Fall from GRACE
IT’S WHEN LIFE FALLS APART THAT YOU OFTEN FIND YOURSELF, AS ONE WOMAN IS ABOUT TO DISCOVER
What a great read this is. A novel that’s charming, moving, involving and also a little different. It’s a love story of sorts and begins in Paris where Grace Atherton is enjoying a romantic interlude with David, the handsome, older, married man she has been having a long-time affair with.
In England, Grace runs a shop where she makes and repairs violins and cellos. She has given up on her career as a musician following a crushing disappointment. Crazy about David, she believes he is her future and is convinced that someday he will leave his wife and children, then they will make a home together and have the babies she longs for.
A dramatic incident leads Grace to discover that David is not the man she thought he was. Heartbroken, she sets out to destroy everything else that is important to her. Although she is at rock bottom, thankfully she isn’t alone. The friendship of two people – a quirky old man and a sassy teenaged girl – helps her see beyond the mistakes she has made.
There is definitely a feminist flavour to this book, but it’s blended so well with the story that it doesn’t ever dominate. All in all, this is a beautifully crafted novel; the prose sings and the classical musical element is appealing – I even found myself listening to the flamenco tune Libertango that is referenced.
But it’s the character of Grace that is most captivating. She is damaged and deluded, not easy to warm to at first, even quite frustrating at times. Still, life is complicated and as you discover the truth about events in the past that have shaped who she is, it’s impossible not to be on Grace’ side.
I highly recommend this one. It’s emotional, uplifting and a very special read that is both thought-provoking and a total pleasure.