Contemporary
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Beth Brannen, an austere, secretive woman, runs a successful business in a little-known part of Cumbria. A mysterious woman with an ugly facial scar who never ventures beyond the safe, local bubble she has created. She refuses to talk about her past except for her beloved son, Sidney.
The arrival of an arrogant clinical psychologist, Theo Kendrick, threatens the sanctuary of Beth’s bubble. Trapped in their separate griefs, their interaction fizzes and crackles its way to a grudging respect.
Convinced Beth is hiding a dark secret, Theo sets about untangling the mystery but what if he is only making things worse? It’s only a matter of time until the shocking events of thirty years before are laid bare...
As the action unfolds in real time and through flashbacks against a backdrop spanning the troubles in Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and the Iraq War, Toy Soldier tells a story of love and loss, of survival and resilience that explores the nature of motherhood and poses some searching questions about the concept of choice.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Such an original and gripping novel. Its intricate and interwoven strands are authoritative, convincing and compelling. I found myself wanting to get to the end to know how everything resolved yet wanting it not to end to continue the immersion in the lives of the characters.
An intriguing and engaging book. I became attached to some of the characters - even invested in their outcomes! The book cantered along and could have easily made two volumes... I look forward to a sequel.
What a fantastic piece of narrative writing. I read the whole book in three days, I couldn't put it down. The story is captivating, the characters totally believable. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I loved this novel. It immediately draws you in and keeps you interested and itching to find out more. The twists and turns in the plot are certainly enough to make you want to continue. I loved the way it was written and shall certainly look forward to the next one.
Loved every page of this beautifully written book. Story telling at its best. Injustice, choice and sacrifice, as themes, will touch every reader. It was like a kaleidoscope with the characters and their journeys unfolding leading you to a different setting. The ending did not disappoint. More stories in these characters I think. One to read slowly and savour
