Care & Compassion
The World Outside My Window by Clare Swatman is a simply marvellous contemporary novel that I just could not put down.
The lead character is outgoing until her life changes in an instance (at the book’s start). The reader witnesses the change overnight as her world shrinks, confidence is shattered and agoraphobia kicks in. She is a likable leading lady and easy to empathise with as Clare Swatman writes part of the novel in the first person, enabling us to understand her fears.
Necessity forces the lead to face her fears. New neighbours show care and compassion, providing love and support that is beautiful to see.
Having lost sight of herself, we delight as the lead begins to discover herself again.
The book alternates between ‘now’ and ‘then’ and is written in both the first and third person.
I thoroughly enjoyed The World Outside My Window. I always love Clare Swatman’s books. They are a pure delight, always warming my heart and making me smile.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
The World Outside My Window
Laura is watching the world go by without her.
Unable to leave her house since suffering a trauma, Laura is stuck gazing out of her window at Willow Crescent, relying on husband Jim and best friend Debbie for help.
Then one day, Jim doesn’t come home.
A day becomes two, days become a week, and still no sign of Jim. And with the police half-hearted in their efforts to look for him, Laura is forced into a decision. She’s going to have to face the world outside and find her husband herself.
But what Laura hasn’t realised is that Willow Crescent is a community, eager to help. From Arthur and Carol next door ready to rally the neighbours, to Marjorie and her daughter Faye at number nine looking for their own reasons to engage with the world. From Sonja at number seven who thinks she may have seen Jim in London, to widower Ben at number four who understands all about being lonely. Laura has a world ready to embrace her if she can just find the nerve.
And when it slowly dawns on them all, that the Jim they thought they knew, may have been hiding some unfathomable secrets, Laura has a choice – retreat back behind her window, or start living the life that was waiting for her all along.
This is Clare Swatman’s tour de force. At the same time emotional, uplifting, page-turning and breath-taking, Laura is a character you will never forget.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/worldoutsidesocial
Author Bio –
Clare Swatman is the author of three women’s fiction novels, published by Macmillan, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire. Before We Grow Old, was published in January 2022.
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