Of Laughter, Love And Life

Family For Beginners by Sarah Morgan is a delightful contemporary tale that will swell your heart.

The novel is about love, loss and family. Family is important. It represents security and it is where we belong. When loss threatens to tear apart the very foundations, a family needs to learn how to belong again.

Not everyone is fortunate to have a loving family. We see a character who felt like excess baggage following the death of her mother. She has spent her whole life looking for love and putting others first. “She wanted to be important to someone.” This is such a sad emotive statement.

When someone dies suddenly, regrets and guilt pile up – guilt over what we did or didn’t say or do, and guilt for being alive. “You’re afraid that if you laugh, it might appear that you loved the person less.” We need to learn to live again.

Everyone handles loss in a different way. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. We must just muddle through as best as we can.

The novel is set in New York City and the Lake District. These locations are polar opposites – NYC is stifling, crushing spirits. In contrast there are the wide open spaces of the Lake District where souls can run free.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and easy to empathise with.

Family For Beginners was totally charming. I love all Sarah Morgan’s novels, they fill my heart and soul with love.

I will leave you with my favourite quote:

“Love isn’t finite… It’s like a river that keeps flowing.”

I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON