Wednesday 27 May 2015

The Summer of Broken Stories Book Review and Giveaway

The Summer of Broken Stories is the latest novel from writer James Wilson and I was lucky enough to be given a copy to read and review from Alma books.

England 1950s. While out playing in the woods ten year old Mark meets a man living in an old railway carriage. Despite his wild appearance, the stranger who introduces himself as Aubrey Hillyard is captivating - an irreverent outsider who is shunned by Mark's fellow villagers and a writer to boot. Aubrey encourages Mark to tell stories about his own make believe world, an in return he informs the boy about a novel he is writing - a work of ominous science fiction.

As the meddling villagers plot to drive Aubrey out, Mark finds himself caught between two worlds - yet convinced that he must help Aubrey prevail at any cost. 

I'll start off by saying this book is not quite what I imagined it would would be. When reading the blurb I expected a bit of drama to unfold but this story is almost magical.

Mark is a 10 year old boy, he's growing up but still at a stage in life where he sees the innocence in things so when he happens upon Aubrey Hillyard when his dog Barney runs off, he is more than willing to step into the railway carriage in which he is residing and befriend him.

Everything starts off innocently enough, Mark warms to Aubrey as they both like to make up stories, Aubrey the writer talks about his storyline revolving around 'the brain' whilst Mark conjures his ideas up as he plays, a make believe place named Peveril.

Things start to sway to the mysterious side when other villagers warn Mark away from this "stranger", apparently he's a bad man and he is definitely not wanted in their village but the question is why?

Around the same time Mark makes himself another friend, Lou Bennett, she turns out to be the daughter of the new shop owner. Both children are drawn in by Aubrey's tales and continue to visit despite being told not to.

Could this man really be dangerous? What are his real plans?

What I love about this story is that it shows just how innocent children can be. We all get told about stranger danger but when someone is so nice to you it can be hard to see them in that way. This book is both mysterious and magical.

There are two worlds being seen throughout, the real and the imaginary, both just as interesting and ultimately leading to the same ending. Mark's friend Lou is a feisty one and adds a real depth to the tale.

This story is written in what I would describe an almost classic tone, you really feel like you are back in the olden days with how well everything is described.

Definitely a book to sit and read when you have a quiet moment.

Now if you like the sound of this tale then you can be in with a chance of winning your own copy by entering the giveaway below. Open to UK residents only, this competition will close at 11.59pm on the 16th June 2015. All entries will be checked and verified so make sure to enter correctly.

Good luck everyone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xxxx

More competitions at ThePrizeFinder

49 comments:

  1. The last book I read was the Lord of the Rings

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  2. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

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  3. The Moaning of Life by Karl Pilkington

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  4. A wonderful story by Joanna Bourne called Rogue Spy x

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  5. Paula Readings28 May 2015 at 12:47

    The Stand by Stephen King

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  6. Still reading it Dan Browns Inferno and a very good read it is too.

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  7. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

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  8. The Darkest Secret by Gena Showalter

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  9. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

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  10. The last book I read was The Silent Hours, and I loved it!

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  11. i read aliens love underpants to my daughter last night :)

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  12. this looks like a fab book. One to add to my To be read list for if I ever find time to read for myself!!
    #readwithme

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  13. Deerskin - Robin McKinley. Book sounds good, will add it to wish list #readwith e

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  14. The Girl from nowhere by Dorothy Koomson.

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  15. The Girl from nowhere by Dorothy Koomson.

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  16. Out of the Shadows by Susan Lewis.

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  17. The last one I read wasn't very good. But I've just received Judy Blume's new book as an early birthday present. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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  18. Chris Carter - The Executioner

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  19. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

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  20. Beautiful creatures
    Jade H

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  21. I am currently on the Hunger Games Trilogy!

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  22. Beauty For Ashes by Winifred Fortescue

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  23. If Only They Could Talk - James Herriot

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  24. Xy [Kindle Edition]
    D.S. Lillico

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  25. Sophie Kinsella shopaholic to the stars

    Kelly Ellen Hirst

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  26. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin

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  27. Lamentation - C.J. Sansom A great historical fiction book I can throughly recommend :)

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  28. A Casual Vacancy

    kirstyjfox AT yahoo DOT com

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  29. The Ghost of White Hart Lane
    George Williamson

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