This book is a sequel to DAISY, published in 2020.
The first Daisy had a hard start in life. She was born in the slums of London in 1887, to a poor unmarried mother.
100 years later, we meet her namesake, The Second Daisy. Her life is much easier, but in many ways the two women are very similar -- bright, sunny and loving.
The only difference is that The Second Daisy is Black.
"The family history was rich and varied"
"Daisy recognized, by the tone of his voice, that her dad was about to lose it, to rant and rave about the unforgiveable effects that slavery had had on generations of people. His people."
"Yards and yards of beautiful jewel-coloured silks."
"The house itself was an architectural gem, with almost all the original features still in place."
Pat Backley is English, but decided to become a Kiwi when she was 59. She now lives in Auckland New Zealand. She wrote and published her first book just before her 70th birthday and having discovered her passion, she now intends to write till she dies!
This is about a woman who is married but gets treated badly, so leaves to discover a new life. . We go to England and America. I want to concentrate on America this time as my review of the 1st book I mentioned a bit on England. I enjoyed the trip to New York, with the Staten Island ferry, then out to Ellis Island and viewing the Statue of Liberty. We had a quick look around the unusual shape of Flatiron Building, Chrysler Building etc, loved all the references of buildings. . Food references had me going down memory lane, with prawns in cocktail glasses served with lettuce and thousand island dressing, yes we have that here in New Zealand and although I've never tried pecan and key lime pies before with them being American, I could well imagine what it would taste like. . Also if you are interested in the clothing trade the author seemed to be quite descriptive with dresses, colour and texture. . This is a wonderful sequel that Pat Backley has written and I thank the author for gifting me this book in exchange for a fair, honest review. . 5 star rating/review . The Second Daisy - Pat Backley Page Count - 198 Genre - Family Saga, Historical Fiction . Pauline Reid Book Reviewer New Zealand
The second Daisy is set in the 1980s. The family took a trip to the places where Daisy's mum grew up. Each member of the family thought back to the olden days and life in America.
A story that creates a sense of empathy and insight.
An historical fiction x family saga.
A beautiful tale following Daisy and her found family. This story revolves around the racism and prejudice this eclectic family faces yet in a subtle way which allows the reader a moment of introspection. From the divide between poverty and wealth, the undercurrents of slavery still tarring people’s perspectives, the fear surrounding disclosing one’s sexual orientation and navigating life from an elderly perspective.
The strength, humility and resilience Daisy and her family display, despite the challenges they face, is inspiring.
There is a lot packed into this wee book and I would recommend reading the first book in the duo, Daisy, to become better acquainted with the characters.
I was sent this book by the author and all opinions are my own.
Another fabulous read from Pat Backley. The Second Daisy brings back many of.the familiar and well loved characters from Pat's earlier book, Daisy. This book focuses on the second Daisy and life in 1980s London. Another fast-moving family saga filled with characters you'd love to have in your own family.
What Pat Backley does best is write about family - the family you create, but not necessarily the one you we're born into. Backley tackles racism, homosexuality and gender bias head on in both Daisy and The Second Daisy. She makes the reader face how they feel about these subjects, using the story in very subtle ways. Both Daisy's, each in their own way, overcome odds that were heavily stacked against them and they both came out on top. This beautifully blended family is one that will stay with you a long time, perhaps making you wish you were one of them. Thank you, Pat Backley, for a memorable duo of unforgettable books.
In a world where relationships are often strained and frought with difficulties it was a delight to read an inter generational hope filled story. I recommend this book for any one who likes to get lost in a story and for them to keep their faith in humanity, as love is the basis of the relationships in this story. it was refreshing to see the bond between these characters and the desire it produced in me as a reader to modal it in my own life.
The author’s succinct observations of the ties that hold a family together are outstanding. Her ability to weave lifelong friends into the family circle is exemplary. This is a fine example of love through the ages, regardless of race, age or social standing. Well done Pat Backley.
A story of the journey this woman took to overcoming on of the most difficult seasons in life - divorce. Love the opportunities those that surrounded her offered…the key to overcoming.