Full disclosure – this remarkable first novel is unabashedly sentimental, and there will be tears. Theo is an 86-year-old gentleman of European origins who leaves his New York home to spend a year in Golden in SE USA. So, the obvious first question is why? What is his motivation? His actions are to exhibit goodness and kindness, to be curious, to be a conversationalist and especially to be a great listener. And he has a mysterious impulse to purchase portraits and return them as gifts to the subjects, a bestowal. The consequences of Theo’s generous actions create wonderful stories, reminding the reader of the importance of being an encourager in an anxious world, and thus to witness uplifting experiences. Thanks Joyce, for the gift of this book.
Tag: sentimental
The Door-To-Door Bookshop – Carsten Henn
Full disclosure: this is a hopelessly sentimental book – blame my age and the obvious reality that I love books. Carl is a 72-year-old German bookseller who delivers books to special customers in the evening. A chance encounter with 9-year-old Schascha changes his life. All is not sweetness and light – the novel contains considerable darkness. But at its core, this is a story about friendships forged through books.
The Christmas Bookshop – Jenny Colgan
You may wonder why I liked this book because the story is entirely predictable, and the plot is sweetly sentimental. On the other hand, the word “bookshop” is in the title and the setting is contemporary Edinburgh. What can I say – it is a relationship book that is entirely satisfying.
What David Read 