Book Review: A Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom


After loving Isabelle Broom's debut, A Map of You, earlier this year, I was really looking forward to getting my hands on her second book. Even more when she said it was set in Prague, a beautiful city that I loved visiting. Here's what I thought about it:

Title: A Year and a Day
Author: Isabelle Broom
Published: November 17th 2016 by Penguin


Blurb: Welcome to a city where wishes are everywhere

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault . . 

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . .

Three different women.

Three intertwining love stories.

One unforgettable, timeless city.

Review: What a treat! After loving Isabelle Broom's debut, My Map of You, I was really looking forward to her second book and after finishing it, I can truly say A Year and a Day is a magical and evocative story. Set in the beautiful city of Prague, this book tells the story of three different couples that find themselves in the same hotel. My favourite couple was Megan and Ollie. They are actually only friends but it's quite clear from the begining that Ollie has other intentions. I really enjoyed reading about them and their back stories, and they had so much fun together.

Then we've got Hope and Charlie. She has just left her husband for him and their are still getting used to each other and their quirks. I really liked Hope, she was like a mummy bear, always worrying and taking care of the younger girls. I think her story was really inspiring, especially as she started to realise that her own happiness should be her priority and everyone else's. And finally, we've got Sophie and Robin. At the beginning of the story, Sophie is alone, waiting for Robin to get to Prague. I found her a bit needy and annoying, always missing him and thinking about him. I felt like she couldn't function without him. But then as I got to know her better, I started to warm to her and she really got me by the end of the story.

And then, there's an addition character in the story: the city of Prague. I had the pleasure of visiting it a few years ago during winter too and found it a really interesting and beautiful place but Isabelle Broom makes it a magical place (I need to revisit pronto). I loved reading her descriptions of the cobled streets, the statues on the bridge, the clock in the main square and all the secrets places we discover during the story. I think that reading about Megan's pictures (she's a photografer) and her instant connection with the city added a new dimension to these description. I could totally picture her photos, the light and the feelings they evoked.

Isabelle Broom has done it again with A Year and a Day, an unforgetable story that will surprise you and will make you fall in love with the magical city of Prague. Definitely one not to miss these holidays, pick a copy and get lost in the colourful Christmas Markets of Prague! 

Rating: 5 stars


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

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