The Truth About Melody Browne by Lisa Jewell (@lisajewelluk)

When she was nine years old, Melody Browne’s house burned down, taking every toy, every photograph, every item of clothing and old Christmas card with it. But not only did the fire destroy all her possessions, it took with it all her memories – Melody Browne can remember nothing before her ninth birthday.

Now in her early thirties, Melody lives in a council flat in the middle of London with her seventeen-year-old son. She hasn’t seen her parents since she left home at fifteen, but Melody doesn’t mind, she’s better off on her own. She’s made a good life for herself and her son and she likes it that way.

Until one night something extraordinary happens. Whilst attending a hypnotist show with her first date in years she faints – and when she comes round she starts to remember. At first her memories mean nothing to her but then slowly, day by day, she begins to piece together the real story of her childhood. Her journey takes her to the seaside town of Broadstairs, to oddly familiar houses in London backstreets and to meetings with strangers who love her like their own. But with every mystery she solves another one materialises, with every question she answers another appears. And Melody begins to wonder if she’ll ever know the truth about her past…

As you’d know if you read many of my blogs/reviews I love Lisa Jewell. In fact I’m shocked it took me so long to read this.

When I found it quite tough to get into, I was really surprised, until I realised why. Melody Browne isn’t much older than me, and yet she has a teenage son and is living in pretty poor area. I’m childless and live in an ok area. It just took me a while to connect with the character because she wasn’t like me – at all.

But, when I did, guess what? I loved it. I fell in love with Melody and was excited to be going on her journey to find out about her history with her – as well as finding herself in the present.

It’s funny, it’s sad, it’s brilliant. I’d totally, totally recommend it to anyone. I love Lisa Jewell.

Advertisement