What (am I currently reading)?

I am currently reading the historical fiction novella Stolen Summers by Anne Goodwin.  This was published on 1st October 2022, and is a prequel to Matilda Wilson is Coming Home – though they are both standalone books. 

Book Blurb (taken from   https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/stolen-summers.html  )

Stolen Summers: A heartbreaking tale of betrayal, confinement and dreams of escape

All she has left is her sanity. Will the asylum take that from her too?

In 1939, Matilda is admitted to Ghyllside hospital, cut off from family and friends. Not quite twenty, and forced to give up her baby for adoption, she feels battered by the cruel regime. Yet she finds a surprising ally in rough-edged Doris, who risks harsh punishments to help her reach out to the brother she left behind.

Twenty-five years later, the rules have relaxed, and the women are free to leave. How will they cope in a world transformed in their absence? Do greater dangers await them outside?

The poignant prequel to Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is a tragic yet tender story of a woman robbed of her future who summons the strength to survive.

Author bio

Photo taken from:  https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/matilda-windsor-media.html

Anne Goodwin’s drive to understand what makes people tick led to a career in clinical psychology. That same curiosity now powers her fiction.

Anne writes about the darkness that haunts her and is wary of artificial light. She makes stuff up to tell the truth about adversity, creating characters to care about and stories to make you think. She explores identity, mental health and social justice with compassion, humour and hope.

An award-winning short-story writer, she has published three novels and a short story collection with small independent press, Inspired Quill. Her debut novel, Sugar and Snails, was shortlisted for the 2016 Polari First Book Prize.

Why (have I chosen to read it)?

I am reading this because I read, and loved, Matilda Windsor is Coming Home.  When I heard that Anne Goodwin had published a prequel to this book, I was so excited. 

While (I am reading it)

I’m enjoying the sunny autumn days (down to about 6C at night though!).  After a two hour walk up to this remote mountain hut, it was wonderful when one of the family owners nipped away from preparing lunches to play her trumpet. Quite magical.  

All the best, Emma