Author: Nadine Rose Larter
Publisher: The Katalina Playroom
Release Date: 26th May 2011
Synopsis
What do you do when you lose a childhood friend? What do you do when you know everyone is expecting you to come home? What do you do if you don't want to?
Phillip, Sarah, Kaitlyn, Caleb, Maxine, Grant, Melanie and Josh grew up in a small town where they spent their high school years together as an inseparable clique. But high school has ended, and they are all living their own “grown up” lives, each under the impression that their group has basically come to an end. When Phillip dies in a hit and run accident, Kaitlyn summons the others to all come back home, forcing a reunion that no one is particularly interested in partaking in.
Coffee at Little Angels follows how each character deals with the death of a childhood friend while at the same time dealing with their own ignored demons after years of separation. Events unfold as the group tries to rekindle the friendship they once shared to honour the memory of a friend they will never see again.
My Review
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. It's not my usual sort of read, but it sounded intriguing and I found myself accepting.
Phil dies in a hit and run accident, Sarah - his girlfriend just feels numb, Kaitlyn takes charge and gets everyone back together to say goodbye, but none of them really want to be there. Over the years they have grown apart, moved on and are no longer a part of each others lives.
This book deals very well with the issue of death and losing a loved one, but it also looks at so much more. The strength of friendship, unity, love, marriage, children. What does anybody really want from their life, some of the characters seem to be constantly chasing something they can no longer have, searching for a meaning, somewhere to belong.
The mix of personalities is fresh and although a strange group they kind of fit. They are so different, yet in an oddball way they gel. At times they reminded me of friends I had at school and got me wondering what it would be like if we were to all get together again (under happier circumstances I would hope.)
I loved the fact that the story started with Phil, it gave you the sense that you knew him and could then sympathize that he died, like you were actually, in some ways, losing a friend too.
There are some truly touching scenes that had my eyes filling up, some moments that made me laugh and some reflective ones. I like books that can move you, make you feel something and this one definitely did.
The writing flows well, making it easy to read, and the characters come to life, I felt like I had a real insight into their lives and what they were feeling.
It's actually made me think about how much I do love my friends, and that although some of us have drifted apart they are still a part of my life. Listen to me sounding all sentimental. Maybe I should send some of them a message just to catch up.
My Review
I would give this book 10/10. Thoughtful, well written and moving. This book has a certain beauty to it that will have you glued to the pages and phoning your friends.
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