The Keeper Of Stories by Sally Page
It’s been a while since I posted a book review. However, The Keeper Of Stories was so highly recommended by my daughter, I couldn’t wait to read and share my thoughts.
Synopsis
She can’t recall what started her collection. Maybe it was in a fragment of conversation overheard as she cleaned a sink? Before long (as she dusted a sitting room or defrosted a fridge) she noticed people were telling her their stories. Perhaps they always had done, but now it is different, now the stories are reaching out to her and she gathers them to her…
When Janice starts cleaning for Mrs B – a shrewd and tricksy woman in her nineties – she meets someone who wants to hear her story. But Janice is clear: she is the keeper of stories, she doesn’t have a story to tell. At least, not one she can share.
Mrs B is no fool and knows there is more to Janice than meets the eye. What is she hiding? After all, doesn’t everyone have a story to tell?
What did I love about this book?
Main Character Connection – I felt a true connection to Janice, I also prefer to listen to other people’s stories rather than recounting my own. She also loved books and dogs, my favourite things too. Through listening to other people’s stories, she slowly opened up and was able to reveal her own.
Amazing Secondary Characters – This book was packed full of multi-dimensional characters that pull you in and urge you to find out more. Most were broken in some way, something that Janice recognised and helped, without judgement.
Writing Style – This debut writer has a unique insight into character development and a talent for story telling. She explores every emotion with heartfelt accuracy. The ability to write stories within stories can make novels difficult to follow, but Sally Page did this seamlessly.
Short Chapters – I love a book with short chapters and a quick pace. I found myself saying ‘just one more’ and before I knew it, I was totally invested.
Swearing Dog – You have to read the book to fully understand Decius the dog with a potty mouth. I will never look at my grumpy Dachshund in the same way again!
Summary – A book that brings out every emotion, but has an overall ‘feel good’ factor. It shows that there is no such thing as ‘just a cleaner’, everyone has a story to tell. We should never label people by their path in life, but look much deeper to see their true self.
look like a good read
It was really enjoyable.