with old friends. Witty and humorous dialogue written with such ease truly brought this story to life and swept me away between the pages. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, you'll want to keep the box of tissue nearby! This is the first installment in the Brighton Girls Trilogy and the second novel, Counting Chimneys, is scheduled to be release in the Spring of 2016...and I can't wait for this next installment! FIVE stars...easily!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw the cover for this book I knew I had to read it. I really don't think I have sufficient words to do it justice .. I was transported back in time to a place I know very well, I grew up near Brighton & it's an era of innocence almost.

The story focusses on Mary & Dottie, two young girls who live on a housing estate where they can go out & play & get into the mischief of children of that time. They do everything together & the friendship is delightful to watch as they grow, they have a bond so deep that most of us can probably only dream of that.

They leave school & both go to work in 'Woolies' oh what wonderful memories that evoked .. I felt as though I was with them as they went after work to the record shop, the cafe or getting chips on the pier anything to spend their hard-earned cash. The sights & sounds of the whole area including the beach are fresh in my mind & haven't really changed much to this day. The descriptions of the fashion, hairstyles, make-up, music are perfect.

As time goes on there is so much for the friendship to endure, family, boyfriends, betrayal .. I was captivated entirely, smiled, sobbed, nodded my head, gave them my opinion & in the end my heart broke for them. I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you Sandy!

Thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book saying she couldn't put it down. Once I got into it, neither could I. I tried to get it through our public library, but we didn't have it. And neither was it listed in any libraries in the consortium. So she librarian bought it for our library, mentioning it was a trilogy. So now I am ready to request the second book, because I want to see what happens next. I'm still touched by the main character Dottie, who you just fall in love with and want to meet and be a wonderful friend too, and whom you would love to see find her own happy story. I hope she does, and I hope to read about it. And it's true...some things happen because of choices we make, like, consequences, and some things just come our way, because they are, like, no "respector of persons" or whatever.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from the first word to the last and could hardly bear to put it down as it was so engrossing! The story of two eight year old girls, Mary and Dottie in 60's Brighton, their very special friendship which even survived a spectacular betrayal. I loved everything - the writing, the descriptions of Brighton and life during the exciting 1960's, but most of all loved the characters for just being humans you could relate to. Please let there be a sequel! After reading this wonderful book I am nervous about starting another in case I can't get into it! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Martha · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book tells the story of best friends who grew up together in the Brighton of the 1960‘s. I loved the insight in that time and could imagine being there.
However, I had a bittersweet taste most of the time. The narrator, Dottie, is being treated subtly bad the whole time - by her family and also her best friend, Mary. It’s starts with comments about her weight in the beginning, reaches its peak with Mary’s betrayal and ends with how everyone expects Dottie to always go beyond for Mary after all. The worst part is how she lets it happen that others treat her like this… kinda sad.
Anyway, the end was touching and I had some compassion for Mary too.

[Emma Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually leave reviews for books but I felt I had to for this book.Where do I start..just wow this is the best book I’ve read in a long time,I love all the descriptions of the two young girls Dottie & Mary growing up in Brighton in the 1960’s,what a wonderful time that must have been! I love the feeling of nostalgia in this book & I really enjoyed how the reader went on a journey through their lives as young children & then onto being young adults.I’m not going to leave any spoilers-all I’ll say is just read this book you won’t be disappointed!!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which was based in the early 1960's. Two eight year old girls form a friendship which lasts a life time even though their love for each other is put to the test with a terrible betrayal I loved the descriptions of the music and fashions of the era. The ending is as it should be but not as I would have wanted as it leaves you to form your own conclusions. It is another book which left me sobbing but in a good way.. Thank you for the ARC

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right, you can’t cry anymore, I said. Pick something light and fun and nostalgic, I said.

Oh but what a fool I am. I’m up to my ankles in tears again!

This was lovely, a story of true friendship, of embracing what you’re faced with and loving the people who love you. Prepare to cry though!

I’d definitely read the rest of this series. It’s written and narrated beautifully!

Currently included with audible 🎧

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tearjerker! What a beautifully written book about friendship, love and sacrifices, I cannot wait to read the next in the series.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Pickles and Dottie Perks had been best friends since they were eight years old in Brighton. It is now 1963, they are now seventeen years old, working together in Woolworths and enjoying their lives. They are both looking for a man and things do not turn out as expected. Mary fell for Ethol when they were in school, but he is now the lead singer in a local band and is mooned over by many other girls. Ralph is his best friend, who is also dating Dottie. Unfortunately, things do not turn out the way they had planned.

This is the story of best friends. Mary and Dottie stood by each other from the time they met when they were only 8. Dottie was very insecure, so when Mary wanted to be her friend, she considered herself lucky. Mary was the leader of the two and planned their activities and friends. Something happened shortly after their 17th birthdays that causes a rift in their friendship. Can they move forward together? This is a realistic story about friendship and heartache. It brought back a lot of memories for growing up in the 60s and 70s. There are mistakes made that can change lives. The Girls From See Saw Lane is a coming of age story that deals with friendship, love, forgiveness and growing up. It is the first book I have read by Sandy Taylor, but I will look for more. This is the middle book in a trilogy, so I am looking forward to reading the other two.

[Janka H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For better or for worse - in friendship.

Dottie and Mary have been friends for ages. Always together, always having fun, enjoying their childhood and now teen years together. Dottie, the stabile one, wishing "just" to have a normal life. Mary, always the daring one, the dreamer, the one wanting more. And her "more" contains Elton, the singer of the local band, who likes her, but is not willing to commit. Dottie, happily in love with Ralph, is willing to settle down, Mary is torn between love and her dreams to go to Paris.
Till the unimaginable happens.
And life will never be the same again for none of them.

Partly the intelligent coming-of-age story, partly the bittersweet chronicle of one true friendship, this novel is both the lovely holiday book with some pretty deep substance and the book to read when you are copying with the darker days.
Which is quite an accomplishment and the testament to both the emotionally intelligent author and to the one of the most important relationship in the life of any woman - the best friend.

[Charmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as I can tell, this novel is not meant to be Young Adult Fiction. Yet, that is how it feels for the majority of the book. It didn't take me long to kind of lose interest so, I admit, I skipped forward quite a bit and didn't really miss much. The book is way too long. It wasn't until about 2/3 of the way through that the story became more serious and intense and that is when my interest in the plot and the characters kicked in. The last 1/3 of the book is poignant and emotional and has a more adult feel. Be forewarned that it's not a terribly happy ending.

This is one of those books that I may have enjoyed more had I read the hard copy and not listened to the audio version. The narrator's voice (especially for one of the characters) was quite annoying and didn't seem to fit the personality. I would have imagined several of the characters sounding very different from the way that the narrator portrayed them.

Clean readers: There is a medium amount of British-type cussing in this novel. As for themes and situations, I would have to rate this PG-14.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It'll make you laugh & cry. A story about friendship....the highs & lows. A good read, one you won't want to put down.

[Amanda Racanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of friendship and love. Through thick & thin, and even the worst of betrayals, the two girls stayed true to the promise of friendship they made as little girls.