Reviews

Very Very Lucky by Amanda Prowse

sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

Emma is like a whirlwind. She has a part-time job, checks in daily on her mother after the loss of her dad as well as running numerous errands and the upkeep of the house. Brendan, her husband, is such a lovely man and any woman would be glad to have such a wonderful husband. Whilst Emma loves him dearly, she seems to think she has to take on everything and I did get frustrated at times at the way she spoke to him when he only has her and the families best interests at heart. I could see Emma’s side of things also though and she seemed to be digging herself a deeper hole and you just know she’s going to reach breaking point soon.

Thurston has recently lost his wife Mary after sixty two years of being together. My heart went out to this kindly man who whilst has family close by, feels very much lost and a huge void in his life which even his beloved dog can’t seem to fill. The story alternates between both characters who are struggling to cope with what life has thrown at them. What follows is an emotional rollercoaster of a story with their highs and lows.

Very Very Lucky while fundamentally being an uplifting and feel good read, does touch on some sombre topics such as cancer and grief which makes for some heart-wrenching reading. There are also some very light-hearted parts of which one family get together had me howling with laughter as it was so hilarious. I wasn’t sure which way the story would go towards the end but it was perfectly done and had me shedding happy tears and my heart felt like it was fit to burst. The story really makes you think about life and what is important. Incredibly poignant and beautifully written, I adored every minute of it! 

tanya2301's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

wkilgannon's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

thereadinggoat's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Cancer, and Suicidal thoughts

naomijc's review

emotional funny sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

snoopy2020's review

funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

danielle1996's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

nannykaren's review against another edition

5.0

Very, Very Lucky by Amanda Prowse is a must-read book!!

In Amanda’s latest book, we are introduced to Emma who is constantly running around after her family like the proverbial blue-arsed fly, while Thurston is devastated by the passing of his wife. Can a chance meeting bring hope and friendship between the two families?

Amanda’s straightforward writing style immediately captures your attention and keeps you invested until the very end. Each character is relatable in their own way, making this a story that will resonate with any reader.

Don't miss out on this incredible read – Very, Very Lucky is Amanda’s best work yet!

naoisepanda's review

challenging dark hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

crafalsk264's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Emma Fountain has a job, a neglected husband, a daughter in college, two sons in junior high, and an aging, ailing mother. When her best friend, Roz’s cancer returns and is too far advanced for treatment so her life expectancy is in weeks not months. Thurston has recently lost his wife of 62 years and is mired in grief, loss, and depression. When Thurston gives Emma a ride, they begin to develop an odd friendship that provides both of them with exactly what the other needs.

The book has both laughter and tears. The two odd friends find just what the other needs to break the destructive cycle they have fallen into. The characters are well developed and likable. The overwhelming responsibilities facing Emma every day appear crushing. The desert of Thurston’s life without his beloved wife becomes more grim and heavy each day. Between suicide ideation, terminal illness, money and debt, Emma and Thurston find they can help each other. The story could be bleak and melancholy but the pleasant  natures of the two lead characters provide enough humor and lightness to make it an uplifting story. I enjoyed the story and recommend to readers of contemporary women’s fiction featuring themes of grief, loss, and friendship.