Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Lido by Libby Page.
What They Say:
I think I have a few Rosemary's. My amazing friend Manda for instance. When I was at my lowest point, feeling lost and alone, seriously contemplating doing something really, really bad, I called Manda and she spent the whole day on the phone with me. She calmed me down, she started building me back up, she gave me phone numbers for professional help and she made me start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She stayed a constant in my life, for almost 10 years now, but especially during those very dark months. I honestly don't think I'd be here without Manda and her love. When I got engaged, she was the first person we told (we saw her that day!) and she is my go-to with news, good or bad. I know she'll always be there for me, and I for her.
Another Rosemary is my amazing fiancé Steve. He has been in my life for about 8 or 9 years, as my Dads best friend who was in a relationship with someone else, as was I. Sadly, about 4 years ago, his partner passed away suddenly and things went downhill for him. We stayed in touch for a little while, but lost contact. After my relationship ended, Steve and I spontaneously got back in contact via facebook. We decided to meet up and the rest, as they say, is history. We have been together and engaged for just over 18 months now and we are inseparable. We are completely perfect for each other, flaw and all. He is my rock, my soulmate and my best friend. He came in to my life when I didn't expect it and stayed a friend, quietly in the background until things changed and circumstances allowed us to start something new. He helped me overcome my fears and insecurities, gave me a purpose and makes me stronger than I thought I could be.
Rosemary has done all of these things for Kate in The Lido and I feel that Kate has, in turn, done much of the same for Rosy. Their bond was unbreakable and unexpected. It was special and sweet. I feel very lucky to have both Manda and Steve in my life.
I highly recommend reading the fantastic book! And if you have a Lido near you, dive in and enjoy it! 10/10
I'd like to thank Rebecca Gray at Orion for my copy in exchange for my participation in the blog tour and my honest review.
What They Say:
Meet Rosemary, 86, and Kate, 26: dreamers, campaigners, outdoor swimmers...
Rosemary has lived in Brixton all her life, but everything she knows is changing. Only the local lido, where she swims every day, remains a constant reminder of the past and her beloved husband George.
Kate has just moved and feels adrift in a city that is too big for her. She's on the bottom rung of her career as a local journalist, and is determined to make something of it.
So when the lido is threatened with closure, Kate knows this story could be her chance to shine. But for Rosemary, it could be the end of everything. Together they are determined to make a stand, and to prove that the pool is more than just a place to swim - it is the heart of the community.
The Lido is an uplifting novel about the importance of friendship, the value of community, and how
ordinary people can protect the things they love.
ordinary people can protect the things they love.
I have been asked to write about the character of Rosemary and who I consider to be the Rosemary in my life.
My Rosemary's
I think I have a few Rosemary's. My amazing friend Manda for instance. When I was at my lowest point, feeling lost and alone, seriously contemplating doing something really, really bad, I called Manda and she spent the whole day on the phone with me. She calmed me down, she started building me back up, she gave me phone numbers for professional help and she made me start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She stayed a constant in my life, for almost 10 years now, but especially during those very dark months. I honestly don't think I'd be here without Manda and her love. When I got engaged, she was the first person we told (we saw her that day!) and she is my go-to with news, good or bad. I know she'll always be there for me, and I for her.
Another Rosemary is my amazing fiancé Steve. He has been in my life for about 8 or 9 years, as my Dads best friend who was in a relationship with someone else, as was I. Sadly, about 4 years ago, his partner passed away suddenly and things went downhill for him. We stayed in touch for a little while, but lost contact. After my relationship ended, Steve and I spontaneously got back in contact via facebook. We decided to meet up and the rest, as they say, is history. We have been together and engaged for just over 18 months now and we are inseparable. We are completely perfect for each other, flaw and all. He is my rock, my soulmate and my best friend. He came in to my life when I didn't expect it and stayed a friend, quietly in the background until things changed and circumstances allowed us to start something new. He helped me overcome my fears and insecurities, gave me a purpose and makes me stronger than I thought I could be.
Rosemary has done all of these things for Kate in The Lido and I feel that Kate has, in turn, done much of the same for Rosy. Their bond was unbreakable and unexpected. It was special and sweet. I feel very lucky to have both Manda and Steve in my life.
My Review:
I find it very hard to believe that The Lido is a debut novel. It is beautifully written, poignant, funny, sweet and sad. It keeps you on your toes and makes you wonder until the very end. The characters are wonderfully rich and likeable. The town of Brixton is written so perfectly that I feel like I've been there, seen the sights, smelled the smells, even swum in Brockwell Lido with Rosy and Kate.
I finished the book at 2am and couldn't get back to sleep for sobbing. It's been a while since a book made me cry like that and my dreams were full of sunshine and chlorine smells. Sadly, I don't think we have a Lido near me but I definitely want to start swimming after reading this beautiful book! It made me miss summers back home in Canada with the busy local pools and wearing your swimming costume under your clothes on a hot summers day.
The Lido is published 19th April 2018 by Orion books! #LoveTheLido
I'd like to thank Rebecca Gray at Orion for my copy in exchange for my participation in the blog tour and my honest review.
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