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Maria in the Moon
‘Quirky, darkly comic, but always heartfelt, this original and sad story has wonderful characters and will linger long in your memory’ Sunday Mirror
‘A Stirring novel, beautifully written’ Irish Times
A devastating memory emerges … that changes everything, in this dark and moving novel by the bestselling author of How To Be Brave and The Lion Tamer Who Lost
‘Like a cold spider, the memory stirred in my head and spun an icy web about my brain. Someone else crawled in. I remembered’
Thirty-one-year-old Catherine Hope has a great memory. But she can’t remember everything. She can’t remember her ninth year. She can’t remember when her insomnia started. And she can’t remember why everyone stopped calling her Catherine-Maria.
With a promiscuous past, and licking her wounds after a painful breakup, Catherine wonders why she resists anything approaching real love. But when she loses her home to the devastating deluge of 2007 and volunteers at Flood Crisis, a devastating memory emerges … and changes everything.
Dark, poignant and deeply moving, Maria in the Moon is an examination of the nature of memory and truth, and the defences we build to protect ourselves, when we can no longer hide…
‘Part psychological thriller, part love story and fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine will love it’ Red Magazine
‘A beautiful and compassionate read’ Prima Magazine
‘Beech’s exploration of the effects of childhood trauma keeps the reader intrigued until the end’ Mary Ellen Quinn, Booklist
‘As heartbreaking as the book ends up being, it’s a title worth wading into and rolling with’ Book Riot
‘Beautifully constructed, laugh-out-loud funny in places, and achingly sad in others. It’s such a beautifully told story of loss and gain. Equal parts Victoria Wood, Alan Bennett and John Irving, all rolled up into an emotive, heart-breaking story. I completely fell in love’ John Marrs
‘A beautiful, and heart-achingly touching read’ LoveReading
‘A Stirring novel, beautifully written’ Irish Times
A devastating memory emerges … that changes everything, in this dark and moving novel by the bestselling author of How To Be Brave and The Lion Tamer Who Lost
‘Like a cold spider, the memory stirred in my head and spun an icy web about my brain. Someone else crawled in. I remembered’
Thirty-one-year-old Catherine Hope has a great memory. But she can’t remember everything. She can’t remember her ninth year. She can’t remember when her insomnia started. And she can’t remember why everyone stopped calling her Catherine-Maria.
With a promiscuous past, and licking her wounds after a painful breakup, Catherine wonders why she resists anything approaching real love. But when she loses her home to the devastating deluge of 2007 and volunteers at Flood Crisis, a devastating memory emerges … and changes everything.
Dark, poignant and deeply moving, Maria in the Moon is an examination of the nature of memory and truth, and the defences we build to protect ourselves, when we can no longer hide…
‘Part psychological thriller, part love story and fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine will love it’ Red Magazine
‘A beautiful and compassionate read’ Prima Magazine
‘Beech’s exploration of the effects of childhood trauma keeps the reader intrigued until the end’ Mary Ellen Quinn, Booklist
‘As heartbreaking as the book ends up being, it’s a title worth wading into and rolling with’ Book Riot
‘Beautifully constructed, laugh-out-loud funny in places, and achingly sad in others. It’s such a beautifully told story of loss and gain. Equal parts Victoria Wood, Alan Bennett and John Irving, all rolled up into an emotive, heart-breaking story. I completely fell in love’ John Marrs
‘A beautiful, and heart-achingly touching read’ LoveReading
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2017
106 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Louise Beech
20 books352 followersAlso publishes under Louise Swanson.
Louise Beech is the author of eleven novels and a memoir, Eighteen Seconds (2023). Her debut, How to be Brave, was a Guardian Readers’ Pick; The Lion Tamer Who Lost shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Awards 2019 and longlisted for the Polari Prize the same year; Call Me Star Girl was Best magazine’s Book of the Year; This Is How We Are Human was a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick; and the audiobook of her memoir, Daffodils, shortlisted for the Audies23. Her thrillers, End of Story and Lights Out, are written as Louise Swanson; the former was chosen by Sophie Hannah as a Book of the Year in the Daily Mail, and the latter was reviewed by The Times. Her debut play, How to be Brave, toured Yorkshire venues in 2024. Wonderful will be published 1st June 2026.
Louise also writes as Louise Swanson.
Louise Beech is the author of eleven novels and a memoir, Eighteen Seconds (2023). Her debut, How to be Brave, was a Guardian Readers’ Pick; The Lion Tamer Who Lost shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Awards 2019 and longlisted for the Polari Prize the same year; Call Me Star Girl was Best magazine’s Book of the Year; This Is How We Are Human was a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick; and the audiobook of her memoir, Daffodils, shortlisted for the Audies23. Her thrillers, End of Story and Lights Out, are written as Louise Swanson; the former was chosen by Sophie Hannah as a Book of the Year in the Daily Mail, and the latter was reviewed by The Times. Her debut play, How to be Brave, toured Yorkshire venues in 2024. Wonderful will be published 1st June 2026.
Louise also writes as Louise Swanson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
September 2, 2017
Today is my stop on the blog tour!
Well, she's done it again folks! Upon reading The Mountain in My Shoe last year, I knew I'd stumbled across an unforgettable author in Louise Beech. Her novels are just so unique and, as you saw above, are quite difficult to force into any single genre. To do so would take away from the potential of what each reader may receive on reading these books, so I think it's better to just say they fall under the great umbrella of fiction and leave it at that. I now expect a great wave of emotion to wash over me as I read her books, so when I picked up Maria in the Moon, not only was I expecting it, I welcomed this feeling with open arms. This is quite possibly the easiest five stars I've given this year, reinforced by the fact that I could have read this book on into eternity.
You know those stories that you simply can't put down? I'm not talking the ones that you just happen to read quickly, I mean the ones you can't stop thinking about, the ones you are sneaking around the house and hiding from your family to finish but somehow they always find you and no, you don't want to make them another meal.Leave me alone! That's exactly how I felt about Maria, which I found funny because my sneaky books are usually thrillers and fast paced mysteries full of suspense. Maria was none of those, but she was something so special I just couldn't leave her alone. This is the type of book that you'll want to go in blind to the plot, but trust me it's worth knowing as little as possible to gain the full experience that's offered. I think quite a few readers will be expecting what happened in those missing moments for Catherine, but believe me that doesn't take away from the story, as it only seemed to up the gut wrenching impact when all is revealed.
Incredibly moving and quite literally breathtaking, this is a book that stirs all types of emotion in the reader and leaves you with a sort of wispy feeling of magical realism, one that makes you wonder if you dreamed the entire story or really did just read it. Excellent writing and highly, HIGHLY recommended if you're looking for a book that is many things all at once, as no single genre can confine this novel. I'm so grateful for fearless writers like Louise who can lead us places we may never be brave enough to take ourselves. For those unaware, there is a song titled Maria in the Moon written by Carrie Martin that accompanies the novel in full perfection. If you'd like to find out more about the creation of the song, Louise and Carrie's friendship, and how to download the track and watch the video, please visit Carrie's website at: https://www.carriemartin.co.uk
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
Well, she's done it again folks! Upon reading The Mountain in My Shoe last year, I knew I'd stumbled across an unforgettable author in Louise Beech. Her novels are just so unique and, as you saw above, are quite difficult to force into any single genre. To do so would take away from the potential of what each reader may receive on reading these books, so I think it's better to just say they fall under the great umbrella of fiction and leave it at that. I now expect a great wave of emotion to wash over me as I read her books, so when I picked up Maria in the Moon, not only was I expecting it, I welcomed this feeling with open arms. This is quite possibly the easiest five stars I've given this year, reinforced by the fact that I could have read this book on into eternity.
You know those stories that you simply can't put down? I'm not talking the ones that you just happen to read quickly, I mean the ones you can't stop thinking about, the ones you are sneaking around the house and hiding from your family to finish but somehow they always find you and no, you don't want to make them another meal.
Incredibly moving and quite literally breathtaking, this is a book that stirs all types of emotion in the reader and leaves you with a sort of wispy feeling of magical realism, one that makes you wonder if you dreamed the entire story or really did just read it. Excellent writing and highly, HIGHLY recommended if you're looking for a book that is many things all at once, as no single genre can confine this novel. I'm so grateful for fearless writers like Louise who can lead us places we may never be brave enough to take ourselves. For those unaware, there is a song titled Maria in the Moon written by Carrie Martin that accompanies the novel in full perfection. If you'd like to find out more about the creation of the song, Louise and Carrie's friendship, and how to download the track and watch the video, please visit Carrie's website at: https://www.carriemartin.co.uk
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
October 14, 2017
*Thank you to www.shotsmag.co.uk for my hardback copy in exchange for an honest review*
Thirty two year-old Catherine Hope has a good memory. She remembers all the minutiae of life, including events that took place many years ago. However, she seems to have lost all memory of her ninth year - recalls nothing at all, and naturally she finds this really difficult to comprehend. How can you lose a whole year of your life? And why all of a sudden, did her family stop calling her Catherine - Maria around the same time?
The backdrop for this beautifully written storyline is Hull, and in particular the well documented floods of 2007. Catherine's home has been flooded, and as we meet her, she's staying in temporary accommodation, whilst the process of stripping her house back to its bare bones and drying it out begins. This devastating experience leads her to volunteer for the Flood Crisis helplines, and it's here that she begins to recall those memories that she's clearly suppressed for so long.
Our protagonist Catherine isn't particularly easy to like, she's flippant, and frequently cuts people down with a single sentence; she's not even sure why she does it, but it's clear to the reader that she's harbouring some long forgotten life-changing event from her past.
Louise Beech has written a particularly moving story, not just in regard to Catherine, but also with regard to the people of Hull, and how much they suffered, both during, and after the deluge of 2007. It stirred up all kinds of emotions for the community.
This is a psychologically complex story, with a protagonist who appears to be stuck in self-destruct mode, and the mere irony of someone who mans the phones in a Flood Crisis centre trying to help others, yet being unable to help herself, leads to an emotionally charged read. It's clear that the author has researched her subject, and writes with a clarity that brings the various characters to life, both in terms of their feelings, and also the situations that they have to face.
Would definitely recommend this elegant and thought provoking novel.
Thirty two year-old Catherine Hope has a good memory. She remembers all the minutiae of life, including events that took place many years ago. However, she seems to have lost all memory of her ninth year - recalls nothing at all, and naturally she finds this really difficult to comprehend. How can you lose a whole year of your life? And why all of a sudden, did her family stop calling her Catherine - Maria around the same time?
The backdrop for this beautifully written storyline is Hull, and in particular the well documented floods of 2007. Catherine's home has been flooded, and as we meet her, she's staying in temporary accommodation, whilst the process of stripping her house back to its bare bones and drying it out begins. This devastating experience leads her to volunteer for the Flood Crisis helplines, and it's here that she begins to recall those memories that she's clearly suppressed for so long.
Our protagonist Catherine isn't particularly easy to like, she's flippant, and frequently cuts people down with a single sentence; she's not even sure why she does it, but it's clear to the reader that she's harbouring some long forgotten life-changing event from her past.
Louise Beech has written a particularly moving story, not just in regard to Catherine, but also with regard to the people of Hull, and how much they suffered, both during, and after the deluge of 2007. It stirred up all kinds of emotions for the community.
This is a psychologically complex story, with a protagonist who appears to be stuck in self-destruct mode, and the mere irony of someone who mans the phones in a Flood Crisis centre trying to help others, yet being unable to help herself, leads to an emotionally charged read. It's clear that the author has researched her subject, and writes with a clarity that brings the various characters to life, both in terms of their feelings, and also the situations that they have to face.
Would definitely recommend this elegant and thought provoking novel.
August 30, 2017
"Maria in the Moon" is a wonderfully written book about thirty two year old Catherine-Maria whose house has been flooded in the Hull floods of 2007. She decides to volunteer on the phones at the Flood Crisis helplines as the reader follows her thoughts in trying to remember what happened during her ninth year of life for which she has no recollection of. An unusual backdrop to this book made it very unique and a great premise for a story about someone whose suppressed memories are apparent.
There are some very beautiful and poignant moments in the story both funny and sad but nevertheless compelling. At times I wanted to just jump into the book and befriend Catherine - she often seemed so lonely, and although it's evident to the reader that something horrendous happened when she was nine it was still upsetting to read and my heart totally went out to her.
There's obviously been a lot of research carried out regarding the floods that actually happened in Hull and it was saddening to read how families were affected by them. I also wasn't aware just how much goes into volunteering on crisis helplines and Louise has portrayed the emotion and dedication that volunteers need to have to be able to do this job just perfectly.
The author's attention to detail in her descriptions is second to none and allowed you to visualise everything that was written so clearly. I haven't read anything before by Louise but I am aware how respected she is as an author and how popular her previous book 'The Mountain in My Shoe' was. I certainly will be looking for her work in the future and wish her well with this superbly written piece of contemporary fiction.
There are some very beautiful and poignant moments in the story both funny and sad but nevertheless compelling. At times I wanted to just jump into the book and befriend Catherine - she often seemed so lonely, and although it's evident to the reader that something horrendous happened when she was nine it was still upsetting to read and my heart totally went out to her.
There's obviously been a lot of research carried out regarding the floods that actually happened in Hull and it was saddening to read how families were affected by them. I also wasn't aware just how much goes into volunteering on crisis helplines and Louise has portrayed the emotion and dedication that volunteers need to have to be able to do this job just perfectly.
The author's attention to detail in her descriptions is second to none and allowed you to visualise everything that was written so clearly. I haven't read anything before by Louise but I am aware how respected she is as an author and how popular her previous book 'The Mountain in My Shoe' was. I certainly will be looking for her work in the future and wish her well with this superbly written piece of contemporary fiction.
January 26, 2018
"My heart's all smashed up."
As unwelcomed flood waters trespass into the lives of the residents of Hull in 2007, Catherine Hope wades through escalating waves of her own. She's been a victim of the intruding waters into her own house and all the damages in its aftermath. Young and single and thirty-one, Catherine moves in with her friend, Fern, as the contractors take over the renovation.
The story opens with Catherine interviewing for a job at the Flood Crisis Hotline as a phone volunteer. We're taken with Catherine's stilted attempts at humor in her nervousness and the clumsiness of her borrowed shoes coming off her feet. But Catherine is eventually approved and begins her interactions with the small group of quirky volunteers. The phone calls coming in will be crucial as impactful threads throughout the story.
Louise Beech invites your emotions to circle around her main character of Catherine-Maria. For anonymity, she will be called Katrina at the crisis center. Hers will be a very complex personality that will slowly be unraveled in the course of these events. Catherine will lock horns constantly with her step-mother as she still tries to come to terms with the death of her father when she was but eight years old. The loss weighs heavy and seeps into her adult relationships.
But Catherine has gaps in her memory and is prone to anger and resentment. Nightmares visit her all too often and the ravaging eczema turns her hands into red, itching rawness. There's a nameless something brewing beneath the surface that seems to churn inside Catherine. Her work at the call center triggers the depth of darkness unknown even to Catherine herself.
Beech does a fine job as fragments sift slowly through muddy waters. She sets the stage through intense dialogue and rugged confrontations between her characters. As readers, we are on the lookout for symbolism and for avenues that may reveal more and more of the multi-faceted world of Catherine both consciously and subconsciously. And it is Louise Beech's excellent writing that rings true: "The right people keep the ghosts away."
I received a copy of Maria in the Moon through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Orenda Books and to Louise Beech for the opportunity.
As unwelcomed flood waters trespass into the lives of the residents of Hull in 2007, Catherine Hope wades through escalating waves of her own. She's been a victim of the intruding waters into her own house and all the damages in its aftermath. Young and single and thirty-one, Catherine moves in with her friend, Fern, as the contractors take over the renovation.
The story opens with Catherine interviewing for a job at the Flood Crisis Hotline as a phone volunteer. We're taken with Catherine's stilted attempts at humor in her nervousness and the clumsiness of her borrowed shoes coming off her feet. But Catherine is eventually approved and begins her interactions with the small group of quirky volunteers. The phone calls coming in will be crucial as impactful threads throughout the story.
Louise Beech invites your emotions to circle around her main character of Catherine-Maria. For anonymity, she will be called Katrina at the crisis center. Hers will be a very complex personality that will slowly be unraveled in the course of these events. Catherine will lock horns constantly with her step-mother as she still tries to come to terms with the death of her father when she was but eight years old. The loss weighs heavy and seeps into her adult relationships.
But Catherine has gaps in her memory and is prone to anger and resentment. Nightmares visit her all too often and the ravaging eczema turns her hands into red, itching rawness. There's a nameless something brewing beneath the surface that seems to churn inside Catherine. Her work at the call center triggers the depth of darkness unknown even to Catherine herself.
Beech does a fine job as fragments sift slowly through muddy waters. She sets the stage through intense dialogue and rugged confrontations between her characters. As readers, we are on the lookout for symbolism and for avenues that may reveal more and more of the multi-faceted world of Catherine both consciously and subconsciously. And it is Louise Beech's excellent writing that rings true: "The right people keep the ghosts away."
I received a copy of Maria in the Moon through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Orenda Books and to Louise Beech for the opportunity.
April 7, 2018
So, I have to start off by saying how beautiful this cover truly is! And I absolutely LOVE the title!!
I appear to be the outlier here on this one... and wasn't that impressed at all.
I wasn't particularly fond of our main character Catherine. Catherine has lost her house due to flooding and decided to volunteer at a flood crisis call center. Catherine begins to start having nightmares and triggers memories for her. Catherine can't remember her memories of when she was a little girl.
So this was a tad obvious to me of why she can't remember her memories. Clearly, something awful happened to her when she was young and she blocked out the memories due to her trauma I was assuming.
Catherine tries to talk to her mother about her memories... but her mother refuses. And can I just say I did not like the mother's character at ALL.
I found it hard to connect with all the characters and I was pretty bored in the beginning following Catherine's story. I did not like the ending as well and the "twist" was just disappointing. I think some books actually shouldn't have a twist.
But, I do have to say Louise's writing is absolutely beautiful! I was bummed that I didn't enjoy this one more.
Overall, 2.75 stars on this one for me.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Trafalgar Publishing for the arc.
Publication date: 4/1/18
Published to GR: 4/5/18
I appear to be the outlier here on this one... and wasn't that impressed at all.
I wasn't particularly fond of our main character Catherine. Catherine has lost her house due to flooding and decided to volunteer at a flood crisis call center. Catherine begins to start having nightmares and triggers memories for her. Catherine can't remember her memories of when she was a little girl.
So this was a tad obvious to me of why she can't remember her memories. Clearly, something awful happened to her when she was young and she blocked out the memories due to her trauma I was assuming.
Catherine tries to talk to her mother about her memories... but her mother refuses. And can I just say I did not like the mother's character at ALL.
I found it hard to connect with all the characters and I was pretty bored in the beginning following Catherine's story. I did not like the ending as well and the "twist" was just disappointing. I think some books actually shouldn't have a twist.
But, I do have to say Louise's writing is absolutely beautiful! I was bummed that I didn't enjoy this one more.
Overall, 2.75 stars on this one for me.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Trafalgar Publishing for the arc.
Publication date: 4/1/18
Published to GR: 4/5/18
December 30, 2018
3.5 sorrowful stars
Catherine Hope has a pretty good memory. She remembers most things that occurred in her thirty-two years. However, there is something about her ninth year that has been completely blanked out in her memory. It was at or around that time that she was no longer called Catherine Maria. It was also around then that issues with insomnia started. What was this that made her totally expel memories from her being? Could she possible someday remember and more importantly did she really want to?
Catherine has lead a very colorful life. She has had numerous affairs, one night stands, and engages in what some might call risky behavior. She has become a volunteer on a number of crisis hotlines and when she again becomes a volunteer on a flood crisis line things start to trigger memories in her. Catherine has lost her home in this flood of 2007 and as her home is under repair, her memory of her childhood emerges with some shattering occurrences.
This book deals with memory and how often we block things from our memory that are troubling and disturbing. Our mind allows us to get rid of what caused us pain in the past and attempts to cover the memory so that it often does not emerge until later in life. Yet, it is always there, under the surface, like a dream that keeps on coming to you and when you awaken it is forgotten.
This was a dark, moving story that showed the reader what memories can often do to one who has been hurt and find a way to protect oneself from things that have so wounded our body, mind, and soul.
Thank you to Louise Beech, the publisher, and NetGalley for making an advanced copy of this book available to this reader.
Catherine Hope has a pretty good memory. She remembers most things that occurred in her thirty-two years. However, there is something about her ninth year that has been completely blanked out in her memory. It was at or around that time that she was no longer called Catherine Maria. It was also around then that issues with insomnia started. What was this that made her totally expel memories from her being? Could she possible someday remember and more importantly did she really want to?
Catherine has lead a very colorful life. She has had numerous affairs, one night stands, and engages in what some might call risky behavior. She has become a volunteer on a number of crisis hotlines and when she again becomes a volunteer on a flood crisis line things start to trigger memories in her. Catherine has lost her home in this flood of 2007 and as her home is under repair, her memory of her childhood emerges with some shattering occurrences.
This book deals with memory and how often we block things from our memory that are troubling and disturbing. Our mind allows us to get rid of what caused us pain in the past and attempts to cover the memory so that it often does not emerge until later in life. Yet, it is always there, under the surface, like a dream that keeps on coming to you and when you awaken it is forgotten.
This was a dark, moving story that showed the reader what memories can often do to one who has been hurt and find a way to protect oneself from things that have so wounded our body, mind, and soul.
Thank you to Louise Beech, the publisher, and NetGalley for making an advanced copy of this book available to this reader.
December 30, 2018
A beautifully written story that will both break and warm your heart!
This is my second book by Louise Beech... her stories are lyrical and moving, emotional and raw, real and stunning! There is something magical about both her writing style and her stories themselves... hard to categorize they defy any genre...
This is the story of Catherine Maria... A character you might not find terribly likable she is a bit flippant, a bit aloof, a bit promiscuous.... A damaged soul who has lost pieces of her life and has a hard time sleeping and a hard time staying awake... after her home is ravaged by a flood and she begins working at a flood crisis line Catherine Maria begins to remember... remember the things that made her forget....
This was a very poignant story about memory and your brain and your body and how you protect yourself from things that you cannot handle... Catherine Maria think she wants to remember, but does she really? And what are the ramifications if she does?
Beautifully told the story will evoke every emotion you think you have, and some you think you don’t! Absolutely recommend!
*** Big thanks to Orenda for my copy of this book ***
This is my second book by Louise Beech... her stories are lyrical and moving, emotional and raw, real and stunning! There is something magical about both her writing style and her stories themselves... hard to categorize they defy any genre...
This is the story of Catherine Maria... A character you might not find terribly likable she is a bit flippant, a bit aloof, a bit promiscuous.... A damaged soul who has lost pieces of her life and has a hard time sleeping and a hard time staying awake... after her home is ravaged by a flood and she begins working at a flood crisis line Catherine Maria begins to remember... remember the things that made her forget....
This was a very poignant story about memory and your brain and your body and how you protect yourself from things that you cannot handle... Catherine Maria think she wants to remember, but does she really? And what are the ramifications if she does?
Beautifully told the story will evoke every emotion you think you have, and some you think you don’t! Absolutely recommend!
*** Big thanks to Orenda for my copy of this book ***
September 13, 2017
Maria in the Moon had everything I have come to expect from this author – beautiful, stunningly impacting prose, a dark and engaging story, characters of substance and that emotional edge that only ever comes along every so often within all the books that I read.
Louise Beech always writes from the heart, her own life experiences are layered in there which gives it that strong authentic edge – never easy to describe or fit into genre boxes, Maria in the Moon encompasses many things – family drama, dark underlying social relevance, hints of psychological thriller but mostly just getting into your head, into those quiet between moments where you live and making you consider things differently.
Catherine is an intriguing and gorgeously knowable character, her mystery is our mystery and this is less a puzzle than it is an awakening – for her, for us as we read and come to understand her past and how it impacts her present. Memory and the truths we obfuscate to survive is a strong theme here, striking a chord within the reader as the story unfolds. It is clever, intense and ultimately uplifting in a lot of ways.
The author uses real events to imbue that authenticity, she takes you to the heart of all the themes she is exploring and makes you sit up and take notice. At the same time it is a wonderfully emotive piece of storytelling as always, entertaining and addictive – also deeply deeply moving and extremely thought provoking.
Maria in the Moon is a literary delight, Louise’s novels are like a bookish box of chocolates, a sweet and bitter mix of different tastes and textures – I loved every moment of Maria in the Moon and cannot wait to see what flavour I get next. Each novel has seen the quality grow, putting this author firmly on my must read list with the gorgeous sense of anticipation that goes with knowing there is a lot more to come.
Highly Recommended.
Louise Beech always writes from the heart, her own life experiences are layered in there which gives it that strong authentic edge – never easy to describe or fit into genre boxes, Maria in the Moon encompasses many things – family drama, dark underlying social relevance, hints of psychological thriller but mostly just getting into your head, into those quiet between moments where you live and making you consider things differently.
Catherine is an intriguing and gorgeously knowable character, her mystery is our mystery and this is less a puzzle than it is an awakening – for her, for us as we read and come to understand her past and how it impacts her present. Memory and the truths we obfuscate to survive is a strong theme here, striking a chord within the reader as the story unfolds. It is clever, intense and ultimately uplifting in a lot of ways.
The author uses real events to imbue that authenticity, she takes you to the heart of all the themes she is exploring and makes you sit up and take notice. At the same time it is a wonderfully emotive piece of storytelling as always, entertaining and addictive – also deeply deeply moving and extremely thought provoking.
Maria in the Moon is a literary delight, Louise’s novels are like a bookish box of chocolates, a sweet and bitter mix of different tastes and textures – I loved every moment of Maria in the Moon and cannot wait to see what flavour I get next. Each novel has seen the quality grow, putting this author firmly on my must read list with the gorgeous sense of anticipation that goes with knowing there is a lot more to come.
Highly Recommended.
March 27, 2018
Let me begin with letting every one know how gorgeous I think this cover is. So, so lovely!
Now to the book. I was far less enamored by this one than other readers, it appears.
This story is about Catherine and why she can't remember her 9th year. Recently she has lost her house due to flooding and has decided to volunteer at a flood crisis call center where she can be a comforting ear to those on the other end of the line. This, however, starts to trigger nightmares and memories. What is her mind hiding from her? What happened when she was 9?
She has tried to get answers from her mother but her mother won't speak of it. Their relationship has always been strained and her mother makes it abundantly clear what a disappointment she thinks Catherine is.
I knew from the moment I started this the reason of why she didn't remember her 9th year. It's blatantly obvious with her bad disposition and penchant for swearing ever since she was 10 years old. The problem is that this should of elicited sympathy with me but it never did. I found her to be insufferable more often than not. I don't do pity parties and that's what this book felt like to me. Poor me, poor me. Her friends Christopher and Fern were wonderful characters and her interactions with them were by far my favorite parts of the book except for when she was being awful to them.
I did not like the ending. That last twist (the only twist really) was completely unnecessary. I'm not a writer nor do I claim to be but I think the resolution here could of been done better. Not every book needs to have a twist ending.
I know all of this sounds negative but I honestly think Louise Beech writes beautifully. This is simply a case of a book not being a good fit for me. 2.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Orenda Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Now to the book. I was far less enamored by this one than other readers, it appears.
This story is about Catherine and why she can't remember her 9th year. Recently she has lost her house due to flooding and has decided to volunteer at a flood crisis call center where she can be a comforting ear to those on the other end of the line. This, however, starts to trigger nightmares and memories. What is her mind hiding from her? What happened when she was 9?
She has tried to get answers from her mother but her mother won't speak of it. Their relationship has always been strained and her mother makes it abundantly clear what a disappointment she thinks Catherine is.
I knew from the moment I started this the reason of why she didn't remember her 9th year. It's blatantly obvious with her bad disposition and penchant for swearing ever since she was 10 years old. The problem is that this should of elicited sympathy with me but it never did. I found her to be insufferable more often than not. I don't do pity parties and that's what this book felt like to me. Poor me, poor me. Her friends Christopher and Fern were wonderful characters and her interactions with them were by far my favorite parts of the book except for when she was being awful to them.
I did not like the ending. That last twist (the only twist really) was completely unnecessary. I'm not a writer nor do I claim to be but I think the resolution here could of been done better. Not every book needs to have a twist ending.
I know all of this sounds negative but I honestly think Louise Beech writes beautifully. This is simply a case of a book not being a good fit for me. 2.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Orenda Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2017
Every once in awhile a special type of book comes along and gets well and truly under my skin, it takes ahold of me, consumes me even and Maria in the Moon was that rare beauty of a book. Louise Beech is an astoundingly gifted writer, reading one of her books is a true honor.
I think the blurb for this book is absolutely perfect, it gets your attention yet it doesn’t give so much away that you totally know what to expect. The mystery of Catherine’s ninth year intrigued me enough to want to read it but I had no idea the true haunting, harrowing beauty this book would reveal. Catherine was such a fascinatingly complex woman, she’s exquisitely well drawn. She’s damaged and broken but she’s achingly raw and wholly relatable, I adored her and really cared about her, I was wholeheartedly invested in her story. Her time volunteering at the flood crisis hotline was my favorite part, it was heartbreaking and provided so much insight into her true character.
This is such a unique read and one that’s hard to classify into just one standard genre, my friend Chelsea at The Suspense is Thrilling Me said Louise Beech novels are their own genre and I couldn’t agree more. There’s a little bit of everything, a mystery, some love, a hint of magical realism and most importantly, a plot that any human could relate to. Beech is one of the greats, no other author can bring out emotions in me like she can.
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I think the blurb for this book is absolutely perfect, it gets your attention yet it doesn’t give so much away that you totally know what to expect. The mystery of Catherine’s ninth year intrigued me enough to want to read it but I had no idea the true haunting, harrowing beauty this book would reveal. Catherine was such a fascinatingly complex woman, she’s exquisitely well drawn. She’s damaged and broken but she’s achingly raw and wholly relatable, I adored her and really cared about her, I was wholeheartedly invested in her story. Her time volunteering at the flood crisis hotline was my favorite part, it was heartbreaking and provided so much insight into her true character.
This is such a unique read and one that’s hard to classify into just one standard genre, my friend Chelsea at The Suspense is Thrilling Me said Louise Beech novels are their own genre and I couldn’t agree more. There’s a little bit of everything, a mystery, some love, a hint of magical realism and most importantly, a plot that any human could relate to. Beech is one of the greats, no other author can bring out emotions in me like she can.
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
October 1, 2017
I don’t know what it is about this authors books but they are so beautifully written that they soak into your being and Maria In The Moon was no different.
I have to admit I didn’t quite know what to make of Catherine when we first meet her. I felt she didn’t know who she was and she is pretty mixed up. Most of us by the age of thirty two would hope to know who we are and be comfortable to a certain extent with that. Catherine is very far from that stage. I have to admit to start with I thought she would be better off ringing into the Flood Crisis than being the one to listen to other peoples problems. She has a lot of issues of her own and is struggling to sort them out in her own head.
The parts to do with Catherine and her mother I have to say left me feeling quite distraught. Catherine yearns to be loved by her mother yet her mother has always been stand offish and is not willing to give her daughter the love she so desperately wants and needs. I just wanted to wrap my arms around Catherine to tell her I was there for her as well as giving her mother a hard slap!
The callers personal stories that phone into the Flood Crisis centre were all moving and touched me. I have to say I really take my hat off to anyone that works in these sort of calls centre trying to give hope to individuals whose lives for them at times is hopeless. There is no way I could leave there at t he end of the day and shut off from the sort of phone calls that they must receive and to a certain extent I could understand Catherine’s insomnia.
I had absolutely no clue where the author was going with this story and how it would all turn out in the end. All I can say is that it took me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride that touched my heart and soul. There is definitely some shocks and surprises in there that I certainly did not expect.
Maria In The Moon is the authors deepest story yet. It grabbed my heart and mind and really put them through the mill. I felt quite bereft after finishing this book but I know in my own heart that I don’t have to worry to much about Catherine anymore. I’m pretty certain that she finally found that inner peace that to start with seemed to elude her.
My thanks to Orenda Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I have to admit I didn’t quite know what to make of Catherine when we first meet her. I felt she didn’t know who she was and she is pretty mixed up. Most of us by the age of thirty two would hope to know who we are and be comfortable to a certain extent with that. Catherine is very far from that stage. I have to admit to start with I thought she would be better off ringing into the Flood Crisis than being the one to listen to other peoples problems. She has a lot of issues of her own and is struggling to sort them out in her own head.
The parts to do with Catherine and her mother I have to say left me feeling quite distraught. Catherine yearns to be loved by her mother yet her mother has always been stand offish and is not willing to give her daughter the love she so desperately wants and needs. I just wanted to wrap my arms around Catherine to tell her I was there for her as well as giving her mother a hard slap!
The callers personal stories that phone into the Flood Crisis centre were all moving and touched me. I have to say I really take my hat off to anyone that works in these sort of calls centre trying to give hope to individuals whose lives for them at times is hopeless. There is no way I could leave there at t he end of the day and shut off from the sort of phone calls that they must receive and to a certain extent I could understand Catherine’s insomnia.
I had absolutely no clue where the author was going with this story and how it would all turn out in the end. All I can say is that it took me on a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride that touched my heart and soul. There is definitely some shocks and surprises in there that I certainly did not expect.
Maria In The Moon is the authors deepest story yet. It grabbed my heart and mind and really put them through the mill. I felt quite bereft after finishing this book but I know in my own heart that I don’t have to worry to much about Catherine anymore. I’m pretty certain that she finally found that inner peace that to start with seemed to elude her.
My thanks to Orenda Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
July 5, 2017
Achingly, wonderfully, brilliant and totally compelling - 'Maria In The Moon' made me laugh, made me cry, made me think and above all made me made me care deeply for the main character ..what more can you ask of an author?
I've adored and shouted from the rooftops about the first two books by Louise Beech and have to admit that I was nervous to read this ARC in the fear that it could never live up to it's predecessors. I had no need to worry - the writing is beautiful as is only to be expected from this author and the characters are complex, human, flawed and fabulously drawn. The story is intriguing, past and present are superbly woven and the authors handling of Catherine unlocking her childhood and the fallout of her discovery was for me, spellbinding.
It's not always comfortable reading, you won't always agree with Maria's thoughts and actions but I can guarantee that you will remember her and the reasons for her self-destruct approach to relationships and in the end you WILL love her and be rooting for her to find happiness.
This is a book which will stay with me long after reading the last glorious word.... If you only buy one book this year make it this one!! I only wish I could give this more than 5 stars!
I've adored and shouted from the rooftops about the first two books by Louise Beech and have to admit that I was nervous to read this ARC in the fear that it could never live up to it's predecessors. I had no need to worry - the writing is beautiful as is only to be expected from this author and the characters are complex, human, flawed and fabulously drawn. The story is intriguing, past and present are superbly woven and the authors handling of Catherine unlocking her childhood and the fallout of her discovery was for me, spellbinding.
It's not always comfortable reading, you won't always agree with Maria's thoughts and actions but I can guarantee that you will remember her and the reasons for her self-destruct approach to relationships and in the end you WILL love her and be rooting for her to find happiness.
This is a book which will stay with me long after reading the last glorious word.... If you only buy one book this year make it this one!! I only wish I could give this more than 5 stars!
September 11, 2017
Every once in a blue moon (excuse the pun) a book comes along that blows me away, Marie In The Moon has left me with a serious book hangover not a common occurrence might I add. Marie In The Moon is without doubt Louise Beech best book yet I never thought I would say that, as I adored The Mountain In My Shoe, but oh my Maria In The Moon is something else, beautifully written, it’s a powerful and a emotive novel that will pull at the most hardened heartstrings. I seen a book quote which pretty much sums up my feelings for this novel ” some books you read. Some books you enjoy. But some books just swallow you up heart and soul”.
Set in Hull, just after the floods of 2007, the book focuses on Catherine Hope, who had no memories of her ninth year. All she can remember is that this was when her beloved father died. She’s a volunteer at Flood Crisis, happy to help other people if it means she doesn’t have to deal with her own problems. When a long buried memories begin to surface, Catherine tries to ignore them, but as they become more vivid Catherine has to face her past and deal with the devastating events that she choose to forget, for it’s only then she will be free. Although this novel draws on some difficult subjects Louise Beech deals with them with great sensitivity and empathy.
What a complicated but throughly intriguing character Catherine turned out to be, Louise Beech has an incredible talent that enables her to create such complex and flawed characters, she manages to get into the heads of ordinary people and makes them extraordinary, making the reader care about the characters she’s created. When the reader first meets Catherine she seems surly, antagonistic and defensive, she also appears to be in self destruct mode, but it’s not long before you become enchanted by this unbelievable character, she’s sensitive, passionate and caring and her story will break your heart.
Marie In The Moon is one of the most haunting and compelling books I’ve read in a long time, it’s full of dark humour but also filled with warmth, this novel evoked so many emotion I laughed, I cried and then I cried some more, this is a huge testament to the author’s powerful writing. Dark and deeply moving this novel is one book that’s going to stay with me for a long time, and I’m sure I will often think of Catherine’s journey and the horrors she endured.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Set in Hull, just after the floods of 2007, the book focuses on Catherine Hope, who had no memories of her ninth year. All she can remember is that this was when her beloved father died. She’s a volunteer at Flood Crisis, happy to help other people if it means she doesn’t have to deal with her own problems. When a long buried memories begin to surface, Catherine tries to ignore them, but as they become more vivid Catherine has to face her past and deal with the devastating events that she choose to forget, for it’s only then she will be free. Although this novel draws on some difficult subjects Louise Beech deals with them with great sensitivity and empathy.
What a complicated but throughly intriguing character Catherine turned out to be, Louise Beech has an incredible talent that enables her to create such complex and flawed characters, she manages to get into the heads of ordinary people and makes them extraordinary, making the reader care about the characters she’s created. When the reader first meets Catherine she seems surly, antagonistic and defensive, she also appears to be in self destruct mode, but it’s not long before you become enchanted by this unbelievable character, she’s sensitive, passionate and caring and her story will break your heart.
Marie In The Moon is one of the most haunting and compelling books I’ve read in a long time, it’s full of dark humour but also filled with warmth, this novel evoked so many emotion I laughed, I cried and then I cried some more, this is a huge testament to the author’s powerful writing. Dark and deeply moving this novel is one book that’s going to stay with me for a long time, and I’m sure I will often think of Catherine’s journey and the horrors she endured.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
September 21, 2017
Read my full review here: http://crimebythebook.com/blog/2017/9...
This is a VERY different kind of read for me, but what a beautiful read it was. This is a haunting, emotionally-intelligent story of a young woman searching to recover memories from her childhood -
a childhood in which she may have endured a horrible trauma. This is not your standard crime fiction - it's not about solving a crime, and it's much more of a brooding, slow-burning story. But it's extremely affecting and beautifully written.
This is a VERY different kind of read for me, but what a beautiful read it was. This is a haunting, emotionally-intelligent story of a young woman searching to recover memories from her childhood -
a childhood in which she may have endured a horrible trauma. This is not your standard crime fiction - it's not about solving a crime, and it's much more of a brooding, slow-burning story. But it's extremely affecting and beautifully written.
September 29, 2017
Good grief. What to say about this exquisitely told story? I postponed reading this one until I was on holiday, determined to savour every word on every page without a single interruption and I’m so glad I did. But it’s hard to find the words to describe how incredibly special Maria in the Moon is and I fear my review won’t do it any justice at all.
Let me just first point out that I’m not really known as the emotional type. Although I have been known to once cry at a nappy commercial but I swear that was a completely unexplainable hormonal thing. That said, there are two authors who always manage to make me shed a tear or two (or ten) and one of them is Louise Beech, who just seems to have this uncanny knack of pulling at my heartstrings until I need a stiff drink. Or two. (Or ten. Who’s counting?)
Catherine has an exceptional memory but for some reason, she can’t remember a single thing about the year when she was nine years old. When she loses her home to a flood, she volunteers at a Flood Crisis Line and bit by bit, things will start to fall into place that will ultimately reveal a devastating memory.
Maria in the Moon is a sometimes emotional, yet at times also a surprisingly witty story. I took to Catherine straight away. Not only do I appreciate a healthy dose of sarcasm but also the level of self-deprecating humour she displays, used to protect herself or hide her innermost feelings. It all just felt entirely relatable. Her relationship with her mother, complicated though it may be, came across as highly realistic and believable. And throughout the story you wonder about the importance of memories and how even things you may have forgotten can have an impact on the rest of your life.
I soon found myself utterly swept away on the waves of this touching and moving tale. Catherine’s story is dark, heartfelt and honest, deeply moving and yet also inspiring. Hers isn’t the only heartbreaking story to be told as callers to the Crisis Line deal with issues of their own. All these characters felt so real, I expected them to jump off the pages. I got so invested in their lives, they stopped feeling like characters but more like real-life people dealing with real-life issues. Not all of the heavy variety but some everyday mundane things as well, like drawers that won’t open or an out-of-control smoke alarm.
I adored both of Louise Beech’s previous novels and was fully aware of her incredible talent. I always feel safe in this author’s hands, blindly trust her capabilities and I will gladly let her lead me wherever she wants. And yet, I wasn’t quite prepared for the effect Maria in the Moon would have on me. It’s so utterly powerful and emotive and it just blew me away. This is some exceptional and masterful storytelling. Maria in the Moon deserves pride of place on everyone’s bookshelf and I shall treasure my copy forever.
Let me just first point out that I’m not really known as the emotional type. Although I have been known to once cry at a nappy commercial but I swear that was a completely unexplainable hormonal thing. That said, there are two authors who always manage to make me shed a tear or two (or ten) and one of them is Louise Beech, who just seems to have this uncanny knack of pulling at my heartstrings until I need a stiff drink. Or two. (Or ten. Who’s counting?)
Catherine has an exceptional memory but for some reason, she can’t remember a single thing about the year when she was nine years old. When she loses her home to a flood, she volunteers at a Flood Crisis Line and bit by bit, things will start to fall into place that will ultimately reveal a devastating memory.
Maria in the Moon is a sometimes emotional, yet at times also a surprisingly witty story. I took to Catherine straight away. Not only do I appreciate a healthy dose of sarcasm but also the level of self-deprecating humour she displays, used to protect herself or hide her innermost feelings. It all just felt entirely relatable. Her relationship with her mother, complicated though it may be, came across as highly realistic and believable. And throughout the story you wonder about the importance of memories and how even things you may have forgotten can have an impact on the rest of your life.
I soon found myself utterly swept away on the waves of this touching and moving tale. Catherine’s story is dark, heartfelt and honest, deeply moving and yet also inspiring. Hers isn’t the only heartbreaking story to be told as callers to the Crisis Line deal with issues of their own. All these characters felt so real, I expected them to jump off the pages. I got so invested in their lives, they stopped feeling like characters but more like real-life people dealing with real-life issues. Not all of the heavy variety but some everyday mundane things as well, like drawers that won’t open or an out-of-control smoke alarm.
I adored both of Louise Beech’s previous novels and was fully aware of her incredible talent. I always feel safe in this author’s hands, blindly trust her capabilities and I will gladly let her lead me wherever she wants. And yet, I wasn’t quite prepared for the effect Maria in the Moon would have on me. It’s so utterly powerful and emotive and it just blew me away. This is some exceptional and masterful storytelling. Maria in the Moon deserves pride of place on everyone’s bookshelf and I shall treasure my copy forever.
October 6, 2017
I always feel slightly apprehensive when reading a book that has had so many fantastic reviews from my fellow bloggers as it can raise your expectations leaving you expecting a lot from a book before you have even started. Fortunately I have now joined the long line of fans for this book and have been recommending it to everyone who will listen!
Maria is a fantastic main character. I felt a lot of sympathy for her and the situations that she finds herself in. She’s a very real character in that she’s not perfect and she does make mistakes but this helps increase the readers empathy for her as we have all found ourselves in similar situations! I loved her sense of humour, particularly her hilarious observations of other people which had me laughing out loud at times. It was very poignant to read about her broken relationship with her mother, which is very fraught and some of the awful things her mother says about her. It was hard to read about her trying to not let these things upset her and pretend not to care. The state of this relationship is made worse by the loss of a much-loved father and you really feel for her when she makes comparisons between how things are now compared with the past.
I thought it was quite brave of the author to write about an event that happened so recently and would still be remembered by a lot of people, including of course people who were flooded themselves. It was interesting to read about the many ways in which people were affected by the flood and how long after the waters had receded the floods continued to have an impact on their lives. Simple things in everyday life, like being able to access public transport and being able to sleep when its raining were suddenly a challenge to people which I hadn’t fully considered before.
Maria’s work at the call center added an interesting slant to the story, as it allowed the reader to see a different, kinder version of Maria then what she normally showed to the world. She really seemed to care about the callers and want to help them. It was quite poignant at times to read about her shifts at the call center as I felt that she was in need of a bit of love and care too at times which she wasn’t always receiving. Some of the things that people phoned up about were hilarious as they were quite random and sometimes not even flood related. This caused some of the more comic and memorable moments in the book for me that I have remembered long after finishing reading.
This book is so beautifully written. It really draws you in from the first page and gets inside your mind so that you are constantly thinking about it even when you aren’t reading it. There is always something happening, some mini drama in Maria’s life that keeps you reading to find out how it works out and because, you care about Maria and want her to have a happy ending. You experience every emotion alongside Maria as she tries to work out where she is going in life and what she wants. I laughed, I cried, I was frustrated but most importantly I loved reading about Maria’s life and I was very sad when the book ended.
Huge thanks to Orenda books and Anne Cater for my copy of the book and for inviting me on the blog tour. This will definitely be a book I will think about, and recommend to people, for ages!
Maria is a fantastic main character. I felt a lot of sympathy for her and the situations that she finds herself in. She’s a very real character in that she’s not perfect and she does make mistakes but this helps increase the readers empathy for her as we have all found ourselves in similar situations! I loved her sense of humour, particularly her hilarious observations of other people which had me laughing out loud at times. It was very poignant to read about her broken relationship with her mother, which is very fraught and some of the awful things her mother says about her. It was hard to read about her trying to not let these things upset her and pretend not to care. The state of this relationship is made worse by the loss of a much-loved father and you really feel for her when she makes comparisons between how things are now compared with the past.
I thought it was quite brave of the author to write about an event that happened so recently and would still be remembered by a lot of people, including of course people who were flooded themselves. It was interesting to read about the many ways in which people were affected by the flood and how long after the waters had receded the floods continued to have an impact on their lives. Simple things in everyday life, like being able to access public transport and being able to sleep when its raining were suddenly a challenge to people which I hadn’t fully considered before.
Maria’s work at the call center added an interesting slant to the story, as it allowed the reader to see a different, kinder version of Maria then what she normally showed to the world. She really seemed to care about the callers and want to help them. It was quite poignant at times to read about her shifts at the call center as I felt that she was in need of a bit of love and care too at times which she wasn’t always receiving. Some of the things that people phoned up about were hilarious as they were quite random and sometimes not even flood related. This caused some of the more comic and memorable moments in the book for me that I have remembered long after finishing reading.
This book is so beautifully written. It really draws you in from the first page and gets inside your mind so that you are constantly thinking about it even when you aren’t reading it. There is always something happening, some mini drama in Maria’s life that keeps you reading to find out how it works out and because, you care about Maria and want her to have a happy ending. You experience every emotion alongside Maria as she tries to work out where she is going in life and what she wants. I laughed, I cried, I was frustrated but most importantly I loved reading about Maria’s life and I was very sad when the book ended.
Huge thanks to Orenda books and Anne Cater for my copy of the book and for inviting me on the blog tour. This will definitely be a book I will think about, and recommend to people, for ages!
December 15, 2017
‘When you give like that, you deserve whatever makes your heart whole’
The floods of 2007 are ingrained in my mind. I remember watching Look North with Harry Gration showing the images of Sheffield and the surrounding area devastated by Mother Nature and calls from work colleagues stranded at home unable to get to Leeds. I didn’t catch much of the national coverage so I was never fully aware of the full extent of what had happened.
Maria In The Moon centres around the floods that hit Hull, the author’s hometown…well city. But it’s not about the floods in the main. It’s about Catherine, a woman who can’t stop listening to other people’s problems. She’s drawn to care-lines when she has her own relationships that need sorting out.
The writing totally surrounded me. I felt I was there in Hull, I was Catherine whilst my own life in Leeds continued around me as I read. I felt what she felt.
I thought the writing in How To Be Brave was beautiful but Ms Beech has honed her talent in this one. Where else would you read a description of ‘The draught from the open door kissed my bare ankles’? I felt my ankles shiver as I read that sentence.
“Maria In The Moon” is an emotional charged read and I defy anyone not to feel a tug of the heartstrings as Catherine’s story reaches its climax. I cried as the book came to a close. But don’t be mistaken, amongst all the emotion and angst of Catherine’s life and those she listens to on the phone, there’s suspense but that’s all I’m going to say #nospoiler. The book has been labelled as ‘Dark Drama’ and it is definitely dark and dramatic.
‘It’s not love unless it hurts’
Louise Beech is rapidly becoming one of the few authors who will draw me out of the dark world of crime fiction into her own unique genre of story telling. I adore her writing style! I now have to shoehorn in “The Mountain In My Shoe” into my reading schedule!!
A big thanks to Orenda Books for my copy of Maria In The Moon.
The floods of 2007 are ingrained in my mind. I remember watching Look North with Harry Gration showing the images of Sheffield and the surrounding area devastated by Mother Nature and calls from work colleagues stranded at home unable to get to Leeds. I didn’t catch much of the national coverage so I was never fully aware of the full extent of what had happened.
Maria In The Moon centres around the floods that hit Hull, the author’s hometown…well city. But it’s not about the floods in the main. It’s about Catherine, a woman who can’t stop listening to other people’s problems. She’s drawn to care-lines when she has her own relationships that need sorting out.
The writing totally surrounded me. I felt I was there in Hull, I was Catherine whilst my own life in Leeds continued around me as I read. I felt what she felt.
I thought the writing in How To Be Brave was beautiful but Ms Beech has honed her talent in this one. Where else would you read a description of ‘The draught from the open door kissed my bare ankles’? I felt my ankles shiver as I read that sentence.
“Maria In The Moon” is an emotional charged read and I defy anyone not to feel a tug of the heartstrings as Catherine’s story reaches its climax. I cried as the book came to a close. But don’t be mistaken, amongst all the emotion and angst of Catherine’s life and those she listens to on the phone, there’s suspense but that’s all I’m going to say #nospoiler. The book has been labelled as ‘Dark Drama’ and it is definitely dark and dramatic.
‘It’s not love unless it hurts’
Louise Beech is rapidly becoming one of the few authors who will draw me out of the dark world of crime fiction into her own unique genre of story telling. I adore her writing style! I now have to shoehorn in “The Mountain In My Shoe” into my reading schedule!!
A big thanks to Orenda Books for my copy of Maria In The Moon.
January 6, 2019
Wow, I adored this book - Catherine reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant in many ways, and her combined humour and profound sadness were just so enduring.
A fantastically written story about coming to terms with our past, easy 4 stars ⭐️
A fantastically written story about coming to terms with our past, easy 4 stars ⭐️
June 29, 2017
I love the emotional honesty and glorious imagery of Louise Beech’s writing and both are in plentiful supply in this unusual and intriguing story.
Catherine is working in a call centre for people who have been affected by the disastrous flood in Hull in 2007, and I was fascinated to learn about the protocols: giving the caller time to talk, not judging, reflecting back what they are saying… We even learn what happens if a caller has taken an overdose and is looking for someone to talk to while they die.
Catherine is sensitive and intuitive when she takes calls in the call centre, but in her everyday life she is less able to relate to others. She is brittle, sharp-tongued, defensive and quick to take offence, making it clear to the reader that she is damaged and vulnerable herself. She has a memorably difficult relationship with her mother, she has broken up with her boyfriend, and she feels lost and lonely, but deals with it all using black humour – a classic deflection tactic.
There are clues to what has caused the damage: why can she not remember anything that happened when she was nine years old? Why is her mother so hostile? We want Catherine to remember, and to find happiness, but when there is a potential love story right in front of her, something real, with a man who is sensitive and genuine, she is too scared to trust it.
This is a psychologically complex story that will provide food for thought long after you finish reading. Highly recommended!
Catherine is working in a call centre for people who have been affected by the disastrous flood in Hull in 2007, and I was fascinated to learn about the protocols: giving the caller time to talk, not judging, reflecting back what they are saying… We even learn what happens if a caller has taken an overdose and is looking for someone to talk to while they die.
Catherine is sensitive and intuitive when she takes calls in the call centre, but in her everyday life she is less able to relate to others. She is brittle, sharp-tongued, defensive and quick to take offence, making it clear to the reader that she is damaged and vulnerable herself. She has a memorably difficult relationship with her mother, she has broken up with her boyfriend, and she feels lost and lonely, but deals with it all using black humour – a classic deflection tactic.
There are clues to what has caused the damage: why can she not remember anything that happened when she was nine years old? Why is her mother so hostile? We want Catherine to remember, and to find happiness, but when there is a potential love story right in front of her, something real, with a man who is sensitive and genuine, she is too scared to trust it.
This is a psychologically complex story that will provide food for thought long after you finish reading. Highly recommended!
April 24, 2018
Thank you so much Orenda Books for providing my free copy of MARIA IN THE MOON by Louise Beech - all opinions are my own.
A breathtakingly beautiful story that centers around Catherine Hope, a home care worker who resides in England, who after a devastating flood volunteers at a crisis center in order to help flood victims. But Catherine has problems of her own. She is haunted by her past and has no memory of an entire year of her childhood.
I had no idea what to expect before reading this one. The writing is so beautiful and it’s one of the more unique books I’ve ever read. Catherine is a very interesting protagonist. She’s surly and defensive, but you root for her anyway. As you learn more about Catherine’s journey, your heart breaks, but Beech writes her story in such a way that stirs up so many emotions. You name the emotion, I felt it. As the repressed memories from Catherine’s childhood come to the surface, you get a sense of hope, which I believe is what this story is about.
It’s powerful, heartbreaking, emotive, and full of intrigue. This story will stay with me a long, long time. Highly recommended!
My rating is 4.5 / 5 stars!
A breathtakingly beautiful story that centers around Catherine Hope, a home care worker who resides in England, who after a devastating flood volunteers at a crisis center in order to help flood victims. But Catherine has problems of her own. She is haunted by her past and has no memory of an entire year of her childhood.
I had no idea what to expect before reading this one. The writing is so beautiful and it’s one of the more unique books I’ve ever read. Catherine is a very interesting protagonist. She’s surly and defensive, but you root for her anyway. As you learn more about Catherine’s journey, your heart breaks, but Beech writes her story in such a way that stirs up so many emotions. You name the emotion, I felt it. As the repressed memories from Catherine’s childhood come to the surface, you get a sense of hope, which I believe is what this story is about.
It’s powerful, heartbreaking, emotive, and full of intrigue. This story will stay with me a long, long time. Highly recommended!
My rating is 4.5 / 5 stars!
October 31, 2020
Finished reading: October 27th 2020
“But even with four aces, I always chose to lose.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
July 20, 2017
This brutally beautiful, hauntingly honest and utterly compelling novel will absolutely get under your skin. As we gradually follow the unravelling of the mystery at the heart of Catherine's life, we travel with her on a journey of discovery that forces her to confront and come to terms with her darkest memories.
While the plot is exceptional - pacey and twisty and filled with unexpected reveals - it's the beauty of the writing that makes this such a stand-out book for me. The contrast between the delicacy of Beech's prose and the horrors endured by her heroine is irresistible and memorable.
I've been a huge fan of Louise Beech's work since reading her debut "How To Be Brave", but in "Maria In The Moon" she's outdone herself. 100% recommend.
While the plot is exceptional - pacey and twisty and filled with unexpected reveals - it's the beauty of the writing that makes this such a stand-out book for me. The contrast between the delicacy of Beech's prose and the horrors endured by her heroine is irresistible and memorable.
I've been a huge fan of Louise Beech's work since reading her debut "How To Be Brave", but in "Maria In The Moon" she's outdone herself. 100% recommend.
August 25, 2017
This is such a beautifully written, poignant book that has stayed with me long after I finished it. Set against the backdrop of the Hull floods it's atmospheric, dark, funny and sad as we journey with Catherine as she tries to remember what happened in her ninth year. Catherine is such a brilliant character - well rounded and fully fleshed out and so very believable I felt like I knew her. Louise Beech is such a beautiful writer that I wanted to savour every word, but at the same time the story races along and I was desperate to find out what secrets and tragedies lurked in Catherine's past. A brilliant book.
September 28, 2017
Find all my book reviews, plus author interviews, guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
10 Things I Loved About Maria in the Moon by Louise Beech
1.Using the 2007 floods in Hull as a pivotal event. Having, thankfully, never experienced such a traumatic event personally, it really brought home to me the long term consequences for people affected. From practical things – like the length of time it takes to dry out a home or the shortage of trades people to carry out repairs – to less obvious things – like the sense of displacement, the trauma associated with having your home and personal space invaded, the loss of possessions with a sentimental value and the emotional scars that can persist for years afterwards. “The rain caused all sorts of problems.” He slurped his coffee. “People clearing out their ruined belongings remembered things long buried: affairs, given-up babies, secret abortions. We hear these stories every day.”
2.The callers to Flood Crisis. I found their stories moving and Catherine’s response to their stories even more moving. Thank God, such resources exist and that people exist to volunteer to take on such roles. Their stories also form an extremely clever aspect to the book in a number of ways. For example, Catherine’s compulsion to listen to others’ problems, to fill her memory with details of their troubles, is a way to block out her own. ‘I remembered all the calls. While my memory discarded my own history, it had no trouble with people who needed me to remember.’
3.The significance of names. That nothing is more annoying than deliberately getting someone’s name wrong every time you meet them (especially if they’re particularly annoying themselves – hello, Sharleen/Celine, we’re talking about you). That nothing is more embarrassing then referring to someone by the nickname you’ve secretly given them, especially if it’s rather cruel. That the meaning behind names is important – like whether you’re “Mum” or “Mother” – and that we are to a certain extent characterised (at least for ourselves) by our names. That certain words can trigger painful memories.
4.The humour. The nicknames – Aunty Hairy, Jangly Jane, Condom Kath. Catherine’s banter with Christopher, which supports my theory that if you find someone with whom you share a sense of humour that’s a sign of a good relationship.
5.The supporting cast. My particularly favourites were Catherine’s best friend, the outrageous Fern, and Catherine’s lovely Aunt Mary.
6.The acute observation of the writing about everyday things. Like the ritual of formal family meals, when everyone’s trying not to say or do anything out of turn, but it won’t be long before someone does. ‘They were all in the dining room. Like actors in a weekly soap opera they’d assumed the usual positions: Mother at the top near the walnut cabinet that displayed her pottery creations, me next to Celine, Graham opposite us with his back against the wall where the Constable print hung. The best blue-and-white swirly china was being given its weekly outing, and a silk cloth hid the plain table.’ Like the kitchen drawers that can only be opened one at a time.
7.The character of Catherine. Yes, she’s spiky, a bit scruffy, rude to her mother and step-sister, clumsy, moody, thoughtless at times. But who hasn’t put their foot in it by saying the wrong thing or making a joke at an inopportune moment or laughed without thinking or meaning to when you should have expressed sorrow or horror? And Catherine has a wonderfully witty sense of humour, resilience and fantastic empathy with the callers to the crisis line. Most of all, she’s unbelievably brave.
8.It made me think. About the nature of memory. About the things we choose to remember, those we choose to forget and those things we’ve even forgotten that we’ve forgotten. “We forget nothing – memories are always there. We’re just afraid to look. But why? Fear is just fear. All we have to do is look, and we won’t be afraid.”
9.The ending. After all the emotions the author put us through as readers, I reckon we deserved that ending. To my mind, the sign of a great book is when the characters live so vividly in your mind that you feel as invested in what happens to them as (whisper) your own family.
10.Finally, I loved that Louise Beech took the time to name check so many book bloggers and reviewers in her Acknowledgments. But, really, she doesn’t need to thank us because the joy we get from reading books as wonderful as Maria in the Moon is thanks enough.
10 Things I Loved About Maria in the Moon by Louise Beech
1.Using the 2007 floods in Hull as a pivotal event. Having, thankfully, never experienced such a traumatic event personally, it really brought home to me the long term consequences for people affected. From practical things – like the length of time it takes to dry out a home or the shortage of trades people to carry out repairs – to less obvious things – like the sense of displacement, the trauma associated with having your home and personal space invaded, the loss of possessions with a sentimental value and the emotional scars that can persist for years afterwards. “The rain caused all sorts of problems.” He slurped his coffee. “People clearing out their ruined belongings remembered things long buried: affairs, given-up babies, secret abortions. We hear these stories every day.”
2.The callers to Flood Crisis. I found their stories moving and Catherine’s response to their stories even more moving. Thank God, such resources exist and that people exist to volunteer to take on such roles. Their stories also form an extremely clever aspect to the book in a number of ways. For example, Catherine’s compulsion to listen to others’ problems, to fill her memory with details of their troubles, is a way to block out her own. ‘I remembered all the calls. While my memory discarded my own history, it had no trouble with people who needed me to remember.’
3.The significance of names. That nothing is more annoying than deliberately getting someone’s name wrong every time you meet them (especially if they’re particularly annoying themselves – hello, Sharleen/Celine, we’re talking about you). That nothing is more embarrassing then referring to someone by the nickname you’ve secretly given them, especially if it’s rather cruel. That the meaning behind names is important – like whether you’re “Mum” or “Mother” – and that we are to a certain extent characterised (at least for ourselves) by our names. That certain words can trigger painful memories.
4.The humour. The nicknames – Aunty Hairy, Jangly Jane, Condom Kath. Catherine’s banter with Christopher, which supports my theory that if you find someone with whom you share a sense of humour that’s a sign of a good relationship.
5.The supporting cast. My particularly favourites were Catherine’s best friend, the outrageous Fern, and Catherine’s lovely Aunt Mary.
6.The acute observation of the writing about everyday things. Like the ritual of formal family meals, when everyone’s trying not to say or do anything out of turn, but it won’t be long before someone does. ‘They were all in the dining room. Like actors in a weekly soap opera they’d assumed the usual positions: Mother at the top near the walnut cabinet that displayed her pottery creations, me next to Celine, Graham opposite us with his back against the wall where the Constable print hung. The best blue-and-white swirly china was being given its weekly outing, and a silk cloth hid the plain table.’ Like the kitchen drawers that can only be opened one at a time.
7.The character of Catherine. Yes, she’s spiky, a bit scruffy, rude to her mother and step-sister, clumsy, moody, thoughtless at times. But who hasn’t put their foot in it by saying the wrong thing or making a joke at an inopportune moment or laughed without thinking or meaning to when you should have expressed sorrow or horror? And Catherine has a wonderfully witty sense of humour, resilience and fantastic empathy with the callers to the crisis line. Most of all, she’s unbelievably brave.
8.It made me think. About the nature of memory. About the things we choose to remember, those we choose to forget and those things we’ve even forgotten that we’ve forgotten. “We forget nothing – memories are always there. We’re just afraid to look. But why? Fear is just fear. All we have to do is look, and we won’t be afraid.”
9.The ending. After all the emotions the author put us through as readers, I reckon we deserved that ending. To my mind, the sign of a great book is when the characters live so vividly in your mind that you feel as invested in what happens to them as (whisper) your own family.
10.Finally, I loved that Louise Beech took the time to name check so many book bloggers and reviewers in her Acknowledgments. But, really, she doesn’t need to thank us because the joy we get from reading books as wonderful as Maria in the Moon is thanks enough.
July 6, 2019
Maria in the Moon intrigues right from the moment you look at its beautiful cover and read the title, wondering what the significance of 'Maria in the Moon' is. This tender novel hooked me right from the opening pages and never let go until I heard that chant 'maria in the moon' and understood.
Right from the first page, when we meet Catherine-Maria recalling her beloved Nanny Eve who chose her name and used to call her in a sing-song voice, and the Virgin Mary statue passed down from mother to daughter, we become aware there is a memory block in her childhood.
Something stopped all the singing in their house and when she tries to remember all she sees are the shattered porcelain pieces of Pure Mary spread across the floor.
The story is set in Hull 2007, after their wettest summer on record, when 8,000 homes and 1,300 businesses were flooded. Catherine has had to move out of her home into temporary accommodation and decides to volunteer at the local Flood Crisis helpline, an occupation she already has experience in. Here she recalls her first call at a Crisis Centre.
Going to work at the Flood Crisis Centre, taking calls and getting to know others who volunteer to do this kind of work through this novel was fascinating and felt real, it reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant and this quote from Olivia Laing's book, The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone:
Her first shift at the Flood Crisis Helpline runs smoothly, but something about this new experience triggers an awakening of her childhood memories, and more disturbingly brings back a recurring dream.
Over the weeks that follow, from the Sunday lunches with her extended family, her conversations with her work mentor Christopher and her flatmate Fern, she gains clarity around her own personal mystery and in a dramatic denouement confronts her past and puts a few ghosts plaguing her mind to rest.
Maria in the Moon is one of those books you want to get back to every chance you can, it was gripping until the end, and even the quiet and mundane parts I found riveting. I loved going to work with Catherine and listening to her handling calls, the characters were well formed and contributed to a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding her, but also raised questions.
I wanted to know more, to ask her how she coped growing up without knowing her Mum, her attachment to Mother (her stepmother); there's an unselfish compassion within her, masking the ache of losing both parents at a young age and her response to it is to stay close to the family she's been left with, claiming it as her own.
With Louise Beech, there is always depth, there are layers to unfold, there are stories beneath stories. I have my own personal story of a kind of mystical experience while reading her debut novel How to Be Brave which you can read about here at Word by Word, and Maria in the Moon has inspired astory song, created by singer Carrie Martin, linked below, the story behind this creative inspiration written about here at Louise Beech - Making Magic With Words.
Carrie Martin singing Maria in the Moon
What more can I say, I'll read everything Louise Beech writes, she's entertaining and an inspiring author who writes from the heart and one who's open to the magic and the mystical.
Right from the first page, when we meet Catherine-Maria recalling her beloved Nanny Eve who chose her name and used to call her in a sing-song voice, and the Virgin Mary statue passed down from mother to daughter, we become aware there is a memory block in her childhood.
But one day she stopped singing.
She stopped calling me the long, pretty name she'd chosen when I arrived.
I try now to remember why, but I just can't.
I think it was winter; I think the sun no longer had the strength to kiss our heads.
I know I'd accidentally smashed the Virgin Mary.
Something stopped all the singing in their house and when she tries to remember all she sees are the shattered porcelain pieces of Pure Mary spread across the floor.
The story is set in Hull 2007, after their wettest summer on record, when 8,000 homes and 1,300 businesses were flooded. Catherine has had to move out of her home into temporary accommodation and decides to volunteer at the local Flood Crisis helpline, an occupation she already has experience in. Here she recalls her first call at a Crisis Centre.
I'd learned well on the course; I was non-judgemental, patient, gentle. My first caller was a fifty-year-old man who'd been married for thirty years, but had always been desperately in love with his friend Jim.
'What should I do?' he'd asked.
It wasn't for me to tell him, only to listen, ask the right questions, and let him figure out his own feelings. I was shaking when the call ended but felt empowered.
Going to work at the Flood Crisis Centre, taking calls and getting to know others who volunteer to do this kind of work through this novel was fascinating and felt real, it reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant and this quote from Olivia Laing's book, The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone:
“…loneliness is hallmarked by an intense desire to bring the experience to a close; something which cannot be achieved by getting out more, but only by developing intimate connections. This is far easier said than done, especially for people whose loneliness arises from a state of loss or exile or prejudice, who have reason to fear or mistrust as well as long for the society of others.”
Her first shift at the Flood Crisis Helpline runs smoothly, but something about this new experience triggers an awakening of her childhood memories, and more disturbingly brings back a recurring dream.
Over the weeks that follow, from the Sunday lunches with her extended family, her conversations with her work mentor Christopher and her flatmate Fern, she gains clarity around her own personal mystery and in a dramatic denouement confronts her past and puts a few ghosts plaguing her mind to rest.
Maria in the Moon is one of those books you want to get back to every chance you can, it was gripping until the end, and even the quiet and mundane parts I found riveting. I loved going to work with Catherine and listening to her handling calls, the characters were well formed and contributed to a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding her, but also raised questions.
I wanted to know more, to ask her how she coped growing up without knowing her Mum, her attachment to Mother (her stepmother); there's an unselfish compassion within her, masking the ache of losing both parents at a young age and her response to it is to stay close to the family she's been left with, claiming it as her own.
With Louise Beech, there is always depth, there are layers to unfold, there are stories beneath stories. I have my own personal story of a kind of mystical experience while reading her debut novel How to Be Brave which you can read about here at Word by Word, and Maria in the Moon has inspired a
Carrie Martin singing Maria in the Moon
What more can I say, I'll read everything Louise Beech writes, she's entertaining and an inspiring author who writes from the heart and one who's open to the magic and the mystical.
April 18, 2019
Maria in the Moon is the story of Catherine at the time of the big flood in Hull in 2007. Catherine is feisty, she’s tough, she’s one hell of a protagonist. On the one hand, Catherine is a good Samaritan: she worked as a volunteer before and at the start of the novel, she’s signing up to work shifts manning the flood line. So part of Catherine’s story consists of the stories of victims of the flood and other people in need. On the other hand, she’s a troubled young woman. Her mum died when giving birth to her, her dad died when she was 8, and so she was left in the care of her stepmother, with whom she has a strained relationship at best. Obviously her upbringing has had its effects on her and then there are some strange things about Catherine. She keeps having nightmares, there’s something about the word “tiger”, it keeps popping up in her head and it makes her feel funny, she has a fascination with bunnies but no clue where it came from and she has zero recollection of the year she was nine. It did my head in, it did! I wanted to speed up the narration just to find out sooner, but I didn’t because I wanted to savour the story. That’s not to say I didn’t have a theory. I did, but only concerning the what and the when (obviously), but the who and the why eluded me. And oh how I hoped I got the wrong end of the stick, I hoped from the bottom of my heart, if I was religious I’d have prayed my theory was wrong. It wasn’t. Once again, Louise Beech made me cry. Once again she broke my heart, but what an exquisite torture it was. Once again, Louise Beech has proven that you needn’t write a thriller to write a thrilling, addictive, suspenseful story.
Read the full review here: https://frombelgiumwithbooklove.com/m...
Read the full review here: https://frombelgiumwithbooklove.com/m...
October 6, 2017
Gorgeous book, review to follow for blog tour (and when I've stopped sobbing!) Here it is:
Not having read either of the two previous highly acclaimed novels by this author I opened it without any preconceptions ... and was immediately captivated by the authors easy and engaging writing style, which absorbed me deep into the story instantly.
The main protagonist is Catherine, a 31 year old woman who has recently been affected by locally devastating floods which wrecked her home and affected the lives of many local folk.
Catherine (or Katrina as she becomes known) used to be called Catherine-Maria when she was little, but like many of the fuzzy events of her childhood, she is unable to remember quite why she had a sudden name change when she was 9. In fact a lot of her life is shrouded in fog and her memories have a huge gaping hole in them.
Catherine likes to help other people. Smarting from a recent, broken relationship, living in a flat share whilst her flooded out home is renovated and repaired, doing a job she finds pretty unrewarding, she volunteers to work on a telephone help line set up to enable victims of flooding (and loneliness and despair) to phone in and chat. Whilst she listens and counsels and cares for others it becomes apparent that it’s not just the helpline callers who have problems.
Catherines father died when she was young, her Mum died at Catherines birth and her beloved Nanny Eve died too and now she is left with an uncaring stepmother to rival Cinderella's and the snarling step sister bitch from hell, together with her lovely “Aunt Hairy” whom I adored. Yes I did say Hairy – read it and you’ll find out!
All Catherine’s ever wanted is to be loved, but she's learnt that "if it doesn’t hurt it’s not love" and she just can’t take much more pain, so she puts up a wall, developing a snippy snappy persona and a swear word for every occasion, yet she finds catharsis in listening to other folks woes.
Giving folks secret nicknames is just one way of keeping them at arms length and we will meet Jangly Jane and Robin who’s not called Robin at all.
Just as the incoming helpline calls from actress Kate with which she deals, reveal it’s not really about the trees, I was quite surprised that, being based around a flood help line, it’s not really about the floods either!
Skilfully painted with a deft hand this highly emotional read has a lovely touch of humour, interspersed with some terribly dark and emotive topics.
To say any more would be to be guilty of spoilers and this amazing book doesn’t deserve that. But enough to say some sensitive readers may find parts of the story upsetting to read as dark deeds are revealed and there is definitely something nasty in the woodshed alright.
I loved this novel, suffice to say that I galloped through it, found it wonderful and moving harrowing and uplifting and funny all at the same time, so prepare to have your emotions wrung tightly out and hung up to dry.
Not having read either of the two previous highly acclaimed novels by this author I opened it without any preconceptions ... and was immediately captivated by the authors easy and engaging writing style, which absorbed me deep into the story instantly.
The main protagonist is Catherine, a 31 year old woman who has recently been affected by locally devastating floods which wrecked her home and affected the lives of many local folk.
Catherine (or Katrina as she becomes known) used to be called Catherine-Maria when she was little, but like many of the fuzzy events of her childhood, she is unable to remember quite why she had a sudden name change when she was 9. In fact a lot of her life is shrouded in fog and her memories have a huge gaping hole in them.
Catherine likes to help other people. Smarting from a recent, broken relationship, living in a flat share whilst her flooded out home is renovated and repaired, doing a job she finds pretty unrewarding, she volunteers to work on a telephone help line set up to enable victims of flooding (and loneliness and despair) to phone in and chat. Whilst she listens and counsels and cares for others it becomes apparent that it’s not just the helpline callers who have problems.
Catherines father died when she was young, her Mum died at Catherines birth and her beloved Nanny Eve died too and now she is left with an uncaring stepmother to rival Cinderella's and the snarling step sister bitch from hell, together with her lovely “Aunt Hairy” whom I adored. Yes I did say Hairy – read it and you’ll find out!
All Catherine’s ever wanted is to be loved, but she's learnt that "if it doesn’t hurt it’s not love" and she just can’t take much more pain, so she puts up a wall, developing a snippy snappy persona and a swear word for every occasion, yet she finds catharsis in listening to other folks woes.
Giving folks secret nicknames is just one way of keeping them at arms length and we will meet Jangly Jane and Robin who’s not called Robin at all.
Just as the incoming helpline calls from actress Kate with which she deals, reveal it’s not really about the trees, I was quite surprised that, being based around a flood help line, it’s not really about the floods either!
Skilfully painted with a deft hand this highly emotional read has a lovely touch of humour, interspersed with some terribly dark and emotive topics.
To say any more would be to be guilty of spoilers and this amazing book doesn’t deserve that. But enough to say some sensitive readers may find parts of the story upsetting to read as dark deeds are revealed and there is definitely something nasty in the woodshed alright.
I loved this novel, suffice to say that I galloped through it, found it wonderful and moving harrowing and uplifting and funny all at the same time, so prepare to have your emotions wrung tightly out and hung up to dry.
September 10, 2017
I’ve been wanting to read a novel written by Louise Beech for a little while now. I have to admit to being a little put off in the past as her novels, despite being classed as psychological thrillers, they tend to have words like moving or beautiful attached to them. So, cards on the table, I’m not a reader who would usually seek a moving or beautiful novel. I want terrifying, gory, dark and gripping. They’re my kind of words. But the one thing I can’t do is ignore the thoughts of my fellow book bloggers and Beech’s books tend to go down an absolute storm in my little booky community. When the opportunity to feature on the Maria in the Moon blog tour presented itself, it seemed to be the perfect opportunity. Plus the early reviews were blisteringly good which helped sway my decision a smidge. And I really wasn’t disappointed.
Yes, this book is probably not my usual fare. There’s a lot more heart to this story than I usually encounter. However, I found it wonderfully refreshing. Every now and again, particularly as a genre reader such as myself, it’s good to indulge yourself in something a little different (a little different, not ‘out of your comfort zone, completely different’ – that would be daft!). And for that, I really enjoyed this book. I instantly liked the main character, Catherine. I liked her spirit and attitude to life, the fact that she volunteers and likes to really listen to what others are saying. I found I could relate to this woman but I also felt increasing sympathy for her as I knew something dark was waiting to be discovered around the corner, something which was going to change her life forever.
Parts of the story were hard going with regards to the content and I was strangely shocked by the route Catherine’s story took. Strangely shocked because it was exactly where I expected Beech to take the story but was thrown when it actually happened! Maybe I didn’t want the inevitable to come crashing down on this sweet and charming character. Whilst the scenes weren’t overly graphic they were necessary for telling Catherine’s story.
Having devoured Maria in the Moon I can confirm that Beech is skilled at creating real, well-rounded characters. The novel is full of interesting people but I want to draw particular attention to Catherine’s mother. Well, step-mother in truth but that’s not an excuse to treat Catherine the way she does, grrrr. I also really liked fellow volunteer Christopher, and Fern, Catherine’s flighty journalist flatmate. Both charming characters who bring a lot to the story.
Maria in the Moon is set in Hull just after the 2007 floods. The flooding and devastation brought an interesting sub plot to the tale. The heartbreak and the anguish suffered by those affected and the need for a specific flood crisis helpline brought tons of emotion and heart to the story; loss of your home, loss of your property, loss of security and in Catherine’s case, partial loss of your memory. I guess unless you’re caught up in a situation like this you’ll never really understand how devastating it can be.
Would I recommend this book? I would. It’s an absorbing tale of loss and family, with the predominant theme being loss. Loss of your sanctuary, loss of your identity and loss of your innocence. I can see exactly why so many people adore Beech’s novels.
Louise Beech is an author I will definitely look out for in the future. In fact, I’m going to purchase a copy of her debut novel, How to Be Brave as I believe it’s about Type 1 Diabetes which is a subject very close to my heart.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Maria in the Moon. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Yes, this book is probably not my usual fare. There’s a lot more heart to this story than I usually encounter. However, I found it wonderfully refreshing. Every now and again, particularly as a genre reader such as myself, it’s good to indulge yourself in something a little different (a little different, not ‘out of your comfort zone, completely different’ – that would be daft!). And for that, I really enjoyed this book. I instantly liked the main character, Catherine. I liked her spirit and attitude to life, the fact that she volunteers and likes to really listen to what others are saying. I found I could relate to this woman but I also felt increasing sympathy for her as I knew something dark was waiting to be discovered around the corner, something which was going to change her life forever.
Parts of the story were hard going with regards to the content and I was strangely shocked by the route Catherine’s story took. Strangely shocked because it was exactly where I expected Beech to take the story but was thrown when it actually happened! Maybe I didn’t want the inevitable to come crashing down on this sweet and charming character. Whilst the scenes weren’t overly graphic they were necessary for telling Catherine’s story.
Having devoured Maria in the Moon I can confirm that Beech is skilled at creating real, well-rounded characters. The novel is full of interesting people but I want to draw particular attention to Catherine’s mother. Well, step-mother in truth but that’s not an excuse to treat Catherine the way she does, grrrr. I also really liked fellow volunteer Christopher, and Fern, Catherine’s flighty journalist flatmate. Both charming characters who bring a lot to the story.
Maria in the Moon is set in Hull just after the 2007 floods. The flooding and devastation brought an interesting sub plot to the tale. The heartbreak and the anguish suffered by those affected and the need for a specific flood crisis helpline brought tons of emotion and heart to the story; loss of your home, loss of your property, loss of security and in Catherine’s case, partial loss of your memory. I guess unless you’re caught up in a situation like this you’ll never really understand how devastating it can be.
Would I recommend this book? I would. It’s an absorbing tale of loss and family, with the predominant theme being loss. Loss of your sanctuary, loss of your identity and loss of your innocence. I can see exactly why so many people adore Beech’s novels.
Louise Beech is an author I will definitely look out for in the future. In fact, I’m going to purchase a copy of her debut novel, How to Be Brave as I believe it’s about Type 1 Diabetes which is a subject very close to my heart.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Maria in the Moon. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 14, 2017
Haunting, harrowing, and heartbreaking are just some of the words that I could use to describe this unbelievably emotive novel by Louise Beech.
Catherine is the girl to go to if you need to know someone's birthday, or if you desperately need a listening ear over the telephone, but when it comes to her own life there are gaps in her memories that haunt her in their absence, and she runs a mile at the whiff of commitment. Having a strained relationship with her stepmother doesn't make life any easier as Catherine cannot usually be in the same room with her for more than five minutes before all hell breaks loose, let alone have a deep and meaningful conversation with her about her childhood. But when Catherine begins to volunteer again she will be forced to revisit her past as her nightmares start to happen more frequently and the few relationships she has start to suffer, but as the horrendous secret that is hiding deep in her mind is beginning to resurface, will she lose herself completely when the truth emerges?
This book broke my heart with its dark and disturbing atmosphere that felt like it was always there, to the side, waiting to suffocate you with its brutality. I don't want to say too much about the plot because you need to read it for yourself, but the characters are flawed, scared, and completely realistic, and I cared about Catherine so much, which shows the brilliance of this writer. Set in the aftermath of the terrible floods in Hull in 2007 added an extra, raw element to the overall storyline which really showed the harsh reality of how easily our lives can be washed away and destroyed, and what happens when you must start afresh one block at a time.
The writing style is almost lyrical and you find yourself completely carried away with her words, and as I have never read anything by Louise Beech before, I look forward to reading more from this author.
MARIA IN THE MOON by Louise Beech made me cry, made my stomach knot, and made me realise the power and strength of the human spirit. An unbelievable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Catherine is the girl to go to if you need to know someone's birthday, or if you desperately need a listening ear over the telephone, but when it comes to her own life there are gaps in her memories that haunt her in their absence, and she runs a mile at the whiff of commitment. Having a strained relationship with her stepmother doesn't make life any easier as Catherine cannot usually be in the same room with her for more than five minutes before all hell breaks loose, let alone have a deep and meaningful conversation with her about her childhood. But when Catherine begins to volunteer again she will be forced to revisit her past as her nightmares start to happen more frequently and the few relationships she has start to suffer, but as the horrendous secret that is hiding deep in her mind is beginning to resurface, will she lose herself completely when the truth emerges?
This book broke my heart with its dark and disturbing atmosphere that felt like it was always there, to the side, waiting to suffocate you with its brutality. I don't want to say too much about the plot because you need to read it for yourself, but the characters are flawed, scared, and completely realistic, and I cared about Catherine so much, which shows the brilliance of this writer. Set in the aftermath of the terrible floods in Hull in 2007 added an extra, raw element to the overall storyline which really showed the harsh reality of how easily our lives can be washed away and destroyed, and what happens when you must start afresh one block at a time.
The writing style is almost lyrical and you find yourself completely carried away with her words, and as I have never read anything by Louise Beech before, I look forward to reading more from this author.
MARIA IN THE MOON by Louise Beech made me cry, made my stomach knot, and made me realise the power and strength of the human spirit. An unbelievable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
January 27, 2018
It was "Read an Excerpt" that clinched it. I read the opening pages and was enchanted by the voice:
‘Long ago my beloved Nanny Eve chose my name. Then one day she stopped calling me it. I try now to remember why, but I just can’t.’
Catherine has lost her memory of the year she was nine. She is haunted by a bushy-bearded man. She can't stay in a relationship. Her mother died at her birth and her father when she was eight, leaving her to her step-mother's care. The year she broke her grandmother's pretty Virgin Mary statue, the year she set lose her beloved pet rabbit, was the year she became Catherine and not Catherine-Maria.
'But there was something else; something I couldn't remember. Something as black as feverish, temperature-fuelled nightmares. Something that couldn't be fixed or replaced.'
Catherine volunteers at crisis lines, and weeks after leaving her last call center position--and the love affair with her co-volunteer there-- she is accepted to the Flood Crisis hot line. Like many homes in Hull in 2007, Catherine's home has been devastated by the flood. She and a newly divorced friend are sharing a cramped space.
Catherine has a good relationship with her step-mother's new husband, but there is no love shown between her and her step-mom or her step-father's daughter Celeste. All she recalls is the criticism and rejection she faced after her father's death, the disappointment her step-mom has shown.
She is warned not to get involved with callers, but she can't help it. One elderly man, Sid, becomes especially dependent on her. Her coworker Christopher has come to like her and has shown he wants to take their friendship to another level.
But every night the nightmares come, and the questions plague her: what happened when she was nine years old that changed her life and haunts her, cripples her, to this day?
Maria in the Moon is a moving read about pain and resilience, and how by confronting our past and forgiving those who have harmed, us we are freed and can move on in life.
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
‘Long ago my beloved Nanny Eve chose my name. Then one day she stopped calling me it. I try now to remember why, but I just can’t.’
Catherine has lost her memory of the year she was nine. She is haunted by a bushy-bearded man. She can't stay in a relationship. Her mother died at her birth and her father when she was eight, leaving her to her step-mother's care. The year she broke her grandmother's pretty Virgin Mary statue, the year she set lose her beloved pet rabbit, was the year she became Catherine and not Catherine-Maria.
'But there was something else; something I couldn't remember. Something as black as feverish, temperature-fuelled nightmares. Something that couldn't be fixed or replaced.'
Catherine volunteers at crisis lines, and weeks after leaving her last call center position--and the love affair with her co-volunteer there-- she is accepted to the Flood Crisis hot line. Like many homes in Hull in 2007, Catherine's home has been devastated by the flood. She and a newly divorced friend are sharing a cramped space.
Catherine has a good relationship with her step-mother's new husband, but there is no love shown between her and her step-mom or her step-father's daughter Celeste. All she recalls is the criticism and rejection she faced after her father's death, the disappointment her step-mom has shown.
She is warned not to get involved with callers, but she can't help it. One elderly man, Sid, becomes especially dependent on her. Her coworker Christopher has come to like her and has shown he wants to take their friendship to another level.
But every night the nightmares come, and the questions plague her: what happened when she was nine years old that changed her life and haunts her, cripples her, to this day?
Maria in the Moon is a moving read about pain and resilience, and how by confronting our past and forgiving those who have harmed, us we are freed and can move on in life.
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
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