Category: Jo Thomas

Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas – a moving and atmospheric novel of discovering a different way of life

September 28, 2022

Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas

This is a moving and enjoyable novel which takes three women out of their normal lives at a busy time of the year and plunges them into a different world. Narrated by Freya, and featuring her two friends Meg and Joanna, this is a story of friendship and community in extreme times, and the importance of living life looking forward. It features lively descriptions of an unknown landscape in an extreme set of circumstances, when several of the characters learn a lot about other people and crucially themselves. For those who love food and cooking there are some genuinely memorable details, as well as the incredible descriptions of how different styles of cooking and creation of meals varies.

The setting for the book is Iceland, as the three friends are determined to fulfil a promise made to the fourth member of their group who had wanted to see the Northern Lights. They have accordingly taken time out of their busy lives at great cost in many ways, so it is little surprise when they show immense determination to see the lights on the first night of their stay despite the weather not being very promising. Their late friend Laura had compiled with them a list of things to achieve, and seeing the Northern Lights was high on the list. Meg is planning her wedding just after Christmas and is beset with family demands and her quest for perfection. Joanna is married to an extremely wealthy older man, who expects a family Christmas on a grand scale which she must organise. Freya is single, but is totally committed to working in a Michelin starred restaurant where she has worked her way up from a minor job to nearly opening another restaurant in the group. She has a genuine love of food and remembers people in terms of the meals she has cooked for them.

 Three strong women have joined forces to honour their friend’s wishes, and a weather forecast will not deter them. Even when they come to a grinding halt in a bad storm, they are still determined to see the lights, but it soon seems evident that they are stuck for an indefinite time. In seeking help, Freya encounters Petur, who has an influential role in the community, and there are many surprises to come.

I really enjoyed this book and found it extremely memorable for its descriptions of a way of life of an isolated community in difficult circumstances. The way that the weather, the landscape and the conditions is written made this such a lyrical, almost visible narrative. Freya’s voice is sincere and realistic, especially as she acknowledges that she is deeply challenged by the tasks she has taken on. She compares the food she is offered in the hotel with what she discovers and cannot help realising that her cooking in London is not perhaps what she wants. She becomes attracted to many things in her new situation, not least the taciturn Petur, and yet knows that she and her friends must return to their ordinary lives as soon as possible. Her voice throughout this novel is realistic and revealing and is so well written. This is a wonderful book to read as the weather gets colder, and yet is so well written that it can be enjoyed at any time. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this novel and recommend it as a really enjoyable and absorbing read.   

My Lemon Grove Summer by Jo Thomas – a new life in Sicily with unexpected problems…and romance!

July 13, 2019

Sun, a new life, and a new start in Sicily. At last Zelda seems to be finding her way in life, and what could possibly go wrong? The answer, as explored in this well written and funny novel with several twists, is quite a lot! Zelda’s new start with her long term best friend Lennie after many disappointments is supposed to offer stability and love in a life which has always been short of both elements. The characters who inhabit this new town are really well drawn, including both long established residents and an oddly assorted group of newcomers. This is a contemporary romance with lots of purpose, as the conventions are subtly overturned. It has something to say about several issues in life today, as the problems that affect Zelda and others are not confined to Britain, but are also relevant  to twenty first century Italy. While economic necessity is always difficult, this is a book which is realistic yet also offers an affectionate look at the power of people when they feel strongly about something in their lives. I recommend this book as a light and enjoyable read, but also deals with potentially sensitive issues. I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and review this book. 

 

As the book begins Zelda and her long time friend Lennie are standing in a poorly attended fortieth birthday party. They realise that, like the person holding the party, they have not found The One and are both fed up of trying to find love in a world of internet dating and unsatisfactory relationships. They discover that a small town in Sicily want new residents and are willing to pay people to relocate there. They resolve to settle for each other and move for this opportunity, confident that their abilities will find them work and a new start together. When they arrive, however, they discover that not all is as was promised, with limited accommodation, few opportunities to work and no instant physical attraction beyond their usual comfortable friendship. As time goes on they realise that the town is in real decline, and only decisive action can mean a real new start for everyone. As the newly arrived group begin to sort themselves out, it is obvious that there will be surprises and new attractions as people who are in search of a new beginning have to struggle to adapt. 

 

This novel is more than just a romance as there are some tough issues to confront, including Zelda’s own experience of growing up without parents or stability,and her own impulsiveness which can mean that she makes decisions quickly and feels things deeply. This book deals with romance that does not always fulfil expectations, and the different sorts of relationships which can emerge, especially in a small local community. I found it a really enjoyable and easy read, with some interesting twists and a couple of genuinely tense moments. The brooding presence of Mount Etna in the background adds to the local colour and setting. I think that it would suit anyone who enjoys a sunny read set in a place with a difference and unusual relationships.   

 

We also went to see a play in Stratford upon Avon. Many years ago I studied Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” for A level, and went to see  it at the old main theatre. It is not often performed, so when I noticed it was part of the summer season this year we booked tickets It is not an easy play, sitting awkwardly between comedy and potential tragedy. Happily it was extremely well staged and performed, with some strong comic performances, and thoughtful acting from the main characters, though I thought that the character of Angelo was underplayed. The season has been really good, as we saw the Taming of the Shrew at the cinema. I wonder if we can get to see it at the theatre?