First novel by Helen Simonson... A book with a wonderfully simple cover that provides reasons to set out to discover who owns each coat on the stand.
Ernest is a widower, who prefers the quiet life since his wife died. He demonstrates depth of character, a traditional stance and standards, yet under his formal exterior and awkwardness when someone stirs the passion in him, he is actually worldly-wise and sensitive!
Just when you think the story is going to be about his inheritance of his fathers second gun (after the death of his brother) one that when put alongside his own gun returns a pair, the storyline turns to an unexpected friendship that develops between himself and a shopkeeper in the village.
A love story unfolds that takes the reader into the realms of family obligation and tradition verses risk to obtain personal happiness.
I liked how he described the stage the lady he falls in love is in, "the very prime flowering of mature womanhood."
The character (Major Pettigrew) also reminds his son, "Youth is a wonderful time of vigour and action. For collecting friends and experiences." which I believe is so true to life.
The Author describes his relationship with another lady as having "developed a gravitational pull, slow but insistent, as a planet pulls home a failing satellite". Another description that I think is worthy of note and a situation that you can recall happening if not to yourself, someone else.
As someone who makes the most of an opportunity to take in the early morning air, I also found Helen's description, "The frost was still deep and the sun only a vague promise in the mid-morning sky" quite striking.
A book I just had to finish. A quirky yet lovely novel which holds a few surprises.
I score this book 7/10 (10 is high)
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