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The Woman Who Kept Everything
The Lady in the Van meets The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in this uplifting, funny and moving debut novel about a 79-year-old hoarder who is convinced the world is against her.
79-year-old Gloria Frensham is a hoarder. She lives amongst piles of magazines, squashed cardboard boxes, surplus carpet rolls, heaps of towels and knick-knacks littering the stairs. She hasn’t left her home for years, until a loud bang and a sudden smell of singeing sets in motion Gloria’s unwilling exodus from her home…
That day is the start of a journey that will never return Gloria back to her beloved, hoarded possessions, nor to her son’s house to live. For it is the start of her journey to discover life again – and she’s going to make some good friends and defiant decisions along the way, with just one very small suitcase in tow…
Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about the loneliness of life, the struggles of growing old, the power of kindness, and the bravery it takes to leave our comfort zones.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2018
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November 18, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
Thank you to the publisher Avon for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
This is a gentle and easy read for people who love England and places where all problems are solved with a "cuppa" tea.
Gloria Frensham is a 79 year old widow and a hoarder. You can barely step around the house for all the newspapers and garbage strewn about. Not only has she let the house go, but she rarely gives herself a wash as well. It's gotten to the point where her only child Clegg rarely visits, and she hasn't seen her grandchildren in ten years. She relies on her oldest friend (and ex-boyfriend) Tilsbury to fetch her pension check and bring around anything that she needs...like the sack of potatoes from which she's been making soup day after day.
Then one day there's a loud bang and the smell of burning in the kitchen. This "sparks" a life-changing moment in Gloria's life, for this necessitates the electricity board coming to check on the problem. More importantly, social services gets involved. While the electrical problem and the mess is being sorted out, Gloria is sent to Green's Nursing Home for a respite. While a resident, she receives counselling from a social worker which is very enlightening and helpful to her. After a couple of weeks at the nursing home, Gloria briefly stays at her son Clegg and his wife Val's home. However, it's an uneasy atmosphere as Clegg has always been a difficult son. In fact, one evening Gloria overhears an argument: Clegg wants to sell his mother's house behind her back and put her permanently into a nursing home!
One day while Clegg and Val are at work, Tilsbury coaxes Gloria out for an afternoon tea, something she hasn't enjoyed in ages. Scandalously, they ride there on a scooter bike! The joy that Gloria experienced on this rare and special jaunt inspired her to keep making new memories. So she uses the credit card her son had given her for emergencies to extend the afternoon tea into trips to other places. She picks up new friends along the way...and visits an old one. She's remembering the lessons she learned in the nursing home, applying them to her own life and helping others.
This very much reminded me of a Frances Garrood book, a British author I recently came to know and admire. This is a very British story; there is a lot of British lingo such as "ruddy" and "grand", and there are always cups of tea! This was a touching and heartwarming story that was a pleasant read.
Thank you to the publisher Avon for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
This is a gentle and easy read for people who love England and places where all problems are solved with a "cuppa" tea.
Gloria Frensham is a 79 year old widow and a hoarder. You can barely step around the house for all the newspapers and garbage strewn about. Not only has she let the house go, but she rarely gives herself a wash as well. It's gotten to the point where her only child Clegg rarely visits, and she hasn't seen her grandchildren in ten years. She relies on her oldest friend (and ex-boyfriend) Tilsbury to fetch her pension check and bring around anything that she needs...like the sack of potatoes from which she's been making soup day after day.
Then one day there's a loud bang and the smell of burning in the kitchen. This "sparks" a life-changing moment in Gloria's life, for this necessitates the electricity board coming to check on the problem. More importantly, social services gets involved. While the electrical problem and the mess is being sorted out, Gloria is sent to Green's Nursing Home for a respite. While a resident, she receives counselling from a social worker which is very enlightening and helpful to her. After a couple of weeks at the nursing home, Gloria briefly stays at her son Clegg and his wife Val's home. However, it's an uneasy atmosphere as Clegg has always been a difficult son. In fact, one evening Gloria overhears an argument: Clegg wants to sell his mother's house behind her back and put her permanently into a nursing home!
One day while Clegg and Val are at work, Tilsbury coaxes Gloria out for an afternoon tea, something she hasn't enjoyed in ages. Scandalously, they ride there on a scooter bike! The joy that Gloria experienced on this rare and special jaunt inspired her to keep making new memories. So she uses the credit card her son had given her for emergencies to extend the afternoon tea into trips to other places. She picks up new friends along the way...and visits an old one. She's remembering the lessons she learned in the nursing home, applying them to her own life and helping others.
This very much reminded me of a Frances Garrood book, a British author I recently came to know and admire. This is a very British story; there is a lot of British lingo such as "ruddy" and "grand", and there are always cups of tea! This was a touching and heartwarming story that was a pleasant read.
November 30, 2018
The novel is not really about the 'woman who kept everything' but rather about an 'elderly lady who, being 79, manages to quit her habit and finds the joy of life. We meet Gloria Frensham when, after years of neglect from her family, she understands, that she needs to change her life and that there may be still a lot of excitement in her life despite her age. In a way, her son's selfish decision to sell Gloria's house provokes a series of events which have a beneficial effect on his mother. I liked Gloria, her good heart, her language and, yes, her courage to travel on her own and take pleasure in small delights. At times, I just wondered if such metamorphosis is possible .... if an 80-old may change so much within a short period of time ..... But then, this is not a biography, is it? All in all, a light read with a nice cup of tea (and a scone or two) in the background.
*Many thanks to Jane Gilley, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for providing me with ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
*Many thanks to Jane Gilley, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for providing me with ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
April 9, 2023
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did, but that’s not to say that I disliked it, I’m more neutral. It was okay, it has some lighthearted moments balanced out by more serious ones, and a somewhat charming 79 year-old woman, Gloria, who as this story begins is a hoarder. A way of life, which seems to have begun when her husband died. Her son Clegg decides that he has the right to take over her, her life.
Gloria, indignant over his self-righteous attitude, makes other plans for herself, and in the amount of time it takes to incant bippity-boppity-boo, tries to show him that she’s no pushover.
What follows is a journey that leads to a new outlook on life, a willingness to become a more adventurous and engaged-in-life woman, and who may have just reclaimed her real self.
This is Jane Gilley’s debut novel and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future.
03 December 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Avon Books UK
December 12, 2018
EXCERPT: CHAPTER 1
The boiling hot water splashed over Gloria's fingers. 'Waargh!'
She did a little agony dance whilst she waited for the pain to ease, blowing on her fingers. Damn. She'd need to get outside to dunk her hand in the cold water barrel.
Her oldest friend, Tilsbury, was always harping on about that darned pan; said that using it, without a lid, instead of a kettle, might prove disastrous one day. Gloria wouldn't buy a kettle, though. Said she didn't have the money for expensive items like that. Well, her son, Clegg, had given her a credit card for 'essential items' but she never went anywhere to use it. In fact, she rarely went out at all. She didn't really need to.
Today she'd knocked the pan by accident, reaching over to check the potato soup she was cooking for their lunch. These days she was always eating potato soup, on account that she had a large sack of them, out back, that Tilsbury had got from someone in the know. She liked that it could be a cheap nourishing meal when she had onions, carrots and a good stock in it.
But, today, she only had potatoes. Add a bit of salt and it would have to do, she'd thought. Anyway, the hot water for their tea, boiling away in the pan next to the soup, had sploshed onto her left hand as she'd leaned over the grimy stove to stir their meal.
Gloria grunted as she hitched up her Crimplene dress and clambered over the piles of squashed cardboard boxes and magazines, nearly slipping on mouldy teabags, decomposing potato skins, marmalade-smeared crusts and other detritus around the kitchen sink unit. She no longer noticed the stink like rotting cabbage. Empty, dripping or congealed milk cartons, plastic bags and other household rubbish also littered the floor – more obstacles to tackle – in order to get to that cold water barrel, outside by the back door. The original Georgian taps in her kitchen sink had long since seized up. So the only water she could use was in that rainwater barrel, outdoors: for cooking, for occasional washing, for everything really.
But, at seventy-nine, she knew she was getting too old for all this.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 79-year-old Gloria Frensham is a hoarder. She lives amongst piles of magazines, squashed cardboard boxes, surplus carpet rolls, heaps of towels and knick-knacks littering the stairs. She hasn’t left her home for years, until a loud bang and a sudden smell of singeing sets in motion Gloria’s unwilling exodus from her home…
That day is the start of a journey that will never return Gloria back to her beloved, hoarded possessions, nor to her son’s house to live. For it is the start of her journey to discover life again – and she’s going to make some good friends and defiant decisions along the way, with just one very small suitcase in tow…
MY THOUGHTS: The publicity blurb says, and I quote 'Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about the loneliness of life, the struggles of growing old, the power of kindness, and the bravery it takes to leave our comfort zones.', but I felt nothing of this.
It is superficial. There is no depth to either the characters or the plot. I felt no involvement only, briefly, revulsion at the broken tea bags and rotting cabbage leaves that litter the kitchen floor. And it is here that a distinction needs to be made. Most hoarders live quite cleanly. No, I am not a hoarder, except of books. The author is quite correct in that people hoard in response to a sense of loss, but living in squalor, in filth, is something quite different again.
Gloria's road to recovery is far to quick and smooth, she wavers only twice, resisting temptation both times. After all those years of hoarding she is miraculously cured by a few days of counselling in the rest home? Not likely.
The Woman Who Kept Everything read somewhat like a child’s bedtime story. In my head, it was being read by a very soporific voice, one designed to put me to sleep, and it did. This could have been a brilliantly funny and touching story but, for me, it missed the mark by a very wide mile.
This book is compared with The Lady in the Van and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, both of which I loved. Not even close.
😐😐.5
THE AUTHOR: Jane Gilley has previously self-published five children’s books. The Woman Who Kept Everything is her debut adult novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Woman Who Kept Everything by Jane Gilley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The boiling hot water splashed over Gloria's fingers. 'Waargh!'
She did a little agony dance whilst she waited for the pain to ease, blowing on her fingers. Damn. She'd need to get outside to dunk her hand in the cold water barrel.
Her oldest friend, Tilsbury, was always harping on about that darned pan; said that using it, without a lid, instead of a kettle, might prove disastrous one day. Gloria wouldn't buy a kettle, though. Said she didn't have the money for expensive items like that. Well, her son, Clegg, had given her a credit card for 'essential items' but she never went anywhere to use it. In fact, she rarely went out at all. She didn't really need to.
Today she'd knocked the pan by accident, reaching over to check the potato soup she was cooking for their lunch. These days she was always eating potato soup, on account that she had a large sack of them, out back, that Tilsbury had got from someone in the know. She liked that it could be a cheap nourishing meal when she had onions, carrots and a good stock in it.
But, today, she only had potatoes. Add a bit of salt and it would have to do, she'd thought. Anyway, the hot water for their tea, boiling away in the pan next to the soup, had sploshed onto her left hand as she'd leaned over the grimy stove to stir their meal.
Gloria grunted as she hitched up her Crimplene dress and clambered over the piles of squashed cardboard boxes and magazines, nearly slipping on mouldy teabags, decomposing potato skins, marmalade-smeared crusts and other detritus around the kitchen sink unit. She no longer noticed the stink like rotting cabbage. Empty, dripping or congealed milk cartons, plastic bags and other household rubbish also littered the floor – more obstacles to tackle – in order to get to that cold water barrel, outside by the back door. The original Georgian taps in her kitchen sink had long since seized up. So the only water she could use was in that rainwater barrel, outdoors: for cooking, for occasional washing, for everything really.
But, at seventy-nine, she knew she was getting too old for all this.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 79-year-old Gloria Frensham is a hoarder. She lives amongst piles of magazines, squashed cardboard boxes, surplus carpet rolls, heaps of towels and knick-knacks littering the stairs. She hasn’t left her home for years, until a loud bang and a sudden smell of singeing sets in motion Gloria’s unwilling exodus from her home…
That day is the start of a journey that will never return Gloria back to her beloved, hoarded possessions, nor to her son’s house to live. For it is the start of her journey to discover life again – and she’s going to make some good friends and defiant decisions along the way, with just one very small suitcase in tow…
MY THOUGHTS: The publicity blurb says, and I quote 'Heart-warming and poignant in equal measure, this is a story about the loneliness of life, the struggles of growing old, the power of kindness, and the bravery it takes to leave our comfort zones.', but I felt nothing of this.
It is superficial. There is no depth to either the characters or the plot. I felt no involvement only, briefly, revulsion at the broken tea bags and rotting cabbage leaves that litter the kitchen floor. And it is here that a distinction needs to be made. Most hoarders live quite cleanly. No, I am not a hoarder, except of books. The author is quite correct in that people hoard in response to a sense of loss, but living in squalor, in filth, is something quite different again.
Gloria's road to recovery is far to quick and smooth, she wavers only twice, resisting temptation both times. After all those years of hoarding she is miraculously cured by a few days of counselling in the rest home? Not likely.
The Woman Who Kept Everything read somewhat like a child’s bedtime story. In my head, it was being read by a very soporific voice, one designed to put me to sleep, and it did. This could have been a brilliantly funny and touching story but, for me, it missed the mark by a very wide mile.
This book is compared with The Lady in the Van and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, both of which I loved. Not even close.
😐😐.5
THE AUTHOR: Jane Gilley has previously self-published five children’s books. The Woman Who Kept Everything is her debut adult novel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Woman Who Kept Everything by Jane Gilley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 19, 2018
Meet Gloria, a 79 year old hoarder, living in her home in disrepair. The extent of her problem isn’t realized until an electrical fire starts in her kitchen and assistance is called in to help repair the damage on the house. Her son, Clegg, sends her away to get help and has other plans for the home. Gloria does get help but once she sees what Clegg is up to, makes other plans to change her life and enjoy each day.
The premise of this story was decent but the execution really fell flat for me. It went from plausible to just too unrealistic, and while different details changed with each smaller event, the story began to feel repetitive. It felt like there were too many oversimplified scenes. Paraphrasing here but, “I asked for a job and they gave it to me!”
That said, the story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a positive change in life or reclaim your happiness.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this story was decent but the execution really fell flat for me. It went from plausible to just too unrealistic, and while different details changed with each smaller event, the story began to feel repetitive. It felt like there were too many oversimplified scenes. Paraphrasing here but, “I asked for a job and they gave it to me!”
That said, the story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a positive change in life or reclaim your happiness.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2018
Gloria Frensham is a 79 year old hoarder. She lives amongst piles of magazines, squashed cardboard boxes, surplus carpet rolls, heaps of towels and nick-knacks littering the stairs. She hasn't left home for years, until a loud band and the sudden smell of singeing sets in motion Gloria's unwilling exodus from her home. She has spent two weeks in a nursing home and put in the annex of her sons family home. She now has had enough and takes herself off to Skegness, Eastbourne and London. She is having the time of her life. She is getting back her independence.
This is quite a delightful story. It will make you laugh but at times it's also quite sad. It's more lighthearted than it is serious. A tale of a woman who finally discovers who she is, helps a fellow hoarder and realising just how unhappy she had been. She finds the things that were missing in her life; happiness, friendship and love. To grab every moment and live life to the full. Gloria is a marvellous character and if there's a lesson to be learned its for us all to live each day like its our last. Enjoy every moment.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books and the author Jane Gilley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is quite a delightful story. It will make you laugh but at times it's also quite sad. It's more lighthearted than it is serious. A tale of a woman who finally discovers who she is, helps a fellow hoarder and realising just how unhappy she had been. She finds the things that were missing in her life; happiness, friendship and love. To grab every moment and live life to the full. Gloria is a marvellous character and if there's a lesson to be learned its for us all to live each day like its our last. Enjoy every moment.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books and the author Jane Gilley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2018
I really liked the concept of The Woman Who Kept Everything - its protagonist is Gloria Frensham, a seventy-nine year old hoarder, and that’s a very unusual sort of person you have as a main character. When I say hoarder, we’re not talking a few old newspapers - no, Gloria’s done a proper job of it. We’re talking piles of festering rubbish. When Gloria is eventually forced to move out - first into a care home temporarily and then to her son’s house - something sparks in her and Gloria goes on a bit of a voyage of self-discovery.
I loved Gloria’s voice which is different and refreshing, as are the other characters - her friends Tilsbury and Jocelyn, son Clegg (no wonder he turned out not great, being lumbered with a name like that) and the rest. Reading Gloria’s adventures and battle to live her own life was hugely enjoyable.
I did feel it unrealistic that Gloria’s hoarding issues appeared to be solved so quickly. It takes a long time to get into the state she was in at the beginning and it wasn’t believable that, at seventy-nine years old, a few conversations with a social worker would be enough to completely transform her life. She seems to get her act together remarkably quickly as indeed does her friend Tilsbury.
If you can suspend your disbelief at how neatly everything works out, it’s a very enjoyable, warm and uplifting read.
I loved Gloria’s voice which is different and refreshing, as are the other characters - her friends Tilsbury and Jocelyn, son Clegg (no wonder he turned out not great, being lumbered with a name like that) and the rest. Reading Gloria’s adventures and battle to live her own life was hugely enjoyable.
I did feel it unrealistic that Gloria’s hoarding issues appeared to be solved so quickly. It takes a long time to get into the state she was in at the beginning and it wasn’t believable that, at seventy-nine years old, a few conversations with a social worker would be enough to completely transform her life. She seems to get her act together remarkably quickly as indeed does her friend Tilsbury.
If you can suspend your disbelief at how neatly everything works out, it’s a very enjoyable, warm and uplifting read.
September 14, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this arc.
I thought this was an endearing "coming out of hibernation" story -- as opposed to a coming of age story. Depression can truly be devastating. And Gloria was horribly depressed.... closing herself off from the world with her "stuff," limiting her time spent with family and friends, allowing her mental deterioration to dictate her physical state, etc. until a crisis at home happened and it became obvious to those around her that something had to change.
Fortunately, Gloria is the feisty type who recognized her own need for change and took action. Change is possible even for a seventy-nine year old!
I thought this was an endearing "coming out of hibernation" story -- as opposed to a coming of age story. Depression can truly be devastating. And Gloria was horribly depressed.... closing herself off from the world with her "stuff," limiting her time spent with family and friends, allowing her mental deterioration to dictate her physical state, etc. until a crisis at home happened and it became obvious to those around her that something had to change.
Fortunately, Gloria is the feisty type who recognized her own need for change and took action. Change is possible even for a seventy-nine year old!
December 4, 2018
This is a charming and sad book all rolled into one. Gloria hadn’t had the easiest starts in life, always short of this or that so when good fortune had come her way, for her and her husband, she didn’t waste anything. In fact Gloria kept everything because one day she may need it. At 79 and now widowed, Gloria lived in her little house that was bulging at the seams, she was a hoarder until one day something went bang in the kitchen and she was forced to leave her home because it was so unsafe.
This put her only son in a bit of a conundrum. He didn’t really want her to live with him and his family but he also didn’t want to see his inheritance, his mother’s house, being sold and used to pay for her to be looked after in residential care. Gloria had been careful all her life saving for a rainy day, well that time had come and the journey she took herself on would need one mighty umbrella. Ok she wasn’t going to go globe-trotting but I will just say that Skegness, Eastbourne and London knew that she had been! You have got to love the emergency credit card!
This is such a beautifully written book that really reflects modern society, people living longer and busy family units that pay courtesy calls on aged parents, just to be able to say they have visited. Gloria is quite a character that over the years hadn’t realised just what a mess she had got into until she saw it from the other side. I loved her visit to her old friend, so very touching. The story took me through so many emotions as I travelled with Gloria revisiting old friends and making new ones and never forgetting the ones that had always been there for her.
This is a lovely uplifting story, with a ‘you are never to old’ theme. One to bring a tear and make you chuckle too. I wish to thank NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
This put her only son in a bit of a conundrum. He didn’t really want her to live with him and his family but he also didn’t want to see his inheritance, his mother’s house, being sold and used to pay for her to be looked after in residential care. Gloria had been careful all her life saving for a rainy day, well that time had come and the journey she took herself on would need one mighty umbrella. Ok she wasn’t going to go globe-trotting but I will just say that Skegness, Eastbourne and London knew that she had been! You have got to love the emergency credit card!
This is such a beautifully written book that really reflects modern society, people living longer and busy family units that pay courtesy calls on aged parents, just to be able to say they have visited. Gloria is quite a character that over the years hadn’t realised just what a mess she had got into until she saw it from the other side. I loved her visit to her old friend, so very touching. The story took me through so many emotions as I travelled with Gloria revisiting old friends and making new ones and never forgetting the ones that had always been there for her.
This is a lovely uplifting story, with a ‘you are never to old’ theme. One to bring a tear and make you chuckle too. I wish to thank NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly
November 22, 2018
Gloria Frensham is 79 and a hoarder and I liked her!
The book basically follows Gloria’s freedom from hoarding, rather than focusing on it and although it is mentioned and dealt with it is at a much lower % of the actual story than perhaps the title would have you believe....Gloria, once free of hoarding and after 2 weeks in a Nursing Home and being shunted into the annexe of her son’s family home has enough and takes herself to Skeggy, Eastbourne and London and has quite the adventure!
The book then focuses on her gaining her independence and enjoying life and giving back to her son a bit of what he deserves
There are laughs and sad bits but it all ends up well for Gloria!
Its a strange book as it deals sometimes with serious mental health issues and deals with them well and also deals with family problems and how elderly relatives are treated but then at times the book is quite childish in its narrative ( I note with interest the author used to write children’s books )
It also is annoying at times as the terms ‘Duck’ ‘yes my love’ and ‘Ruddy’ are so over used they became a nuisance, also characters ‘accents’ change from say the Midlands to broad Yorkshire!
Some of the characters have unusual names, Clegg for example, is her son and Tilsbury (!) her life long beau
Its a happy ( in the end ) tale though and more ahhhh than grrrr and I think anyone who enjoys stories of OAP’s having an adventure will enjoy it and their is.as said, a very poignant side to the story
6/10 3 Stars
November 30, 2018
Rating: 3 stars (Rounded down from 3.5)
I fell in love with Gloria, the main character in Jane Gilley’s “The Woman Who Kept Everything”, but some of the other characters and plotline were a little less believable for me. Hence the 3 star rating.
Gloria Frensham is 79, and living in a falling-down house stuffed to the gills with her hoarded items. The description of the living situation sounds like something out of the ‘Hoarders’ reality television show with rotting food in the kitchen, and tiny pathways throughout the house. A possible electrical short in the house brings her son, and the fire department running. The story of Gloria’s miraculous transformation starts from there.
I really did bond with Gloria. I loved her very British sayings, and her opinion that a cup of tea could help put everything right, ‘Ducks’. She transformed from a hermit living in a smelly cave to something pretty extraordinary given her circumstances. She moved forward one step at a time despite her son Clegg’s animosity and duplicity; and with the help of her friends, Tilsbury and Joyce. Every time Gloria was presented with a chance to get out of her comfort zone, she took it. I loved that about her.
What I had a hard time swallowing was that a severe hoarder like Gloria could change her ways with just a few counseling sessions and a couple of weeks in a nursing home. But if you can get beyond that premise, I think you’ll enjoy following Gloria along on her journey to a new life. She’s spunky, curious and big-hearted. This 79 year-olds even crafted a new life for herself. It’s never too late to make a change, which I think is a good motto for everyone to live by.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Avon Books UK; and the author, Jane Gilley; for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with Gloria, the main character in Jane Gilley’s “The Woman Who Kept Everything”, but some of the other characters and plotline were a little less believable for me. Hence the 3 star rating.
Gloria Frensham is 79, and living in a falling-down house stuffed to the gills with her hoarded items. The description of the living situation sounds like something out of the ‘Hoarders’ reality television show with rotting food in the kitchen, and tiny pathways throughout the house. A possible electrical short in the house brings her son, and the fire department running. The story of Gloria’s miraculous transformation starts from there.
I really did bond with Gloria. I loved her very British sayings, and her opinion that a cup of tea could help put everything right, ‘Ducks’. She transformed from a hermit living in a smelly cave to something pretty extraordinary given her circumstances. She moved forward one step at a time despite her son Clegg’s animosity and duplicity; and with the help of her friends, Tilsbury and Joyce. Every time Gloria was presented with a chance to get out of her comfort zone, she took it. I loved that about her.
What I had a hard time swallowing was that a severe hoarder like Gloria could change her ways with just a few counseling sessions and a couple of weeks in a nursing home. But if you can get beyond that premise, I think you’ll enjoy following Gloria along on her journey to a new life. She’s spunky, curious and big-hearted. This 79 year-olds even crafted a new life for herself. It’s never too late to make a change, which I think is a good motto for everyone to live by.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Avon Books UK; and the author, Jane Gilley; for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2018
The Woman Who Kept Everything by Jane Gilley is an uplifting story about aging. The main character is one that goes through a transformation and turns aging into a positive journey. Gloria is an interesting character to read about and her ability to overcome adversity is inspiring.
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Full Review on The Candid Cover
October 9, 2018
This book was a delightful read. We follow the story of Gloria, a 79 yr old woman who has become isolated because of her own hoarding tendencies. Over the years, since the death of her husband, she’s struggled to come to terms with things. Her only son, Clegg, appears to be worse than useless and a little manipulative and scheming to boot.
One electrical fault & one afternoon spent with her best and oldest friend later, changes everything. All she’s come to think and know is called into question. In this tale we follow Gloria as she really begins to find herself. As she finds out just who the real Gloria Frensham is, after seemingly being lost for years.
The story is told in a light hearted way, and each event flows well into another. Even if, at times, the reader finds themselves questioning how plausible some of it actually could be. I personally found the writing style in places, may have benefited from a bit more experience. It felt a little naive at times, but on the whole, it’s a good, fun read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my arc.
December 27, 2025
The Woman Who Kept Everything by Jane Gilley goes squarely in the Delightful genre, as well as Gentle Reads. That in itself is enough of a recommendation to get anyone reading this to take a good look at this 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ book!
December 3, 2018
This was an enjoyable and easy read that follows the story of 79 year old Grace as she leaves behind her life as a hoarder and begins to enjoy life again, despite the best intentions of her son who just seems more interested in pound signs than the welfare of his own mother!
Grace never found the way she lived a problem. Yes she couldn't reach certain parts of rooms as they were covered in clutter, and yes there was a smell, but her home was her safe place, where she led a very simple life since losing her beloved husband. A friend would bring shopping in for her and she made do with what she had. But when disaster strikes she is forced to move into a care home for a couple of weeks, and breaking out of this routine seem to set her off on an amazing journey to meet new friends and have new experiences. Life begins at 79 it seems!
This book does look at the issue of extreme hoarding and depression and it was sensitively portrayed, although I did feel at times it was a little rushed in how quickly it all seemed to get out of her system. She then met others who had the same issue and she was the right person to help them understand how they were living wasn't helping them, and showed a touching and caring side that many who choose to live this way are just lonely and how the presence of friends or family can help them move on and escape this sadness.
I loved Grace and how she took to her new way of living so well! She was out to have a good time, and she did! Her son wasn't a pleasant character at all and just highlighted the sadness of those people in the world that can just give up on elderly relatives - until there is money to be had.
I think the ending fell a little flat for me with so much happening so quickly but I did enjoy this book overall and it was a story that did well in its' portrayal of a woman who had suffered for so long but managed to get her happy ending!
Grace never found the way she lived a problem. Yes she couldn't reach certain parts of rooms as they were covered in clutter, and yes there was a smell, but her home was her safe place, where she led a very simple life since losing her beloved husband. A friend would bring shopping in for her and she made do with what she had. But when disaster strikes she is forced to move into a care home for a couple of weeks, and breaking out of this routine seem to set her off on an amazing journey to meet new friends and have new experiences. Life begins at 79 it seems!
This book does look at the issue of extreme hoarding and depression and it was sensitively portrayed, although I did feel at times it was a little rushed in how quickly it all seemed to get out of her system. She then met others who had the same issue and she was the right person to help them understand how they were living wasn't helping them, and showed a touching and caring side that many who choose to live this way are just lonely and how the presence of friends or family can help them move on and escape this sadness.
I loved Grace and how she took to her new way of living so well! She was out to have a good time, and she did! Her son wasn't a pleasant character at all and just highlighted the sadness of those people in the world that can just give up on elderly relatives - until there is money to be had.
I think the ending fell a little flat for me with so much happening so quickly but I did enjoy this book overall and it was a story that did well in its' portrayal of a woman who had suffered for so long but managed to get her happy ending!
October 31, 2019
What an enjoyable gem of a book this turned out to be. I'm just sorry I didn't read it sooner!
Gloria starts the book rather downtrodden, she is living in a hoarders paradise, but a nightmare for an outsider, she barely cooks, washes from a sink, and seems to have almost given up on life.
When an electrical fault is found, she is moved into a home for a bit, and from there its a journey of self discovery for this marvellous septuagenarian.
I really don't want to spoil what happens from that turning point, but expect adventure, expect family disagreements, and a whole new lease of life for Gloria.
It's always lovely to see an older main character, and Gloria is someone I took to my heart, she has a great personality and a lovely way of looking at things.
It was a sheer joy to read her story, and see her develop over the book.
This is the first book I've devoured by the author, I read it in a few short hours, and was hooked, and it certainly won't be the last.
A truly enjoyable and inspiring read, and I hope to be even a bit like Gloria in my twilight years!
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
Gloria starts the book rather downtrodden, she is living in a hoarders paradise, but a nightmare for an outsider, she barely cooks, washes from a sink, and seems to have almost given up on life.
When an electrical fault is found, she is moved into a home for a bit, and from there its a journey of self discovery for this marvellous septuagenarian.
I really don't want to spoil what happens from that turning point, but expect adventure, expect family disagreements, and a whole new lease of life for Gloria.
It's always lovely to see an older main character, and Gloria is someone I took to my heart, she has a great personality and a lovely way of looking at things.
It was a sheer joy to read her story, and see her develop over the book.
This is the first book I've devoured by the author, I read it in a few short hours, and was hooked, and it certainly won't be the last.
A truly enjoyable and inspiring read, and I hope to be even a bit like Gloria in my twilight years!
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
December 5, 2018
The Woman Who Kept Everything is one of those books that touches your heart and stays there. There are many YA coming of age novels and I would describe this was a coming of 'old' age book. The book is narrated by Gloria who is seventy nine, and when we meet her at the beginning she is a recluse, never leaves the house which is filled top to bottom with stuff; newspapers, rubbish, things accumulated over her life. She sees no reason to go out, she doesn't see her son or grandchildren who have stopped visiting, her only visitor is lifelong friend Tilsbury. An electrical fault sees her having to move out and is an epiphany for Gloria, she realises what she has been missing out on. So at the age seventy nine, Gloria takes charge of her life and goes on an adventure that takes her from her native Norfolk to Skegness, Eastbourne and London and enjoy swimming in the sea, visiting Big Ben and making some new friends whilst reconnecting with old.
Gloria is such a wonderful character and you can't help but love her as she gains confidence and retakes control of her life. I liken her to a butterfly, emerging from her chrysalis and turning into a beautiful butterfly ready to spread her wings and go on a journey. Her character opens up many issues that can come with old age, depression, loneliness, lack of money, and family who can't visit as much as they should. In contrast to Gloria's likability, there is her son Clegg who is a horrible character, he neglects his mother as he doesn't want to face up to his responsibilities. He never visited her, denied her access to her grandchildren and just wants the money from the sale of her house. The other character I took to my heart was Tilsbury, it is obvious he is in love with Gloria, he is always there for her and gives some comical moments to the story. There is also the sadness that his pension doesn't give him enough money to live on, and finds himself sleeping on friends floors.
Jane Gilley's writing makes this book a pleasure to read. She shows great empathy to her characters, even to the selfish Clegg, and highlights a lot of issues that surround the elderly and their families. The balance between these serious issues and the light humour is perfect and the plot flows seamlessly making this a delightful and easy read.
The Woman Who Kept Everything is a charming read, that takes a look at the problems with getting old with a sense of humour. There is no doubt that the message of this book is to seize the day and make the most out of everyday as it may your last. Heartwarming, witty, realistic and poignant in its plot and with a wonderful and memorable cast of characters. This book is simply delightful and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, a fabulous read.
Gloria is such a wonderful character and you can't help but love her as she gains confidence and retakes control of her life. I liken her to a butterfly, emerging from her chrysalis and turning into a beautiful butterfly ready to spread her wings and go on a journey. Her character opens up many issues that can come with old age, depression, loneliness, lack of money, and family who can't visit as much as they should. In contrast to Gloria's likability, there is her son Clegg who is a horrible character, he neglects his mother as he doesn't want to face up to his responsibilities. He never visited her, denied her access to her grandchildren and just wants the money from the sale of her house. The other character I took to my heart was Tilsbury, it is obvious he is in love with Gloria, he is always there for her and gives some comical moments to the story. There is also the sadness that his pension doesn't give him enough money to live on, and finds himself sleeping on friends floors.
Jane Gilley's writing makes this book a pleasure to read. She shows great empathy to her characters, even to the selfish Clegg, and highlights a lot of issues that surround the elderly and their families. The balance between these serious issues and the light humour is perfect and the plot flows seamlessly making this a delightful and easy read.
The Woman Who Kept Everything is a charming read, that takes a look at the problems with getting old with a sense of humour. There is no doubt that the message of this book is to seize the day and make the most out of everyday as it may your last. Heartwarming, witty, realistic and poignant in its plot and with a wonderful and memorable cast of characters. This book is simply delightful and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, a fabulous read.
December 6, 2018
Gloria is a seventy-something woman, widowed and living on her own in her very cluttered house. So cluttered, in fact, that it’s revealing all of the cracks in her life, her depression and her safety: with a fire starting and her son stepping in to redirect and, as she sees it, control her life. He’s less than altruistic in his motives – she’s always found him difficult, not seen her grandchild in near ten years, and relies on Tisbury, her old friend and boyfriend to run to the shops and manage with her pension cheque. But, Clegg is determined, and with the fire social services have been brought in, moving her to a nursing home for the immediate moment, where she can get some meals more nutritious than the potato soup she’s survived on, and perhaps help her to deal with the depression that appeared as the piles of clutter and her refusal to step outside.
But this is a turning point for Gloria, as she starts to find her old determination, and discovers that her son’s plan is to sell her house and commit her to a care home on a permanent basis. He’s never been particularly attentive, and she’s been at home waiting for hope, and someone or something to alleviate the loneliness she feels and her depression that is exacerbated with the isolation and aging. She’s not going to take it all lying down though as she toddles off to find her own purpose, making new friends, visiting old ones and grabbing for all of the gusto that she found in one short scooter ride away from the care home with Tisdale.
There’s much to be said about the lightness and hope in this story, with most issues able to resolve simply with a cup of tea and a chat – but we all know that nothing is ever quite that simple, and the refrain (however loved and completely British) of how about a cuppa became an oft-repeated refrain, seeming to recycle issues and solutions with a pat response. Oh sure, there’s hope – and Gloria is a wonderfully complex woman as one would expect in her near eighty years on earth, but there was an imbalance that kept me from LOVING the story – even though it was a perfect sort of pick-me-up read when one thinks of being aged and pushed aside for the new and shiny. A story that is higher on hope and light moments than actual substance, it was an enjoyable palate cleanser sort of read when other books or actual life becomes too weighty.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
But this is a turning point for Gloria, as she starts to find her old determination, and discovers that her son’s plan is to sell her house and commit her to a care home on a permanent basis. He’s never been particularly attentive, and she’s been at home waiting for hope, and someone or something to alleviate the loneliness she feels and her depression that is exacerbated with the isolation and aging. She’s not going to take it all lying down though as she toddles off to find her own purpose, making new friends, visiting old ones and grabbing for all of the gusto that she found in one short scooter ride away from the care home with Tisdale.
There’s much to be said about the lightness and hope in this story, with most issues able to resolve simply with a cup of tea and a chat – but we all know that nothing is ever quite that simple, and the refrain (however loved and completely British) of how about a cuppa became an oft-repeated refrain, seeming to recycle issues and solutions with a pat response. Oh sure, there’s hope – and Gloria is a wonderfully complex woman as one would expect in her near eighty years on earth, but there was an imbalance that kept me from LOVING the story – even though it was a perfect sort of pick-me-up read when one thinks of being aged and pushed aside for the new and shiny. A story that is higher on hope and light moments than actual substance, it was an enjoyable palate cleanser sort of read when other books or actual life becomes too weighty.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
December 10, 2018
Gloria is a 79 year old lady who is a hoarder - her house is filled to the brim with junk she has accumulated over the years. She is unable to wash properly as she can't get to her bathroom. She survives on potato soup as that is all she can manage to cook. It all comes a head one day when she has electricity problems and when social services see how she is living, her son gets involved and she is shipped off to an old peoples home while they decide what is to be done with her. She actually doesn't mind this turn of events too much as she can wash properly again and eat some decent food, but when she moves back in with her son and his wife and they start discussing her future without consulting her, she isn't happy. When her old friend and sometimes lodger Tilsbury, offers her a day out she jumps at the chance and she starts to realise she can live again.
I was a bit worried when I started this...reading about old people in distress is something that really upsets me and the attitude of her family towards her is shocking. She hasn't seen her grandchildren in years and her son is rude and uncaring towards her. But Gloria is a great old lady, and when given the opportunity is keen to start living life again. She has a great time travelling around reconnecting with old friends and making new friends wherever she goes. And her travels give her the strength to stand up to her son and start a new life for herself. It is quite a light hearted story but does touch on both the depression of Gloria and also her son Clegg. A heart-warming story that looks at the struggles of growing old but reminds us that life is still worth living.
Thank you to Avon Books for inviting me on the blog tour of this book which I received through Netgalley.
I was a bit worried when I started this...reading about old people in distress is something that really upsets me and the attitude of her family towards her is shocking. She hasn't seen her grandchildren in years and her son is rude and uncaring towards her. But Gloria is a great old lady, and when given the opportunity is keen to start living life again. She has a great time travelling around reconnecting with old friends and making new friends wherever she goes. And her travels give her the strength to stand up to her son and start a new life for herself. It is quite a light hearted story but does touch on both the depression of Gloria and also her son Clegg. A heart-warming story that looks at the struggles of growing old but reminds us that life is still worth living.
Thank you to Avon Books for inviting me on the blog tour of this book which I received through Netgalley.
December 5, 2018
THE WOMAN WHO KEPT EVERYTHING by Jane Gilley is an emotional story that spreads the message that life can be short and to live each day to the max.
Gloria Frensham is 79 years young and is content living in her house surrounded by all of her belongings. She would love for her son to visit her more and she would love to get to know her grandchildren whom she hasn't seen for ten years but she realises that this is unlikely to happen. She has her stuff and her close friend and that is enough.
But when a small accident leads to her son putting her into a nursing home, it will spark a chain of events that will change Gloria's life forever. For as her son begins to throw away everything that has kept her sane, Gloria knows that there is only one thing she can do - run away. And so begins the adventure of a lifetime.
THE WOMAN WHO KEPT EVERYTHING by Jane Gilley is a compelling and heartwarming story that at times will bring a tear to your eye, but also inspire you to grab a hold of life and take chances. Gloria is a wonderful character and as I got to learn about her past and be there for her present, I felt a real connection to her. In our society, the elderly are often overlooked or dismissed and this story really showed how wrong a judgement that can be.
There are ups and downs, friendship and a fighting spirit all combining together in THE WOMAN WHO KEPT EVERYTHING and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
Gloria Frensham is 79 years young and is content living in her house surrounded by all of her belongings. She would love for her son to visit her more and she would love to get to know her grandchildren whom she hasn't seen for ten years but she realises that this is unlikely to happen. She has her stuff and her close friend and that is enough.
But when a small accident leads to her son putting her into a nursing home, it will spark a chain of events that will change Gloria's life forever. For as her son begins to throw away everything that has kept her sane, Gloria knows that there is only one thing she can do - run away. And so begins the adventure of a lifetime.
THE WOMAN WHO KEPT EVERYTHING by Jane Gilley is a compelling and heartwarming story that at times will bring a tear to your eye, but also inspire you to grab a hold of life and take chances. Gloria is a wonderful character and as I got to learn about her past and be there for her present, I felt a real connection to her. In our society, the elderly are often overlooked or dismissed and this story really showed how wrong a judgement that can be.
There are ups and downs, friendship and a fighting spirit all combining together in THE WOMAN WHO KEPT EVERYTHING and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
June 18, 2024
I heard the audio version of this book on the Libby App.
Its a story about the Elderly, their past lives, their future and how they see themselves each day.
Gloria is a woman, who lives alone, and has never left her home, in years. She has been hoarding stuff in the hope it will be useful some day, until there is a fire and she is forced to move out and thus begins her journey into the world.
She tries to get in touch with her old friends, and see what they are up to. Old age can be unkind to some and the author really weaves this in the story.
On this road she discovers and makes new friends. She travels, she meets company. She buys her own place. She re-discovers her life, and Tilsbury a character who's always been there for her.
Its a fun audiobook with a social message or just a message about our elders.
I loved it. Makes you wanna think about life ahead. Do you want to be clammed up or do you want to move around.
Its a story about the Elderly, their past lives, their future and how they see themselves each day.
Gloria is a woman, who lives alone, and has never left her home, in years. She has been hoarding stuff in the hope it will be useful some day, until there is a fire and she is forced to move out and thus begins her journey into the world.
She tries to get in touch with her old friends, and see what they are up to. Old age can be unkind to some and the author really weaves this in the story.
On this road she discovers and makes new friends. She travels, she meets company. She buys her own place. She re-discovers her life, and Tilsbury a character who's always been there for her.
Its a fun audiobook with a social message or just a message about our elders.
I loved it. Makes you wanna think about life ahead. Do you want to be clammed up or do you want to move around.
September 10, 2018
Meet Gloria who is a 79 years young lady. Who lives in a house that her biological grandmother has left her in her will. Gloria was born but given up for adoption when her biological parents die, her biological grandmother doesn’t feel that she is young enough to give Gloria everything that she needs in her young life and so she is adopted by a lady who lives down the street who has always wanted children. Gloria has the best life a child could want, grows up and marries a wonderful man and they have a son called Clegg and has two grandchildren that she hasn’t seen in the past ten years because Clegg doesn’t taken them to see her and barely goes to see her himself. Now old Gloria doesn’t tend to go out of her house a lot. Gloria has people who come and check on her and do her shopping for her ect. Gloria is a collector of things. Which has led to a little safety problem and a little electrical accident where her electricity has blown and had a little fire. To be able to get to the sauce of the problem Clegg moves Gloria into a nursing home without her permission and decides to have a goood clear out of all her things.
Gloria as you can imagine does not want to be in the nursing home and all she wants is her own house and to be surrounded by all her things. Gloria doesn’t settle in as well as maybe Clegg would have liked. She doesn’t talk to anyone. But a determined and lovely social worker is determined to help Gloria and get to the bottom of her hoarding.
After three weeks the social worker decides that Gloria would Benifit more from moving in to his sons house, but neither Clegg or Val his wife particularly want Gloria there and the grandchildren are nowhere to be seen. Craving her freedom and her friends Gloria decides to run away from home. An act that turns out to be life changing in many delightful and unexpected ways. Not only for Gloria but for her friends and family as well.
This book is absolutely wonderful. It tells you the message that you reap what you sow, do not take the people you love for granted, it’s never too late to break out of your comfort zone and to seize the day. It is a feel good hug of a book with wonderful relatable characters and a storyline that will make you smile from ear to ear. Absolutely delightful.
Gloria as you can imagine does not want to be in the nursing home and all she wants is her own house and to be surrounded by all her things. Gloria doesn’t settle in as well as maybe Clegg would have liked. She doesn’t talk to anyone. But a determined and lovely social worker is determined to help Gloria and get to the bottom of her hoarding.
After three weeks the social worker decides that Gloria would Benifit more from moving in to his sons house, but neither Clegg or Val his wife particularly want Gloria there and the grandchildren are nowhere to be seen. Craving her freedom and her friends Gloria decides to run away from home. An act that turns out to be life changing in many delightful and unexpected ways. Not only for Gloria but for her friends and family as well.
This book is absolutely wonderful. It tells you the message that you reap what you sow, do not take the people you love for granted, it’s never too late to break out of your comfort zone and to seize the day. It is a feel good hug of a book with wonderful relatable characters and a storyline that will make you smile from ear to ear. Absolutely delightful.
October 3, 2018
Living among the pile of magazines, anything and everything she felt she can't get rid of, 79 yr old hoarder, finds a place for everything she can't throw away. She realizes she is getting too old for potato soup every day, and her only way of water from the outdoor rainwater barrel. Not much left from her pension , she has a strong will to make the best of each day .
Gloria, is on a pilgrmage to "find herself" after many mishaps among her son and wife, and not wanting to have anyone decide her life for her. Her late husband's best freind, Tilsbury , is at her side every way and helps her get everywhere with one credit card onhand that her son gave her.
One adventure Tilbury offers her for one day,leads to weeks of adventure and fun, while her family is worried sick not knowing where she is.
Noone will stop Gloria's high spirit and energy to keep living and enjoying life ,no matter what age one can be.
ALong her path of seeking herself, she helps old freinds along the way.
Meanwhile her son is selling her house behind her back. This is when she finds out and makes sure noone will put her in a care senior home nor take her house away for their own private sale.
The results of her sane mind decisions are charming and shows a senior who still has the strive to live fully with a brave and un- selfish heart.
This wonderful powerful loving story proves that the elderly also deserve respect and we can learn alot from them about forgiveness and that those little things DO matter in a senior's life.
A surprising twist and a fabulous wedding makes me wish I knew a Gloria Frensham in my life!
Gloria, is on a pilgrmage to "find herself" after many mishaps among her son and wife, and not wanting to have anyone decide her life for her. Her late husband's best freind, Tilsbury , is at her side every way and helps her get everywhere with one credit card onhand that her son gave her.
One adventure Tilbury offers her for one day,leads to weeks of adventure and fun, while her family is worried sick not knowing where she is.
Noone will stop Gloria's high spirit and energy to keep living and enjoying life ,no matter what age one can be.
ALong her path of seeking herself, she helps old freinds along the way.
Meanwhile her son is selling her house behind her back. This is when she finds out and makes sure noone will put her in a care senior home nor take her house away for their own private sale.
The results of her sane mind decisions are charming and shows a senior who still has the strive to live fully with a brave and un- selfish heart.
This wonderful powerful loving story proves that the elderly also deserve respect and we can learn alot from them about forgiveness and that those little things DO matter in a senior's life.
A surprising twist and a fabulous wedding makes me wish I knew a Gloria Frensham in my life!
March 4, 2019
I really wanted to love this because one of my favourite childhood books was called Dora the Storer, and it's basically about a woman who collects things to hoard in a shopping trolley. I have read a lot of crime and thrillers of late so also, I was in the market for something in a lighter genre.
Unfortunately, I could not love this. My main concern was that everything happens far too quickly, and the character development goes from 0-100 before you're into chapter 5. I can't get past that, because ultimately I read books more for characters than plots.
The main character lives in an appalling state when the book opens. She is depressed and her home is in a filthy state of disrepair, with every inch of it rammed full of hoarded junk. The problem is that one row with her son and she is suddenly in Skegness rescuing her childhood friend from an almost identical fate. I just cannot suspend reality enough to buy into that, and it is sort of a shame because it isn't the direction I thought the book would take.
Regrettably, I felt that most of the supporting characters were woefully underdeveloped as well. The son is pretty much a caricature with no likeable qualities, and his inevitable swing towards goodness is not preceded by any subtler changes. In truth, I was not especially fond of the lead character either, but I think this is because all aspects of her personality in the book rely on an unbelievable plot device. I think everything was just too rushed and the characters didn't have room to breathe, the plot had no opportunity to develop.
Unfortunately, I could not love this. My main concern was that everything happens far too quickly, and the character development goes from 0-100 before you're into chapter 5. I can't get past that, because ultimately I read books more for characters than plots.
The main character lives in an appalling state when the book opens. She is depressed and her home is in a filthy state of disrepair, with every inch of it rammed full of hoarded junk. The problem is that one row with her son and she is suddenly in Skegness rescuing her childhood friend from an almost identical fate. I just cannot suspend reality enough to buy into that, and it is sort of a shame because it isn't the direction I thought the book would take.
Regrettably, I felt that most of the supporting characters were woefully underdeveloped as well. The son is pretty much a caricature with no likeable qualities, and his inevitable swing towards goodness is not preceded by any subtler changes. In truth, I was not especially fond of the lead character either, but I think this is because all aspects of her personality in the book rely on an unbelievable plot device. I think everything was just too rushed and the characters didn't have room to breathe, the plot had no opportunity to develop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2019
This is the story of Gloria at the age of 79, comes of age. Her eyes are opened to the squalor she lives in, her tattered relationship with her son and his family and to the fact that she wants more from her life. She sets out to change the way she has been living her life thus far, since the death of her husband. Few steps take her all the way into the middle of the strangest adventure.
This in short is what the story is about, it falls lightly under the genre of 'Uplit' but doesn't quite get there. I like what it was trying to do, unfortunately I could not go along with most of the story. I do not know if it was the lingo, but I did not find the time to connect. The people felt irredeemable, even if a few of them try ultimately to change. I felt bad about not feeling the appropriate feelings with the people in the book but I felt like I was not given a chance since Gloria hopped from one project to another as soon as one was successfully dealt with.
On the plus side, it has people making efforts and taking steps towards betterment of their lives and does stand for a more positive outlook. People who read more books of this genre and are used to the twists and turns such a story could take, should give this a try, you might like it more than I did.
This in short is what the story is about, it falls lightly under the genre of 'Uplit' but doesn't quite get there. I like what it was trying to do, unfortunately I could not go along with most of the story. I do not know if it was the lingo, but I did not find the time to connect. The people felt irredeemable, even if a few of them try ultimately to change. I felt bad about not feeling the appropriate feelings with the people in the book but I felt like I was not given a chance since Gloria hopped from one project to another as soon as one was successfully dealt with.
On the plus side, it has people making efforts and taking steps towards betterment of their lives and does stand for a more positive outlook. People who read more books of this genre and are used to the twists and turns such a story could take, should give this a try, you might like it more than I did.
August 3, 2024
Gloria Frensham is in a bad place at the beginning of The Woman Who Kept Everything, by Jane Gilley. If the title wasn’t enough to clue you in to Gloria’s problems, the first sentences the describe Gloria navigating her extremely cluttered, nasty smelling home in an attempt to make a cup of tea. She might have been content(ish) to go on living as a hoarder except that a blown fuse tips off the authorities and her very angry son. That blown fuse means that Gloria is suddenly homeless and without her possessions...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
August 16, 2019
From the cover, I thought I was really going to love this book, but sadly, I didn’t really like it. From the title, I assumed the hoarding was going to play quite a big part in the book, but it was only a little bit at the start, so didn’t really centre around it like I had imagined. Lots of times I found the book dragging on and I just wanted to fast forward it. I also found it quite unrealistic how two of the main characters had mental health issues of depression which they both seemed to get over quite quickly and easily. I know from family experience, that this doesn’t happen. I also felt like they kept mentioning that they didn’t have long left and it was all just a bit depressing.
October 8, 2018
I liked this book. It was funny, lighthearted and in a very easy way portrayed serious issues, like mental illness, the difficulties of growing old, being owner of your own life even if you are old aged.
Gloria is a 79 hoarder that will have a major turn in her life and will embark on a journey, physical but most importantly, of self discovery. Her main antagonist will be her son Clegg, that as it happens in real life, believes he has the right to make decisions on his mother life just because she is old.
It is endearing and fun at the same time, even though some parts of the plot seem a bit far fetched at times.
I recommend to all of those that like a light story, well-written.
Gloria is a 79 hoarder that will have a major turn in her life and will embark on a journey, physical but most importantly, of self discovery. Her main antagonist will be her son Clegg, that as it happens in real life, believes he has the right to make decisions on his mother life just because she is old.
It is endearing and fun at the same time, even though some parts of the plot seem a bit far fetched at times.
I recommend to all of those that like a light story, well-written.
October 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this quirky, different novel about 79 year old Gloria. As years went by after becoming a widow, Gloria becomes a hoarder, living a sad, lonely life, upsetting to her son, Clegg. When Gloria is forced to leave her home, she is counseled and begins to understand why she surrounded herself with things. Gloria starts living life to the fullest, taking vacations, meeting people and turning her story around. With quirky characters and a great storyline, this book is sure to be a favorite.
August 8, 2019
I had such high expectations from this book and it fell completely flat.
I feel that there was no research done about hoarding and found it so unrealistic that a woman who has been a hoarder for many years was essentially “cured” within so little time.
The whole story felt so rushed and there was no development of anything.
I did really like Gloria and the friendships she made but that was about it....
I feel that there was no research done about hoarding and found it so unrealistic that a woman who has been a hoarder for many years was essentially “cured” within so little time.
The whole story felt so rushed and there was no development of anything.
I did really like Gloria and the friendships she made but that was about it....
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