Book Review: A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill

Today I review A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill. This is my first book by this author but I'm quite sure it won't be my last, as I found this story both heart-breaking and up-lifting. Perfect of book lovers like me, here's what I thought about it:

Title: A Library of Lemons 

Author: Jo Cotterill

Published: May 5th 2016 by Hot Key Books

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb:A poignant story about dealing with grief through the magic of reading and friendship.

Calypso's mum died a few years ago and her emotionally incompetent Dad can't, or won't, talk about Mum at all. Instead he throws himself into writing his book A History of the Lemon. Meanwhile the house is dusty, there's never any food in the fridge, and Calypso retreats into her own world of books and fiction. When a new girl, Mae, arrives at school, the girls' shared love of reading and writing stories draws them together. Mae's friendship and her lively and chaotic home - where people argue and hug each other - make Calypso feel more normal than she has for a long time. 

But when Calypso finally plucks up the courage to invite Mae over to her own house, the girls discover the truth about her dad and his magnum opus - and Calypso's happiness starts to unravel.

Review: A Library of Lemons is a beautiful and emotional story about a young girl, Calypso, who after losing her mother has to take care of her father, who is not dealing well with his grief. At the beginning of the story, Calypso is convinced that she doesn't need any friends. She has her books for company. But when she meets a new classmate, Mae, a friendship slowly starts to blossom between the two girls, who both share a great love for books and writing. 

Seeing this friendship grow was such a treat. It made me realize how hard it is not to have someone to hug you when things get hard. Calypso was such a lonely girl with a huge responsibility on her shoulders and having Mae and her family was a life changer for her. We got to see a new side of her as she slowly realised that her life was not supposed to be so hard.

The story handles serious topics like loneliness, grieving or depression with tact but also with a dash of hope and books play a very important role, not only as a form of escapism but as a way of life. Calypso takes her favourite characters as an inspiration. She really was a beautiful character to get to know, her naivité was touching but her determination was admirable. 

A Library of Lemons is a heartbreaking story that will touch many hearts but will also put more than one smile on your face. Well written and full of book reference, this is a story all book lovers will enjoy. 

Rating: 4 stars

I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*