2024- October A Terrible Kindness - by Jo Browning Wroe

When I read the first two pages I thought that this was going to be  a terrible book, I didn't like the way that it was written and the way that William related to his Uncles and to Gloria.   In the second chapter where William was at Aberfan and working hard I was completely captivated.  Now I am at the aftereffects and we will see how I feel about the way that the family relationships pan out. 

I don't like William. He doesn't seem like a person who really knows what he wants and he is a bit of a wimp. He seems to take the easy way out. Quite early on I decided that I didn't like the way the characters were portrayed and was going to give up the book. I kept taking breaks because I could only read so much at a time. I can understand the mental problems after Aberfan. 

I am now at the point where he is in Cambridge with Martin helping with the singing. It is an odd story and I don't know where it is going. My only thought is that at the end of the book William is going to top himself. 

I did keep on and very pleased that there was a happy ending. I was in tears at the end. 

F:- Altho not as affected as others in the group, hearing about Aberfan on the news was one of my earliest childhood memories. Reading the first part was not easy, but, persevering, I found all the links to past and present (in the story), both events and relationships, fascinating. I was impressed how the writer's skill illustrated William's turmoil in a way that really made sense to me. 

I was also brought back to a time when prejudice was far more the norm and appreciated how far we've come (but we still have quite a way to go). 

As a character, I was  pleased Gloria was portrayed to be strong and determined. Another character I appreciated, despite her only appearing  briefly, was Betty. I loved both Betty's attitude and her generosity. It made me realise even more that kindness is SO important, whatever the circumstances. 

Despite our not knowing exactly what had actually happened at William's misereri solo until the end, this suspense added to my wanting to read more. I love singing and I love that piece of music, so I needed to know how it panned out! 

8/10  - This was the average mark for this book. 

And here is the famous music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX1zicNRLmY