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The Pieces of Ourselves
Flora doesn't do people", not since the Incident that led to her leaving school midway through her GCSEs. The Incident that led to her being diagnosed with bipolar II. The Incident that left her in pieces. Until Hal arrives. He's researching a story about a missing World War I soldier, and he wants Flora's help. Flora used to love history before the Incident, but spending so much time with Hal is her worst nightmare. Yet as they begin to piece together the life of the missing soldier, a life of lost love, secrets and lies, Flora finds a piece of herself falling for Hal.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
29 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Harcourt
5 books115 followersMaggie Harcourt was born and raised in Wales, where she grew up dreaming of summer road trips and telling stories for a living. As well as studying Medieval Literature at UCL, Maggie has variously worked as a PA, a hotel chambermaid and for a French chef before realising her dreams and beginning to write full time.
She now lives just outside Bath, UK, where she can usually be found in a bookshop or somewhere near the river. She guards the secret of her favourite coffee shop jealously, because she has the perfect spot picked out there for people-watching.
She now lives just outside Bath, UK, where she can usually be found in a bookshop or somewhere near the river. She guards the secret of her favourite coffee shop jealously, because she has the perfect spot picked out there for people-watching.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 20, 2020
‘The Pieces of Ourselves’ has got some of the best mental health representation I've read to date! The story is all about Flora who "doesn't do people" since that incident during exams when her brain, stuck in overdrive, suddenly made her world go up in a flurry of exam pages. What followed was a therapist and medication and a bipolar II diagnosis. Oh, and in the fallout, none of her friends stuck around.
If you've gone through a mental health crisis or any health issue really, then you'll know, just like Flora, how lonely that can be. Yes, Flora "doesn't do people," but she's also made the sobering experience that people tend to leave her. It makes Flora, her struggles (such as figuring out if the things she loved pre-diagnosis, like history, were just part of a manic episode) and her journey, utterly relatable.
Now post-incident, Flora lives with her brother and his boyfriend on the country hotel estate where she works as part of the housekeeping staff. The staff is trained to disappear into the background, which is right up Flora's alley. When Hal appears at the hotel and Flora is tasked to assist him with his WWI historical research into the mystery of a missing soldier, the entire situation is not only outside her comfort zone but pretty much her worst nightmare... until, well, it's not.
As Hal and Flora dive into the love, secrets, and lies surrounding the soldier, Flora begins to discover an entirely new piece of herself.
Whether you're looking for something for the heart -- and aren't we all! -- a mystery, or a contemporary read that has the power to transport you to another time, The Pieces of Ourselves has something for everyone!
If you've gone through a mental health crisis or any health issue really, then you'll know, just like Flora, how lonely that can be. Yes, Flora "doesn't do people," but she's also made the sobering experience that people tend to leave her. It makes Flora, her struggles (such as figuring out if the things she loved pre-diagnosis, like history, were just part of a manic episode) and her journey, utterly relatable.
Now post-incident, Flora lives with her brother and his boyfriend on the country hotel estate where she works as part of the housekeeping staff. The staff is trained to disappear into the background, which is right up Flora's alley. When Hal appears at the hotel and Flora is tasked to assist him with his WWI historical research into the mystery of a missing soldier, the entire situation is not only outside her comfort zone but pretty much her worst nightmare... until, well, it's not.
As Hal and Flora dive into the love, secrets, and lies surrounding the soldier, Flora begins to discover an entirely new piece of herself.
Whether you're looking for something for the heart -- and aren't we all! -- a mystery, or a contemporary read that has the power to transport you to another time, The Pieces of Ourselves has something for everyone!
April 5, 2020
Rep: mc with bipolar II disorder, gay characters
CWs: panic attack, ableism from other characters
CWs: panic attack, ableism from other characters
August 15, 2020
[4 stars] i wasn’t familiar with Maggie Harcourt before i decided to pick up this book, and i also went into it without reading the blurb properly, so i didn’t really know what to expect from it. thankfully, i really enjoyed it, and it took me less than a day to read it (which is always a good sign).
The Pieces of Ourselves is relatively slow-paced, and i say “relatively” because the book is 342 pages long and the first 70% of it only covers a ten-day period, after all. i always enjoy these “we only have a few days to spend together” kind of books, for some reason. they’re definitely my cup of tea. this story feels familiar, but in a really comforting way. it is also set in the countryside and the atmosphere is, like, perfect, a mixture of melancholic, nostalgic, sweet and hopeful, if that makes any sense.
the main subplot (about the missing WW1 soldier) is really interesting and it definitely gives a unique spin to the story, so you never want to put the book down because you’re waiting for the two main characters to solve the mystery. however, there are quite a few convenient coincidences and other semi-predictable twists to keep the plot moving; most of them didn’t really bother me or lessen my enjoyment of the book, but i’m not going to lie, the “final plot twist” made me roll my eyes a bit. what i really loved were the letters that Albie sent Iris. they were lovely, one of the highlights of the book. just beautiful writing.
the main character and narrator, Flora, has bipolar ii disorder, and i thought this aspect was handled well; it’s always great to see some (positive) mental health rep in YA books. as much as i liked the love interest, Hal, when i reached the end of the book i still felt like i didn’t really know much about him, and that his character could’ve been.. developed a bit more? maybe developed is not the right word. explored? still, his relationship with Flora was really sweet, and there were a lot of cute moments between them. Charlie, Felix and Mira were all great side characters, but i definitely wish we’d seen more of Mira.
a minor complaint: i know that this book is told from the point of view of a teenager, but i’m really not crazy about the frequent use of really short (and often repetitive) sentences which make me feel like i’m reading someone’s secret diary rather than a novel. but don’t get me wrong: the writing style is not bad at all. i also have mixed feelings about the ending; there’s nothing wrong with it, per se, i just wanted an epilogue, maybe a “where are they now” kind of epilogue. overall, a good read. recommended!
The Pieces of Ourselves is relatively slow-paced, and i say “relatively” because the book is 342 pages long and the first 70% of it only covers a ten-day period, after all. i always enjoy these “we only have a few days to spend together” kind of books, for some reason. they’re definitely my cup of tea. this story feels familiar, but in a really comforting way. it is also set in the countryside and the atmosphere is, like, perfect, a mixture of melancholic, nostalgic, sweet and hopeful, if that makes any sense.
the main subplot (about the missing WW1 soldier) is really interesting and it definitely gives a unique spin to the story, so you never want to put the book down because you’re waiting for the two main characters to solve the mystery. however, there are quite a few convenient coincidences and other semi-predictable twists to keep the plot moving; most of them didn’t really bother me or lessen my enjoyment of the book, but i’m not going to lie, the “final plot twist” made me roll my eyes a bit. what i really loved were the letters that Albie sent Iris. they were lovely, one of the highlights of the book. just beautiful writing.
because what is the point of sights like these if there is no one with whom to share them?
the main character and narrator, Flora, has bipolar ii disorder, and i thought this aspect was handled well; it’s always great to see some (positive) mental health rep in YA books. as much as i liked the love interest, Hal, when i reached the end of the book i still felt like i didn’t really know much about him, and that his character could’ve been.. developed a bit more? maybe developed is not the right word. explored? still, his relationship with Flora was really sweet, and there were a lot of cute moments between them. Charlie, Felix and Mira were all great side characters, but i definitely wish we’d seen more of Mira.
and he catches my face between both of his palms and draws me to him again; his lips on mine and mine on his until everything else – the rest of the world, the ghosts and the living, all the clocks and calendars and all the time they keep – flares brightly, then flickers out.
a minor complaint: i know that this book is told from the point of view of a teenager, but i’m really not crazy about the frequent use of really short (and often repetitive) sentences which make me feel like i’m reading someone’s secret diary rather than a novel. but don’t get me wrong: the writing style is not bad at all. i also have mixed feelings about the ending; there’s nothing wrong with it, per se, i just wanted an epilogue, maybe a “where are they now” kind of epilogue. overall, a good read. recommended!
April 2, 2020
With The Pieces of Ourselves, I’ve finally found a book which I was unable to put down. Haven’t had this feeling in a while. I just loved everything about this book. The characters, the story, the writing style. It was such a happy, honest and different read and I am so glad I picked it up.
The main character Flora talks about an ‘Incident’ that happened a year ago and which made her leave school. She now works at Hopwood Holmes hotel where she met her best friend Mira. The hotel is her safe space, where people don’t know her, where no one knows about the Incident and her disease. I liked Flora from the beginning on. She was such a strong, round character. In some ways she reminded me of myself, always overthinking and worrying what other people might think. She is scared of what people might think of her after she got diagnosed with Bipolar II. I haven’t read any books where the main character has Bipolar II but I appreciated learning more about it and Maggie Harcourt did a great job bringing across Flora’s feelings and what the disease does to her.
Hal, our male main character, arrives at the hotel as a guest. He comes to the Hopwood Holm hotel to find out more about a soldier who served in WWI. The hotel’s manager tells Flora to help Hal with the project and the more she gets into the story of this WWI soldier, the more intrigued she gets and the more Flora and Hal get closer. Their feelings for each other grow slowly, a slow brun romance. It felt so real, like that first love you will never forget and I loved that about the book. Everything felt so real in The Pieces Of Ourselves.
As Hal and Flora start to put the pieces of the WWI story together, Flora slowly picks up her own pieces and she starts to be happier and stronger again.
I would have never thought that I would like the researching part of the book but I loved it. It reminded me a little bit of ‘The Longest Ride’ where the main character Sophia learns more about the story of Ira and his wife. I was scared that I would be bored by all the history but as Flora got more and more into the world of WW1 and couldn’t stop researching and finding out more about Albie and Iris, I got intrigued by it too. Her passion for it was contagious. I really, really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
Overall, this story was just so good. I literally loved everything about it. Flora’s brother and his partner, her best friend Mira. All characters were so lovable, so real and I wish there were more books like this one out there. I had the feeling I was part of the story.
Summary:
Like I mentioned above, I loved everything about The Pieces Of Ourselves and so far it’s my favourite book of 2020. I can’t wait to read more books written by Maggie Harcourt.
So, if you are looking for a story with real characters, a strong storyline, a little bit of history, a real romance and just an overall feel-good read, then The Pieces Of Ourselves is the perfect YA book for you. Well, I would say The Pieces Of Ourselves is for everyone.
Such a good book, wow.
My Rating: 5/5 ★
The main character Flora talks about an ‘Incident’ that happened a year ago and which made her leave school. She now works at Hopwood Holmes hotel where she met her best friend Mira. The hotel is her safe space, where people don’t know her, where no one knows about the Incident and her disease. I liked Flora from the beginning on. She was such a strong, round character. In some ways she reminded me of myself, always overthinking and worrying what other people might think. She is scared of what people might think of her after she got diagnosed with Bipolar II. I haven’t read any books where the main character has Bipolar II but I appreciated learning more about it and Maggie Harcourt did a great job bringing across Flora’s feelings and what the disease does to her.
Hal, our male main character, arrives at the hotel as a guest. He comes to the Hopwood Holm hotel to find out more about a soldier who served in WWI. The hotel’s manager tells Flora to help Hal with the project and the more she gets into the story of this WWI soldier, the more intrigued she gets and the more Flora and Hal get closer. Their feelings for each other grow slowly, a slow brun romance. It felt so real, like that first love you will never forget and I loved that about the book. Everything felt so real in The Pieces Of Ourselves.
As Hal and Flora start to put the pieces of the WWI story together, Flora slowly picks up her own pieces and she starts to be happier and stronger again.
I would have never thought that I would like the researching part of the book but I loved it. It reminded me a little bit of ‘The Longest Ride’ where the main character Sophia learns more about the story of Ira and his wife. I was scared that I would be bored by all the history but as Flora got more and more into the world of WW1 and couldn’t stop researching and finding out more about Albie and Iris, I got intrigued by it too. Her passion for it was contagious. I really, really enjoyed this aspect of the book.
Overall, this story was just so good. I literally loved everything about it. Flora’s brother and his partner, her best friend Mira. All characters were so lovable, so real and I wish there were more books like this one out there. I had the feeling I was part of the story.
Summary:
Like I mentioned above, I loved everything about The Pieces Of Ourselves and so far it’s my favourite book of 2020. I can’t wait to read more books written by Maggie Harcourt.
So, if you are looking for a story with real characters, a strong storyline, a little bit of history, a real romance and just an overall feel-good read, then The Pieces Of Ourselves is the perfect YA book for you. Well, I would say The Pieces Of Ourselves is for everyone.
Such a good book, wow.
My Rating: 5/5 ★
April 23, 2024
‘we already know how the story ends - we just don’t know how it gets there.’
I LOVED THIS BOOK IT WAS AMAZING THAT IS ALL
guys im a sucker for a family mystery and this one was so good! also there was a ball and i just alway enjoy those in books they’re so fun!
I came here looking for a story and i found it. and then i found something much more interesting.”
“what’s that?”
“you.”
I LOVED THIS BOOK IT WAS AMAZING THAT IS ALL
guys im a sucker for a family mystery and this one was so good! also there was a ball and i just alway enjoy those in books they’re so fun!
I came here looking for a story and i found it. and then i found something much more interesting.”
“what’s that?”
“you.”
May 10, 2023
Absolutely amazing book with a wonderful storyline. Loved every page and it kept me wanting to know more with each turn.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
June 2, 2020
This was the chosen read of a FB book club I'm in, and honestly, I didn't pay much attention to what it was about, but another member posted that it was only eighty-something pence on kindle, so I thought why the hell not? I bought it without reading anything else into it.
And OMG! So good.
Like, the writing is gorgeous. It flowed so smoothly and the characters were so well-drawn that I felt almost immediately like I knew them.
I kinda had a feeling of where it was going once Hal and Flora got into their project, but that didn't even matter because I was totally there. For. It.
There were coinquidinks after coinquidinks, sure, and it was ofttimes more than a little far-fetched, but you know what? I didn't give a rats arse because I was utterly there. For. It!
The story did lead exactly where I thought it would, and yeah, it was something of an almighty stretch. I cannot, however, think of any other possible conclusion that could have made me quite so very, very happy.
The pieces of ourselves is a story of hope and healing; acceptance and fate. It is wholly and entirely beautiful and I recommend it to anyone who ever feels like they're insignificant or lost or broken.
(I'm thinking that might very well be all of us).
And OMG! So good.
Like, the writing is gorgeous. It flowed so smoothly and the characters were so well-drawn that I felt almost immediately like I knew them.
I kinda had a feeling of where it was going once Hal and Flora got into their project, but that didn't even matter because I was totally there. For. It.
There were coinquidinks after coinquidinks, sure, and it was ofttimes more than a little far-fetched, but you know what? I didn't give a rats arse because I was utterly there. For. It!
The story did lead exactly where I thought it would, and yeah, it was something of an almighty stretch. I cannot, however, think of any other possible conclusion that could have made me quite so very, very happy.
The pieces of ourselves is a story of hope and healing; acceptance and fate. It is wholly and entirely beautiful and I recommend it to anyone who ever feels like they're insignificant or lost or broken.
(I'm thinking that might very well be all of us).
July 9, 2020
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided via UsBorne YA in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Beautiful, gut wrenching and aptly representation of mental health in the best way possible in recent times – Pieces of Ourselves is emotional, full of growth and hope that, as a reader you think would know the way it would take, but even if you think you do, reading this beauty would leave you with a feeling of hope and optimism!
Flora, our protagonist, doesn’t do change or even people ever since the “incident” during her yearly exams – when her brain went into overdrive and she had a meltdown right in front of her classmates. Now, with her diagnosis of a Bipolar Disorder and a schedule that she adheres to while working at the only hotel in town – the Hopwood Hotel. She keeps her head down, living with her brother and his partner, because of her mom left – so keeps to herself, her brother & his partner and her best friend. No changes, nothing that will excite her, or bring on another episode.
So she is in a fix, when her boss asks her to help an important guest, Hal, with his research into the history of a WWII soldier who served in Vietnam – a soldier whose life he has heard about from his own grandfather, a man he is closer to than his own father.
Before Hal and his history project, Flora didn’t realise how absolutely lonely she was; and the toll the fear and anxiety of her diagnosis and mental illness had taken on her; not just her life in particular but also her own ambitions and interests.
The author has done an amazing job of putting across the reality of the effect a mental illness diagnosis beyond what actually the mental health is about – the loneliness, the fear of social rejection, the stigma of what the diagnosis represents – the author has remarkably put across a message of hope, faith and growth in view of what seems to be a life changing diagnosis!
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April 4, 2020
Thank you so much to Usborne Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Pieces of Ourselves, in exchange for an honest review!
Flora didn’t return to school after an incident during her exams. In fact, she left everything about her old life behind and took on an apprenticeship at a hotel, where she could live with her brother and his partner nearby. Taking one day at a time isn’t easy, going through her checklists to make sure her mind isn’t spiralling one way or another, and it’s made even less easy when her boss asks her to assist a hotel guest with a historical research project. Despite being absolutely sure the whole thing will be a nightmare, Flora suddenly finds herself immersed in the project, trying to unravel the mystery of the people in it and the mystery of whether something is starting to happen between her and the guest she was so sure she wouldn’t like.
Historical fiction is not usually my thing, and although this book was set in the present, I knew the project Flora and Hal would be working on was all about history. But I loved it. Every single minute of it. Not only did I care deeply about the main characters, I cared just as much about the mystery soldier and his love story. I thought Flora’s mental health rep was really well done. Her struggle to find an everyday way of coping, her brother’s love and her concern about revealing the whole of who she was to Hal seemed so real and genuine.
I don’t even know who I loved more in this story – Flora or Hal, they were both such brilliant characters, with interesting and three dimensional personalities. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever find a book centred around history that would have me not only excited to turn every page, but blinking back tears by the end, but The Pieces of Ourselves gave me all that and more!
Flora didn’t return to school after an incident during her exams. In fact, she left everything about her old life behind and took on an apprenticeship at a hotel, where she could live with her brother and his partner nearby. Taking one day at a time isn’t easy, going through her checklists to make sure her mind isn’t spiralling one way or another, and it’s made even less easy when her boss asks her to assist a hotel guest with a historical research project. Despite being absolutely sure the whole thing will be a nightmare, Flora suddenly finds herself immersed in the project, trying to unravel the mystery of the people in it and the mystery of whether something is starting to happen between her and the guest she was so sure she wouldn’t like.
Historical fiction is not usually my thing, and although this book was set in the present, I knew the project Flora and Hal would be working on was all about history. But I loved it. Every single minute of it. Not only did I care deeply about the main characters, I cared just as much about the mystery soldier and his love story. I thought Flora’s mental health rep was really well done. Her struggle to find an everyday way of coping, her brother’s love and her concern about revealing the whole of who she was to Hal seemed so real and genuine.
I don’t even know who I loved more in this story – Flora or Hal, they were both such brilliant characters, with interesting and three dimensional personalities. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever find a book centred around history that would have me not only excited to turn every page, but blinking back tears by the end, but The Pieces of Ourselves gave me all that and more!
July 21, 2022
Not a book I would have chosen myself, but got it as a birthday present and so glad I did.
Fantastic book, great characters, each main character have their own story but are also tied together by the search to complete another story from history.
Love the historic aspect of it and the fact that mental health is discussed in a very real way.
Great book!
Fantastic book, great characters, each main character have their own story but are also tied together by the search to complete another story from history.
Love the historic aspect of it and the fact that mental health is discussed in a very real way.
Great book!
May 23, 2021
4.75⭐️
This was such a surprisingly good read! It features Flora, a 17yo with bipolar II disorder who has withdrawn from life and suffers a constant battle in her brain to work out if her reactions are another episode coming on or just her reacting to situations. So when a guest at the hotel she works at, Hal, requires her help in doing a local history project about a soldier from World War 1, she’s very hesitant to say the least.
But what transpires is a really lovely story, learning about this soldier and his life - involving a secret love affair - and Flora learning some things about herself too.
I expected a romance with a few skeleton in the closet life issues but this book became so much more then that. I think the rep of bipolar II disorder was so importent to read about - not one I’ve read before. The constant battle that Flora was having inside her mind, with herself felt exhausting just to read about, let alone suffer through, and it invoked so much respect from me.
The romance that features in this books is really sweet and free from a really lovely friendship and bond over learning about this secret past of the ww1 soldier. I also liked that the romance didn’t miraculously solve all of Flora’s problems but instead gave her the option to work through things and put the skills she learnt in her therapy in practice to create her own happy ending both for her head and heart.
I loved learning the story of the ww1 soldier and by the end I was so invested in how his story would end.
The story even made me shed a few happy tears by the end.
Only reason it wasn’t a 5 star is because I can’t see myself ever rereading it.
This was such a surprisingly good read! It features Flora, a 17yo with bipolar II disorder who has withdrawn from life and suffers a constant battle in her brain to work out if her reactions are another episode coming on or just her reacting to situations. So when a guest at the hotel she works at, Hal, requires her help in doing a local history project about a soldier from World War 1, she’s very hesitant to say the least.
But what transpires is a really lovely story, learning about this soldier and his life - involving a secret love affair - and Flora learning some things about herself too.
I expected a romance with a few skeleton in the closet life issues but this book became so much more then that. I think the rep of bipolar II disorder was so importent to read about - not one I’ve read before. The constant battle that Flora was having inside her mind, with herself felt exhausting just to read about, let alone suffer through, and it invoked so much respect from me.
The romance that features in this books is really sweet and free from a really lovely friendship and bond over learning about this secret past of the ww1 soldier. I also liked that the romance didn’t miraculously solve all of Flora’s problems but instead gave her the option to work through things and put the skills she learnt in her therapy in practice to create her own happy ending both for her head and heart.
I loved learning the story of the ww1 soldier and by the end I was so invested in how his story would end.
The story even made me shed a few happy tears by the end.
Only reason it wasn’t a 5 star is because I can’t see myself ever rereading it.
March 16, 2022
such a powerful - yet perfect - ending to this book!
i’ve never wanted to read a book again faster. it’s storyline was so planned out and i love how Harcourt wrote it.
a great portrayal of mental health but also an amazing way to show character development without the reader realising.
i love this book and it will forever be one of my favourites.
i’m not sure what else to say, other than ‘wow’!
“Albie and Iris, Hal and Flora” - they all deserve each other.
thank you for sharing YOUR story with me too ❤️
i’ve never wanted to read a book again faster. it’s storyline was so planned out and i love how Harcourt wrote it.
a great portrayal of mental health but also an amazing way to show character development without the reader realising.
i love this book and it will forever be one of my favourites.
i’m not sure what else to say, other than ‘wow’!
“Albie and Iris, Hal and Flora” - they all deserve each other.
thank you for sharing YOUR story with me too ❤️
October 31, 2020
I read this as part of a book club and actually really enjoyed it even though it is young adult fiction (which isn't normally my cup of tea!)
A wonderful story or the present colliding with the past. The main character suffers from bipolar disorder and I think that the author did an amazing job of bringing the issue of mental health to light but showing that the mental illness doesn't define the character - it is just a small part of her story. I am very glad that I read this book!
A wonderful story or the present colliding with the past. The main character suffers from bipolar disorder and I think that the author did an amazing job of bringing the issue of mental health to light but showing that the mental illness doesn't define the character - it is just a small part of her story. I am very glad that I read this book!
May 4, 2021
Loved it!! A fantastic mystery story unfolding in each chapter!
June 13, 2021
Loved this book, love flora's strength and determination and her and hal's story really warms the heart
May 18, 2020
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Thank you Usborn for this book in exchange for an honest review
In the Pieces of Ourselves we meet Flora who opted not to return to school after an incident and decided that she would work at a hotel close to where he brother lives. You can watch as Flora starts to unravel, taking one day at a time while her mind is focused on the past, that is until a hotel guest requires assistance with a historical research project. Flora becomes immersed in the project, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of those involved, whilst walking cautiously around the hotel guest.
The interactions between Hal and Flora was probably a highlight of the book for me, the tension and appreciation between them was great. And I loved the aspect of Flora’s mental health being a part of this book and shining light on an issue that most try and avoid. You get to see her slowly try and cope mentally on a day to day process and her steps were realistic as well, so you know the author has really done their research. *That opinion is based on people I know with mental illness, it doesn’t speak for all those that suffer from mental illness.
Besides more detail about the setting, this book was gorgeous and one I would recommend.
Bookstagram
Website
Thank you Usborn for this book in exchange for an honest review
In the Pieces of Ourselves we meet Flora who opted not to return to school after an incident and decided that she would work at a hotel close to where he brother lives. You can watch as Flora starts to unravel, taking one day at a time while her mind is focused on the past, that is until a hotel guest requires assistance with a historical research project. Flora becomes immersed in the project, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of those involved, whilst walking cautiously around the hotel guest.
The interactions between Hal and Flora was probably a highlight of the book for me, the tension and appreciation between them was great. And I loved the aspect of Flora’s mental health being a part of this book and shining light on an issue that most try and avoid. You get to see her slowly try and cope mentally on a day to day process and her steps were realistic as well, so you know the author has really done their research. *That opinion is based on people I know with mental illness, it doesn’t speak for all those that suffer from mental illness.
Besides more detail about the setting, this book was gorgeous and one I would recommend.
June 4, 2020
'But how do you explain the inside of your mind to somebody else - particularly when it doesn't work quite the way it's meant to?'
Before The Incident, Flora was 'normal' and had interests, particularly in History but now she distances herself from people. The Incident led her to being diagonsed with Bipolar II and she has slowly put herself back together, until Hal arrives.
Hal is researching a story rich in History and wants Flora to help him, but as they begin to work closer together, the more Flora's walls come down and she starts to fall for him.
The romance isn't instant like most novels, which helped me become a lot more invested in the novel and the story that Flora and Hal are unravelling together, instead it is slow moving and careful, which I love!
Flora's bipolar is represented extremely well in the novel and it was interesting to see her thought processes and how her mind worked.
Before The Incident, Flora was 'normal' and had interests, particularly in History but now she distances herself from people. The Incident led her to being diagonsed with Bipolar II and she has slowly put herself back together, until Hal arrives.
Hal is researching a story rich in History and wants Flora to help him, but as they begin to work closer together, the more Flora's walls come down and she starts to fall for him.
The romance isn't instant like most novels, which helped me become a lot more invested in the novel and the story that Flora and Hal are unravelling together, instead it is slow moving and careful, which I love!
Flora's bipolar is represented extremely well in the novel and it was interesting to see her thought processes and how her mind worked.
April 27, 2020
I feel like this is a book of two halves except the first half is 70% and the second is the last 30% of the book. I have to be honest, I was quite bored of the book for that first 70% because it just didn't seem to be going anywhere. It feels very slow paced and at times its difficult to keep going with because there's so much focus on the 'mystery' but it never particularly feels that the plot moves forward.
I was so tempted to give up on this but I knew it was high rated so I kept going... and i'm glad I did. The last 30% of the book really made up for the rest of it for me. It became really emotional and I felt so connected to Flora and the journey that she goes on throughout the book. I may have even teared up a little bit!! I never felt overly connected to Hal and I think that's where part of my issue was in that I just didn't really get their romance.
Overall a solid read but it takes a while to build up to it.
I was so tempted to give up on this but I knew it was high rated so I kept going... and i'm glad I did. The last 30% of the book really made up for the rest of it for me. It became really emotional and I felt so connected to Flora and the journey that she goes on throughout the book. I may have even teared up a little bit!! I never felt overly connected to Hal and I think that's where part of my issue was in that I just didn't really get their romance.
Overall a solid read but it takes a while to build up to it.
December 31, 2024
This was so beautiful! A mix of moderb day romance and historical fiction, this story weaved together the timelines so brilliantly. The representation of bipolar ii, anxiety and panic attacks were perfectly written. I really loved Flora and Hal's story, and how they intertwined with Albie and Iris'. At points I thought the romance was a bit quick, however they are teenagers soooo. I would have loved to have learned more about Albie and Iris, but the letters themselves were gorgeous!
July 12, 2020
3.5⭐️
July 28, 2020
Really enjoyed this story. It had me gripped. Very interested in the battles she faces and I think it was relatable. Thank you
August 16, 2022
Lovely, easy to read book, where the author creates beautiful characters who pull you into their lives. Good read.
January 27, 2021
Maggie Harcourt writes the most heartwarming, easy to read comfort books you could ask for.
I dont remember why I didnt write a review when I first read it, but this is hands down a 5 star.
Harcourt writes an excellent love story between flora, a girl diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder struggling to remember who she is, and Hal, a rich boy from a broken home.
Throughout the course of the novel we are shown parallels to hal and flora, and the love story of Albie and Iris, set in WW2, only to make the final revelation so much more meaningful.
In a plot that could have been so much sadder, Harcourt infuses humour, hope, and understanding so it is much more than your typical girl meets boy love story.
I dont remember why I didnt write a review when I first read it, but this is hands down a 5 star.
Harcourt writes an excellent love story between flora, a girl diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder struggling to remember who she is, and Hal, a rich boy from a broken home.
Throughout the course of the novel we are shown parallels to hal and flora, and the love story of Albie and Iris, set in WW2, only to make the final revelation so much more meaningful.
In a plot that could have been so much sadder, Harcourt infuses humour, hope, and understanding so it is much more than your typical girl meets boy love story.
January 24, 2021
The only reason I have rated it this highly is the great and I trust accurate portrayal of mental health stigma, bipolar and other mental health conditions. This part was very relatable but the rest of the story was painfully contrived and frustratingly coy. Handholding and cutaways are all well and good in younger characters but, without wanting to sound like a smut hound, I needed more to feel invested in the romance 😂😅. The comparison from another author on the front cover to Rainbow Rowell was unfortunately far from accurate!
December 19, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so intriguing that once I had started reading I couldn't stop. The characters were really well described helping me to picture not just them but how different times and places made them feel. Overall a beautifull story full of love and tragedy.
October 21, 2020
A fascinating story
April 24, 2024
PLOT
Now, before I start, I have to say that I've been a HUGE fan of Maggie Harcourt for the last few years. Her books have always given me that warm, cosy, feel-good feeling whenever I've picked them up. Yet for some reason I had a different experience with her latest book - though I’m partly to blame for that too.
The Pieces of Ourselves follows Flora Sutherland, a young girl who suffers with bipolar 2, and as a result of an 'Incident' that occurred a year ago, has shut herself away from the rest of the world. She now lives and works with her brother, Charlie, at Hopwood Home, the local Downton-esque hotel that resides in her village, alongside her only remaining friend, Mira.
When a new guest called Hal arrives at the hotel, Flora is tasked with assisting him with a history research project involving a long-lost soldier who served in the First World War. Despite her qualms of working with Hal, Flora swiftly finds herself swept up in the mystery of the soldier and his connection to Hopwood.
As the mystery deepens, Flora and Hal are pushed closer together, and gradually Flora starts to feel her walls coming down and her heart open up. As far as romances go, it was a cute one, with plenty fuzzy moments to warm the heart - a certain scene on top of a car really struck me in particular - but in my opinion it was still a little fast.
I mean, in reality Hal is only staying at the hotel for 10 nights, and it takes less time than that for these two to fall head-over-heels for each other. Compared to the slow-burn relationship of Lexi and Aiden in Harcourt's Unconventional, this was just a tad too close to 'insta-love' for me.
I made a lot of guesses at the start of the book regarding the mystery of the missing soldier, and, surprisingly, almost all of them turned out to be true! Though I do like to be able to figure out the plot twists in some cases, this was a little bit predictable for me. I was really hoping to be surprised or for Harcourt to flip the typical historical fiction tropes on their head, but that sadly didn't happen.
In comparison, when tackling the mental health side of the plot, Harcourt was outstanding. She really opened my eyes to what a person with bipolar faces every day; the struggles and the fears, and the opinions of others. You could really tell that she'd done her research and knew this character inside and out.
The ending of the book was pretty damn cute, I'll admit. I can always count on Harcourt to wrap things up in the most cinematic, rom-com way!
CHARACTERS
Flora was a wonderfully well-rounded character. She felt honest and real. Not some card-board cut-out of a main character. Her worries and fears, her hopes and dreams, they all resonated on the page. She's probably one of the most relatable characters I've read in a while, and I was honestly pulled in more by her personal journey than the actual plot.
I wasn’t too sure about Hal to begin with, but as the story developed I slowly started to fall for him alongside Flora. He was a young man with obvious family problems (aside from his grandfather who was just the most precious human EVER), but his kind nature and eagerness to solve his mystery won me over completely by the end.
I also had a soft spot for Flora’s brother, Charlie, and his boyfriend Felix. I would happily read a spin-off story just about those two characters cos honestly they were goals!
WRITING
It’s no surprise that the writing in this book is perfection. Harcourt is always spot-on with her style, and the metaphors and analogies were GOLD! It's like she sits inside the reader’s head, showing the story like a beautiful film.
But there was something different about this book that really made it magical. It was the the way Harcourt wrote Flora’s perspective; the way she described the soaring highs and gut-wrenching lows of bipolar. It felt so real, so true, and it honestly elevated both the character and the book.
Harcourt really is a talent!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though I did have a few issues with the predictable plot and the insta-love, I think my main problem with this book was bad timing. I’d just finished Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (a 600+ page fantasy book) when I dove straight into this without a break. I was facing a weirdly heavy ‘book hangover’ and my head was honestly fried! In truth, I think I should have taken a few days off reading before I started Harcourt’s book, but I was too impatient, and my enjoyment suffered a little as a result.
However, with that being said, this was still an adorably sweet read in the end. Flora's story and journey of mental health really felt like something that needed to be told - the kind of book that should be shared in schools and libraries for teenagers to see - and with this level of character growth and development, I think Harcourt is set to soar to newer, greater heights in the future!
Now, before I start, I have to say that I've been a HUGE fan of Maggie Harcourt for the last few years. Her books have always given me that warm, cosy, feel-good feeling whenever I've picked them up. Yet for some reason I had a different experience with her latest book - though I’m partly to blame for that too.
The Pieces of Ourselves follows Flora Sutherland, a young girl who suffers with bipolar 2, and as a result of an 'Incident' that occurred a year ago, has shut herself away from the rest of the world. She now lives and works with her brother, Charlie, at Hopwood Home, the local Downton-esque hotel that resides in her village, alongside her only remaining friend, Mira.
When a new guest called Hal arrives at the hotel, Flora is tasked with assisting him with a history research project involving a long-lost soldier who served in the First World War. Despite her qualms of working with Hal, Flora swiftly finds herself swept up in the mystery of the soldier and his connection to Hopwood.
As the mystery deepens, Flora and Hal are pushed closer together, and gradually Flora starts to feel her walls coming down and her heart open up. As far as romances go, it was a cute one, with plenty fuzzy moments to warm the heart - a certain scene on top of a car really struck me in particular - but in my opinion it was still a little fast.
I mean, in reality Hal is only staying at the hotel for 10 nights, and it takes less time than that for these two to fall head-over-heels for each other. Compared to the slow-burn relationship of Lexi and Aiden in Harcourt's Unconventional, this was just a tad too close to 'insta-love' for me.
I made a lot of guesses at the start of the book regarding the mystery of the missing soldier, and, surprisingly, almost all of them turned out to be true! Though I do like to be able to figure out the plot twists in some cases, this was a little bit predictable for me. I was really hoping to be surprised or for Harcourt to flip the typical historical fiction tropes on their head, but that sadly didn't happen.
In comparison, when tackling the mental health side of the plot, Harcourt was outstanding. She really opened my eyes to what a person with bipolar faces every day; the struggles and the fears, and the opinions of others. You could really tell that she'd done her research and knew this character inside and out.
The ending of the book was pretty damn cute, I'll admit. I can always count on Harcourt to wrap things up in the most cinematic, rom-com way!
CHARACTERS
Flora was a wonderfully well-rounded character. She felt honest and real. Not some card-board cut-out of a main character. Her worries and fears, her hopes and dreams, they all resonated on the page. She's probably one of the most relatable characters I've read in a while, and I was honestly pulled in more by her personal journey than the actual plot.
I wasn’t too sure about Hal to begin with, but as the story developed I slowly started to fall for him alongside Flora. He was a young man with obvious family problems (aside from his grandfather who was just the most precious human EVER), but his kind nature and eagerness to solve his mystery won me over completely by the end.
I also had a soft spot for Flora’s brother, Charlie, and his boyfriend Felix. I would happily read a spin-off story just about those two characters cos honestly they were goals!
WRITING
It’s no surprise that the writing in this book is perfection. Harcourt is always spot-on with her style, and the metaphors and analogies were GOLD! It's like she sits inside the reader’s head, showing the story like a beautiful film.
But there was something different about this book that really made it magical. It was the the way Harcourt wrote Flora’s perspective; the way she described the soaring highs and gut-wrenching lows of bipolar. It felt so real, so true, and it honestly elevated both the character and the book.
Harcourt really is a talent!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though I did have a few issues with the predictable plot and the insta-love, I think my main problem with this book was bad timing. I’d just finished Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (a 600+ page fantasy book) when I dove straight into this without a break. I was facing a weirdly heavy ‘book hangover’ and my head was honestly fried! In truth, I think I should have taken a few days off reading before I started Harcourt’s book, but I was too impatient, and my enjoyment suffered a little as a result.
However, with that being said, this was still an adorably sweet read in the end. Flora's story and journey of mental health really felt like something that needed to be told - the kind of book that should be shared in schools and libraries for teenagers to see - and with this level of character growth and development, I think Harcourt is set to soar to newer, greater heights in the future!
September 20, 2020
The Pieces of Ourselves is an all round enjoyable read. It's well written, has a lineup of characters that are very likable, and takes great care when it comes to addressing the subject matter at the heart of its story.
I found myself highly invested in the story's lead, Flora. There were many times in which the way Flora's view of the world and how she responds to given situations resonated strongly within me. Not only did I empathise with many of her thought processes, I recognised them. There were times in which I thought she was reflecting my own mindset right back at me. I feel this goes to show how well the author managed to communicate Flora's experiences of living with bipolar II to readers; preseting it in a way that's both relatable and accesible. For those who may not know much about Bipolar II prior to going into this, The Pieces of Ourselves offers perspective, empathy and understanding toward such an experience. In a world where understanding and overall attitudes toward mental health remains poor, I feel this story is both vital and beneficial when it comes to challenging stigmas often associated toward those experiencing what Flora is going through.
There's a sadness to Flora's story that flows throughout. She's someone who's lost much, ostracised by a world still intolerant toward difference. A young girl cast out at a period in her life where she's still figuring out who she's supposed to be. The pain and isolation brought about due to her circumstances provides the story with an underlying sorrow. Flora's backstory also helps to empthasise the moments of joy which occur later on, particularly as she begins to discover her place in the world and what she means to those around her.
I also admired the way in which this book tackles LGBTQ representation throughout. The characters of Charlie and Felix felt authentic in a way that was refreshing. Charlie and Felix are a real couple who weren't thrown into the narrative for sensationalist or cruel motives. They were genuine people as opposed to stereotypes or punchlines. As someone who belongs to the LGBTQ community, I felt this type of representation to be both positive and welcoming.
The Alfie and Iris subplot was weaved well enough into the book. It worked well at bringing Flora and Hal together. The ways in which the past and present play out alongside one another help to bring the historical elements of the story to life. It really does make it feel as though these characters are returning to life; forgotten souls of yesterday, transported into the modern era via the power of their words. My main criticism concerning this part of the book probably has to be the conclusion to this subplot. While I appreciate the way it wrapped up served to tie everything in a neat little bow, I couldn't help but feel as though the outcome to Alfie and Iris's story was a little predictable.
All in all, this is a well written book that's relatable and handles it's subject matter with great care. The characters are probably its strongest quality, something I always value in any story.
Highly recommended to anyone wondering whether or not to buy it.
I found myself highly invested in the story's lead, Flora. There were many times in which the way Flora's view of the world and how she responds to given situations resonated strongly within me. Not only did I empathise with many of her thought processes, I recognised them. There were times in which I thought she was reflecting my own mindset right back at me. I feel this goes to show how well the author managed to communicate Flora's experiences of living with bipolar II to readers; preseting it in a way that's both relatable and accesible. For those who may not know much about Bipolar II prior to going into this, The Pieces of Ourselves offers perspective, empathy and understanding toward such an experience. In a world where understanding and overall attitudes toward mental health remains poor, I feel this story is both vital and beneficial when it comes to challenging stigmas often associated toward those experiencing what Flora is going through.
There's a sadness to Flora's story that flows throughout. She's someone who's lost much, ostracised by a world still intolerant toward difference. A young girl cast out at a period in her life where she's still figuring out who she's supposed to be. The pain and isolation brought about due to her circumstances provides the story with an underlying sorrow. Flora's backstory also helps to empthasise the moments of joy which occur later on, particularly as she begins to discover her place in the world and what she means to those around her.
I also admired the way in which this book tackles LGBTQ representation throughout. The characters of Charlie and Felix felt authentic in a way that was refreshing. Charlie and Felix are a real couple who weren't thrown into the narrative for sensationalist or cruel motives. They were genuine people as opposed to stereotypes or punchlines. As someone who belongs to the LGBTQ community, I felt this type of representation to be both positive and welcoming.
The Alfie and Iris subplot was weaved well enough into the book. It worked well at bringing Flora and Hal together. The ways in which the past and present play out alongside one another help to bring the historical elements of the story to life. It really does make it feel as though these characters are returning to life; forgotten souls of yesterday, transported into the modern era via the power of their words. My main criticism concerning this part of the book probably has to be the conclusion to this subplot. While I appreciate the way it wrapped up served to tie everything in a neat little bow, I couldn't help but feel as though the outcome to Alfie and Iris's story was a little predictable.
All in all, this is a well written book that's relatable and handles it's subject matter with great care. The characters are probably its strongest quality, something I always value in any story.
Highly recommended to anyone wondering whether or not to buy it.
December 21, 2024
Introduction
On the front cover of this novel is “The UK’s answer to Rainbow Rowell”, according to Lucy Powrie. I presume this is to appeal to an American audience, but from what I know of Rainbow Rowell’s work, I wouldn’t make such a comparison. That is not a criticism, rather an observation, but as this is the only novel by Maggie Harcourt I have read, perhaps the collective works of each author are similar.
Comparison
Reading The Pieces of Ourselves reminds me how much I loved reading Finding Audrey by Sophia Kinsella. If you enjoyed that book, you’re going to love The Pieces of Ourselves because both cater to the same audience and tackle the broad themes of romance and mental illness in a similar manner.
Comparisons
I’m in the habit of comparing my own book to novels that explore mental illness. From the very beginning, readers know Flora has bipolar II, unlike Niall in my novel who has bipolar I. In novels where the protagonist has bipolar, they usually have a dramatic admission to hospital – my novel, Manic, and To Pieces by Kati Rocky are good examples of that. However, Pieces of Ourselves is less dramatic – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the read. I would describe it as a slow burn, and I always believe that such novels often end up being the most surprising and thought-provoking, which The Pieces of Ourselves certainly is.
The “incident”
I was surprised that we never got to see the infamous “incident” Flora had during her GCSEs in real time because it could have made a great inciting incident, but in not showing the incident, Harcourt masterfully refers back to it throughout the book to show it’s part of Flora’s past. The story goes at a slower pace than I’m used to, but that doesn’t mean nothing happens. It was still a page-turner and there were many times I was dying to read the next chapter. I’m really trying my best not to spoil the ending, so read the book and all will be clear.
The romantic lead
Hal is a young adult researching a story about a missing World War I soldier, and he wants Flora’s help. Harcourt is great at providing inner monologues from Flora that really show not just how she feels about Hal but her fears and insecurities about her mental illness. I have to say, I’m quite jealous of how well Harcourt so vividly portrayed Flora’s emotions. Beautiful, visceral descriptions stir something in the heart.
Genre
I’m not quite sure how to categorise the book because it is a lot of things – for example, romance is a huge part of it. First and foremost, it is YA, but subcategories include romance, mental health fiction, and I want to say historical fiction – although that might be a slight stretch. I say it because a large part of the novel is Hal and Flora researching a First World War soldier. While that might be a turn-off to people who aren’t interested in history, I can assure you that Harcourt makes it come alive and shows the significance of the research to the plot and Hal and Flora’s romantic relationship.
On the front cover of this novel is “The UK’s answer to Rainbow Rowell”, according to Lucy Powrie. I presume this is to appeal to an American audience, but from what I know of Rainbow Rowell’s work, I wouldn’t make such a comparison. That is not a criticism, rather an observation, but as this is the only novel by Maggie Harcourt I have read, perhaps the collective works of each author are similar.
Comparison
Reading The Pieces of Ourselves reminds me how much I loved reading Finding Audrey by Sophia Kinsella. If you enjoyed that book, you’re going to love The Pieces of Ourselves because both cater to the same audience and tackle the broad themes of romance and mental illness in a similar manner.
Comparisons
I’m in the habit of comparing my own book to novels that explore mental illness. From the very beginning, readers know Flora has bipolar II, unlike Niall in my novel who has bipolar I. In novels where the protagonist has bipolar, they usually have a dramatic admission to hospital – my novel, Manic, and To Pieces by Kati Rocky are good examples of that. However, Pieces of Ourselves is less dramatic – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the read. I would describe it as a slow burn, and I always believe that such novels often end up being the most surprising and thought-provoking, which The Pieces of Ourselves certainly is.
The “incident”
I was surprised that we never got to see the infamous “incident” Flora had during her GCSEs in real time because it could have made a great inciting incident, but in not showing the incident, Harcourt masterfully refers back to it throughout the book to show it’s part of Flora’s past. The story goes at a slower pace than I’m used to, but that doesn’t mean nothing happens. It was still a page-turner and there were many times I was dying to read the next chapter. I’m really trying my best not to spoil the ending, so read the book and all will be clear.
The romantic lead
Hal is a young adult researching a story about a missing World War I soldier, and he wants Flora’s help. Harcourt is great at providing inner monologues from Flora that really show not just how she feels about Hal but her fears and insecurities about her mental illness. I have to say, I’m quite jealous of how well Harcourt so vividly portrayed Flora’s emotions. Beautiful, visceral descriptions stir something in the heart.
Genre
I’m not quite sure how to categorise the book because it is a lot of things – for example, romance is a huge part of it. First and foremost, it is YA, but subcategories include romance, mental health fiction, and I want to say historical fiction – although that might be a slight stretch. I say it because a large part of the novel is Hal and Flora researching a First World War soldier. While that might be a turn-off to people who aren’t interested in history, I can assure you that Harcourt makes it come alive and shows the significance of the research to the plot and Hal and Flora’s romantic relationship.
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