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Nothing Left Unsaid
GLASGOW, 2019. Sharon has rushed home at the news her mother has been admitted to hospital. It's clear Senga's life is coming to an end. As Sharon gathers family and friends together to say goodbye, Senga, as always, does things in her own mysterious way. She instructs Sharon to find the red diary she kept in the 1970s and to read it. There's something Senga needs to talk about while she still has time. The journey into her mother's past is both shocking and surprising, forcing Sharon to re-evaluate her own childhood, her marriage and what she wants her own future to hold.
GLASGOW, 1976. Life in the tenements of Shettleston is a daily struggle. You need your wits about you to survive, and your friends. Senga has both in spades: she is part of the Shettleston 'menage' alongside her friends Bunty, Sandra, Philomena and Isa, and whatever life hands to them - cheating husbands, poverty, illness, threats and abuse - they throw something back just as hard. These women are strong because they need to be. And they never, ever walk away in times of crisis - as Sharon is about to find out.
GLASGOW, 1976. Life in the tenements of Shettleston is a daily struggle. You need your wits about you to survive, and your friends. Senga has both in spades: she is part of the Shettleston 'menage' alongside her friends Bunty, Sandra, Philomena and Isa, and whatever life hands to them - cheating husbands, poverty, illness, threats and abuse - they throw something back just as hard. These women are strong because they need to be. And they never, ever walk away in times of crisis - as Sharon is about to find out.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
94 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Janey Godley
7 books61 followersJaney Godley was a Scottish stand-up comedian, actress, writer and political activist. She began her stand-up career in 1994, and won various awards for her comedy in the 2000s.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she made a series of voice over clips of politicians and other well known personalities. The following year, she was dropped from a pantomime performance of Beauty and the Beast after a series of controversial racist tweets emerged, for which Godley later apologised. She was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer, from which she died in 2024.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she made a series of voice over clips of politicians and other well known personalities. The following year, she was dropped from a pantomime performance of Beauty and the Beast after a series of controversial racist tweets emerged, for which Godley later apologised. She was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer, from which she died in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 26, 2022
Glasgow, 2019. Sharon has rushed home at the news her mother has been admitted to hospital. It's clear Senga's life is coming to an end. As Sharon gathers family and friends together to say goodbye, Senga, as always, does things in her own mysterious way. She instructs Sharon to find the red diary she kept in the 1970s and to read it.
Glasgow, 1976. Life in the tenements of Shettleston is a daily struggle. You need your wits about you to survive, and your friends. Senga has both in Spades: she's part of the Shettleston 'menage' alongside her friends Bunty, Sandra, Philomena and Isa, and whatever life hands them. And they never ever walk away from a crisis - as Sharon is about to find out.
Sharon reads her mother's diary as her mother lies on her deathbed. But there are parts missing from the diary that only Senga or her friends can fill in. This bittersweet read will touch all your emotions. But there's also some humour. Senga has led a life filled with poverty and daily struggles. The characters are well developed, believable and the plotline has been well researched.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #JaneyGodley for my ARC of #NothingLeftUnsaid in exchange for an honest review.
Glasgow, 1976. Life in the tenements of Shettleston is a daily struggle. You need your wits about you to survive, and your friends. Senga has both in Spades: she's part of the Shettleston 'menage' alongside her friends Bunty, Sandra, Philomena and Isa, and whatever life hands them. And they never ever walk away from a crisis - as Sharon is about to find out.
Sharon reads her mother's diary as her mother lies on her deathbed. But there are parts missing from the diary that only Senga or her friends can fill in. This bittersweet read will touch all your emotions. But there's also some humour. Senga has led a life filled with poverty and daily struggles. The characters are well developed, believable and the plotline has been well researched.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #JaneyGodley for my ARC of #NothingLeftUnsaid in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2022
Full disclosure from the start I am not Janey’s biggest fan I like a lot of what she stands for- woman’s rights etc- but I find her very brash and her portrayal of Glasgow and it’s people way over the top, stereotypical and not funny. She is for me is a women of two halves she makes out she is wee Glasgow mammy from the east end but her writing, comedy and chat feeds into a not very nice stereotypical almost Taggert in the 80’s Glasgow. In her writing both in fiction and non fiction she swoons over the west end, coming across like a west end wannabe I can actually hear the Glasgow Uni accent in her writing.
All that being said I recently read her autobiography and I enjoyed it, partly down some the characters, the era, , location and also for Janey’s bravery .So I requested the ARC to see what it was like. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book follows Sharon returning to Glasgow to see her dying mum, what follows is Sharon in the first person telling us what is happening in the present and diary entries from the diary of her mother set in the late 70’s, Sharon had been told to read the diary by her mammy Senga, there is also a few text message exchanges from some of people in diary in the present day and a couple of chapters told in the first person from Isa, one of Senga’s friends featured in the diary.
The story is basically Sharon reading her mother’s diary, trying to deal with her pending divorce, her mother dying, tracking down people and making peace with herself, the Sharon chapters I found boring, snobbish, not funny, and the love affair part so cringe I had riddy reading them, Janey clearly used the Sharon character to fantasise what she wanted to be. The other characters in these chapters -brother, sister etc- were badly written and lacked anything other than lazy stereotypical views. She rips it out the ex husband for being woke but gets in involved with a cafe owner who sells raw cakes… make up your mind!!! Other than the mother dying nothing much really happens. I did like how when Sharon reflected on the diary entries she started to understand what her mother’s life was like, how hard she worked to give her children all she could and that her mum was a once a young person with hopes and dreams , I found that touching, genuine and something I think we can relate when thinking about our parents
The diary entries albeit full of lazy written Glasgow stereotypical characters were good fun and I quite liked the trip down memory lane. These chapters also really highlighted the struggle women faced then and still do with regards to class, violence against them and the constant battle to fight for a better fairer society. Janey can write strong women well I’ll give her that, her Glasgow mammies do ring true in parts albeit a extreme version. I found these sections far more interesting than the others, there was at least a bit humour that worked, there was a slightly deeper meaning/message in the story and Senga was far less annoying than Sharon, who is equally annoying in these chapters as her own. Even know these chapters were used to set up the “mystery” in the present day chapters I didn’t feel there was any sense of mystery or even tension created, I saw what the conclusion was a mile off.
This a very quick read, I found it to very rushed, lazy in its character development, badly written in terms of a actual story and it lacked humour. I don’t think this would have been considered by publishers if it was not for the authors fame, her fans are sure to buy this. The two stars are for the the portrayal of the struggle women face and how .strong they are. I think this book could have been so much more with a bit more thought, it really could have been one of the books where not much happens but a powerful message is made though well written characters that lead the story. I remain a non fan but wish Janey well in her health battle and congratulate her attempts at writing whilst being so Ill.
All that being said I recently read her autobiography and I enjoyed it, partly down some the characters, the era, , location and also for Janey’s bravery .So I requested the ARC to see what it was like. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book follows Sharon returning to Glasgow to see her dying mum, what follows is Sharon in the first person telling us what is happening in the present and diary entries from the diary of her mother set in the late 70’s, Sharon had been told to read the diary by her mammy Senga, there is also a few text message exchanges from some of people in diary in the present day and a couple of chapters told in the first person from Isa, one of Senga’s friends featured in the diary.
The story is basically Sharon reading her mother’s diary, trying to deal with her pending divorce, her mother dying, tracking down people and making peace with herself, the Sharon chapters I found boring, snobbish, not funny, and the love affair part so cringe I had riddy reading them, Janey clearly used the Sharon character to fantasise what she wanted to be. The other characters in these chapters -brother, sister etc- were badly written and lacked anything other than lazy stereotypical views. She rips it out the ex husband for being woke but gets in involved with a cafe owner who sells raw cakes… make up your mind!!! Other than the mother dying nothing much really happens. I did like how when Sharon reflected on the diary entries she started to understand what her mother’s life was like, how hard she worked to give her children all she could and that her mum was a once a young person with hopes and dreams , I found that touching, genuine and something I think we can relate when thinking about our parents
The diary entries albeit full of lazy written Glasgow stereotypical characters were good fun and I quite liked the trip down memory lane. These chapters also really highlighted the struggle women faced then and still do with regards to class, violence against them and the constant battle to fight for a better fairer society. Janey can write strong women well I’ll give her that, her Glasgow mammies do ring true in parts albeit a extreme version. I found these sections far more interesting than the others, there was at least a bit humour that worked, there was a slightly deeper meaning/message in the story and Senga was far less annoying than Sharon, who is equally annoying in these chapters as her own. Even know these chapters were used to set up the “mystery” in the present day chapters I didn’t feel there was any sense of mystery or even tension created, I saw what the conclusion was a mile off.
This a very quick read, I found it to very rushed, lazy in its character development, badly written in terms of a actual story and it lacked humour. I don’t think this would have been considered by publishers if it was not for the authors fame, her fans are sure to buy this. The two stars are for the the portrayal of the struggle women face and how .strong they are. I think this book could have been so much more with a bit more thought, it really could have been one of the books where not much happens but a powerful message is made though well written characters that lead the story. I remain a non fan but wish Janey well in her health battle and congratulate her attempts at writing whilst being so Ill.
October 2, 2022
I read this book in a day on holiday. I started off thinking it was a bit clunky and not particularly well written. I think that was just Janey getting into her novel writing rhythm.
As I got into it, the characters from the 1970s became more vibrant, and although the present day family members remained a bit cliched, by the end I was greetin’.
As I got into it, the characters from the 1970s became more vibrant, and although the present day family members remained a bit cliched, by the end I was greetin’.
July 1, 2022
Absoutley loved this book coukdnt put it down i hope Janey writes more books she is amazing funny talented woman
January 17, 2024
This was an unusual book and I’m still not sure if I hated it or loved it hence the middle of the road rating.
I enjoyed the story but did often find the parts from the 1970’s to be a bit forced and felt the author was putting certain things in there to make a point. For example who would put in a diary that they emptied a car/coach (I can’t remember now) ash tray out. It felt it was added to almost make a point of that’s what happened in the 70’s.
I enjoyed the story but did often find the parts from the 1970’s to be a bit forced and felt the author was putting certain things in there to make a point. For example who would put in a diary that they emptied a car/coach (I can’t remember now) ash tray out. It felt it was added to almost make a point of that’s what happened in the 70’s.
March 13, 2023
If you buy this book expecting it to be very funny, you might be surprised. There is a lot of humour but it is more of an intriguing drama. Within each chapter, we hear the thoughts of Senga’s daughter Sharon who has come home to be with her dying mother. They have had a close relationship but Sharon is quite shocked to find that there is a lot about her mother’s life that she did not know. Each chapter also includes sections of Senga’s diary. There’s a very different style to this, conversational almost, as Senga confides the details of her daily life in her big red book.
Reading Senga’s diary brings back memories for Sharon and she realises that she didn’t understand what her mum’s life was like back then. It was hard for her as a single parent and yet she had done what she could to keep her kids clothed, fed and above all happy.
This book offers a nostalgic look at the 70s and there’s a lot you might recognise. Smoking on a public transport, the Radio Rentals man, home perms, Ken and Deidre on Coronation Street, Fray Bentos pies, Pippa Dee parties, the long hot summer of 76. One particular phrase made me smile and I hadn’t heard or thought of it for ages – Annacker’s midden is a phrase my mum might have used to described my teenage bedroom! The 70s setting for the novel was only a generation or so ago, yet it seems like a different world.
One important theme in this book is that of women helping women. Senga and her friends may not have much materially but they have strength, courage and resilience. I so enjoyed reading about how they all helped and supported each other. They were spirited, full of life and determination despite the difficulties they faced.
I really enjoyed reading about Senga and her friends in the 70s. Their lives weren’t easy but Janey Godley showed how community and friendship was so important. She also didn’t shy away from showing the darker side of life due to poverty, poor living conditions and domestic abuse. I thought this was a solid debut novel and would read more from Janey Godley. However, as you may know, she has a terminal cancer diagnosis so whether she has any more novels planned, I don’t know. Like Janey Godley herself, her characters show determination, resilience and courage.
Reading Senga’s diary brings back memories for Sharon and she realises that she didn’t understand what her mum’s life was like back then. It was hard for her as a single parent and yet she had done what she could to keep her kids clothed, fed and above all happy.
This book offers a nostalgic look at the 70s and there’s a lot you might recognise. Smoking on a public transport, the Radio Rentals man, home perms, Ken and Deidre on Coronation Street, Fray Bentos pies, Pippa Dee parties, the long hot summer of 76. One particular phrase made me smile and I hadn’t heard or thought of it for ages – Annacker’s midden is a phrase my mum might have used to described my teenage bedroom! The 70s setting for the novel was only a generation or so ago, yet it seems like a different world.
One important theme in this book is that of women helping women. Senga and her friends may not have much materially but they have strength, courage and resilience. I so enjoyed reading about how they all helped and supported each other. They were spirited, full of life and determination despite the difficulties they faced.
I really enjoyed reading about Senga and her friends in the 70s. Their lives weren’t easy but Janey Godley showed how community and friendship was so important. She also didn’t shy away from showing the darker side of life due to poverty, poor living conditions and domestic abuse. I thought this was a solid debut novel and would read more from Janey Godley. However, as you may know, she has a terminal cancer diagnosis so whether she has any more novels planned, I don’t know. Like Janey Godley herself, her characters show determination, resilience and courage.
September 11, 2022
Brilliant! Just brilliant. Read as an audiobook narrated by Janey herself. Laughed and cried all the way through it.
September 24, 2023
I really liked this story. Initially I felt the writing style was a bit simplistic but as the story progressed it began to flow. I found the story set in the 1970’s much more interesting than the 2019 storyline. I laughed out loud a few times and could empathise with some of the characters. The story does deal with the the sensitive subject of domestic violence which made for quite difficult reading at times however the love these women had for each other was absolutely undeniable. Although I knew from the start what had happened in the 70’s this didn’t detract from how much I enjoyed the book. Relatable, down to earth and overall a good read.
July 1, 2022
I've enjoyed Janey Godley's comedy over the years, and was excited to read her first fictional title. I wasn't disappointed. This was a great read, with interesting characters and storyline. The storyline switched between present day and the 1970s and being a child of the 70s it was one that I found really interesting. Some parts were predictable, but it was a good portrayal of the time period. Overall, this was a great read and one that I would recommend.
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the review copy.
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the review copy.
April 17, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of Nothing Left Unsaid, a stand-alone novel set in Glasgow in 2019 and the late 70s.
Sharon’s mum, Senga, is dying and she wants Sharon to read her diary before gathering her old friends, Sandra, Isa, Bunty and Philomena together for one last time.
Well, to take my cue from the title, what can I say? Nothing Left Unsaid will be the best book I read in 2022 for so many reasons, whether it’s the poignancy of Sharon’s grief, regrets and life changing realisations or the difficult life Senga led with humour, anger and the ability to survive whatever was thrown at her.
The novel is categorised as crime and there is mention of a frying pan at the start of the novel, which draws the reader in to find out more. This, however, loses its immediacy and I found myself forgetting about it for much of the novel as I got drawn into Senga’s world through her diary entries. She paints a picture of poverty and struggle but also one of love for her kids and strong support for and from her friends. It is extremely realistic and took me back to those times vividly (I am about the same age as Sharon). Full credit to either the author’s memory or strong research because it will resonate for anyone living through those times, but especially Glaswegians as it has captured the mindset perfectly.
It made me laugh and it made me cry. This is a wonderful story of survival and what it takes, made possible by the realistic characters, situations and dialogue.
I would like to wish the author, Janey Godley well in her own health battles and thank her for giving us such an excellent story.
Sharon’s mum, Senga, is dying and she wants Sharon to read her diary before gathering her old friends, Sandra, Isa, Bunty and Philomena together for one last time.
Well, to take my cue from the title, what can I say? Nothing Left Unsaid will be the best book I read in 2022 for so many reasons, whether it’s the poignancy of Sharon’s grief, regrets and life changing realisations or the difficult life Senga led with humour, anger and the ability to survive whatever was thrown at her.
The novel is categorised as crime and there is mention of a frying pan at the start of the novel, which draws the reader in to find out more. This, however, loses its immediacy and I found myself forgetting about it for much of the novel as I got drawn into Senga’s world through her diary entries. She paints a picture of poverty and struggle but also one of love for her kids and strong support for and from her friends. It is extremely realistic and took me back to those times vividly (I am about the same age as Sharon). Full credit to either the author’s memory or strong research because it will resonate for anyone living through those times, but especially Glaswegians as it has captured the mindset perfectly.
It made me laugh and it made me cry. This is a wonderful story of survival and what it takes, made possible by the realistic characters, situations and dialogue.
I would like to wish the author, Janey Godley well in her own health battles and thank her for giving us such an excellent story.
March 23, 2022
I am never sure about people from other professions taking up writing novels. It always feels like they are getting a leg up on other authors through their name recognition. However, it worked for Richard Osman who I really enjoy so I really shouldn't be so judgemental!
Added to that, being from the West of Scotland, I will always want to read novels set in or around Glasgow.
I am definitely glad I picked this book up. This was an enjoyable novel set in Glasgow. Senga is on her deathbed, diagnosed with cancer and only a matter of days or weeks left. As she nears the end, she tells her daughter Sharon of a diary she has at home, a red book filled with the goings on in 1970's Glasgow where she roamed the streets of Shettleston with all her pals.
As the end for Senga nears, Sharon reads through her mum's diary and learns about her mother and her friends and a number of stories of life in Glasgow. However it is clear that something is missing from the diary and only Senga's friends can fill in the blanks....
This was a heart-warming tale, probably best enjoyed by those lucky enough to live in Scotland. There is probably some Glaswegian humour that may not necessarily transfer out of our borders! Although it is heart-warming there are also quite a bit of sadness but the bittersweetness of the novel is what makes it so enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Added to that, being from the West of Scotland, I will always want to read novels set in or around Glasgow.
I am definitely glad I picked this book up. This was an enjoyable novel set in Glasgow. Senga is on her deathbed, diagnosed with cancer and only a matter of days or weeks left. As she nears the end, she tells her daughter Sharon of a diary she has at home, a red book filled with the goings on in 1970's Glasgow where she roamed the streets of Shettleston with all her pals.
As the end for Senga nears, Sharon reads through her mum's diary and learns about her mother and her friends and a number of stories of life in Glasgow. However it is clear that something is missing from the diary and only Senga's friends can fill in the blanks....
This was a heart-warming tale, probably best enjoyed by those lucky enough to live in Scotland. There is probably some Glaswegian humour that may not necessarily transfer out of our borders! Although it is heart-warming there are also quite a bit of sadness but the bittersweetness of the novel is what makes it so enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 4, 2022
Family isn't always those you're related to by blood, in hard times, they are your friends.
It's 2019 and Sharon has been summoned to her mothers bedside. Senga is dying and as well as seeing her three children, her request of her eldest daughter is to find her red book, her diary, to read it and to gather together the group of friends she had forty years ago.
Reading her mother's account of life in 1976, raising three children in Glasgow when their feckless father had left the family to take up with a younger woman, with endless struggles to pay the bills or keep food on the table, Sharon's admiration for her mother is immense. She did everything to make her children as happy as possible, whether it was working extra jobs or fiddling the electric meter.
Through it all, her group of friends play a huge part of her life. They help each other out, even putting money in a kitty each week so that every fifth week, one of them gets to use the collected amount to pay a bill, get her hair done or pay for a trip to the seaside.
The group of friends, Senga, Bunty, Isa, Philomena and Sandra have shared laughter, tears and - as becomes apparent to Sharon as she reads her mothers diary - secrets.
I absolutely loved this book. Janey Godley is a gifted writer and her famous wit shines throughout.
It's 2019 and Sharon has been summoned to her mothers bedside. Senga is dying and as well as seeing her three children, her request of her eldest daughter is to find her red book, her diary, to read it and to gather together the group of friends she had forty years ago.
Reading her mother's account of life in 1976, raising three children in Glasgow when their feckless father had left the family to take up with a younger woman, with endless struggles to pay the bills or keep food on the table, Sharon's admiration for her mother is immense. She did everything to make her children as happy as possible, whether it was working extra jobs or fiddling the electric meter.
Through it all, her group of friends play a huge part of her life. They help each other out, even putting money in a kitty each week so that every fifth week, one of them gets to use the collected amount to pay a bill, get her hair done or pay for a trip to the seaside.
The group of friends, Senga, Bunty, Isa, Philomena and Sandra have shared laughter, tears and - as becomes apparent to Sharon as she reads her mothers diary - secrets.
I absolutely loved this book. Janey Godley is a gifted writer and her famous wit shines throughout.
November 14, 2022
I really didn't know what to expect from this book. I had read Janey Godley's autobiography and really enjoyed that but I wasn't sure about a novel. That soon changed as I got stuck into what is a great novel. To be honest - the premise is standard. Group of friends that have lost touch due to something big happening in their past...but being brought together when one of their number is dying. Plus a daughter finding out through her dying mother's diary what life was like when the daughter was growing up...and what the big secret is. What makes it different is the grasp of details of the 70s and pre-covid 2019 - the story lives on the page. I recognise the picture painted of the 70s - although my experience as a teenager was very different - and, like the daughter Sharon, I wanted to get to the end of the diary to see what happened. It's a rich story of friendship amongst women - and of the fragility of relationships - and of what love can make you do. The ending was good with loose ends tied up....but I wanted longer as is often the case when I really enjoy a book!
April 2, 2024
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. The characters are believable and full of life. It is refreshing to read a book about working class Glasgow and for it not to be totally reduced to ‘poverty porn.’ Godley crafts the stories of these characters in a sensitive and moving way whilst keeping the laughter which would inevitably be so strong with these characters in real life.
The only issue is the predictability of the novel. The prologue robs any kind of guessing of what will happen in the end. I was quietly hoping for some kind of plot twist in the closing chapters but it quickly wrapped itself up in a predictable fashion. Not that being predictable is necessarily a bad thing, but if the characters weren’t so enjoyable then this would have been a very dull book.
Overall, highly enjoyable but it doesn’t leave you guessing.
The only issue is the predictability of the novel. The prologue robs any kind of guessing of what will happen in the end. I was quietly hoping for some kind of plot twist in the closing chapters but it quickly wrapped itself up in a predictable fashion. Not that being predictable is necessarily a bad thing, but if the characters weren’t so enjoyable then this would have been a very dull book.
Overall, highly enjoyable but it doesn’t leave you guessing.
April 15, 2025
A really lovely book that made me want to spend more time commuting to get through it quicker. I kind of could tell what was going on from around mid-way through but that didn’t make it any less captivating.
The storyline was sometimes a little bit unrealistic (who the hell takes 3 weeks to free themselves from a job in London to go visit your dying mom? Why does it take 3 weeks to read through a diary when that’s all you’ve been ordered to do by your dying mom?), and a lot of the “highlight” of the story was crammed into the last ten pages, but again, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the records of a very simple Glaswegian single mom getting her kids through the 1970s.
A joy to read.
The storyline was sometimes a little bit unrealistic (who the hell takes 3 weeks to free themselves from a job in London to go visit your dying mom? Why does it take 3 weeks to read through a diary when that’s all you’ve been ordered to do by your dying mom?), and a lot of the “highlight” of the story was crammed into the last ten pages, but again, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the records of a very simple Glaswegian single mom getting her kids through the 1970s.
A joy to read.
June 13, 2022
I loved the premise of this book and found it well paced and cleverly written. Hailing from the same part of the world and also remembering the 70s, I found the gritty nostalgia of the piece and the use of the Glaswegian vernacular was very familiar. Thankfully I never had to endure the kind of grinding poverty that the characters did back then but I know for sure that Janey Godley did. She captured the humour, strength and the humanity of the wee Glasgow women. I enjoyed reading about Sharon and her life in the current day almost as much as the excerpts from her mum Senga's diary. Well done Janey on a first journey into fiction. I can't wait for the next one.
December 13, 2022
A slab of 70s nostalgia (the bad alongside the good), wrapped in a 'mystery' set in the present. Like many books using this device, the interesting stuff all happens in the past and the present day narrative functions both as a frame to the main story as well as a mirror between the lives of the narrator and her mother. Because there is not so much happening in the present, those sections are stretched out a bit to let it run in parallel with the 70s story, making them feel like padding in places.
There is bravery, sadness, humour and a bit of romance throughout, with a real feeling of life in the mid-70s East End Glagow.
There is bravery, sadness, humour and a bit of romance throughout, with a real feeling of life in the mid-70s East End Glagow.
February 27, 2023
Read over three days😃
I read this fantastic murder mystery in 3 days, totally absorbed from the first page, as I was a teenager in the 1970s and Scottish I felt as if I knew the characters, Sharon in my picture in my head was definitely Janet Godley , the comparisons between life in the 1970s and now were perfectly described and the down to earth sincerity describing loss and childhood memories weaving through Sharon and her siblings lives was really well done, I saw Janet and her daughter Ashley in Perth recently, Not dead yet tour, so have greatly benefited from their Comedy brilliance and her fantastic storytelling, Thank You 💗💗
I read this fantastic murder mystery in 3 days, totally absorbed from the first page, as I was a teenager in the 1970s and Scottish I felt as if I knew the characters, Sharon in my picture in my head was definitely Janet Godley , the comparisons between life in the 1970s and now were perfectly described and the down to earth sincerity describing loss and childhood memories weaving through Sharon and her siblings lives was really well done, I saw Janet and her daughter Ashley in Perth recently, Not dead yet tour, so have greatly benefited from their Comedy brilliance and her fantastic storytelling, Thank You 💗💗
July 16, 2023
Nothing left unsaid
I would highly recommend this book. Five stars for keeping me on the edge of my seat right till the end! What a great way to tell a story, through an old diary! My great grand parents and gran lived in the east end of Glasgow, and so did my mum as a girl. I can just imagine some of those escapades happening in real life. Also triggered fond memories of my own late mother and how hard she worked to raise a family doing her best. Its lovely how the author, Janey Godley, has knitted together the past with the present, and given the reader a gift with this warm, fuzzy jumper of a book. (Pun intended.)
I would highly recommend this book. Five stars for keeping me on the edge of my seat right till the end! What a great way to tell a story, through an old diary! My great grand parents and gran lived in the east end of Glasgow, and so did my mum as a girl. I can just imagine some of those escapades happening in real life. Also triggered fond memories of my own late mother and how hard she worked to raise a family doing her best. Its lovely how the author, Janey Godley, has knitted together the past with the present, and given the reader a gift with this warm, fuzzy jumper of a book. (Pun intended.)
January 5, 2024
Sorry to say, for me, the claims that this was 'Vibrant, warm and often hilarious went unmet. Seeing parallels between it and Nell Dunn's recently-read 'Up the Junction' which also examines women's friendships and their dealings with a male-dominated world, I tried to analyse why. A lot of it due to shallowness, both of the main characters and the plot, the ending semaphored from the opening page, and although I understood Senga's reliance on TV-illustrated goals were intended to underscore the paucity of opportunities to improve her worn-down lot, they lost my sympathy, as did the unbelievable diary entries. It didn't help that almost all men were unnuanced baddies.
May 3, 2022
This book is set between the 1970's in Glasgow and the present day. Sharon returns to Glasgow to visit her dying mother and reads her diary at her mother's request. This gives an insight into how her mother struggled to bring up three children with very little income. There were plenty stereotypical characters and it was a good insight into tenement life, which I could relate to, having been brought up in Kinning Park in Glasgow. I enjoyed the story, which will be best appreciated by Glasgow folk who will recognise the locations and touches of humour. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
May 19, 2022
This book broke my heart. It's so beautiful. 2019 and Sharon returns to Glasgow to spend the last days of her mother Senga's life with her. When her mum asks her to find and read her red book, Sharon learns of her mother's life in the mid 197o's. Here she lived in the tenements and her friendship with Phil, Bunty, Isa and Sandra help them all survive abuse and poverty. When Sharon makes contact with her mothers old friends they're all worried about the contents of the book. What happened in late 1978 that sundered their friendship forever. Funny and heartbreaking this was a super read.
August 14, 2022
Frank, get the door—and don’t forget ma clicky pen, or Janey Godley’s FAB book!
Who knew Janey Godley isn’t just a pretty face, with a razor-sharp comedy mind?!
I just finished this book, and absolutely LOVED it! No spoilers, but the dual time-line works really well. The characters are fandabidozie. By the end, I felt like I knew these women, and wish I did.
Glasgow in the 70s is portrayed well—no rose-coloured lenses, but it isn’t shown to be all doom-and-gloom either.
It’s such a corker that I bought a second Kindle copy for a pal.
Who knew Janey Godley isn’t just a pretty face, with a razor-sharp comedy mind?!
I just finished this book, and absolutely LOVED it! No spoilers, but the dual time-line works really well. The characters are fandabidozie. By the end, I felt like I knew these women, and wish I did.
Glasgow in the 70s is portrayed well—no rose-coloured lenses, but it isn’t shown to be all doom-and-gloom either.
It’s such a corker that I bought a second Kindle copy for a pal.
April 11, 2023
Nothing Left Unsaid is the story of Sharon's mother Senga. It's 2019 and Senga is in hospital with terminal cancer, but she has a hidden strength, and won't let go until her weans and her pals have been gathered by her bedside.
Sharon, her eldest, and geographically the nearest, gets there first. During one of her visits, Senga has a lucid moment and asks Sharon to read her diary. Here the narrative splits into two threads as Sharon navigates the emotionally taxing task of gathering the family and friends to her mother's bedside. Meanwhile, when she is not at the hospital, she is doused in nostalgia as she remembers, via the diary, how Senga fought and struggled to give her kids the best lives she could, and how much these formidable women looked out for each other.
It's an evocative and heartfelt story about working class women in Glasgow during the seventies.
Sharon, her eldest, and geographically the nearest, gets there first. During one of her visits, Senga has a lucid moment and asks Sharon to read her diary. Here the narrative splits into two threads as Sharon navigates the emotionally taxing task of gathering the family and friends to her mother's bedside. Meanwhile, when she is not at the hospital, she is doused in nostalgia as she remembers, via the diary, how Senga fought and struggled to give her kids the best lives she could, and how much these formidable women looked out for each other.
It's an evocative and heartfelt story about working class women in Glasgow during the seventies.
July 3, 2023
Really enjoyed this story of a group of women friends in 70's Glasgow and the revelation of secrets many years later when one of them, Senga, is dying. Senga and her mates were fabulous characters and their tough lives in the time period was vividly brought to life. Initially, the 70's time period was the strongest for me (perhaps because I'm a child of the 70's) but I came to appreciate Sharon's story of caring for her dying mother and finding a new life for herself after divorce. This was quite a tough story in places but really funny and full of life too.
June 14, 2022
I read this book shortly after my Dad died. We'd gone up and stayed with him in the last few weeks. So it was very close to home, even though we weren't in Glasgow. It was an enjoyable book. A look into the lives of trails of women there in the 70s through a modern lens. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the revelation hadn't happened in the beginning as it seemed to be building up to something you already knew. But even with that it was very heartfelt and felt very real.
August 22, 2022
Oh wow! I learned more about Glasgow women from this book than I ever thought I could! Brava! Janey Godley for this extraordinary novel about life, the whole challenge of it, how circumstance can bring you down or raise you up. Friendship, the roundness of it, the circling beauty of it. I loved all of these women, their strength, resilience, generations of it. A beauty of a book that will remain with me for a long time.
February 15, 2023
Incredible read!
This book is an absolute gem of a find!
I laughed.. I smiled (pretty much the whole time actually).. and my emotions took such a battering that even now I'm not quite sure HOW I'm feeling!
Simply, this is just the most incredibly well drawn portrait of life as it was a few generations past (I should know, I was there too!). It is breathtakingly raw and honest, and spun into a truly relatable tale for modern times. Utterly, utterly charming!
This book is an absolute gem of a find!
I laughed.. I smiled (pretty much the whole time actually).. and my emotions took such a battering that even now I'm not quite sure HOW I'm feeling!
Simply, this is just the most incredibly well drawn portrait of life as it was a few generations past (I should know, I was there too!). It is breathtakingly raw and honest, and spun into a truly relatable tale for modern times. Utterly, utterly charming!
May 28, 2022
A great read. I like a mystery and a story with a twist in it's tale but for me the real enjoyment, the strength of this debut novel, was the picture it painted of family life in the working-class Glasgow of the 1970s, the authenticity and humanity of the characters and the detail of their lives. Plus the glimpse of the people they had become by the 21st century. Thought provoking and genuine.
August 13, 2022
I didn’t expect too much from this book but I was delighted with it. I grew up in the same area of Glasgow and I could really see it. It gives a very clear picture of how life was for many women. And how friendship is important in their lives. Great story, fabulous characters and a wonderfully put together book. I look forward to her next one.
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